Grab a cuppa and get comfy, because I’m about to tell you!
It all started when my cousin asked if I could transform her grandmother’s suit into a memory bear. I was thrilled! Making these bears is incredibly rewarding; seeing the joy they bring people is truly special (though I confess, I sometimes get a little attached to them myself!).
My cousin loved her bear so much that she asked for another for her mum, using the remaining fabric. Each bear had its own unique personality, offering a deeply meaningful connection to their grandmother. When I shared a photo on social media, I was flooded with requests from family and friends. Everyone adored them, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to create something so meaningful for others.
Creating Your Memory Bear
Now comes the trickiest part: deciding which cherished clothes to send! We all have those boxes of old garments tucked away, and the thought of unearthing them can feel like a huge task. But imagine this: instead of those special memories being buried, they’ll be beautifully displayed, bringing back feelings from a specific moment, a wonderful holiday, or the embrace of someone you miss.
For me, finding the clothes is truly the hardest step. I speak from experience—I recently found the courage to make another bear for myself from my dad’s cardigan, after he passed away. It was tough, but incredibly worthwhile.
Now for the true magic – the ‘Loved & Cherished magic! I carefully lay out the clothes, envisioning how each piece will contribute to the final bear. This is a process I don’t take lightly; sometimes I’ll ponder for hours, picturing the completed bear in my mind’s eye.
Once the design is set, I begin by cutting out the pattern for your bear or animal. Then, I attach interfacing – a sturdy material that adds structure and prevents stretching, ensuring your bear sits beautifully when finished. The interfacing is ironed onto your fabric, creating a supportive backing. Finally, the pieces are pinned and sewn together, either by machine or hand, bringing your cherished memory bear to life.
Next, it’s time to stuff! And I don’t hold back. Each bear is generously filled with high-quality, fire-retardant toy stuffing. I make sure every “nook and cranny” is packed, bringing all the features to life and giving them a lovely, plump belly! Finally, the arms, legs, and head are securely sewn to the body, and there you have it: a beautiful, cherished keepsake bear!
“Because someone we love is in heaven, we have a little bit of heaven in our home.”
Last but not least, your bear is lovingly wrapped and sent back to its forever home, ready for you to have and to hold for a lifetime.
So, there you have it! You’ve had a sneak peek behind the scenes at Loved & Cherished and learned how I create your Memory Bears. I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing the process. Thank you for reading, and if you have any questions, please leave a comment or email me here.
Love, Mandy x
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of what a Memory Bear is, what’s next? That’s easy—simply click here to place your order!
