Transforming Memories: Sewing Love into Cherished Keepsakes

Clothing choices go way beyond looks. They say something about who we are and what matters to us.

Take Arlinda Sherard, for example. She found a deeply personal way to honor her late husband, Alvin Sherard, Sr., by turning his favorite suit into something she could wear herself.

This story is touching on so many levels. It shows how clothes can carry memories and emotions—sometimes more than we realize.

The Emotional Significance of Clothing

Sorting through a loved one’s things after they’ve passed is never easy. For Arlinda, Alvin’s suit wasn’t just another piece of clothing—it felt like a part of him.

Alvin, born in 1946 and gone as of March 26, 2022, wore that suit to church and special gatherings. The idea of just giving it away felt impossible for her.

Instead, she decided to have it made into a skirt and jacket. That choice brought her comfort and made her feel closer to Alvin, even after he was gone.

Repurposing: A Historical Perspective

Arlinda’s choice to reuse Alvin’s suit actually goes way back. During the Great Depression and World Wars, people had to get creative with what they had.

Families often turned old clothes into new ones out of necessity. But it wasn’t just about saving money—it was also a way to express themselves.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, Home Economics classes (which Arlinda took) taught skills like sewing, budgeting, and cooking. Those lessons stuck with her.

The Modern Relevance of Upcycling

These days, there’s a lot of talk about sustainable and ethical fashion. Upcycling—basically, giving old stuff new life—has become pretty trendy.

People do it to cut down on waste and make something useful again. For Arlinda, though, it was all about her connection to Alvin.

She reached out to an alterations specialist in Lincolnton to transform the suit, since she felt too overwhelmed to do it herself.

Creating New Memories

When Arlinda saw the finished outfit, she couldn’t help but get emotional. She felt grateful and closer to Alvin in a way that’s hard to put into words.

Wearing the suit to church gave her comfort. She hopes her story nudges others to find their own ways to keep loved ones’ memories alive through clothing.

She’s also working on a quilt made from Alvin’s family reunion t-shirts. It’s another way to hold onto those memories.

Practical Tips for Repurposing Clothing

If Arlinda’s story sparks something in you, here are a few ideas for turning your loved one’s clothes into something new:

• Identify Special Items: Pick out pieces that really mean something to you.
• Seek Professional Help: If sewing isn’t your thing or it just feels too hard right now, find an alterations specialist who can help.
• Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—maybe a quilt, a dress, or even a keepsake accessory.
• Preserve the Memory: Use your new creation in a way that keeps your loved one’s spirit close.

Clothing left behind by a loved one who’s passed away can mean so much more than just fabric. There’s a weight to it, a presence that lingers.

Arlinda Sherard’s story really shows how repurposing garments can be both emotional and practical. She took Alvin’s suit and turned it into something new—a tribute that keeps his memory close.

It’s a blend of past and present, stitched together in a way that feels personal and real. If you want to read more about this, check out the original article on the Lincoln Times News website.