memory quilt for preschool teacher

Could you get the asst teacher to co-operate (assuming this is to be a surprise) on some type of art activity where whe traces the kids hands and they print their names? Then you could play with it---maybe cut out each child's hand from a different fabic and applique onto a background then embroider or photo transfer the name under the hand or on the hand or in the borders? If you did it this way you could arrage the hand prints into a shape other than rows of handprints---say a wreath, or a tree shape. Maybe you could do handprints for your sons class and machine embroider the names of the kids from all four classes onto the quilt either in sashing or borders or just randomly across the quilt. Could you quilt the names in? How big of a quilt are you thinking and how much help ($$) do you honestly think you can get? If you think you could get enough help from parents in other classes, then go for it. Otherwise I personally would just stick with my son's class and go the expense alone. However, if there are other quilters in any of the classes who might be prevailed upon to help, that would change the scope of things.

Perhaps instead of handprints you could make a stick figure for each child....with the right color hair? I think I saw foundation patterns for family members recently---if you FPP maybe make a "person" for each child instead of handprints.

If you want the kids actively involved without the teacher suspecting, perhaps you could approach her with the idea of a class quilt, and just forget to tell her that, oh yeah it isn't really a WUH, it is a quilt for you!

I think preschoolers could easily pic fabs from a selection. Maybe take in a wide variety of fabs and get each kid to choos one, then use fabric markers to write their names on a light color fab (use freezer paper on the back) then make 1/2 sq triangles using each kids name and the fab he/she selected. There are tons of patterns using triangles. Also, you could work in fabs with meaning for example if teacher collects frog figurines, use frog fabric; if the class took a trip to a pumpkin farm, be sure to include some pumpkin fabric; etc.

What a fun project! Keep us posted! MAmadurk

Anne, regular crayons can be used on fabric. IF there is an asst, teacher, maybe she can help plan a coloring session in the class. If you iron washed (without fabric softener) fabric onto freezer paper, cut to a bit oversize and tape (painter's tape works well) over the edge to be sure to have a seam allowance, the kids could just color whatever they wanted. No worry about reversing anything. When you get them back, (no worry about setting time) you need to press them with clean paper towels back and front to melt out the wax and set the color. Trim to size and set together. If you did the 15 in the one class, you could add a 16th block with names, school, year and so on, and set as a 4 x4 quilt. Sashing in the school colors would be a nice touch. It is possible that the asst. teacher would also help with cost of backing/etc. (Perhaps she could do the 16th block?? and leave the rest of the stuff for the label on back??)

I know the teacher will really appreciate this. And is probably more than willing to let the asst. do a bit of "secret from the teacher time". BTW, I would work just with your son's class, not all of them. That would turn into a real project. Write a note for the parents, and ask for $$ support for the supplies. Many of them will appreciate you taking on the task and willing donate at least a bit. (then they don't have to think about "getting something" for the teacher.)

Pati, > My son's preschool teacher is leaving the school and moving state at the end

when a teacher left my sons pre-school last Christmas (she swapped 2 part time jobs in two schools for a full time one in the other school) one of the teachers got *all* the kids at school (60) to put a hand print with fabric paint onto a bought white cotton table cloth, put their name underneath and set the paint as it dried

my suggestion is to get help from the other teachers and do it on the sly

*during* school hours :-) that way you have full control over the supplies and only use what you need (about 3 small pots of fabric paint - red/blue/yellow then you can mix purple, green and orange from them too)

I personally would cut 6 1/2 " squares of the fabric.....muslin Theme the quilt...get a pic of the school she worked at... get a picture of the teachers all waving in faculty lounge Just theme it as to how she spent her day there... I would have each kid on a 6 1/2" square of white paper....write their name and if so put it in the out line of their hand... Scan and then print on the photo paper and iron it on the muslin. Pami

Anne, I had this situation a few years ago. I ended up making a 3-D "envelope" quilt, I think from Fons & Porter or Possibilities? (I could find the pattern for you if you want it and cannot find it.) I have posted a link below to the finished top. I had a great time making it, and I ended up winning a packet of floral fabrics at my quild meeting, so I did not have to spend a lot on the quilt itself. Unfortunately, the group did not come through as far as reimbursing me for the quilting, etc., but the teacher loved it so it was all worth it. With the envelope quilt, each child and/or parent could contribute whatever they wanted to be included in the envelopes. Also, I did not have to wait for them to finish their contributions before finishing the quilt. At the presentation meeting, she was presented with the quilt, then each family showed her (and/or read her if they wanted to) the contents of the pocket, then went up and tucked the treasures inside. It was a great success. Good luck!! Have fun!!!

Here is a link to the quilt:

Hope it works. :-)

Lorraine in WA

sounds great, what kind of things did people put inside it? I can't really visualise what people would give? If I could get round that, I could see this being a great idea.

Anne

For the most part there were photos, drawings, poems, letters, etc - lots of paper items. Then there was a little ribbon charm with beads that one of the kids made, and few more "dimensional" items that were special between the teacher and the family, like little animal figurines and such. Most things were very small and pretty light weight. One of the parents made an absolutely stunning quilt hanger out of wrought iron (painted) that had sunflower like flowers at the posts and lovely scrolling ends on the hanging bar that came out from behind the quilt. Really pretty effect.

Oh my! How pretty!

I couldn't resist a quick Google and found that the pattern is available online as well. Here's the link I found

That one is going in my bookmarks folder, for sure

Thanks for the post, and the look at your quilt!

It would make a good Advent Calender Quilt, wouldn't it.

Hi Anne, I love making the teacher quilts. I have done these for the past 3 years. Each time, I precut 6" muslin squares and headed out to the school with my huge box of crayons. I would get a few students at a time and have them fill out the square with crayons & to sign their name. I did this after I was unsucessful with the instructions (both in Englis & Spanish) I sent home along with muslin squares. I would go for a few days till all the kids made their blocks. The blocks do need to be heat set. Here are the three I have made: This was for his 1st grade teacher (and I was a super new quilter):

Here is 2nd grade: and this was last years: (thisone I had made after they read the giving quilt.In all honesty, I only asked for donations once, it was a waste of mytime. I didn't get any...But all three quilts have been made of scrapsor stash on hand. For the batting, I might have pieced so piecestogether, but I always have a bolt of W&N on hand, so I am coveredthere. I always imagine they will auction the quilt off to raise money, but that never happens. I have not planned this years yet, so I am not sure if it will happen or not. I really do enjoy seeing the children's art work come to life in a quilt! Teri