quilt ideas
 

My son will be retiring from the Calif. Highway Patrol in September 2012 (he's only 50) and going on to another career. I want to make him a quilt for his retirement and have some ideas. I was just wondering if anyone had ever done a quilt for a CHP Officer's retirement. My ideas are a picture memory quilt or a quilt made of his ties and uniforms. I would surely appreciate some comments. Thank you.
Donna G.

Would you have enough difference in colors if you just use the ties and uniforms? Not done a quilt for CHP, but think that a picture memory quilt would be appreciated. Can't wait to see what you do. BrendaK

I'm heading more towards a picture memory quilt. He has been in the car, on a motorcycle, and now he is a major accident investigator. When on the motorcycle he would be one of the CHP to escort important people so we have pictures of him with a couple of Presidents and some foreign dignataries.

Sounds like you have some material for a great memory quilt. They are always a big hit.

Do the jackets have any emblems or logos on them? You could incorporate them into blocks. I did a quilt for a firefighter and used logos and embroidery designs taken from the front and backs of the jackets. Also, transferred a photo to fabric for a photo transfer block. Also used his name and number from the jackets.

How does/did he feel about being Highway Patrol people being referred to as "bears" ?

If he thought it was okay, you could use them as a joke -

If he was not amused, then don't.

Maybe you could find fabric with all sorts of road symbols on it.

I am not sure how many points are in the stars on his badge, but may be use that as a theme , and some of the fabrics, and patches from his old uniforms. Also his badge number, maybe the route numbers of the highways he patroled over the years.

What about attic windows to highlight the photos and the embellishments from the uniform in the border?