The latest fruits of our labor

We have been busy filling the space opened up by several recent shipments to our clients.  Seeing the results of our labor is certainly the reward for all the hours we work!

As you may be aware, we process the transformation from donated dress to Angel item in a specific way:

A donated dress is deconstructed and cut into blanks (basic pattern pieces) and marked with the donator's name, if provided.  When possible, the placement of existing embellishments on the dress are considered when cutting the patterns.  The blanks are then packaged and stored until the sewing starts.

From dress donated by Leslie Eurton

When ready to sew, a few blanks are pulled from several different batches to be embellished and completed, still with the donator's names attached.  We are generally able to complete Angel items entirely from the same dress, as shown above, or from multiple dresses donated by the same person, and we identify them as such in our photos.

Lavender gown from dress donated by Sherri Theim

However, we sometimes receive dresses that are amazing in their simplicity but do not include embellishments sufficient for completion of the Angel items cut from the dress.  Our process allows each donated dress to be used to its best advantage as the blanks from one dress containing little or no embellishment can be combined with embellishments from a dress that had some to share or with trims that were purchased or donated as yardage.

from dress donated by Kathy Slorah

In this manner, we are able to maintain a variety of styles, embellishments, and colors to send to our clients in respectful anticipation of meeting the emotional needs of grieving parents.

We feel this process also allows us to do the very best for the Angels and for our seamstresses, allowing them to better incorporate a bit of their own creativity in their work.

Our decision to include color in our Angel items has been met with positive reactions and we will continue to incorporate pastels into some of our gowns and stronger colors for trim and vests on the boy gowns.

As a point of reference, we estimate that it took over 30 working hours to do just the seven outfits in the photo below.

I am thrilled to announce that a total of 35 sets were completed this month!!  

We are always in need of a person or group to sponsor the shipping costs as we get ready to mail the Angel items to our clients.

We also continue to look for additional clients (hospitals, birthing centers, and mortuaries) to supply with our Angel items.  Referrals are appreciated so if you know of a hospital or mortuary that could use our services, please let us know!

We are still unable open up to donations as our storage area is full and spilling over.  We continue to receive dresses from those who had previously recorded our shipping information so we have not been able to reduce our storage of dresses as quickly as we had anticipated.  We thank each and every one of you for your patience and for supporting us in our journey...  for the Angels.

Eileen O'Connell Swanner donated her beautiful gown and wrote the following:   

"I’m writing this to share if any Bride would like to donate her used wedding gown to help many angels. I think Ron and I would have been amazing parents if we had the blessing to have children. I know it’s not a topic that people want to discuss but it’s important for others to know how powerful grief can be for couples when unable to have children wanted more than words can express. People have said to me “You’re so lucky to have your freedom or Kids are exhausting” and yet I would give it up in a second for the unconditional love and life experience with a child of our own and be called Mom. We realize a child is not able to happen in this lifetime and just do our best to help others as our calling in life.

We are beyond thankful to our family and friends who have allowed us to be a part of your child(ren) lives. You have no idea how this fills our hearts. You all know who you are and will be forever thankful letting us love your children and be such a big part of their lives and yours. This has shaped our marriage with the laughter and love of all the kids we know and adore. Children are so precious and we would be lost without their innocent souls, giggles and lessons helping us learn.

This is the most loving thing I can do with my magical wedding gown. I have decided to donate my gown to “Angel Gowns by Jacki”. This has been a very spiritual & emotional decision for me providing my gown to make several angel gowns for babies that were unable to live life on this earth. To be able to bring comfort and love to so many little angels and their parents is the best decision I can make instead of keeping my dress just because I didn’t want to let go. This fills me with so much love and warmth to help these angels be laid to rest in a peaceful, beautiful outfit. Angel Gowns have various seamstresses all over the United States, Ireland and Canada making these FREE angel girls and boys outfits for their parents. 

My gown is in memory of all and my angel babies especially for those I know personally who know this loss first hand. I hope that this will inspire others to consider donating your used gowns to continue to help this organization carry on comforting parents with their unimaginable grief. 

Goodbye my gown and help little angels fly up to Heaven, the most peaceful place I can imagine. xoxo"

This is why I do what I do.  There is nothing more that I could possibly add.

Eileen's dress will be transformed into many outfits for those that are Too Soon An Angel.