When my friend came round with the garden cushions for recovering, she asked me about the other things I sewed, and we got to talking about Memory Bears. I showed her pictures of some of the ones I've made in the last 3 years. "Oh I wish I'd known sooner" she said - and explained that her Dad died four years ago.
She'd passed on all his clothes to charity "and I could have kept back some shirts for a bear..." But she had been unable to part with his two Regatta bodywarmers. They were his signature garment - she kept in a drawer, and couldn't bring herself to part with them. I said that I was happy to look at them and see if they were suitable, and if there was enough fabric.
She gave me the fleece garments, one grey, one brown. I had to rethink my pattern [usually I have 4 fabrics] I decided to make one brown bear, with grey paws, ears and face - and the other in the opposite colourway. The fabric was lovely to work with [but took a while to prepare, as there was a lot of topstitching to unpick]
When finished, I had two more decisions - what should I use for the back packs - there was little fleece left and it was unsuitable anyway. I used some of M's old garden seat cushions, which worked well. I also re-used the elastic from the bottom of the bodywarmers, and put tone Regatta tag on each bear, and a second n each backpack. Bob suggested that rather than my usual 'final flourish' [a large bow with tails] I should perhaps make dapper little bow ties. An inspired suggestion. We delivered the bears over the weekend- and she was truly thrilled with them. And someone else has just delivered her late father's shirts...it's a good job that I truly enjoy making these memories!
Those bears are so sweet!
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DeleteLove the bears, I think I prefer them with two colour faces.
ReplyDeleteIt worked well I think
DeleteThey look really cute, Angela. I'm sure they are much appreciated.
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DeleteI think I like those two best of any you have posted. What a lot of work to get two bears from the bodywarmers. Did you draft the pattern yourself or is it available to buy? I would love to make one for my daughter as a gift for Christmas. Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt is a free internet pattern (Google How Joyful Bear) Allow at least 8 hours! Email me if you decide to do it, I'll send you my tips!
DeleteWhat wonderful keepsakes. You are very clever.
ReplyDeleteIt's not too difficult, they are lovely keepsakes
DeleteAdorable. How clever of you. Brilliant, I dare say.
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DeleteBeautiful, and yes those bow ties just set the handsome bears off perfectly.
ReplyDeleteThe black & white ribbon works well
DeleteOh Ang, they are lovely!!! The fleece will be lovely to touch!
ReplyDeleteIt is very soft! [guessing that's your comment, Kezzie!]
DeleteHow did you know it was me???? Is it the over-effusive punctuation????😁
DeleteSuch a great idea! I wish I had some of my folks things, I would have you make me bears but alas, I donated everything.
ReplyDeleteI am glad the clothes have gone to bless others - but you still have the memories in your heart
DeleteThey look lovely, and I'm sure will be much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad's been gone since 1988, and there was no thought of 'memory bears' or anything of that ilk then.
However, if I want a memory of my Dad, I just look in the mirror, I'm a clone of him, apart from the large beard. Come to think of it, I'm even starting to discover the occasional hair on my chin, so given time, even the beard may appear!
TeeHee - It is surprising how we often grow to look like other family members- I see my Mum in the mirror sometimes - and my brother reminds me so much of Grandad [who died a month before A. was born]
DeleteThey worked out beautifully and your friend will enjoy them more than the garments stuffed away in a drawer. I love the bow ties.
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DeleteInspired and do cherished!! Cute, too!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
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