Month: May 2024

MINNEAPOLIS — When a labor and delivery nurse saw a wedding dress at the Empty the Nest thrift store in Golden Valley, she knew it was going to hold a much greater purpose than its original wearer had ever imagined. The gown would be re-purposed into a special burial dress for a baby that never had the chance to live. The idea resonated with Tess Soholt, who lost her own infant son at 18 weeks gestation while working as a labor and delivery nurse. The loss pulled on her heartstrings so hard, that she began a new chapter of her life, launching Little Angel Gowns SW MI last year. The nonprofit organization partners with hospitals and birth centers to provide families whose babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth, with gowns and outfits made from repurposed wedding dresses. The organization has a volunteer network that spans the country. Each angel gown and outfit is stitched by a seamstress who has been personally touched by the loss of an infant or child. Some of the group’s 66 seamstresses, including Pat Marsters of Pembroke, lost children of their own, while others have been touched by the loss of loved ones or friends. In addition to the small gowns, the group also creates hats and sleep sacks for those who may prefer something less traditional. They’ve even designed a pattern for overalls to be used as burial suits for stillborn or premature babies, who might be too large for a small gown. “Our goal is to bring dignity to the short lives of these precious babies,” Marsters says. She adds that she feels a connection to the work because she was a patient at Akron Children’s when her daughter passed away. She also has a personal connection to her group’s partner hospital, Northridge Hospital in Long Beach. It was the first facility to receive a package of angel gowns and has been named their hospital of the month for July 2023. Soholt has been a volunteer seamstress since last summer and makes four gowns at a time. She encourages anyone who wants to learn how to make the garments to join her Monday afternoons at the thrift shop, where she conducts a training session. During that time she deconstructs a wedding dress and discusses the different patterns for the gowns. She also makes sure everyone is comfortable with using a sewing machine. Those who want to help make the gowns can bring a sewing machine, and scissors or pins. They can also sign up on the website of the Minnesota group for an upcoming training session. The group accepts dresses from across the state, and they can also be donated online. The wedding dresses are cleaned, cut and sewed into the angel gowns and other outfits, which are then handed out to grieving parents. The group hopes to reach more families, but currently they’re supplying a few dozen per month to local hospitals.

The death of a child is one of the most traumatic experiences a family can face. Parents often feel a profound sense of shock and disbelief, as well as a complete loss of control, following the loss of their baby. For many families, making arrangements for a funeral and memorial is an important step in finding some form of closure. It can also be a time to reflect and share memories of their lost child with other loved ones, which is an important part of the healing process. As parents, it is normal to be nervous about how children will react at a funeral service, however it is vital that you allow them to choose whether or not they attend. It is a good idea to ask them, as early as possible, if they would like to attend a funeral and provide them with clear and honest information about what will happen. Children are usually able to cope better with difficult and uncomfortable situations if they have been prepared, especially when they are reassured that they can change their minds at any time. If a child decides to attend a funeral, it is important that they are provided with adequate comfort and support throughout the ceremony. Many parents find that it helps to bring their child a favourite snack or toy to play with so they can rest and remain calm during the services. It may also be a good idea to arrange for someone to care for them after the service so that they don’t feel left alone. For children who have lost a sibling, it is important to consider whether or not they want to see their body. It is essential to offer them clear and honest information, encourage questions, and reaffirm that they can touch their sibling if they wish. Children can have very big imaginations and what they imagine their sibling will look like may be far scarier than the reality. Explaining to children that their sibling’s body is in a casket will help them understand that the body can’t be revived. It’s also a good idea to let them know that their sibling will be lying comfortably and that they can still feel them, even though they are dead. It is also a good idea to discuss how the funeral director will care for their sibling’s body with them, e.g. by stroking their hair or arms. A number of parents choose to hold a private celebration for their children after the funeral, either in their home or with close friends and family. This can be a lovely way to celebrate their life and share memories, while being in a setting that is less formal than a public event. Many children also enjoy receiving gifts from those who attended their funeral or memorial service, such as photos, flowers or special objects. They can keep these special items as a reminder of their loved one.

If you’re shopping for a baby shower gift or a gift for a new parent, then you need to know that newborns and babies grow quickly, so it’s important to buy clothes in several sizes to make sure that the outfits last through the first few months. Choosing the right fabric, closures and size will help you ensure that your purchase is the perfect fit. The best baby clothing will be soft and comfortable for your newborn. One-piece outfits like rompers and bodysuits are a must, as they will allow for easy diaper changes. Newborns can also wear footie pajamas, which are similar to a romper but with added feet to keep them warm and cozy. Closures are another thing to consider, as they can affect how difficult it is to dress and undress your baby while they’re wiggling around. Look for zippers and elastics that are easy to open and close, and choose fabrics that have safety tabs to prevent scratching on the delicate skin. Using snaps instead of standard buttons can also make it easier to dress a wiggly baby. When it comes to the type of fabric you choose for your newborn, cotton is a good option because it is soft and breathable, which will keep your baby cool in warmer weather. Organic cotton is even better, as it’s made without any harmful chemicals that may irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Other materials that are great for newborns include bamboo, silk and muslin. Organic wool is a natural insulator, helping your newborn stay warm in colder temperatures but preventing them from overheating. These fabrics are all great choices, but it’s important to avoid any tight clothing that can restrict breathing or trap heat, as this will lead to discomfort and possibly overheating. Babies need plenty of hats and socks to keep their heads warm, especially in the winter. These accessories are also essential for regulating their temperature, as well as to prevent them from scratching their faces with their tiny nails. Newborns should be protected with sunwear, too, to avoid getting burned by the harsh UV rays of the sun. Baby outfits come in many different styles and colors, making them a fun way to show off your little one’s personality. Whether you’re looking for a special holiday onesie or a unique design, the options are endless. You can even find themed clothing for infants who are celebrating their baptisms, communions and bar/bat mitzvahs.

When planning a service for someone who has passed away, there are many details to take into account. It is important to think about the deceased’s final wishes and what they would have wanted for their burial attire. Many people choose to wear clothing that they often wore in their daily lives, such as a suit or dress, while others prefer something more simple and casual. The clothing that is chosen for the funeral can also help to reflect who the person was in their life. Choosing the proper clothing for a loved one’s burial can be difficult and distressing. Luckily, there are organizations that can assist with this task. For example, the Emma & Evan Foundation provides infant burial gowns to families who are unable to afford them. They do this by taking donated wedding gowns and turning them into bereavement gowns using specific patterns. These gowns are then given to families for their baby’s funeral services and to be kept as a memory for the family. Other groups are dedicated to making burial gowns for miscarriage and stillborn babies. A local group in Piedmont, NC called Angels Unaware makes these gowns for parents who have suffered the loss of their child. These beautiful gowns are a welcome alternative to the impersonal hospital blanket that many of these families have to use for their baby. The organization works with volunteers to hand sew these beautiful garments and they distribute them to hospitals and midwives across five states. A Spanish Fork woman named Michaun Torgersen has taken it upon herself to do her part in helping with this effort. She takes donated wedding dresses and sews them into beautiful burial clothing for stillborn or miscarried infants. She began this project after she experienced her own miscarriage 26 years ago and knows the pain that can accompany this type of loss. She is currently working with her Young Women and Relief Society groups to sew these garments. These beautiful burial gowns are not only a comfort for parents, but they also help to make their service more personal. It can be hard to know what a baby should be dressed in for a funeral or memorial service, but the gowns are a gentle reminder of the little soul who will never be forgotten. For a more personalized touch, many people like to add clothing or accessories that were special to their loved ones in their everyday life. It is usually fine to put these items in the casket, but it is a good idea to consult your funeral home for guidance. They will be able to let you know whether these items will look good with the body as it is lying down and they can advise you on what may work best. They can also offer suggestions on what kind of accessories might suit a loved one’s personality. If they were a big fisherman, for example, you could consider adding their favorite fishing hat to the outfit.

If you’re the bride who doesn’t plan to wear your gown again, instead of putting it in storage or throwing it away, consider giving it to someone else. After all, wedding dresses can be very expensive and not everyone has the funds to afford one. Donating your dress to a worthy cause may help someone else make their dream come true. Puccio says the library has received a number of wedding dress donations in recent months, as more brides are unable to afford their own gowns. Finding new homes for the dresses makes her feel good. “It’s kind of like a little bit of magic,” she said. There are many charities and thrift stores that accept used wedding gowns. Many of them offer donation pickup and drop off services or will mail the dress to you, if necessary. Before you donate, be sure to research the organizations to find out their guidelines for preparing and delivering your dress. Often, these will include instructions for having the dress professionally cleaned. Also, be sure to write down any important information about the dress in case you have questions for a charity volunteer when delivering it to them, such as the size, the brand or designer and the year it was purchased. This will save the volunteers’ time and ensure your dress is matched with the right bride. Some of these organizations use the proceeds from the sale of the donated dresses for breast cancer research, early detection programs and other causes. Others, like Brides Across America, pass on the gowns for free to military and first responder brides at Operation Wedding Gown events twice a year. To date, the charity has gifted more than 26,000 dresses. To learn more about the process of donating your dress, visit their online form. Other organizations, like Newborn Hope, transform the gowns into infant burial gowns, bonnets and baptismal outfits to be given to families who lose a baby during pregnancy or after birth. Donated wedding dresses are tenderly dismantled and refashioned at the Monument home of professional seamstress Irene Sutherland. The gowns are then offered to hospitals, birthing centers and funeral homes at no cost to grieving parents. Aside from donating to a meaningful cause, your gown may be eligible for an itemized tax deduction if it’s donated to a qualified charity. Depending on the amount of money that you give, this could make your donation more worthwhile than simply donating to a local thrift store. Another benefit of donating your dress is that it’s a great way to stay environmentally responsible. According to GreenDrop, the production of new clothing and textiles uses hundreds of gallons of water and contributes to harmful carbon emissions. By donating your dress, you’ll be helping to reduce these effects. In addition, you’ll free up some space in your closet and have less clutter to clean!

In the grand tapestry of life, there are moments of immense joy and heartbreaking sorrow. For many parents, the death of a child, especially a newborn, is one of those moments. In those times of grief, some families find comfort in a special gown that honors their baby’s life and gives hope to the future. Angel gowns are made from repurposed wedding dresses and are given to parents who lose a baby during the pregnancy or shortly after birth. The gowns serve as a symbol of love, compassion and healing and knit broken hearts across the world together in love, hope and healing. Bonnie Kalahar works to comfort Lansing area parents who grieve for their tiniest children, babies born too soon. For three years, the seamstress has transformed donated wedding dresses into memorial or burial gowns that she then donates to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She calls them angel gowns, and they are tiny works of art, complete with beads, pearls, lace and embroidery. Kalahar has even made vests to go with the gowns for boys and bow ties for girls to match. She never meets the families who receive her creations, but she hopes the little angel gowns offer them some measure of comfort. Edith Sheets, a retired Pickerington Schools home economics teacher, is another seamstress who uses her talents to sew angel gowns for infants who die before, during or shortly after their births. She started her project, called Angel Dresses, in 2014 and now sews outfits for more than 100 hospitals across the country, including Dignity Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Long Beach. She has a waiting list of more than 80 hospitals, and she is hoping that the recent addition of a nonprofit incorporation will help her expand her work and reach out to more people. Her greater needs are fabric ribbon (she uses about 4 feet for each angel gown) and thread. Across the country, more than 626,000 babies are lost through still birth and miscarriage every year. Each one is a tiny miracle that was so loved and treasured by his or her family, and it is our responsibility to give them the dignity they deserve. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about Mangiaracina and her tireless efforts to sew angel gowns. Since then, she’s received more than 1,600 donations of donated dresses and has turned them into nearly 2,000 little angel gowns. She has distributed them to hospitals in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, as well as California, Oregon, Texas and Minnesota. If you’d like to support her work, you can do so with a $100 donation to the International Program. You can then follow your dress to a developing country, meet your seamstress virtually, and see how your contribution is changing lives. Click here to learn more. Please note that donations to this program are not tax deductible.

For many families, a child funeral offers a unique opportunity to celebrate a life while providing children with a way to say goodbye. Although children can benefit from attending a ceremony, it’s important to determine whether they are ready for such an event before forcing them to go. It’s also important to give children a choice and explain what takes place at a funeral. Regardless of whether the casket or urn is open or closed, it’s important to explain what they will see and hear. This is especially true for children who have not experienced a death before. Children have big imaginations and can often imagine things that are much scarier than the reality. Offering clear and honest information, encouraging questions, and reassuring them that their sibling can no longer feel cold, pain or fear will help to ease any anxiety they may have. If you plan on having a closed casket, consider creating a special kids room for them to play and color during the service. This can be at the funeral home or a church and can include a play area, crafts, crayons and other fun activities. This will help distract them from the proceedings and they might be less likely to want to leave during a long service. Likewise, if you plan on having an urn present, try to have other items that remind them of their sibling (a photo board, a special teddy or toy, etc.). While the decision to attend a funeral or memorial service is entirely up to each individual family, it’s a good idea to ask older siblings to participate. This can be by reading a story, writing a letter or poem, or just by being there to support their younger siblings. It can be a powerful and moving experience for everyone involved, including the child. If your child decides not to attend, it’s a good idea to offer them alternatives such as a special party at your house or another location that they enjoy. If they are able to attend, make sure that someone (a designated friend or relative) can take them outside or into the hallway for a break if the proceedings become too overwhelming. If you are thinking about having a child funeral, there are a number of options available for music. Generally, the music should be age appropriate and reflect your child’s interests and personality. It can be comforting for children to hear music they know and love during a difficult time. It’s also helpful to offer children the option of wearing a favorite outfit or bringing a picture to be placed in the casket or urn. This can help them to feel included and will be a beautiful tribute to their loved one.

When shopping for newborn baby clothing, it’s important to consider the fabric. Not all materials are created equal: Some can be too itchy for infant skin and others don’t provide the necessary warmth. The best choice for baby clothes is cotton, which is breathable and soft and provides a comfortable layer that will help keep your little one cozy. The best baby brands offer a variety of fabrics, styles and sizes for all seasons. During the warmer months, opt for rompers that feature snaps or zippers to make it easy to change diapers and clothes. These outfits also come in a wide range of designs, from simple ruffles to floral prints that work for both girls and boys. For chilly weather, pick up a cute winter coat or a blanket-style sleeping bag (known as a “bundting sack”). You may also want to pick up some booties and sun hats to protect your baby from the elements. For special occasions, a cute dress is ideal. Look for a sweet little number with details like faux suspenders, bow ties and frills that mimic the look of a formal gown. Miniclasix offers options that are perfect for weddings, christenings and birthday parties, as well as everyday attire. Muslin is an excellent material for swaddles and sleepwear. It’s lightweight, soft and breathable, making it a good choice for summer outfits. However, it doesn’t provide as much insulation as other materials, so you may need to add more layers during the colder months. If you’re shopping for a luxury christening or newborn gift, Elegant Baby offers an array of tasteful outfits made with high-quality fabrics. The collection includes a selection of knit sweaters and cardigans, as well as dresses and pants. Some items are even designed with matching siblings’ outfits. A new baby needs a lot of clothes, but you don’t have to go overboard. A few key pieces should be enough for the first few months. Look for bodysuits that offer the one-and-done convenience of a matching outfit and have lap shoulders to prevent pulling up on the head. Newborn footie pajamas are another must-have that provide the comfort of a bodysuit with built-in feet. Some baby clothing is more gender-specific than others, but the majority of infants are not yet able to distinguish their own sexes. For that reason, it’s perfectly fine to buy gender neutral clothing. Whether you choose stretchy lace headbands adorned with flowers for girls or rugged denim headbands for boys, gender-neutral outfits are easy to find in stores and online.

Burial gowns are garments designed to be worn for the final dress of an individual. The choice of burial clothing is often a personal and sensitive one, and can be influenced by a number of factors including the individual’s cultural background, religious beliefs, and style preferences. In many cultures, the wearing of traditional cultural attire is a meaningful way to pay tribute to an individual’s heritage and honor their legacy. While there is no formal rule on what to wear at a funeral, it is common to choose clothes that are familiar to the deceased. Whether the attire is a well-fitting suit or a comfortable blouse and skirt or dress pants, choosing items that reflect the deceased’s personality and beliefs can help to comfort family and friends in the days following their loss. Most often, a simple and respectful white ensemble is chosen. The color white symbolizes purity and peace, and can help to comfort loved ones in their grief. For a more casual approach, soft pastel shades can also convey serenity and tranquility. In general, it is important to avoid too much patterned or brightly colored clothing, as this may be too overwhelming for loved ones. If the individual was young or had a premature death, special-designed burial gowns are available. These delicate gowns, reminiscent of smart night gowns or pyjamas, can be tailored for men and women, and are usually available in unisex options. They can be adorned with religious motifs for Catholic funerals, as well as other designs. The clothing choices made by the deceased’s parents can be especially difficult, as they will have no other opportunity to provide their baby with a proper garment for their final moments. For this reason, many families choose to make their own infant burial gowns for their little angels. This task can be incredibly daunting, but many resources are available to guide them through the process. Beverly Duckett of Whittle Springs, Tennessee, is one such resource. From her second-floor sewing room, Duckett creates exquisite gowns for tiny babies who never come home from the hospital. She also makes gowns for children who have died in the womb, and for infants who were never born. Choosing burial clothing can be a delicate and intimate experience. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to assist with this sensitive task. While the decision-making process can be challenging, it is also an opportunity to honor your loved one’s memory and celebrate their life. The seven prudent tips below can help you navigate the delicate process of selecting attire for your departed loved ones.

When the wedding is over, the guests have left, and you’ve returned from your honeymoon, the last thing you want to do is hang your perfect dress in your closet collecting dust. Luckily, there are many fun and meaningful ways to give your gown a second life. You can donate it to be made into stillborn babies’ burial gowns, pass it down to a family member, or have it remade into another heirloom. One great option is to donate your dress to a charity that helps brides who cannot afford to buy their dream dresses. Most local charities have wedding dress donation programs, and some even offer a professional cleaning for the gowns to help ensure they’re in good condition. In New York, there are several charities that will take your gown, including Angel Gowns of the Capital Region, which is an hour’s drive from Albany. The organization is a volunteer group of sewers who make burial gowns for families who have lost their children to be worn at their funerals. Donated wedding dresses are also used to make burial accessories, such as bonnets and blankets. Another option is to donate your dress to a thrift store that specializes in bridal or prom attire. The proceeds from the store go to a local cause, and some are even sold at a lower price than you might find in an actual bridal shop. Many stores also resell donated items like flower girl and ring pillow bags to make room in the boutique for more modern designs. Depending on the charity, you may need to contact them in advance and ask if your dress meets their criteria. Some may have specific rules about size or fabric type, and some will require that your dress be professionally cleaned before donating. If you do need to clean your dress before donating, it’s recommended that you use a reputable company like The Empty Box Company or have it professionally dry cleaned. While some people choose to save their gowns as keepsakes, others participate in the popular “destroy the dress” tradition by getting their photos taken swimming and playing in the mud in their wedding gowns. The truth is, most brides will never wear their dresses again and they’re just taking up space in their closets. It’s much better to give them away so that they can bring happiness and joy to someone else. Not only does donating your dress provide a new home for your gown, but it’s also good for the environment. Clothing that’s thrown away ends up in landfills, where it releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air. Keeping your old dress out of the trash helps reduce that impact, and it gives you more room in your closet for other items that you may need or want. While donating your gown can be a rewarding experience, it’s important to note that you shouldn’t donate anything to any charity during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC, some fabrics and items can develop mold if they’re not properly stored. This includes any items that were worn on your wedding day, such as the dress, veil, or shoes.