selfhunter

When my mother passed away a few years ago I lined the top of the casket with part of a quilt and made a pillow case for the pillow under her head. They were buried with her.

Aurora

Sorry just had to correct a typo in my previous message. It was a life quilt not lift quilt. That's what I get for trying to type at 4:00 a.m.

lynnsim

This IS a very thought provoking subject. I think I'll start on my "life" quilt this week.

mash43quilter

There is a lady in out Quilt Guild that has done this. It is beautiful. She did it in different crosses. It is a sight to be seen. Her kids were not happy, but if that is what she wants that is her decision.

WMUTeach

My sister-in- law was a marvelous quilter and at the time of her passing we hung selected quilts about the room for the visitation and yes, one on the casket that was a particular favorite of hers. She had flowers also but that was to honor her love of roadside wild flowers.

The sanctuary of the church was also decorated with her quilts and still more were in the fellowship hall for the meal after the funeral service.

So many folks were surprised at the number of quilts she had completed and others brought quilts she had made for them to the church. Her body of work and gifts to others became her memorial.

I would make the quilt and let your family know of your desires.

Overlander

Our quilt group has made a hospice quilt that the home uses over the body of a loved one that has died when they are taken from their rooms to the morgue of funeral home. It is an awful thing to witness as a family member and we have had heartfelt thanks from the hospice nurses and families. It is much more dignified and the love involved is appreciated.

Bennie

My mother has made a quilt for each of her grandchildren and gives it to them as a wedding gift. When my nephew passed away, he was wrapped in his quilt and it went with him. When my DH passed away, I did not put flowers on his casket but instead items from his Corvette hobby such as club jacket, favorite hats, etc. Even had his Corvette at the visitation. Since his death, I have made a quilt from his shirts and now think it would be a great idea to have that draped over my casket instead of flowers. This board has given me so many ideas and I just love this one.

joycecil

I love this idea, but when you have a large family ,who gets the quilt.

munchkinmama

Great idea. I would much rather a quilt than a spray of flowers on my coffin. Thanks for bringing it up.

Gator

I think flowers are a total waste of money. Beautiful yes,but at todays prices, ugh. Put the money into donations. Anyway, I will have a flag draped over my coffin because I'm a veteran but I want my body snuggled in a homemade quilt, instead of "cheap" cold satin. The history of "coffin quilts" is amazing. They used quilts in past times. Did you know that they ran out of coffins during the "Battle of Gettysburg" and used donated quilts to wrap and bury the soldiers in. Morbid but very interesting to investigate.