I’m so excited: my aunt has offered to make me a quilt for the wedding! Ever since I was a kid, I remember going to her house and seeing the many quilts she’s made. She’s taught classes and had her quilts featured in many places–and now I’m going to get one!
And it’s not just any quilt. She made one for my cousin’s (her son) wedding two years ago. She’ll mail out squares to all of my guests as well as fabric pens. They each get to design a square (drawings, pictures, quotes, whatever!) and then mail it to my Aunt. When the squares come back, she’ll sew them into a quilt.
We’re thinking of having some squares at my bridal shower so people can do them there (my aunt brought up that people have fun doing the squares together, and then we’re guaranteed to get them done in time!).
All in all, I’m really looking forward to it. For the background fabrics, we’re going with mod-retro-Palm-Springs vibe rather than a more traditional look. The quilt will be made with vintage (and/or vintage-style) fabrics to capture what Mr. Peppermint and I love so much about Palm Springs.
I will keep you posted with how it turns out…
I think that is the coolest tradition ever!!! I am so jealous, we aren’t creative in my family!
That is a really cute idea! Rather than mailing them out - how about using it as your guestbook quilt?
This is so special.
It would be fun to give a square to each person at a engament party.
oohhh… what a GREAT idea 
Indeed, a great idea! For the more crafty quilt-making bride, having fabric squares and fabric pens instead of a guest book might be an option! Talk about a great way to remember guests! And best of all, it’s something functional that you can see and use every day. Not something you pull out once a year, if that, to see who was at your wedding.
Great post! Thanks!
I had never made a quilt before in my life, but decided to make one that would serve as our Chuppah. I took fabric that was meaningful to us, like from a pair of boxers I gave him once that he never wore, or a sheet my grandmother gave me for my bed in college. The newer pieces of fabric were also of things meaningful to us like pieces with a cat on them, flying coffee cups, scrabble board pieces, etc. In the end, everyone loved the quilt and now it sits on the bottom of our bed and reminds us of our wonderful wedding.
What an awesome gift. So personal!
My family does this too!
I’m getting one for my wedding, but I’ve already been told I’ll just be getting the squares! I think I’ll have to find a quilter myself, hah.
Congrats on yours, I hope it keeps you both warm for decades to come
[...] an addendum to my post about the memory quilt, my Aunt graciously offered to describe the process for any of you who are [...]
I love this idea! I don’t know that anyone in my family would volunteer to do all the sewing though.
[...] Here are two of my closest friends (and BM’s), Emily H (left, who co-hosted and I’ve known since fifth grade!) & Emily C (right, who I’ve known since middle school–and is getting married Oct ’08!). Emily C. is showing a quilt square for the memory quilt… [...]
I’m wanting to do the quilt but have some questions for you seasoned people. Should I wash the squares first?
Miss Peppermint, LA/Palm Springs
Age and Occupation: 23, Actress
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Web Producer
Engagement Date: October 21, 2006
Wedding Date: December 2007
Blogging Since: July 2, 2007
Venue: historic estate overlooking the heart of Palm Springs
About Me: I am a Southern California native who enjoys cooking, writing, travel and all things in the arts. Mr. Peppermint and I met in college and he proposed on our four year anniversary in one of our most special places, Joshua Tree National Park. We're having a destination wedding in Palms Springs that will incorporate tradition as well as reflect our personalities!
Wow! What a great idea! I am not getting married until late 2008. I know this is a family tradition, but if you have any idea on how I can get someone to help me make a quilt like this for my wedding guests to help create, would be AWESOME!!!
Take care!
Stephanie