The Nanie Pillow



My Grandmother's Dresses



As some of you may know, I've taken on the task of commemorating my late grandmother's life by using her dresses to make quilts for my relatives.  When  I first started this project, I had very lofty ambitions and planned to use the fifty or so dresses in unique block patterns.  However once I actually started, I quickly realized that it would take me years to make the quilts.  I would also have the challenge of trying to coordinate all of these different fabric prints and types, which could be difficult sewing, so I had to bring my ambitious plans down a notch.  With the plan changed, I had five blocks that I had finished using the card trick pattern that I wouldn't be using on the quilts.  Of course I didn't want to just toss my handiwork and scraps and knowing that my mom and aunts were getting together, I made them pillows:

Card Trick Using Four Dresses

I used a solid light blue fabric cut in 4 strips to border the block and make it into a 12 inch square.  I added overlapping panels on the back to create the pillow cover. 

Special Thanks to demossdesigns for her tips on how to showcase the dresses and not spend so much time on each square.  This wonderful quilter on Etsy freely shared her ideas and quilting expertise with me. Thanks to her I'm now making good progress on the quilts.

The Nanie Bear

Being that I'm the "crafter" in the family, I took it upon myself to use all of my late grandmother's dresses to make momentos for all of the immediate family, of which there are quite a few members. While sorting through her clothing I found two flannel nightgowns that I thought would make a great teddy bear. So I present to you, the first "Nanie" Bear. Pattern is from Simplicity #5247.

Nightgown and Pattern

I think this is a wonderful way to remember loved ones and the pattern was easy to follow and understand. It also help those who are grieving to hold on to those hard to part with clothing items. You can use most fabrics with this type of pattern and there are two sizes of bears to choose from as well as accessories for the bears. Being that the nightgown is a floral print, I opted to go with a plain bear.
The Nanie Bear
I'll be making more bears from this nightgown and from another flannel one she used to wear. Not sure who will be getting them as of yet, depends on how many I actually make.