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

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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.

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.

9 special t-shirts were saved and made up into this heartwarming quilt, backed with a blanket. Keeping precious memories close.

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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, 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. Collar parts and small areas of wear and tear were strategically placed on feet and tails and the buttonholes were used for mouths. These made me smile so much!
See the evolution from shirt to toys on my facebook page

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

Meet Hareton Hare. He is made in a plain calico here, but can be made in your precious fabrics. £80

Contact Me

The Sewing Room, Mill House, Mill Lane, Gedney Hill

Lincolnshire, PE12 0PW

Tel: 07780 964803