Memories of Dad: Grieving Loss Through Quilts

PR Log (Press Release) – Aug 12, 2009 – When a loved one dies, what can help us grieve our loss? The solution for one family was to make “Memory Quilts” from the person’s clothing. The woman of the family commissioned quilt artist, Louise Silk, to use her husband’s clothing to make six different quilts, one for each of his adult children.

When the children gathered at a special memorial weekend, they were surprised to receive the finished quilts. “I gave the quilts to the children and I wish you could have watched their faces as each unfolded theirs after ooing and aaing over the one before! They were thrilled with the heirloom aspect, your artistry, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Indeed, for each of them, it held the impact I had hoped for-you managed to give them a tangible memory of their beloved Dad! The beauty that you brought to all of us really helps to soften the sadness.”

Louise Silk resides and works in Pittsburgh, PA. For over thirty years she has been creating art that celebrates the loving and healing capacity of spirit. She began making "Memory Quilts" when she personally experienced the transformational healing power resident in the process of selecting, cutting and re-stitching clothing into quilts to mourn the loss of her parents.