Keepsake advice

[MumsBiscuits]

Hi all

My dad died very suddenly at the start of the year. My sister and I are very much still processing it , Covid makes it feel a bit surreal.

My sister lives overseas and i've been thinking of getting two memory bears or cushions made from one of dads shirts.

I just can't make up my mind if this would really upset her at Xmas - i think she would like it but maybe i should send it in the New Year - the anniversary will be on the 4th Jan :(

Anyway i'd really welcome any ideas for keepsakes - my dad wasnt a gushy person but i love the idea of having something we can cherish.

A

Personally I think this is a lovely idea, I'm a seamstress and have made a few 'keepsake cushions' from shirts and really wish I'd done the same when my grandad passed away. A teddy bear is such a sweet idea too!

However only you know your sister so if you think Christmas time wouldn't be the best time, go with your gut and give it in January.

Thank you Sophs - i'd welcome any other ideas aside from a teddybear too :) I've seen some cushions with a shirt front tied up like a regular shirt.. but it just looks too heartwrenching.. A

Like the teddy idea but agree might be quite emotional. Could you send it to her to be with her on the run up to Xmas ? Just in case it's a bit overwhelming when she opens ? X

I have a quilt made of my dads old shirts. My mum has one too. She was advised that if she irons it, even though they were clean at the time it was made, that it will still smell of him

@finsorfeathers

I have a quilt made of my dads old shirts. My mum has one too. She was advised that if she irons it, even though they were clean at the time it was made, that it will still smell of him

Thanks for sharing, how amazing is that.

My sister and i cleared my dads bedroom in the summer, we were still so upset and felt it was a really difficult task and in our haste i think we parted with too much - but i was pleased to find a fleece and a shirt that we can use.

Hi

Really sorry for your loss. I lost my mum in January so have some idea how your feeling. In terms of keepsakes, i have a teddy penguin and robin made which i love and seeing her clothes make me feel close to her. My dad had a small blanket and pillow made which bring him comfort. I also had some cremation jewellery made which i know isnt to everyones taste but i love my piece. The other thing we had done for my dad was a fingerprint keyring. Happy to recommend the companies we used if thats any help.

Once again sorry for your loss xx

So sorry for your loss - when my grandma died my mum and her sister had cushions made from jumpers she had knitted made and I had some stars for the Christmas tree made from a knitted top. They are really lovely

You could have two quilted cushions made- shirt on one side and fleece on the other.

My quilt is in a plastic bag. I can't bear to get it out and run the risk of the kids ruining it. DM has hers in the spare room and sometimes goes and lies on it to feel close to him. They were married 50 years and she's only 71