When you picture your parents, do you see them wearing their favorite clothes? The styles may vary, but the clothes represent who they are.  Whether you picture a tailored suit coat or race t-shirts, the clothes tell their story. By creating Remembrance Gifts from favorite clothing, you can keep a tangible memory with you that honors their spirit and style.

When Barbara lost her Dad, she saved his favorite clothes because they held so many special memories for her and her family. When she talked about her Dad, you could feel how much she misses him. Growing up with all brothers, I am sure Barbara held a special place in her Dad’s heart. As the family grew, her Dad enjoyed everything that came along with a big, loving family.

Barb had been saving her Dad’s clothes for years, not sure exactly what to do with them, but knowing she couldn’t part with them. Creating special keepsakes was the perfect solution. When we met, Barb brought in the shirts and pants that her Dad wore all the time. They represented how she remembers him. Those clothes bring a smile to her face because you can see her picturing him in her mind and remembering all the joy he brought to her life.

There was one pair of grey pants that Barb was hesitant about including in her blanket. She brought them because they were one of his favorites, but they were pretty worn around the pockets, right where his hands slipped in and out every day.  We decided to include the pants and Barb was so happy about it. Part of the charm of treasured clothing are the elements that make them unique to the individual.

Barb was so kind to share pictures of her Dad wearing the clothes she included in her Remembrance Gifts. Seeing her Dad as a glowing, vibrant man in these pictures captures the soul of why keepsakes from clothing are so special. Our minds are visual and when our loved ones are no longer with us, having a tangible reminder of their love for us refreshes our mental images and brings us a little closer to the one we have lost.

Barb, thank you for sharing your memories of your Dad.

Thoughts from Barb: “I cannot begin to thank Jen Anderson and her assistants, Doris and Linda, at Once Upon a Time Creation for creating a treasured memory blanket from my Dad’s clothing. My dad died in October 2005 and his clothes have sat in a closet for almost ten years because I wasn’t ready to get rid of them, but didn’t know what I wanted to do with them. When I think of my dad, I picture him in several of his favorite shirts and his well worn pants. These pieces of clothing have now been turned into a memory blanket for me, and scraps from the shirts and pants have been used to create heart-shaped ornaments for each of my brothers, and each of my nieces and nephews. Each picture of my dad holds a special memory for me, and now his clothing will forever be a treasured keepsake for my family and I. Thank you for your beautiful work!”

If you would like to learn more about Remembrance Gifts, please visit our webpage: Remembrance Gift Ideas or contact me directly by phone (610-202-7850) or email  (jen at onceuponatimecreation.com).