Our Story
Turn pieces of the past into carefully
handcrafted keepsakes for life.
It began with the passing of a friend’s father and a special request. The father had a favorite shirt that he always wore, and rather than give away that special piece of clothing and all the memories with it, we were asked to capture them by making a “memory pillow” out of some of his clothes. It was a beginning with no end, as requests poured in for us to create more memorial keepsakes out of the well-remembered fabrics of a loved one’s life. These items brought such joy and comfort to those who received them, and it became our heartfelt mission to turn pieces of the past into carefully hand-crafted keepsakes for life—making sure that your memory can be seen and felt in every stitch.
We know it’s impossible to hold a memory in your hands,
so we make it possible to forever hold a cherished keepsake close to your heart.
Who Are We?
Elroy
Elroy Pierce is founder and co-owner of APaDS, he has over 42 years of experience in apparel manufacturing, mostly with Oxford Industries, and Clemson Apparel Research (CAR). Through CAR’s association with the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), Elroy worked with commercial companies, military services, and the DLA on many projects. These projects provided best practice process improvements in manufacturing, engineering, supervision, garment costing, plant scheduling, plant layouts, process flow, and machine selection for sewing companies.
Darlene
Darlene Martin is senior pattern maker with 32 years’ experience. She worked for Gerber Childrenswear, Clemson Apparel Research, and Sample Specialist before helping to form APaDS. Her work includes the custom products for The Fabrics of Life, women’s and men’s apparel, children’s wear, commercial work for apparel and non-apparel items, military, and novelty items. She is equally trained in grading and marker making. Throughout her years in the apparel industry she has worked closely with cutting room managers, directors of manufacturing, and quality control personnel.
What Are The Fabrics of Life?
Keepsakes created from the fabrics of your life
Choose from a variety of memory keepsakes:
Bears, Pillows, Quilts, Ornaments, Shawls, Golf Head Covers, & Custom Orders
100% satisfaction guaranteed
We want you to cherish your keepsake as much as you cherish your memory. Because of this, if you are not 100% satisfied with your item, we will offer you a complete refund of your purchase.
Over 80 years of premium quality craftsmanship
Our skilled and highly experienced team has over 80 years of sewing experience and pride themselves on the high quality and care they bring to every stitch.
From order to home in two to four weeks
We offer the fastest turnaround time available for a memory product — in most cases four weeks or less your favorite memory fabric is turned into a forever keepsake.
* See terms and conditions, larger orders may take longer.