I made this quilt for my mom after my stepfather's passing. I picked out specific items of his clothing to make it; oxford shirts in various shades and patterns of blue, some white button-down shirts, and a favorite pair of jeans. I don't normally work improvisationally, but building the design as I went seemed the best way to honor my stepfather. I began with the darkest fabrics, moving out to create lighter, more open shapes. I even incorporated some of the original garment pockets in the design. It was a challenge, and I took my time to see how the design developed. When the quilt top felt finished, I quilted it with a simple open grid and gifted it to my mom. She asked recently if she could give it away because she didn't want it anymore. I was happy to take it back and now enjoy the quilt myself.
