Thursday, October 2, 2008

Memory Pillows


When my dad went to live with Jesus 10 years ago, most of his clothes were given to those that were in need. Dad was 5'7" and I think they were sent to the Phillippines where they can use clothes made for shorter men. I asked for 3 items for memories' sake. I rememberd Dad wearing a soft plaid shirt and blue casual pants a lot. I had also given him a sweatshirt jacket. I took the clothes that looked so familiar and placed them in a container. They brought back so many memories. I have a picture of dad carving the Thanksgiving turkey, and I think he was wearing this particular outfit. I was not in an emmotional state to deal with much right after I lost him, but recently I came upon the familiar fabric as I was going through my sewing box on a rainy day. I thought, "I am going to do something with those clothes." This was pretty scary since I am not much of a seamstress. I know that some people think that you should not do a job if you cannot do it perfectly. In the case of sewing, I disagree---I think that it is better for some things to be done wrong than not to be done at all. I know there are exceptions to this rule, but I decided that I was going to try to make pillows out of Dad's clothes. Julianna and I sat down and had so much fun being creative with this project. We went with three different designs: I used the soft gray sweatshirt for the back of the large pillow. I took advantage of the pockets and put them on the small one. The medium size pillow is actually his shirt buttons across the top. It really was so good for me to do this. When I walk by the chair that holds these soft remembrances of a man I love so much, I feel like I am getting a big hug.

10 comments:

Anita Marie said...

The memory pillows are such a great idea. I've been meaning to make a Memory Quilt out of Mom's dresses. I will get around to it one of these days.

Michele said...

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Kelly S said...

Wow, what a keepsake! You did a great job!

Allana Martian said...

What a super great idea! Definitely something to treasure!

Barb (Glick) Kamph said...

What a super idea. I just love that. Perfect way to remember!!!

Making Memories 1999 said...

Very creative, friend! And you and Julianna did a great job on the pillows!

The Sayler Family said...

Sherilyn - this is so beautiful!My sister-in-law just sent me a box with some of my brother's clothes last week. Now I know what to do with them:) Please pray for Bro. Weingard. He was in a serious accident yesterday. I have some of the details listed on my blog, if you'd care to check it out. Again, thanks for the wonderful idea!
Kim

Lisa Holloway Slater said...

Your pillows look great! I wish I had a shirt of my dad's to make pillows too! It will be a year on Monday since my dad went to be with Jesus. Oh, how I miss him.

Valorie Quesenberry said...

Love this, Sherilyn! I think your dad is smiling about it too.

A Moment in the Life of a Mother said...

How cute and what a way to remember you father. I don't sew and I admire anyone who can. You did a great job!!