Memory Bears

16 December
Bears made from clothing

Here is a stack of purple t-shirts...


No... I didn't buy new clothes... I wouldn't buy purple for one thing... not one of my favorite colors when it comes to clothes anyway!

I got them from a lady at work...

She got my name from another lady at work who got my name from another lady at work...

I've sort of created a name for myself as the person who makes memory bears out of old clothing.

What's a memory bear you ask? Well, when someone loses a loved one they often inherit a lot of old clothes from said loved one... many of these clothes hold memories for the person in mourning... they can remember their loved one wearing the clothes, they can smell their loved one on the clothes... (or their choice of laundry detergent most likely but still, it evokes memories).

But the clothes won't fit them or they wouldn't ever wear them anyway.

Sooo... they give them to me and I make a special teddy bear for them out of the clothes.


In this case it was 3 bears and a bunny!


One shirt had embroidery so I used that for the paw pads, inside the ears, and in this case the bunny's tummy.


The shirts were all purple but different shades of purple.


Some were stretchier than others too so even though I used the exact same pattern for each one they all develop their own little personalities.


This little tie dyed guy is my favorite :)


They are each button jointed.


And they each got a little bow around their neck.


Here is a shot of me adding the nose to one... see how it's like he's looking at me? He already has a little personality.

Adding the face is my favorite part of making teddy bears...


All lined up in a row and holding hands!


In this side shot you can really see how different they each turn out... some are fatter, some skinny, some have longer noses too!

I'm taking them to work tomorrow to give to her. Sometimes people cry... then I cry... cause I'm a baby like that and if anyone else cries then I do too :)


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  1. Sooooo cute! I see a sob fest in your future!

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  2. What an amazing thing to do. I have a shirt of my Dad's that I would love to have made into a memory bear. You will cry today I'm sure and it's with so much love.
    hugs,
    Linda

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  3. This is wonderful thing you do for the grieving. I cried as I read your post. The Bears are adorable!

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  4. Precious work! I love them all! Linda@Wetcreek Blog

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  5. I have heard of memory bears and yours are adorable. Each one definitely has it's own personality. What a wonderful way to remember a special person and who doesn't love a teddy bear (or bunny). The recipient is going to be thrilled and I'm sure there will be a tear or two.

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  6. What a generous way to give of your talents. Adorable stuffies.

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  7. Such a wonderful thing! All the teddies are so cute. It's funny how they all look so different. Just like people I suppose! I'm sure the lady will love them. I cry when others cry too. Heck, I cry over sappy commercials. LOL! It's party day for my kinders Thursday and then my work party that evening and one day left until I have 2 weeks off! So ready!!! I know you are too!

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  8. Hi Tania, just catching up on my blog reading now that the holidays are over...
    Oh my gosh, I have seen your bears on your blog before and love them so, you really have a special talent for making them - they are so amazing! I had never heard of a memory bear made out of clothing before now...and love the concept! So, so special!
    Hugs, Kimberley

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