Remembrance Quilt

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Family Trauma Advocacy Program

Victims of Violent Crime Remembrance Quilt

The Beginning

In 1993, Betty Major-Rose decided to make a quilt in memory of her daughter, Ginneria, and found it to be more than a project; it became another step forward toward healing. Every stitch meant something and every appliqué moved her emotions. Because the experience had such an impact on her, Betty began to share the idea with others who were grieving the death of their loved one. They too decided to make a quilt and echoed her experience.

Later, the quilts were hung for display and shared with the public. The response was tremendous. People began to put a face with a name, and could tangibly see the loss that was suffered – the victims were remembered.

The “project” began to take on its own purpose, and that purpose became clear.

The Purpose of the VOVCRQ:

The purpose of the VOVCRQ is threefold.

First, to create an atmosphere that brings families, and friends together to share, and heal together.

Second, to bring awareness to the public that each individual killed is more than a number, they had a name, were a part of a family, and had dreams, and aspirations.

Third, and most important, to remember the victims of violent crimes.

Creating a Panel

You’re not a seamstress, not a problem. You don’t know how to sew? Don’t need to. Anyone can make a panel, whether you sew well, or not at all. Just follow the steps below.

bd10560_ First, select your fabric.

Fabric must be durable, medium weight, and non-stretchable, preferably cotton, as the panel will be handled quite often.

Second, create a design

You can adorn your fabric by using four techniques. Include the name of your loved one along with the date of birth and date of death.

hh02307_ Appliqué…Sew any mementos, letters of fabric, and shapes of fabric onto the background. Do not use glue, as the appliqué can easily be detached.

hh02307_ Paint…Textile paint, colorfast dye, indelible marking pens or spray paint. Textile paints or dyes are applied with a paintbrush.

hh02307_ Stencil…To stencil, place stencil on fabric, trace the design onto the fabric with pencil, and remove stencils. Brush on textile paint or color design with markers.

hh02307_ Collage…An assortment of materials may be used to form a collage. Keep in mind sequins; glass and metal objects will tear your fabric. Do not use these items!!! Photos or letters can be photocopied onto iron-on transfers or silk screening (You can find these at many office supply stores).

hh01630_ Measurement…When your panel is completed, hem it to measure exactly 24″x 24″ If you are unable to hem your panel, we will hem it for you.

in00341_ Finished…Pack your panel and send it to: Victims of Violent Crime Remembrance Quilt Project C/O Family Trauma Advocacy Program 310 Hammes Ave. Suite 302B, Joliet, IL 60435

Please submit with your panel a one-page letter about your loved one. You can also add a description of your panel. Don’t forget to add your name, address, email address, and telephone number.

Please Note: All panels submitted becomes the sole property of the Family Trauma Advocacy Program’s Victims of Violent Crime Remembrance Quilt Project and cannot be reclaimed or returned to the submitter.

Interested in Hosting a Quilt Workshop?

The benefits of workshops are: