My Father died several year ago after 16 years of illness, during which my DM took care of him 24 hrs a day. I took his western shirts and years of pjs and cut most of them in 2 1/2" strips for a log cabin. I still have issues every time I open the tote full of strips and some larges pieces. Cannot seem to start due to all my memories. Also have a box of my DM's clothing to cut for quilt and have the same problem. Can you tell I was VERY close to my parents?
Don't feel bad about that. It took me 3 years to make mine. I'd take the clothes out, look at them, tear up, and put them away. Over and over again. It will come. And once you've cut those clothes up, it's much, much easier to look at it as "fabric" than your dear father's things. Keep one thing in mind: If you're making this for your mom, just think how much she would adore being able to cuddle and console herself under that quilt. That's what kept me going when I made mine for my brother, sisters, and aunts. I've made 5, and have one more left to do for my youngest sister. Here's the label with the poem I made up that I put on each quilt:
Thanks for asking this question..I was approached last month by a lady that lost her 20 year old daughter. She wanted me to make a memory quilt for her from her daughters clothing. I told her I would have to give it some thought. I had never heard of such a thing....
sewnsewer2
06-28-2013 08:16 AM
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A friend of mine's DH passed too and I was asked to do the same thing. This is what I made for her.
IBQUILTIN
06-28-2013 10:28 AM
I had this same problem with a quilt for my DGS that I was hand appliqueing at my DM's bedside when she was ill. I just can't start on it without thinking of her and getting emotional. My DB and quilting buddy said she would finish the blocks and put it together for me. Then I can quilt it myself. That is really going to be a lot easier for me
maryellen2u
06-28-2013 04:14 PM
I have a friend who took her husband's shirts and made a baby quilt for each one of his daughter's first baby. He died quickly and young, even before his girls married. The quilts were made by the daughter's step-mother (my friend). I thought it was such a thoughtful generous gesture to her step-daughters.
barri1
06-28-2013 04:33 PM
I have a bag of some of my dad's shirts.. I haven't cut into them, as I don't know what I want to do.. My mom donated most of his clothes. I am okay with that, as there are too many people that can use clothes.. The shirts in the bag smell like dad.. It's a little spooky..
