Photo/memory quilt

[Crystal]

Hello all,
I am wanting to make a photo/memory quilt. I have looked online to see how. My question to y'all is what is better, to buy photo fabric sheets or to make my own? Also what brands do you prefer? I guess I should say I am wanting to make a rag quilt. So also will the prepared photo fabric fray? I just love the look of the rag quilts. The quilts I am making are for my 2 daughters for the 1st year of their daughters life. I think the rag quilt will be so precious for this. But I do want it too look right also. These will be a lap quilts. I was thinking to make the squares 6 x 6 and the pictures 4 x 4. I don't want to have to quilt over the pictures. Also what would y'all recommend for the batting? I have seen some say flannel and some fleece. I am so excited to start . This is a surprise for my girls. And after these are done I would like to make a few for some very dear friends.

Thanks in advance
Crystal

[Kgrammiecaz]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

I made quilts for my mom and dad with photographs being the middle of stars (the center block, I top stitched the fabric with the photo)

I purchased fabric sheets from joanns with my 40% coupon. They worked great in my printer. Washed great as well.

My mom and dad and family loved the quilts. Great memories.

[slg0522]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

welcome to the forum! I recently made a quilt for husband and had photos printed on fabric at spoonflower.com. I like the feel and how it washed up.

[Crystal]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Thanks Kgrammiecaz,

I am sure that is the easier way and is probably what I will do. Do you have a brand that you purchased? I like the idea of the star with the pic in the center. But I am wanting a rag quilt. I love the look of them. But I have another quilt for a special friend I want to do and will try to remember that.

Thanks slg0522,

Did you print on regular fabric you cut or the fabric sheets? Oh and you had Them print for you, right?

[Kgrammiecaz]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

I dont remember the brand. I had online photos and printed them out on the printer fabric that I got from joanns. I then pressed them with a hot iron hoping that would set the color better. They did not fade when washed

[Crystal]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Thanks so much Karen. I am going to Joanns tomorrow to see what they have. I have seen bad reviews on the June Taylor ones so that is why I asked. I even thought of making my own.

[slg0522]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Crystal
Yes spoonflower.com printed them on cotton fabric for me. I went to the website and uploaded pictures and made a layout.
Sherry

[sassygranny]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

I've printed on lots of fabric using Bubble Jet Set on regular white quilting fabric. I've been very happy with the outcome. The fabric seems to be pretty much unchanged so I'm going to bet that the edges will fray just fine in your rag quilt. One thing I have noticed is that the print is brighter and holds up better if you print with pigment inks. Most printers these days use dye inks. I don't know about all the brands, but Epson makes a few printers that use pigment inks. I use an Epson Workforce 1100 and couldn't be happier with the results. Do increase the image saturation, contrast and sometimes even the darkness prior to printing. And tell the printer you're printing on plain paper. It lays down more ink that way. HTH

Suzette

[Crystal]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Thanks so much Suzette. Can you tell me if it bleeds when being washed? I have a HP photo printer. I will check to see if I can find some pigment ink for it.

Crystal

[Amarillo19]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

I made a memory quilt for my granddaughter's high school graduation. I used Joann's fabric sheets and they worked well. The instructions are simple to follow also. One hint someone told me is to clean your printer cartridges often to get clearer pictures. Your printer instructions tell you how to clean the cartridges. I ended up having to design it myself because I couldn't figure out how to place 4x6 pictures that were vertical and horizontal. I think I ended up with 28 pictures.

[sassygranny]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Thanks so much Suzette. Can you tell me if it bleeds when being washed? I have a HP photo printer. I will check to see if I can find some pigment ink for it.

Crystal

Crystal - Mine didn't bleed. I have one quilt on my wall that's maybe ten years old or a little older and I have detected a bit of fading - but I don't think the casual observer would even catch it.

Your printer's ink is either pigment ink or dye. You won't be able to shop around for a different variety. But, the HP website should give you details about the kind of ink it uses. It's usually buried deep in "Specs" or something similar. Dye inks may work OK. I have no specific experience with them, so can't speak to that issue. I just know that pigment inks are more permanent.

Suzette

[Crystal]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Thanks Suzette. I will just try it and see what happens.
I ordered the Bubble Jet Set and Rinse. I was not going to use the rinse but read on the manufacturers site that you don't have too. You can use a mild detergent. Even said one like Synthrapol. I have never heard of it but will look for it. But they also said it really needs to be rinsed with the rinse or mild detergent after printing because it makes some kind of chemical reaction that sets the ink. If you just rinse in water it will not hold the ink. So I have to wait for the 2 bottles to come in. Not too bad on price. $10.51 for a 32oz bottle of the Bubble Jet Set and the manufacturers said one bottle will make about 50 or 60 sheets. Not too bad. The Rinse is only 16 oz and cost about $9. But I still think it is a deal. The fabric sheets are very expensive. 10 sheets for $22 for 200 count and 6 sheets for $20 but I got 40% off but don't have enough coupons for the amount of packs I would need. So I am hoping the Bubble Jet works. I did buy some white and cream 100% cotton also to test on. I will let y'all know how they come out. But I have to wait about a week to get the Bubble Jet Set and Rinse.
Thanks again for all y'all help and advice.
Crystal

[BobW]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

I appreciate this question so much. I'm wanting to make a memory quilt (actually 8 similar ones). I have a group of neighbors I do things with and we call ourselves the "Nit-Wits". I want to make 9 square wall hangings. A picture of each of our homes and a picture of the group of us somewhere fun. I've thought about using material that reminds me of each person for the sashing between the blocks. Like one of the Nit-Wits has a smiley face on her car and a smiley face flag. One is an avid book collector. One is a baking genus and so on. So hopefully I can get started on them and have them ready by Christmas.

[sassygranny]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

Thanks Suzette. I will just try it and see what happens.
I ordered the Bubble Jet Set and Rinse. ...Not too bad on price. $10.51 for a 32oz bottle of the Bubble Jet Set and the manufacturers said one bottle will make about 50 or 60 sheets. Not too bad. The Rinse is only 16 oz and cost about $9. But I still think it is a deal.
Crystal

I found it to be quite economical. I soaked my fabric pieces in a small stainless steel bowl one or two at a time, so I didn't pour a lot into a basin. it went a long way. I think you'll be happy with it. I ironed my dried sheets onto freezer paper. The whole process really works well. Be sure to let us know how it goes for you.

suzette

[bellegrosee]

Re: Photo/memory quilt

This is something that I am wanting to make. Any pics and tips from you guys?