Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services do you offer?
I specialize in creating keepsakes out of clothing, such as Keepsake Bears, Memory Pillows, Onesie Quilts, and T-Shirt quilts. I also have a love for all things vintage and am very skilled at repairing vintage quilts and even finishing quilt tops that were never completed. Message me with your idea and we can discuss the specific details of your order!
2. How much do you charge?
My pricing graphic is included below, however I also routinely offer discounts for large orders!
3. What is your average turn around time for orders?
This varies greatly based on the amount of orders I have on my wait list, however I can generally complete most orders within a month's time. Please note that some personalization options might create some delays in the delivery time, such as ordering pictures.
4. Where are you located?
I'm located in Farmer City, IL and can pick up/deliver within 20 miles. Are you outside my service area? No problem! Mail me your items and I'll mail you back your completed keepsake using USPS Priority Mail with insurance and tracking (And I never charge extra for shipping).
5. What personalization options do you offer?
I can add any text for as little as $5! You can add your favorite quote, maybe a loved ones' favorite saying, or birth and death dates.
I can add pictures for as little as $10 for up to 4 pictures! I have the pictures printed on fabric directly at the factory so its made as any fabric is and theres less chances of it fading with washings or use. This costs $10 for every 4 pictures and takes approximately 2-3 weeks to receive once ordered. Digital pictures work best for this, and can be sent directly to my email. I take care of the rest!
6. How many shirts do I need to make a t-shirt quilt?
How many shirts you use can be customized based on what you have to use and the layout style you choose. For instance, if you have more graphics then I can cut them smaller around the graphic to fit a larger number into the size of quilt you would like. If you have less graphics, then I can cut them larger, use a border in between the graphics, or maybe choose a layout that utilizes other quilting fabric to make up some space in the design. (Please note that some shirts may have graphics on the front and the back that you want to use, so even if you don't have a lot of shirts, its easy to have twice as many graphics to use as you originally thought you had.)
For a basic reference:
Lap Size Quilts: 6-12 Graphics
Twin Size Quilts: 8-20 Graphics
Full Size Quilts: 12-25 Graphics
Queen Size Quilts: 16-49 Graphics
King Size Quilts: 25-70 Graphics
7. How many shirts do you need to create a keepsake bear?
Most shirts I can get 2 small bears out of, while medium and large bears require an entire shirt. And you're not limited to using shirts! Get creative and use other fabric items, such as aprons or a jacket, if its made out of fabric I can turn it into a keepsake!
8. How long have you been doing this?
I've been sewing since I was 6 years old, but my business officially began when my first baby was turning 2 years old, and I used her baby clothes to make a onesie quilt. I had someone ask if I could make a t-shirt quilt for them, then someone else asked if I could make a bear out of a shirt, then another person suggested how hard it is to find someone that performs these services (let alone affordably) and suggested a start a business. And this Mel's Simple Creations was born! That was 11 years ago and since then I estimate that I've made close to 1800 t-shirt quilts and 6,200 bears! You can find my business reviews on the front page of this website, on my Facebook Page, and on Google Reviews, all of which show 5 stars!!!
9. I'm sold, how do I place my order??
Just click the buttons below to go to the order form! I'll message you after to set up a time to meet for the clothing articles or set up mailing them to me. We'll discuss the specifics that you're wanting, I'll give you a quote based on your requests (Quilt orders, as well as orders totally over $100, require a $50 deposit up front. Any remaining balance isn't due until delivery of your finished item!), and we'll arrange how to get the items to me to get your order started. Then I'll let you know an approximate delivery date based on how many orders I currently have in line ahead of you and the complexity of your order. If you are wanting a variety of items (ie a quilt and 3 bears) you can just fill out one order form and indicate on it that you're interested in other items, we'll discuss it all when we talk and I'll add it to your order.