Tranquil blues, ochre and varying neutrals set the tone for these quilts made for Alexandra’s bunk room at the family lake house. Two of a series of five, these quilts incorporated a variety of fabrics and textures including metallic cotton, double gauze and Japanese flannel. Alexandra’s special monogram quilt was the focal point of the room.
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Client: Emily Summers Design
Memory quilts are like a time capsule, custom made from the sentimental clothing of someone you love. Lee's soccer jerseys are right at home alongside dress shirts and school dance t shirts. Song lyrics, the wisdom of Dumbledore, a historic election and Breaking Bad references are a part of Sophie's story. A perennial favorite gift for college bound teens or anyone who has a bundle of special clothing they can't bear to part with.
Every year I have the pleasure of turning sentimental garments and childhood memorabilia into memory quilts for college bound teens. Here, I'll attempt to address some of the questions you might have about my process for making these lasting gifts.
Q: How many garments/items do I need to provide?
A: 30 - 40 articles are needed for a twin size quilt. Twin size is the most popular for college bound teens. It will measure approximately 63"x 87". That said, I am happy to work with as many or few items you might have. Special items might include t-shirts, jerseys, uniform pants and skirts (I know they're tired of looking at them now, but one day those plaids, khaki's and wools will evoke fond memories!), neckties, favorite baby blankets, etc...
Q: Can you make any size quilt?
A: Sure, I can make any size you wish! Price and number of items needed subject to change.
Q: Speaking of price, how much are your memory quilts?
A: I charge $2000 + tax for a twin size quilt and require 50% up front and balance on delivery.
Q: Why do they cost so much?! I've seen online sources who charge a lot less than you.
( I know you're thinking this so I'm going to take the opportunity to tell you :)
A: Most online sources use a cookie cutter approach. They take your items, cut the best 8" or 12" block from each article and sew them together. These are perfectly nice quilts! I wouldn't fault anyone for going that route. It's just not what I like to do. I'm a designer. I like working to the strengths of each item given and I'm especially good at selecting additional high quality fabrics that make all of the bits and pieces come together beautifully! I also enjoy getting to know my clients. Here's how I work.
I come over to your place and take a look at your kids room. I like to see their space & take in their vibe! We sit and talk about your awesome kid and their favorite colors, special qualities and quirks. We talk about how much you're going to miss them next year:( At this point, we both might cry a little bit. You will have divided their things into two stacks. Those that must make an appearance in the quilt and those items that are optional, to be used as needed. At this point you hand over their laundered things and let me get to work!
Q: Should I tell my kid I'm going to cut up their clothing?
A: Mom and Dad know best!
It’s 100 degrees in Texas and I’m making Christmas stockings, or “socks” as my grandmother Mommy Elta used to call them. I hope she would love my modern interpretation. I use gorgeous hand dyed wools with names like Earth and Bubble Gum and Jack ‘o Lantern. What’s not to love? Secret pockets are sewn into the ultra suede lining for hiding treats.
Red Llama Studio pillows and ottomans are the perfect finishing touch for your new quilt or a great addition for freshening up a sofa. I’ve even made pillows to preserve fond memories of a loved one as seen in the photo transfer pillows here. These pillows were made from the neck ties of a beloved father for his children. A transfer of each child with their dad was incorporated into the individual pillows.
Binding is what finishes the quilts outer edge. A beautiful edge makes all the difference. I really enjoy this final step. A little one on one before delivering the quilt to its new home never to be seen again. Do you blame me for getting a bit attached?
Red Llama Studio quilts are pet friendly. Just ask these two! Machine washable and made for daily use.
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Clients: Allison and Barry
I made this quilt to celebrate the marriage of Ellen and Portia. To clarify, I don’t know the happy couple. I’m just a big fan. I even sent along a handmade book showing them using the quilt in a number of creative ways. Sadly, I never heard back from Ellen. I’m always on the look out for it when I see their home featured in magazines.
Photo transfers from baby to present, sentimental garments and floral quilting were the features of this quilt for Ellie’s new big kid room.
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Client: MK Bass
I love making crisp white baby quilts! For Peyton's quilt, I used eyelet remnants for a touch of girly, Japanese double gauze, flax colored linen, pinwale corduroy, seersucker and utility cotton for beautiful texture and variety. Every fabric was soft and washable!
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Client: Bennett Elia
Commissioned by a couple building a new home on existing property, this quilt is an expression of their love of family, their garden, birds and bonsai trees--in that order.
A collection of building materials such as saw blades, nails, broken brick, wire and garden clippings became screens used to hand print custom made fabric for this special quilt.
The quilting includes bird tracks and flowers, countless names, sentiments and important dates, such as anniversaries, the births of their children and the death of a beloved son.
It’s the story of their family.
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Client: Ward Family
Onesies, a cub scout kerchief, aloha boxers, jammies, cool toddler corduroys and Oilily parachute pants…they're all here, reworked into a super fun quilt for Sam’s room.
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Client: MK Bass
During the height of the recession my husband Alan took a job in another city for a few months. I made him this quilt so he might feel a little more at home while away from me and the girls.
Hand embroidered prayer shawls made for bar mitzvah boy Richard and bat mitzvah girl Rachel.
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Clients: Richard and Rachel
Client: Rabin
My client requested a quilt that would take her son from middle school through high school. He was initially hesitant about new bedding because he was very attached to the blanket he'd grown up with. He would hardly acknowledge me when I came over to measure his bed! I was greatly relieved that he ended up very pleased with his comfortable, sophisticated new quilt.
Personal gift for award winning Dallas based interior designer Emily Summers.
Sometimes it’s the little things that elevate a project. Here are just a few features that can be added to your Red Llama Studio quilt for the ultimate in personalization.
• photo transfers
• hand embroidery
• quilted sentiments
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Originally a pump station supplying water to the town of Highland Park, the meticulously renovated Pump House is now a space for art and a venue for countless cultural events. I had the pleasure of creating the bedding and pillows for the upstairs apartment of this award winning renovation.
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Client: Emily Summers Design
Red Llama Studio maquettes are rough designs of quilts in miniature. Suitable for framing.
Every quilt leaves Red Llama Studio with a screen printed label inscribed with the name of the recipient. Labels screen printed in Dallas by Lilco Letterpress.