What do you do with all the old clothes that were once beloved to your children? The favorite dress that was worn every day for a month… so much that when you look at it, you can actually see your much older child as the toddler they once were? Or the t-shirt that was worn AND slept in because it had a dinosaur on it?
What do you do with these precious things that you don’t have the space for but also don’t have the heart to get rid of?
Today, I used two such treasures to make special gifts for my children.
Kitty wore this pretty little dress until it became threadbare in places. It has a big chocolate milk stain on the skirt and I’m quite certain that no one else will appreciate it’s precious value the way we do. So, I decided to cut it up and embroider a heart onto it for Kitty’s special gift.
Before
After
Materials needed :
* pink wool felt
* pink embroidery thread
* an embroidery hoop
* scissors
I fitted the fabric tightly within the embroidery hoop and cut a heart from the pink felt.
Using a simple embroidery stitch (I don’t know any other) I stitched the heart in place. When the heart was done, I trimmed the fabric neatly around the hoop.
Voila… a keepsake and a Valentine’s Day gift all in one. (The little felt rabbit is a gift from MuddyFeet and is quite the most adorable thing I have ever seen.)
I made one from Teddy’s old dinosaur t-shirt too.
Of course, I’ve set them aside for gifting on Valentine’s Day. Both Kitty and Teddy will gasp in recognition when they see their little gifts. And, they’ll be able to keep them forever. When they are old and grey and turn their little hoops over and see my untidy sewing on the back, they’ll know that sewing wasn’t my forte and they’ll smile and remember that I loved them so much I even sewed for them.
Blessings and magic,
Donni
9 Responses
Such a clever way to recycle those much loved outfits! I have several items for each kiddo that I just can’t bear to part with, might have to give this a go!
Thanks for sharing the little felt rabbit :)
We LOVE your little rabbit, Kelly… he is a treasure.
This is such a great idea Donni! I love how they turned out, they couldn’t be sweeter. I was just looking through a box of beloved clothing and reminiscing, Now I have a project! Thanks for the inspiration!
Thank you, Becca… I was nervous to cut them at first but I’m so happy I did… they can continue being a part of the family now :-)
I love this, such a wonderful way of saving memories. :)
Thanks, Sara. A friend decided to make one from one of her mom’s favorite dresses. What a special way to have a part of her in your home. Makes me want to cry.
I just want you to know that this post was part of my creative process. Thank you.
This is such a sweet upcycle idea :) And I lovet that cute rabbit too ;)
Thanks, Onel. The tooth fairy left that little rabbit for my daughter! Isn’t he sweet :-)
xo Donni