a couple of months ago i received a message through my shop asking for a custom order. the request was for a handful of diaper clutch size bags made from custom material — her dad’s old work shirts. i loved the story behind these clutches so much that i got permission to share it with you here on the blog!!
♥ ♥ ♥
when i first connected with cyndi through our etsy conversations & she told me the story behind her request, i was overwhelmed with excitement to make these bags for her. she told me that her father had passed away two years ago. as she was going through some of his old belongings with her mother & sister, she secretly stashed away a few of his old work shirts without their knowing to save for this secret project.
after figuring out all the logistics for the order, she mailed me her dad’s blue seersucker work shirts so i could get started on her order.
i was able to cut out four clutches for this project — three for cyndi, her mom & her sister plus a mini clutch for cyndi’s daughter [♥]. the material was so soft & gently worn…. such a testament to a man working hard for his family! i also had more than enough fabric left over & was able to make four pretty market flowers to match the bags as a surprise for cyndi & her family.
cyndi said her dad’s favorite color was yellow, so we decided on this pretty floral print for the trim on the outside of the clutches. yellow as yet another small tribute to her father, but with a feminine touch for the purses. the soft blue seersucker fabric from the shirts matched so well with this pale yellow floral print — such a gorgeous pairing!
my favorite feature for these bags was the lining inside — harley davidson fabric!!! the purse is so unsuspecting of this fun interior, so it’s a great surprise when you unzip the bag to find this black & orange print in all it’s harley glory :] she had told me that her dad LOVED motorcycles, especially harleys, so this surprise addition to the bags was obviously a no-brainer.
in an email cyndi sent me this past week, she said, “thanks again so much for making them for me. i am enjoying getting to carry a fond memory of my dad around with me.” there are so many benefits to doing what i love for a living. but custom orders like this really are the icing on the cake. i love the amount of love, personality & character in these requests from customers [who are really just new friends!!]. this will be one of my favorite orders for a long time, i’m sure.
be sure to check out cyndi’s blog here!!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh my goodness, how touchingly sweet! To be able to make something like that for someone, I can’t even begin to imagine the pride it must fill you with! Thanks for sharing this story! So uplifting!
How awesome are you? That is so sweet and something they will have as a lovely reminder of their father-son-grandfather.
Your wonderful for making those.
This is such a sweet story ! And how sweet of you to add the detail of the Harley fabric ! I would have loved to see her face upon opening them !!! I love reading your blog because of all the precious stories !!! <3
Great post April!! This was such an awesome and unique way for her to remember her dad!!
And they look beautiful as always!!
What a great idea that Cyndi had and you were able to help her out with her surprise. A great memory of her dad indeed. I remember my dad wearing blue and white striped overalls, as he was a farmer. I think the only piece of clothing I have of his is a cardigan I’d bought him while we were in England. He always called sweaters like that a jumper!
Take care! Good job, by the way!
That is one of the most touching stories…pregnancy hormones + this story= sobbing uncontrollably…such a neat idea to be able to hold onto someone so special!