Lucky Loon Quilting | MD of Peace No. 135
Lynne Pardell, a passionate quilter and school librarian, resides on an acreage between Peace River and Grimshaw in the MD of Peace. With a deep love for sewing instilled in her by her mother, Pardell has been crafting beautiful quilts for the past 15 years as Lucky Loon Quilting.
“Loon was the nickname my dad had for me when I was young,” said Pardell. “I always carry a small stuffed loon in my backpack. He’s hiked the Juan de Fuca, the Chilkoot and the West Coast Trail with me.”
Pardell specializes in memory quilts. With high-quality lap or queen size options, each memory quilt captures special moments whether it’s a graduation, a concert or to commemorate the life of a loved one who has passed.
Pardell’s journey into quilting began as she sought the perfect graduation gift for family members. It was a meaningful gesture that has since blossomed and taken on a life of its own.
“My nephew was an avid volleyball player and asked me to make him a quilt with all his jerseys,” said Pardell. “It quickly turned into a tradition after that, and now all my nieces, nephews and grandchildren have one.”
Making a quilt with clothing items is a detailed process that takes many hours to complete. It starts with sorting through the garments and planning the layout on graph paper.
Once the pieces are cut, Pardell dedicates her sewing studio to the project, sashing the blocks with a focal fabric to stabilize and frame them before quilting with a cozy backing.
“Once the top is sewed together, I’m ready to quilt it with a layer of batting and backing for which I like to use a soft, snuggly fabric to make the piece heavier than traditional quilts,” said Pardell.
This method transforms cherished items like band shirts, concert tees or sports paraphernalia into a beautiful keepsake that preserves special memories.
“Many of my quilts are made from clothing of a loved one who has passed away,” said Pardell. “It is often a difficult process to dispose of a person’s clothing, but by making a quilt from memorable items, I hope I’m helping with the grieving process.”
Each quilt Pardell makes is personalized to the customer, so she ensures to have a conversation with them prior to starting. Most times there are stories about the clothing that help her decide what to use as well as which colours to incorporate.
“It can look like just an old, stained t-shirt or a sweatshirt with a hole in it, but those items tell a story,” said Pardell. “I often do a customized block on each quilt. It’s often a person’s name, a small quote or just a central focal point that ties the entire quilt together.”
With two sizes to choose from, clients can decide if they want a smaller quilt—great for reading a book on the couch or watching TV with—this ranges from $500 to $600. A quilt to cover a queen-size bed is $650 to $750.
“A memory quilt is a fantastic Christmas gift for all ages since it can be used daily for years, and it never goes out of style,” said Pardell.
Each quilt is made to order.
“To get a quilt made, simply gather your treasured clothing items up, contact me and then we’ll make a plan together,” said Pardell. “Most quilt projects take at least two to three weeks to complete, so there is a limit to how many projects I can commit to at any given time.”
Sourcing materials such as fabric and batting in bulk was once a challenge for Pardell, but luckily, she is able to order from shops in Lethbridge and Pitt Meadows, BC as well as from a local supplier close to home.
“We have a great fabric store in Peace River called The Little Mexican Store that I am able to get most of my supplies from now,” said Pardell.
For those thinking about trying their hand at a creative outlet, Pardell offers sage advice.
“If you love doing something, take the time to do it,” said Pardell. “Share your work. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and always be open to trying something new.”
Find Lucky Loon Quilting on Facebook and at the upcoming Grimshaw Christmas Market on November 16, where she will have a variety of items for sale as well as memory quilts on display.
By Dani Wearden | Photography submitted
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