Home

Your Bill of Rights

Financial Assistance

 

Criminal Case Search

 

PA SAVIN

Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification

 

Civil Rights

 

Tribute Quilt Information

 

Events

 

Contact Us

         

 

  Tribute Quilt

Losing a loved one or being a victim of crime can be a tragic experience.  This quilt will create unity among all victims and show you are not alone.

If you are interested in creating a panel please read instructions below or

if you have questions please contact:

  • Valerie Burkert, District Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Assistance Unit at              (610) 478-6000, ext 5034 or vburkert@countyofberks.com

 

Tribute Quilt Instructions

 

Make a panel for the quilt

You don't have to be an artist or sewing expert to create a personal tribute; in honor of victims whose lives have been changed due to criminal acts, but you do have to make a “panel” (or section) in order to add a name to the quilt. It's not as complicated as many people think, though. It doesn't matter if you use paint or fine needlework, iron-on transfers or hand made appliqués, or even spray paint on a sheet; any remembrance is appropriate.

 

The panel can be made with a number of base fabrics and/or a selection of the persons own clothing including; shirts, ties, jeans, dresses, t-shirts, jeans, trousers, blouses, handkerchiefs, face-cloths etc. They are a great way of honoring a victim.

 

Design the panel

Include the name of the person you are remembering or honoring. Feel free to include additional information such as the dates of birth and death, special talents, hobbies, colors, sports, etc.

 

The finished hemmed “panel” (or section), must be 10 inches by 10 inches square– no more and no less! When you cut the fabric, leave an extra one inch on each side for a hem. Backing is recommended. Backing helps to keep the “panel” retain the shape of the fabric. Broadcloth or muslin fabric works best for backing.

 

Choose your materials

Remember that the quilt is folded and unfolded every time it is displayed, so durability is crucial. Since glue deteriorates with time, it is best to sew things to the panel. A medium-weight, non-stretch fabric such as a cotton duck or poplin works best.

 

Create the panel

In constructing your panel you might want to use some of the following techniques:

  • Applique: Sew fabric, letters and small mementos onto the background fabric. Do not rely on glue - it won't last.

  • Paint: Brush on textile paint (fabric paint) or color-fast dye, or use an indelible ink pen. Please don't use "puffy" paint; it's too sticky.

  • Stencils: Trace your design onto the fabric with a pencil, lift the stencil, then use a brush to apply textile paint or indelible markers.

  • Collage: Make sure that whatever materials you add to the block won't tear the fabric (avoid glass and sequins for this reason), and be sure to avoid very bulky objects.

  • Photos: The best way to include photos or letters is to photocopy them onto iron-on transfers, iron them onto 100% cotton fabric and sew that fabric to the block. You may also put the photo in clear plastic vinyl and sew it to the block.

 

Send us your panel

Once your panel is completed there are several ways you can submit it to the Tribute Quilt Project.

Mail to:

Berks County District Attorney Office

Attn: Kelli Rosenberger 

633 Court Street 5th Floor

Reading PA 19601

 

Berks Chapter MADD

1216 Carbon Street

Reading, PA 19601

 

Limit

At this time, we will be limiting the number of tribute panels to two per victim. Please discuss this with family and friends to collaborate your efforts.