From clothing to keepsake
How Memory Bears Are Made ♡
Every garment is treated individually, with attention to its fabric, details and the memories you want preserved.
From Clothing to a Handmade Keepsake
Many people ask me what happens when a garment is turned into a keepsake.
Here’s how I work, step by step.
1. A conversation and choosing the clothing
It all starts with a conversation. It starts with a conversation. You tell me about
the clothing that holds sentimental value for you such as shirts, dresses,
jumpers, pyjamas or ties. Together, we decide whether you would like a bear,
cushion or blanket and which details, such as buttons, pockets, labels or particular
patterns, should be preserved.
2. Assessing the fabric
I treat every fabric individually. I check its thickness, stretch and condition
so that I can choose the right sewing technique while preserving the character
of the original garment.
3. Design and pattern-cutting
At this stage, I plan where each piece of fabric will be placed for example,
a favourite shirt pocket may become a feature on a bear, or a name label may be
incorporated into a cushion.
4. Hand-sewing
Every keepsake is made with close attention to detail, often hand-finished in key areas
to keep it soft and comfortable while remaining sturdy for years to come.
5. Final touches
Finally, I take care of every detail stuffing, edge finishing, and any extras such as
embroidery, ribbon, or a button from the original garment. Your finished keepsake
is then ready to be treasured for years to come.
Would you like to turn a loved one’s clothing into a one-of-a-kind keepsake? Get in touch
I’ll be happy to advise you on what will work best.
How Much Clothing Do You Need for a Memory Keepsake? ♡
“How many items of clothing do I need to send?” is one of the questions customers ask most often. The answer depends on the keepsake, its size and the type of clothing being used.
The guide below explains the minimum number of garments usually required for a memory bear, cushion or blanket. Sending one or two additional garments, where possible, gives me more choice when arranging colours, patterns and meaningful details.
How Much Clothing Is Needed for a Memory Bear?
| Clothing type | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Children’s clothing | 8 items |
| Adult clothing | 1 medium-sized, regular-fit shirt |
Memory bears use relatively small pattern pieces, so one medium-sized adult shirt will often provide enough fabric. However, an additional garment in a different colour, texture or pattern is recommended where available. It may be used to add contrast to the paws, ears or other selected details.
How Much Clothing Is Needed for a Memory Cushion?
The amount of clothing needed for a memory cushion depends on its size, the number of patches and whether fabric is required for one or both sides. Please contact me with details of the garments you have, and I will advise you before anything is sent.
How Much Clothing Is Needed for a Memory Blanket?
| Blanket size | Squares | Children’s clothing | Adult clothing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lap Size (Small) | 30 | 15 items | 5 items |
| Cot Size (Standard) | 42 | 21 items | 8 items |
| Cot Bed Size (Large) | 63 | 33 items | 12 items |
These quantities are the minimum usually required. Each finished square measures approximately 6″ × 6″. If possible, include a few additional garments to provide more flexibility when arranging the colours, patterns and placement of each square.
Can Socks, Bibs and Hats Be Used?
Small items such as socks, bibs and hats may not provide enough fabric to form the main part of a keepsake, but they can sometimes be incorporated as accent details. Depending on the material and design, they may become a small patch, bow or decorative feature.
Not Sure Whether You Have Enough Clothing?
Every collection of clothing is different. If you are unsure whether your garments are suitable or whether you have enough fabric, please get in touch before placing your order. I will be happy to look at what you have and advise you on the best option.