A lovely client contacted me about repurposing a sweater that belonged to her mom. She believes her great-grandfather purchased it for her mom around 1971. Other than a button missing, the sweater was in beautiful shape. My client thought it would be a good idea to make it into a pillow as a gift to her brother for his birthday – a way to include their mom.
She was hesitant, though. I can understand why. Before I started cutting up T shirts, varsity jackets, sweaters, I was nervous! One of the first times I made a pillow from a varsity jacket was from a local friend who lost her brother. I stared at that vintage jacket for a long time before I could cut into it.
My client proceeded to send me the sweater. Since it was such a sentimental item, I suggested that I could use the sleeves to make a small, keepsake pillow for her. She loved the idea but wanted to give it to her sister. She asked only that I keep the sweater label for her.
But, how could I not give my client a small memento? I created a heart-shaped ornament for her.
She loved the ornament and the pillows! She also shared with me a sweet story that when she was pondering whether or not to send the sweater to me, a butterfly flew down and she felt it was her mom saying she agreed. What a sweet and moving story and I am so glad to be a small part of it.
