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Memory Bears and Quilts
There are some fabrics which will always have a special meaning for you and, for that reason, they are just too hard to let go. Perhaps you cannot bear the thought of your wedding dress being in a box in the loft, and yet you cannot part with it. You may have kept some of the favourite clothes of a loved one. Shirts perhaps, even a cushion, a curtain, an apron. Your baby’s first clothes.
A bear is a wonderful heirloom to be cherished for ever and then handed down the generations. Your bear can sit on your ottoman or shelf and smile at you every day, keeping special memories close.
It doesn’t have to be a bear. Rabbits, cushions, quilts. I’m happy to discuss other creative ideas for your treasured fabric.
For more ideas, see my Gallery page
It was a very emotional moment handing over this bear to Emily as it was cut from her own wedding dress and utilised beading, buttons and jewellery. It now has pride of place in her home. Jointed wedding dress bear with beaded appliqué. From £200
Special requests for this bear, made from a grandmother's treasured towelling robe, were short arms and legs and a particularly round tummy as well as an embroidered 'a' on one foot.
I was asked to make two bears for Mother and Daughter from Dad’s signature sweatshirts after he passed away. The two bears were identical, but mirror image…and one with a green nose and one with a blue nose.
A request for two bears came with two monogrammed formal shirts. My creative take was the tiny collars and cuffs, making use of the very personal details.
9 special t-shirts were saved and made up into this heartwarming quilt, backed with a blanket. Keeping precious memories close.
This little bear, sitting 7" tall, is made from polar white fleece with soft pastel pinks and a ribbon from the loved one's sewing box. What a lovely way to display a treasured piece of jewellery. So many memories wrapped into one.
Small bears from £90.
'Blue tie bear' was a special make and a great way to upcycle fabrics or clothing.
Please contact me for more details. Large fully jointed bears from £120.
This lovely bear is made from 3 tartan shirts in memory of a much loved father and husband.
This bear was all about the personalised details on t-shirts and a tiny denim jacket was made from a denim shirt. The bear was made in time to travel to my client's wedding, making it feel as if Dad was with her on her big day.
A bed runner or baby’s quilt adds a real touch of luxury to a bedroom and is a beautiful way to cherish a wedding dress which might otherwise be out of sight. Price on application.
The way I use your fabrics in your quilt or bear evolves from the shapes or patterns in the fabric itself, to showcase the fabric to best advantage.
After making a Christening gown from Nanna's wedding dress (see Occasion Wear), the leftover silk and lace, buttons and bows have been used to make these two tiny bears.
Suzie loved her jacket but just didn’t wear it any more. Jointed Bears in a single fabric from £120
A variation on a memory quilt.
Calvin & Hobbes hold fond memories for the owner of this oversized duvet, but it was unusable. It has been resized for a standard double bed and given structure and support by layering and quilting.
I was asked if I could make a number of small toys from a little boy's shirt that was nearly 60 years old. These charming tortoises were the result and some of them are now in the southern hemisphere with children and grandchildren. Making these made me smile so much!
See the evolution from shirt to toys in the Gallery
A sentimental Christmas
A very well loved onesie has been saved and remade into a cushion
Two complimentary cushions from two shirts. I added a contrast colour for piping, and the shirt cuffs were appliquéd onto the back.
A family of 4 beautiful memory bears from 5 tartan shirts, using 3 fabrics in each bear. Each bear is unique but they clearly share a strong family bond. In memory of a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
Two gorgeous little bears from winter jumpers, carefully using parts of a snowflake design from a favourite fleece. I used the ribbed edge from the jumper to make little scarves.
A bear to be treasured made from the favourite nightie of a much missed sister.
Meet Hareton Hare. He is made in a plain calico here, but can be made in your precious fabrics. £80
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I can make a lovely doggie tribute / memory dog out of your best friend's old blanket.
Please contact me to discuss your doggie tribute. £32
Contact Me
The Sewing Room, Mill House, Mill Lane, Gedney Hill
Lincolnshire, PE12 0PW
Tel: 07780 964803
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