About

I am a quilt maker who can give your memories new life by transforming your old t-shirts into a beautiful one-of-a-kind keepsake quilt. Sewing is my superpower! I learned how to sew in elementary school on an old Sears sewing machine my mother received as a wedding gift in 1947.  A lever operated by your knee controlled the speed of the machine. I started making clothes for my Barbie dolls and graduated to making my own clothes and accessories.  I purchased my first sewing machine shortly after my children were born. Being able to repair clothes to increase their lifespan was a big help to my meager clothing budget. I made my first t-shirt quilt for my oldest when she was transitioning from elementary school to middle school. She had been a gymnast for many years.  She and I spent many weekends traveling to gym meets all over Pennsylvania. Long rides in the car driving to competitions gave us a lot of time together and I cherish those memories.  When she gave up gymnastics, I wanted a way to honor her hard work and our special times together, and making a quilt out of her competition shirts was my way of doing that.  When I saw how much she loved her quilt, I thought that this could be a way to help other people retain those kinds of memories.  I’ve made dozens of quilts; for runners, gymnasts, cheerleaders, concert goers, college students, exchange students, travelers, coaches, fundraisers, graduation gifts, etc.  A cheer leading squad ordered a quilt for their coach.  Each girl donated a t-shirt that represented her favorite memory of the team.  My last quilt was constructed of shirts designed by a gentleman who had passed away and it was presented to his brother as a memorial tribute. A t-shirt quilt is a great way to preserve your memories; it’s a great graduation gift, or holiday gift, a perfect send-off for that college freshman in your life or the perfect way to honor your achievements or the achievements of a loved one.  My quilts are machine pieced with hand tied knots.

Jill Steelman