I think that design would work well, using the simpler sashing. You could "birth" the quilt by sewing the edges (right sides together) and leaving an opening to turn inside out, poking out the corners, then top stitching 1/4-inch in from the edge. Then show him how to tie the quilt and let him to that at home. You also need to have him put a sleeve on the back top edge so the quilt will hang nicely.

You should let him come up with the words, sayings, poem, inspiration for the embroidered blocks. It should be mostly his design with you helping him with the construction. He should also pick out the fabrics and colors. But I'm sure you have thought of this already. He should also plan a time line of construction and have deadlines for completing the elements so the project is finished on time according to his teacher.

This will be a special way to touch this young man by helping out with this project. I commend you.

I think it is wonderful that you agreed to help
this young man. He may surprise you and become a
quilter.
Mayme

Thank you ladies!! I was having second thoughts, but he was so polite on the phone.
He has already picked out pink and the words for the embroidery, but I didn't think about the hanging sleeve. THANK YOU LOL!!!
I think birthing the wall hanging will be easier for him too. I may have him stitch an embroidery design around the blocks if he is comfortable using the sewing machine. I'll let him practice first.
I was impressed that he is organized enough to start now, instead of waiting until the last minute.
DH thinks it is a good idea too.
I was so touched that the young man wanted to make a gift for a friend.
I think I will make my new quilting friend a raggedy denim quilt for graduation.
Rosa

What a wonderful opportunity. Yes, a simpler sashing and birthing it are the ways to go. If he can measure and cut with a ruler, he will soon have it mastered. He could enter it in math class as well.

I hope he'll let you post a picture for us when he's done. We all will applaud him.

I agree that this is a WONDERFUL thing for you to do and a WONDERFUL thing for him to do.

I disagree about simplifying the sashing. It really makes the simple quilt that focuses on the panels about the deceased. And it wouldn't be any harder than piecing the panels. Have him sew three long d/l/d pieces and then just press them and cut them to size and treat them like a single color sash.

I don't see any reason at all that a 15yo can't do that and when he's done, if he likes and is proud of what he's done, he will have learned more and he'll feel he's produced a more fitting tribute to his friend.

Again, what a lovely and generous thing for you to do and opportunity for you to make for this kid who has lost someone he cares for!

Rosa,
You will enjoy this. You may remember in 3-08, my teen neighbor ask me to help her make a quilt for a senior English project. I posted "Pics of my teen neighbor & her senior project." I just went and looked at them again.
A couple of weeks ago she brought me a block from her left overs that she had made me a little wall hanging of it. She put a really sweet 'thank you' on the label. I will cherish it. It will be rewarding for both of you.
He sounds motivated as my student was. He will make your part easy.

Have fun!
Sally aka Nana24

Sally I do remember!!!! That was so thoughtful and sweet of her.
The English class part is what threw me, are they just trying to get them to think outside of the box?? I think it's a good idea.
I am going to let him look at the wall hanging and if he likes the sashing we will do it. I think it is pretty, but I am concerned about overwhelming him. His decision
I am sure he is from a home on a very strict budget and I have plenty of white cotton, batting, and thread so I am just going to ask him to buy 2 yards of material and the photo stuff. This is his senior year and I am sure he has a lot to pay for.I want the finished quilt to be great LOL! I will post pics as we go.
Rosa

This is a great project and I commend you for taking part in it. I think you'll have a wonderful time and it will be meaningful for both of you.
I think it's a good idea to have a pattern ready but since he's already googled it to find the idea for the project, he might know what he wants it to look like. This will be so exciting! Please keep us posted!

Kate

Wonderful kid, and so are you, to be willing to help him.

You are very generous to help him with this project. I will be looking forward to more posts.

What a wonderful opportunity this is. I have taught guys to knit and crochet, and DH can sew well (although he doesn't very often). I like that memory quilt and think I would leave the sashing like it is in the picture. It makes the simple blocks pop and gives the quilt a rich look. Will he be keeping the quilt or giving it to someone else? You may want to consider making it large enough to be used as a lap quilt, or drape over the back of a couch or chair.

If his mother can get you some of his favorite tee shirts, a tee shirt quilt would be great for graduation. There was a young man at the last Camp Cheerio retreat that had one his mother made him. He was so very proud of it, he carried it everywhere with him. He even brought it so we could include it in our quilt show.

beverly

Forgot to say, if you need any help or supplies just give a shout. I'll be glad to help out.

beverly

Rosa, You will be surprised at how well a teen can sew. When my GS was a junior he created an interesting pc. for his art class that was displayed by his teacher. I thought it would make an interesting quilt and talked him into trying to make one. He took me up on it (he hadn't sewen before) and it turned out beautifully. It was lap sized and he quilted it on the machine. He chose the fabric from my collection, drew the pattern, cut and sewed it with only guidence from me. He learned to use the machine, the iron in no time. He was very pleased as were his parent. He is now in College 2nd. yr.
I am sure you both will enjoy the process and the one you choose looks great for a newbe. It is very rewarding to teach young people especially when they are ready,and it's worth all the efforts. Jayne