How One Woman Turns Grief Into Handmade Keepsakes for the Bereaved

After losing her stillborn child, she stitches memories into tangible solace. Now, her work is redefining how we cope with the unthinkable.

, and Administrator

2025 December 2 . 7:01 AM

1 min read

In this image I can see memorials carved on the wall. Also there are flower bouquets.

How One Woman Turns Grief Into Handmade Keepsakes for the Bereaved

Alessia Argiolas transforms personal loss into support for others. After experiencing the death of her stillborn child and her father-in-law, she founded Heart & Stitch, a project that creates keepsakes from the clothing of lost loved ones. Her work aims to break the silence around grief and offer comfort to those navigating the stages of grief.

Argiolas began her journey by crafting personalised items like plush toys, keychains, and tokens from the garments of those who have died. These keepsakes help the bereaved hold onto memories in a tangible way. She describes her approach as weaving memories into daily life, making bereavement feel less overwhelming.

She also co-founded Luto, an organisation that promotes diversity in mourning culture. One of its key projects, the Comfort Box, includes hand-sewn keychains and candles to support grieving families, particularly those who have experienced the loss of a child. The initiative reflects her belief in a more inclusive and open approach to mourning.

Beyond her hands-on work, Argiolas speaks publicly about grief and memory. She has shared her mission at events like the Laughing in the Face of Death congress and the Bohana network, pushing for greater dialogue around loss. Her goal is simple: to shift the focus from sorrow to love, helping others find solace in their grief.

Through Heart & Stitch and Luto, Argiolas provides practical and emotional support to the bereaved. Her initiatives, from keepsakes to the Comfort Box, offer ways to honour lost loved ones. By encouraging open conversations, she continues to challenge the taboo surrounding grief and loss.