Memory quilt and method of assembling same

Abstract

A memory quilt and method for assembling the same are provided. The method includes forming a first layer including a first signature panel, and providing a marking implement configured to confer a permanent mark on the first signature panel. The method also includes forming a retainer including a first loop and a second loop, each coupled to the first signature panel, wherein the first loop is sized to retain the marking implement therein, and wherein the second loop is sized to extend around and retain the memory quilt therein.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for assembling a memory quilt, said method comprising:
 forming a first layer including a first signature panel;   providing a marking implement configured to confer a permanent mark on the first signature panel; and   forming a retainer including a first loop and a second loop, each coupled to the first signature panel, wherein the first loop is sized to retain the marking implement therein, and wherein the second loop is sized to extend around and retain the memory quilt therein.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing indicia on the memory quilt to indicate at least one of a recipient and a manufacturer of the memory quilt. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 forming the memory quilt into a rolled-up configuration; and   positioning the second loop around the memory quilt to retain the memory quilt therein.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 providing a second layer and a batting layer;   positioning the batting layer between the first layer and the second layer; and   coupling the first layer to the second layer.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein coupling the first layer to the second layer comprises:
 stitching a first row of stitches from a first corner of the first signature panel to an opposing second corner of the first signature panel; and   stitching a plurality of rows of stitches about the first row of stitches, wherein the plurality of rows of stitches are evenly spaced around the first row of stitches.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein coupling the first layer to the second layer comprises:
 providing an edge binding; and   stitching the edge binding about a perimeter of the memory quilt.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising coupling the retainer to the first layer, wherein coupling the retainer to the first layer comprises:
 inserting a base of the retainer into an unstitched portion of a first seam adjacent to the first signature panel; and   closing the unstitched portion.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising using the marking implement to confer a permanent mark on the first signature panel. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first signature panel is fabricated from a solid-color fabric. 
     
     
         10 . A memory quilt for use in providing a greeting to a recipient, said memory quilt comprising:
 a first signature panel;   a marking implement configured to confer a permanent mark on said first signature panel; and   a retainer coupled to said first signature panel, said retainer comprising a first retaining portion sized to retain said marking implement therein and a second retaining portion sized to extend around and retain said memory quilt therein.   
     
     
         11 . The memory quilt of  claim 10 , further comprising a first end panel coupled to the first edge of said signature panel along a first seam, wherein a base of said retainer is inserted into the first seam to couple said retainer to said first signature panel. 
     
     
         12 . The memory quilt of  claim 10 , wherein said first signature panel is fabricated from a solid-color fabric. 
     
     
         13 . The memory quilt of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a first layer comprising said first signature panel;   a second layer; and   a batting layer positioned between said first layer and said second layer, wherein a plurality of rows of stitches couple said first layer to said second layer.   
     
     
         14 . The memory quilt of  claim 13 , further comprising an edge binding coupled around a perimeter of said memory quilt such that said batting layer is encased between said first layer and said second layer. 
     
     
         15 . The memory quilt of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a first layer comprising said first signature panel; and   a second layer comprising a second signature panel, wherein said marking implement is further configured to confer a permanent mark on said second signature panel.   
     
     
         16 . The memory quilt of  claim 15 , wherein said second signature panel is fabricated from a solid-color fabric. 
     
     
         17 . The memory quilt of  claim 10 , wherein said marking implement comprises one of a fabric pen and fabric marker.