Bears

 It has been a while since I have written. I'm not sure where the time has gone. The last two years have been unusual to say the least. 

In my life I have been put in positions that I never expected to be. But they have always worked out for good. One of the most recent places is my job at the quilt shop. I love working there. It's hard not to buy all the fabric and bring it home. Many of the ladies I work with do longarm quilting on the side also. I thought it would be nice to someday do that too. But I don't have the skill they have.

 I had a customer call asking if anyone makes memory bears. I had asked everyone I worked with if they make them or know of anyone and there wasn't any one local who makes the bears.  I thought how hard could making a bear be?  I bought a pattern and 'borrowed' one of my husband's dress shirt and got to work. 

This bear is my first bear. He keeps me company in my sewing studio. 

My first customer bear was for a lady who lost her Mom. Her bear was made from her Mom's coat. The coat was quilted and had many seams. It was a challenge, but I am so happy with the results!

This bear's coat is made from the lining of the main coat with quilting fabric added to make the lining of the coat. I made a tiny teddy bear for this bear because I felt it needed a bear of it's own.  The ears and bottom of the feet are made from the collar of the coat on the bigger bear and ears on the tiny teddy.

I really try to use up as much as I can from each piece of clothing. The button on the big bear is from the main coat.  I was so nervous for my customer's reaction when I delivered her the bear and baby bear. My customer was so very happy. I felt I was meant to do this. 

Like I wrote in the beginning of this post. I am in a place now I never expected to be.  On a whim, I posted this picture of this bear on facebook saying I was now making memory bears. I never expected the response I got. I had so many people messaging me to make bears for them. It is an honor and a privledge to be given a loved one's clothing to cut up and make into bear. 

 Here are more bears I have made since my first bear.

This customer wanted four bears. I made little quilts out of each shirt so it would tie them together a bit.

Three of these bears were made from my customer's Mom's vest and jackets. She requested an apron on each bear. The fishing bear was made from her husband's work shirt.  I thought he needed a fishing hat to go with his fishing jacket. 

Each bear I make is special to me. This one is especially special to me. I had never made a fishing vest or hat before. Especially a small version of them. It took a dash of creativity but I am happy with the finshed product. The vest pockets are made from the plackets between the buttons. And the back pocket is made from a front pocket on front of the dress shirt.  I was given some real flys for fishing to give him a finishing touch. 

I wish I had taken a final picture of this little guy. I had a deadline to get him finished and forgot to take a final picture before I delivered him. He had a collar and buttons down his tummy. 

He turned out very cute. 

I hope in the future to make other animals for people too. But for now, I'm sticking with making bears. I have several more I am working on so I'll post them soon.  I can't say enough how much of a priviledge and an honor to be trusted with a departed loved ones clothing. I hope by cuddling one of the bears, it helps people to heal and gives them comfort in their grief. 

If you would like a bear, please contact me at caringheartcreations22@gmail.com

This post is in honor and memory of my Mom. She encouraged me to be creative and use my imagination.

 May she rest in peace. I love and miss you. 

 6-16-1943

12-21-2021