Lindsey Franz creates lasting memories with quilts
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When she’s not painting windows for businesses, taking classes at DACC or working, Lindsey Franz helps customers create lasting memories with her memory quilts.
“During my freshman year of high school, I took a clothing and textiles class with former FCS teacher Mrs. (Mary) Phipps,” Franz said. “A friend of mine asked if I could make her a quilt from her travel softball team shirts and Mrs. Phipps helped me sew my first t-shirt quilt.”
Lindsey’s quilts are solely made from shirts. In order to make quilt, she asks the customers for either 20, 25 or 30 shirts. Each shirt individually has the front cut from the back. On a cutting board, she uses a template to make the perfect square.
Once all the squares are cut, rows are sewn together, then to other rows that have been made. Fleece fabric is then purchased for the back and the two pieces are sewn together. Once complete, Franz hand stitches where all the corners meet. “Normally, I’m given regular t-shirts, but I have also incorporated tank tops, hoodies and sweatshirts and baby clothing into my quilts,” Lindsey told us.
Though she has a full plate, turn around time for a quilt is usually a couple of weeks. “I take orders for quilts at any time of the year. However, certain times of the year, I will be less busy and will take and deliver quilts more quickly,” Franz said. “Christmas is one of my most popular times, as memory quilts make a great gift.”
Lindsey looks at sewing as another form of a creative outlet for her. “As much and I enjoy painting and drawing, sewing is different. Sewing allows you to actually make something that can be held and used,” she said.
As she progresses in sewing, Franz wants to learn how to sew more things, furthering her creative talents.
“If there was something new to try, I think learning the art of fashion design would be amazing,” Lindsey said. “I have always wanted to design a garment or outfit on paper then create it on the sewing machine.”
Lindsey’s memory quilt sizes come in 20 shirts, 25 shirts or 30 shirts. Generally, she charges about $100 per quilt, plus the price of the fabric that she buys for the back of the quilt. The price is usually about $150.
Finding joy in making the quilts has Lindsey wanting to continue making them for as long as possible.
“I love getting new orders because each bundle of shirts tells a different story of that person,” Lindsey said. “It is a pleasure cutting each shirt, examining each shirt is just like reading their life story. When I make a quilt, I know it is for a good cause and to make memories last longer.”
If you would like to have a quilt made, you can contact Lindsey on Facebook. In her profile, there is a folder labeled Memory Quilts that features her creations that you are able to view. You can also contact her by calling or texting at 217-264-6342 or by email at lindseyfl404@gmail.com
