Suggestions for Modern Memory Pillows
 

My friend’s grandfather passed away. Her grandmother wants me to make 5 memory pillows out of his shirts/pants. PI’m looking for suggestions of a modernist pattern to use for that. She wants them to all look alike, using the same fabrics. So, I know I could cut in 5” squares and sew together. That’s not really modern to me. She doesn’t want the whole shirt pillow with the collar that some are making now. Please, any suggestions? I’ve thought about a Dresden plate, but that would be smaller pieces. Thanks so much!

What is her definition of "modernist" pattern?
There are so many different takes on modern, that what it is for one person,
is not at all what another considers modern.
You might want to check first, rather than risk her being disappointed.

Agree, a dresden plate may work, however that is a very old traditional pattern. (in my mind)

You could super-size any star pattern (or any block for that matter),
to one block for the whole pillow, as often seen in modern style quilts.
Then quilt it with all straight line quilting. Again a style of quilting often in modern style quilts.

You could do them identical ... or a different block for each pillow.
Then they'd be alike, but unique for each pillow.

How about printing some pictures on fabric and using the material from the clothes to frame the pictures - I did this for MIL and she loved it.

Friendship Star uses larger pieces and can have a modern look. Easy to do too.

Oh I like that idea QuiltNLady1!

Spinning off from that ....
Print (or embroider) a quote that would remind one of this gentleman.
Or if there was something that he used to say, would be even better!
Then likewise, frame it up with the fabrics.

I have just finished a 3D Bow Tie throw using shirts. The size of the tie can be adjusted simply by the size of the squares you choose to use and can be made small for a pillow or larger for any size quilt. I believe one tutorial I watched recommended not using anything smaller than 3" squares as it is too tedious. It's a fun pattern and appropriate for men. The trick is to figure out how to keep the bias from tucking into the seam but you'll get the hang of that after you've ripped out enough seams! I'd make this again--really.

If you are simply making a pillow from his shirts and pants I would try using this pattern...."Dovetail Quilt" a free quilt pattern by Doug Leko for The Fat Quarter Shop. Sorry but I'm terrible at sending links in e-mails, but it should be easy to look up.

here is the link https://static.fatquartershop.com/me...il-Pattern.pdf

I just read through the pattern. It uses partial seams. My latest quilt used partial seams. They are not as difficult as it looks.

With everyone having a different idea of modern and mixing them with traditional it may be time to sit down with her and a few magazines or pattern books and have you both visualize some ideas. In some minds it is a matter of colors or combinations of things. With something like this you may not want to chance it coming out wrong.
FYI on a more personal note: I am now in the process of remaking a quilt that broke someones heart because the original quilt was nothing like what the customer envisioned. The quilt maker I am sure thought she had the vision of the customer but was so far off they are no longer speaking to one another after a lifetime of friendship. Once cut into those memories are not replaceable.
Total communication is the best thing to do when working with memories.