Lyla Dejesus
Memory pillows are a heartfelt way to honour a loved one or a special time in one's life. They can be made from clothing items such as wedding dresses, shirts, or skirts, preserving memories and keeping them close to our hearts. For those who want to create their own memory pillows, it's recommended to start with cotton or polyester shirts, as they have less stretch and are easier to work with. The process involves carefully cutting the fabric, sewing the pieces together, and adding personal touches like beads or lace. For those who don't sew, there are artisans like Lisa who can transform special garments into cherished pillows, capturing precious memories in a creative and tangible way.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wedding dress made of satin, chiffon, and lace |
| Additional Materials | Baby blue and baby pink seed beads, veil |
| Preparation | Soak in oxiclean, hand wash, and hang in the sun to dry |
| Sewing | Cut the fabric into pieces, sew the pieces together, add beads and veil |
| Result | Memory pillows that preserve the memories of the wedding dress |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the fabric
When choosing the fabric for a memory pillow made from a wedding dress, it is essential to consider the type of fabric used in the dress itself. Wedding dresses are typically made from a variety of fabrics, including satin, chiffon, lace, and silk. These fabrics can be delicate and prone to fraying, especially if the dress is old. As such, it is important to handle them with care during the cutting and sewing process.
It is also important to consider the weight and stretch of the fabric. Light to medium-weight fabrics are generally suitable for memory pillows. If the wedding dress fabric is on the lighter side, it may be necessary to interface it with a fusible fabric to add stability and durability. In terms of stretch, fabrics with less stretch are generally easier to work with, especially for beginners.
In addition to the type of fabric, the colour and pattern of the wedding dress should also be considered. The colour of the fabric can be enhanced or complemented by adding embellishments such as beads or embroidery. If the dress has a distinctive pattern, cutting and placement should be carefully planned to showcase the pattern effectively on the pillow.
When creating a memory pillow from a wedding dress, it is also possible to incorporate multiple fabrics or combine the wedding dress fabric with other materials. For example, you could use the satin or lace from the dress and combine it with a complementary fabric for the back of the pillow. This can add visual interest and texture to the final pillow design.
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Washing and drying the dress
Wedding dresses can be prone to staining, so it is important to clean them as soon as possible after the wedding. While some dresses require professional cleaning, many can be cleaned at home with a few simple items: a stain remover, laundry detergent, a toothbrush, and a steamer.
Before cleaning your wedding dress at home, always check the label for any specific instructions. Some dresses, for example, specify that they should be hand-washed only. If your dress is made from multiple fabrics, you may only need to wash certain layers.
If your dress is yellowed, you could try soaking it in oxiclean, then hand-washing it and hanging it in the sun to dry. Alternatively, you could fill a bathtub with a small amount of water and a gentle detergent, then lay the dress flat on a towel to dry. Avoid wringing out the fabric.
For spot-cleaning, never use harsh detergents, bleach, or a hot iron on your wedding dress. For satin dresses, hand-wash in cold water with mild detergent and air dry. Charmeuse should be dry-cleaned or hand-washed with a silk wash product in cool water, then air-dried. Tulle should be hand-washed with soap flakes or gentle soap and warm water. Do not wring the fabric, and dry out of direct sunlight. Lace should be hand-washed in cold water with high-quality gentle soap. Massage the soapy water evenly, soak for 30 minutes, then rinse and lay flat to dry.
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Cutting the fabric
When cutting the fabric for your memory pillow, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, decide which parts of the wedding dress you want to use. You might want to incorporate special details such as buttons, pockets, lace, or other embellishments. If the fabric is old and fragile, be extra careful when handling and cutting it to avoid fraying.
Next, lay out the dress and identify the sections you will use for the front and back of the pillow. Cut the fabric to the desired size, usually around 18" x 18" for the front and 12" x 18" for the back, but you can adjust these measurements based on your preference and the size of the dress. Cut the fabric with precision, ensuring straight lines and even edges. If using a shirt, cut the sleeves off first to create a flat piece for the front of the pillow.
For the back pieces, you will typically need two overlapping pieces to create an envelope-style opening. Cut the back fabric accordingly, allowing for a hem on one long edge of each piece. Fold and press the edge under twice, each time by 1/4", to create a neat hem. Then, stitch the hem in place, approximately 1/8" from the edge. Repeat this process for the other back piece, ensuring you hem the opposite edge so that the two pieces will overlap smoothly.
If your wedding dress fabric has seams, try to cut around them to avoid bulkiness when sewing. You may also need to remove buttons or buckles that interfere with your desired seam placement. Remember to cut the fabric with care, as the pieces will come together to form the visible sides of your memory pillow.
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Sewing the pillow
Sewing a memory pillow from a wedding dress is a heartfelt way to preserve memories. Here is a step-by-step guide to sewing a memory pillow:
Firstly, prepare the fabric. Cut the wedding dress fabric to size, ensuring you have a square piece measuring 18" by 18" for the front of the pillow. Cut the sleeves off to get a flat piece for the front, and be mindful of any buttons or snaps that may interfere with your seam. For the back of the pillow, cut two pieces measuring 12" by 18" each.
Next, work on the back pieces. Hem each 18" long edge by turning it under 1/4", and then turning it under another 1/4" to form a neat hem. Stitch 1/8" from the edge of the hem. Repeat this process for the other back piece. Remember that these pieces will overlap, so ensure you hem one piece at the top and the other at the bottom, especially if you are working with a one-way design. Press the seams flat.
Now, it's time to assemble the pillow. With right sides together, place one back piece at the top of the pillow, positioning the hem toward the centre. Align the top raw edges. Pin this piece in place. Then, place the other back piece at the bottom of the pillow, also with right sides together and the hem toward the centre. Pin this piece in place. Your two back pieces should now overlap, resembling an envelope.
Stitch all around the pillow, using a 3/8" seam allowance. Don't forget to back-stitch where the back pieces overlap to reinforce the seams and prevent them from popping open when you insert the pillow form.
Finally, finish your pillow. Trim the corners, being careful not to cut through the stitching. Turn the pillow right side out through the back opening and poke out the corners for a crisp look. Press the edges of the pillow, and insert an 18" x 18" pillow form inside. Your memory pillow is now complete!
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Adding decorations
Choosing Materials
Start by selecting the materials you want to use for your decorations. You can use extra fabric, lace, beads, buttons, or any other embellishments that you think would add a special touch to your pillow. For example, if you're using a wedding dress, consider incorporating some of the lace or adding beads that match the original colour scheme.
Incorporating Fabric and Lace
If you have extra fabric or lace from the wedding dress, you can use it to create decorative elements for your pillow. Cut out intricate shapes or patterns from the fabric or lace and sew them onto the front of the pillow. You can also create a patchwork design by combining multiple pieces of fabric or lace together.
Beads and Embellishments
Beads and other embellishments can add a touch of sparkle and elegance to your memory pillow. Sew or glue beads along the edges of the pillow, create intricate patterns, or spell out meaningful words or initials. If the wedding dress has any beaded or embellished details, you can carefully remove them and reattach them to your pillow.
Buttons and Pockets
If the wedding dress has buttons or pockets, you can incorporate them into your design. Try to keep the integrity of the garment by including these original features. You can sew buttons onto the pillow as a decorative element or create a pocket detail on the front of the pillow.
Combining Multiple Elements
Don't be afraid to combine multiple decorative elements to make your memory pillow truly unique. You can mix and match fabric, lace, beads, buttons, and other embellishments to create a one-of-a-kind design. Play around with different combinations and layouts until you find something that speaks to you.
Adding Personalised Details
Consider adding personalised details to your memory pillow, such as embroidered initials, dates, or a meaningful quote. You can also add decorative trims or ribbons that hold sentimental value. These personalised touches will make your memory pillow even more special and meaningful.
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Frequently asked questions
A memory pillow is a pillow made from the clothing of a loved one. They are often given as gifts to remember a special time or person.
First, ensure the dress fabric is clean and free of yellowing. You can soak the fabric in oxiclean, hand wash it, and hang it in the sun to dry. Then, cut the dress fabric into pieces that can be sewn together to form the front and back of the pillow. Sew on any desired embellishments, such as beads or lace, before sewing the two sides of the pillow together, right sides facing. Leave an opening at the bottom of the pillow to turn it right side out and insert a pillow form.
If you are a beginner, start with a cotton or poly shirt as these have less stretch and are easier to work with. Additionally, be mindful of buttons and seams when cutting the fabric to make sewing easier.
