Our Monthly Tip: Make a Memory Pillow from Your Loved One’s ClothesPreserve your loved one’s personality in a special memorial gift
Our Tip of the Month As a teen, I spent one summer at my grandmother’s house helping her make a bird-themed pillow cover from scratch. I still have this homemade pillow, and whenever I look at it, I’m reminded of her. A memory pillow is a simple yet personal way to think of your loved one.…
Credit: memoryquiltsbymolly.com
Our Tip of the Month
As a teen, I spent one summer at my grandmother’s house helping her make a bird-themed pillow cover from scratch. I still have this homemade pillow, and whenever I look at it, I’m reminded of her.
Credit: pinterest
A memory pillow is a simple yet personal way to think of your loved one. It’s also a great way to re-purpose your loved one’s old clothing or favorite blanket. These are the items that are hardest to give away after a loved one dies, so why not make one of them into a pillow that you can keep forever.
How-to Suggestion
Identify the clothing that your loved one cared about. Did she or he have a favorite jacket? A beloved blanket? A pile of unused fabric that could be made into a quilt? Or is there a piece that has special meaning or memories for you? Ties or scarves sewn together can also make for a beautiful pattern filled with memories. Once you have your fabric, cut it into strips or other patterns that best represent your loved one’s personality. Try the “log cabin” pattern for a layered look, or you can research any other quilt patterns that appeal to you. Once you follow the instructions on the quilting pattern, sew the pattern together, then stuff the pillow. IKEA and craft stores carry plain pillow inserts of down or synthetic. You can even create dozens of small throw pillows that you can give to your family and friends as memorial gifts at the end of the memorial service.
May We Suggest:
What Is a Memorial Quilt? (Interview)
What to Do When Someone Dies
Our Monthly Tip: How to Honor a Deceased Parent at a Wedding-
There are a number of artists and artisans listed on Bereavementartists.com who would be thrilled to custom-create a memory pillow for you. I’m one of those artists (and the group’s spokesman) and I encourage you to visit our site to see how photos, belongings and even cremains of a loved one—people and pets—can be transformed into sophisticated home decor, jewelry, urns, teddy bears, portraits and more, quite inexpensively. Before you’re persuaded to donate or dump those bags of clothing, please visit us at BereavementArtists.com!
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Thanks for the tip, Nancy! I’m sure our readers will appreciate it.
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