After my dad died, I suggested making a quilt out of his suits or shirts and my mom thought it was a morbid idea. She did not like it at all, she felt it his clothes were better used given to others that may get use out of them.
When my friend's husband died she had teddy bears made from his shirts, she also donated his other clothes to a shelter.
So I agree with bearisgray - let your friend know that you are able to help out with the labor of a project and leave it at that. Your friend will either pursue it or not.