Someone my daughter works with has asked me to make a quilt using bridesmaid dresses and the wedding gown, which, I might add, is SATIN!
I know that this is way out of my league and I wouldn't think of touching satin at this point. They said they have tried to find local quilters to make the quilt, but have had no luck. I don't know what to tell them. I live in NE Ohio and we really don't have any quilt shops around my neck of the woods, that I know of. They also want a price quote. Again, I wouldn't have a clue what to tell them.
Would appreciate any help in finding them resources for quilters in this area.

My Mother made my niece a crazy quilt from her many bridemaid's dresses. She used a foundation and hand embroidered over the seams. The squares she then sewed together on the machine. She put a velvet back on and tied with silk embroidery thread. It was lovely, not practical but a lovely momento all the same. I would think someone should quote a price per hour and keep a record of time spent. Embroidery could be done on a machine.

There's probably a reason why "they have tried to find local quilters to make the quilt, but have had no luck"

I've been quilting for almost 40 years and believe you me, I would NOT attempt to please somebody cutting up their wedding dress...

Tell them to find a local quilt guild.....

Have the person do a search for online quilt blogs in their area. Lots of quilters have a business through the blogs. I would not recommend a name of anyone because it will always be your name mentioned if the person is not pleased. And remember this is their situation not yours so don't feel obligated to do anything.

Very wise advice! Sometimes we try to hard to please people.

I have been quilting over 44 years and would not make a satin quilt, especially with a wedding and bridesmaid dresses. Satin would not hold up to any use, I would think the seams would ravel out. :| :| :|

I am a former bridal seamstress. I would NOT make a quilt form satin. It would not wear well and I would not want my name on the work when it all comes apart. Tell them to preserve the dress but don't cut it up. They may be dissapointed with the results.

I agree. Do not get roped into this one. If it doesn't turn out well, or it becomes a nightmare, friendships could be lost or at the least hard feelings, hurt feelings. Try to make recommendations but do not become personally involved.

Really good advice. I would never atemp to do this.

My feelings exactly. Thank you all for your input. I find it hard to tell people "no" sometimes, but I know this is beyond my realm. And since experienced seamstresses and quilters wouldn't touch this project, I feel all the more confident in my decision not to attempt it. Thanks again.

I have been dying to put my hands on a satin wedding dress to make a quilt. I tried on Craigslist but people try to sell them way too expensive. I plan in my head to make large squares and quilt them whole cloth style after joining them together alternating white with the bridesmaid color. It would not be a quilt to be used but displayed. I am not sure I would want to make it for someone else because is very difficult to please people, and you can not predict the reaction when they see their gown cut up.

Feel free to say no if you don't feel comfortable.

I like to make quilts and selling them. This way I do my thing and people either like it or not. I don't like to make a quilt and hope they like it. The few times I had made a quilt on commission I make them buy the fabrics, select the pattern and if possible, select the placement of the colors within the quilt.

I find lots of used bridal gowns in thrift stores when I am aout looking for wool to felt and quilting books. You may find one there.

I have the same dilemma. I have been asked to make a memory quilt for my BIL out of my sisters wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses. It was suggested that I use tricot as a stabilizer. Very light weight and keeps it from fraying. Hope this helps a little.

I think that you are making a very wise choice...this has the potential to have a very awful ending :wink:
It is hard to say "No" at times...but I am sure that if you explain that it is out of your comfort area they will understand :D:D:D

Satin is a huge pain to work with. It frays, it's slippery as all get out. If you put pins it it gets holes. If the needle goes thru the fabric wrong it can pull threads across the whole piece you're working on.

I've worked with satin some and I'd just laugh and tell them "good luck with that" and go on my merry way because I know if I attempted it my way wouldn't be at all merry anymore!! LOL