Working with thicker fabrics to make keepsakes that are as precious as ever.
I get asked a lot if certain fabrics are ok to make keepsakes, and so far, nothing seemed unworkable, from fine lace of wedding dress keepsakes to puffy toddler jackets... I like to think I can handle any fabric that comes my way. Here are two personalized baby keepsakes made with thicker fabrics. These were quite challenging, but I am not one to turn down a challenge like this!
From fleece pajamas to red carpet gown
Receiving Kamaya’s fleece pajama to transform into a keepsake was a memorable occasion as it was my first time working with fleece. Despite its thickness posing some challenges, I was determined to create something special guided by the sentimental value of the pajama: a little long-sleeve onesie, white with a soft sun and moon pattern—one of Kamaya’s first outfits ever.
Working with fleece proved to need a more particular approach than thinner materials, especially for the fashion girl style, so her dress doesn’t end up bulky. The process of repurposing the pajama into a keepsake dress involved careful consideration of its features. I usually like to incorporate closures and details into the design, and I was able to include the zipper into this one, despite the extra thickness. I finished it with some tulle, giving it an extra layer of charm and softness.
Kamaya’s mom absolutely loved the finished keepsake. The fashion girl became a perfect addition to Kamaya's room, fitting in beautifully with the lovingly hand-painted clouds adorning the walls and the collection of books filled with heartfelt messages from friends and family.
A few days later, I received a heartwarming photo of Kamaya peacefully sleeping in her crib, surrounded by the warmth of her room and the love encapsulated in each element within it. It was a simple moment captured in a photograph—but it breathed the preciousness of the very moments we want to preserve, and why we create keepsakes.
What a perfect way of honoring the memories of Kamaya’s earliest days by creating something tangible that will be cherished for years to come.
Kamaya’s keepsake was a fleece challenge, sure, but a few years later, it was Leon’s turn and his mom chose something even more challenging!
A hot air balloon with furry lining, oh my!
Leon’s mom received a keepsake voucher for Leon’s first birthday, and she redeemed it immediately!
Before sending her item, she showed me some photos to be sure I could make it happen: it was a heavy-looking wearable baby blanket with thick and comfy furry lining all over. It was adorable and it was the thing that held a lot of sweet memories for her, so of course I wouldn’t turn it down. This was her thing!
The wearable blanket arrived several days later from Spain, and I got to work! Leon’s keepsake was going to be a hot air balloon which looks simple enough, but the fur additions complicated things a little… Not so much that it wasn’t doable—and by doable I mean resulting in a gorgeous keepsake in the end. I had to take a different approach to cut the fabric so that the mix of fur and cotton fabric still allowed for the 3D features of the hot air balloon to be possible and fit in the frame.
The final keepsake, personalized with Leon’s name, turned out absolutely beautiful, and preserved its comfy vibe. Somehow, that little wearable blanket felt like it belonged on the hot air balloon. I love it.
And so did Leon’s mom, when she received her precious keepsake, several weeks later after it was released by customs in Spain (phew!)
Another keepsake to preserve your sweetest memories.
If you ever find yourself doubting whether your fabric can be transformed into something beautiful, just remember to ask me, and I can let you know. Emilia’s mom was about to choose something she thought would be “easier” to send me, but then decided to ask me first, and her keepsake with the difficult toddler puffy jacket became her most precious piece of art.
“I cannot thank you enough for not steering me away from the fashion keepsake when I was hesitant. It is everything I envisioned and then so much more.”
Find the outfit you love, and leave the rest to me :)
