Bereavement quilt for grandparents of two-year-old Alexie June
Losing a Grandchild
Loss of a young child is devastating. After the grieving grandparents of Alexie June learned of her accidental death, it changed their lives and left a big hole in their hearts. Alexie June’s grandmother Junette contacted me for a memory quilt, explaining that she just had a few items of her clothing and hoped it would be enough.
Centerpiece of memory quilt made from Alexie June’s clothes
Help with the Quilt
She and her husband drew a picture of what they wanted on the quilt, a beautiful rendition of Alexie June skipping along with balloons in her hand and butterflies floating around her.
Detail of memory quilt made from two-year-old girl’s clothes
They even selected her outfit, including little socks they wanted her to wear.
Detail of memory quilt made from two-year-old’s clothes
The Theme of the Quilt – Her Happy Independent Spirit
Alexie June had been such a happy child and they wanted the quilt to celebrate her love of life. They told me she was precocious and spirited and very independent for a little two-year-old. Having two older siblings probably helped her be that way.
Detail of mrmory quilt made from two-year-old’s clothes
Using Her Clothes
After making the centerpiece of Alexie June in her little selected outfit (cut down considerably to fit the smaller image) I took my cue from the adorable clothes left and made imaginary scenes, using her clothes.
Detail of memory quilt made from two-year-old’s clothes
I imagined what sort of little girl Alexie June had been from the descriptions Junette gave me, such as her independent spirit, which unfortunately played a role in ending her life.
Detail of memory quilt made from two-year-old’s clothes
Imagination Plays a Part in Every Quilt
I also imagined her sitting on a cloud in the hereafter.
Detail of memory quilt made from two-year-old’s clothes
Righting an Oversight
But I did overlook one activity which Junette had mentioned – how she loved to ‘play the piano’ with her papa. So after she received the quilt, Junette asked me to make a small wall hanging for William, showing Alexie June sitting with him at the piano. In the wall hanging, I used a part of Alexie June’s little sock to portray the piano keys.
Small wall hanging showing Alexi June playing piano with her papa
Grandparents Response
After receiving their quilt, Junette wrote:
“William and I just received and opened the box containing Alexie’s Quilt. It is beautiful!!!! We love it so much. We both cried when we first saw it ????. I love how you portrayed her and used the clothing in each block. And I especially love the center! Everything is perfect!!! Thank you so much.”
Grandparent’s label for granddaughter’s memory quilt