Lately, I’ve noticed a growing trend in custom quilts that is meaningful, personal and steeped in tradition: people including family recipes on their quilt squares. At a time when busy days have us reaching for quick food fixes, a beloved family recipe can be a welcome sight that taps into many senses. Scroll down for a peek at some of the squares that have come through my sewing studio over the past few months. What a lovely and comforting way to preserve special family traditions.
Occasions for giving a family recipe quilt
Recipe squares are particularly well-suited for quilts given as group gifts by family members, or people with a tradition of breaking bread together (dinner clubs, book clubs, etc.). This could include a range of gift-giving occasions. For example, maybe a relative is getting married, or welcoming a new baby. It would be so meaningful and celebratory to pass family recipes along to the next generation in the form of a custom quilt.
Or, perhaps a loved one is is going through a difficult illness or a hard time. They might be comforted by remembering the vibrant tastes and smells associated with festive group gatherings. This can be particularly true if they are choosing to isolate, or are otherwise alone.
In addition, I have seen family recipes printed on quilts given to people facing memory loss. I think this is a beautiful way to recognize the moment and document time spent together. Memory loss quilts could also include photos of loved ones’ faces to evoke more warm feelings.
Custom quilts can contain recipe squares exclusively, for the foodies among us. Or, such squares could be included intermittently in the quilt, amid other personal designs and images. Whatever suits your palate.
Recent quilt squares containing family recipes
There is no right way to print a recipe on a quilt square. I know it is a cliché, but it really is the thought that counts. With that said, here are a few tips to consider when designing a family recipe quilt square:
- Is a handwritten recipe available? In my opinion, personal handwriting, messy as it may be, carries sentimentality and warmth. Bonus points if the recipe is dated.
- Are photos available? I think it is fun to see the spills and spatters that mark time-honored, well-loved recipe cards. The grimier the better!
- Can a few old pictures fit alongside the recipe? It can be heartwarming to also remember young faces, hairstyles and fashion that accompany food-related memories.
Are you concerned that your recipe won’t print well on a square? Quiltlove offers free design services to ensure your image shines. Don’t hesitate to contact me for assistance. And at the end of the day, if all you have is a mental recipe, there is no shame in typing it up, adding a cute border and calling it a wrap.
Sentimental and comforting recipes
Food plays many roles in our lives. It nourishes and sustains. It comforts during difficult times, and adds delight to our celebrations. I love the Julia Child quote, “A party without cake is really just a meeting.”
As a child, my grandmother’s ricotta-stuffed pasta shells and smothered garlic bread were markers of decadence and pure joy at the large family table. These dishes, paired with traditional Lebanese salads and sides made for a classic meal with cousins, aunts and uncles. I remember it so well, and feel nostalgic at the very thought of it.
In my house, after a particularly long week or a stressful event, I find myself baking. Banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, blueberry muffins. You name it. These are the goodies that comfort me and my own family.
Does your family have classic dishes that appear at special gatherings? Maybe they stem from your family’s ethnic heritage, or the community in which you live. Maybe they are a comforting bowl of soup, or a cheesy baked dish. If so, I would love to hear from you!
The next time a special event arises for someone in your life, consider a group quilt, peppered with flavorful recipe squares and so many good memories.
As always, thanks for reading.
Warmly,
