On request, I created this farewell shroud using hand-painted silk felted with Merino wool. A personal design, inspired by my client’s cherished rosary.
Some time ago, a visitor to my shop asked me if I could create a farewell shroud for her. It wasn’t urgent, but she wanted to prepare for her departure in her own way. Being buried in a shroud was one of her wishes.
During our first conversation, it became clear that her rosary had always been a great source of comfort. She showed me a very special rosary, handcrafted by nuns, with flowers and leaves on each bead. This became the inspiration for the design.
Every shroud I make is entirely custom and tailored to the client’s wishes. Since the felting process causes about 20–25% shrinkage and the rosary image needed to be perfectly positioned at the front when folded, I began by creating a full-size design on the computer.
My client wanted warm, vivid colors. I painted the front in golden yellow tones, with the rosary in blue, pink/red, and green. Large pink roses – her favorite flower – were added along with green stems and leaves.
The colors transition beautifully from yellow to orange and then to pink. In the pink section, I painted large flowers as well. It started with seven meters of hand-painted silk, which I felted with soft Merino wool. After felting, two pieces if felt remained, each measuring 300 x 100 cm. These were sewn together into a spacious shroud of 300 x 200 cm – supple, strong, and with a lovely silk sheen.
When folded, the yellow front with the rosary overlaps the pink part, leaving a strip of pink visible. This connects beautifully with the roses in the design.
I used a soft ochre yellow Merino wool for the felting, which harmonizes beautifully with the painted yellow and pink silk.
My client has picked up her shroud and is very happy with it. It’s always special to create such meaningful, personal pieces – for me, these are the most fulfilling commissions.
