BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Quilting Sampler Quilt Ideas Needed

I am very new to quilting, but am hoping to make a very simple sampler quilt for my oldest daughter for her graduation in June (my goal is to simply have the top done-if I even start on the quilting, I'd be thrilled!!). I want to do various sizes of squares in themes that remind me of her. I am having a hard time coming up with some of the squares. Does anyone have any good ideas for Books/reading, Girl Scouts, Country Music/Guitar, and Academics? These need to be simple to construct, since I am not that skilled and, if possible, I would prefer not applique, but I think I'll need to do a few that way. I can hardly wait to hear your suggestions!

As soon as I read your post I was reminded of a quilt I made for my middle son. It was made out of all of my mother's handkerchiefs, and some I had as a child too. For a girl, an easy quilt would be piecing 6" squares together until you have your quilt top done. Then you can tie it or fasten it with buttons, like I did on a quilt for my oldest son. If you have saved any of her dresses that she wore as a child, you could make your squares out of those dresses.

One year I wanted to make a quilt for my mother. I had no idea what to do or how to design it. I finally decided to get the whole family involved and sent each person a square of muslin to embroider or applique what they wanted on it in honor of Mom. Everyone participated and we ended up with a very lovely quilt that my mother cherishes. You could give each of your daughters' friends a square and tell them to draw or write something on it then you can embroider it. That would make a very personal quilt for her and some great memories in years to come.

Your ideas are wonderful! I was considering taking one or two of her Tshirts she no longer wears and making a square. She has attended an asthma camp since she was 8 years old and has been a counselor there for several years now. Also, she has some of her competitive swim tshirts that might work. As far as her friends, I have a pattern for a square that her friends could sign their name and/or message.