TBT's First Memory Bears!

Memory Bears

I began creating Memory Bears in 1993, the first two as a gift for a friend who had asked me to make her Country/Western wedding dress and an outfit for her soon-to-be Mother-in-law. Because I love working with fabrics and find uses for scraps, I turned the leftover fabrics into keepsakes for my friend and her Mother-in-law.

Why bears? Teddy Bears have always been associated with warmth, security, love, comfort and treasured memories.

Since 1993, I've created over a thousand Memory Bears for people as gifts or as special touches for home decor charm. Customers brought in fabrics that matched their décor, children's clothing, old jeans that didn't fit but were still useable, kitchen curtains, linens and other such goods which were recycled into keepsake bears.

Soon, requests to create bears from clothing of deceased loved ones found me cutting up flannel shirts worn by dads and grandfathers, favorite blouses or dresses worn by moms and grandmas, fine gauge sweaters worn by nephews and even robes, sweatshirts and light weight jackets worn by loved ones. These bears are made from only the fabrics supplied by the customer, with snips of the scraps added to the stuffing. Buttons from the clothing are used for the bear's eyes. The only extra added is a nose, which is cut from Ultra Suede. A satin ribbon is added upon request.

Here's a close up of the embroidery we stitched on this bear. We can embroider a sentiment on most bears, for a nominal extra charge.

For this treasured Memory Bear, we've used not only the shirt, but also the patch from the firefighter's shirt, which was hand stitched to the front of the bear. For many months following 9/11, many fire and police bears were made to comfort the families of fallen heroes.

We also make bears from camouflage fabric to honor our heroes who serve our country. They are embroidered with the text Army, Navy, Air Force or USMC at no extra charge. Although this bear doesn't illustrate the added touch, we attach a flag pin to the center of the bow around the bear's neck.

We can also attach small size patches, stripes or emblems provided they are sent along with your order.

Quest for the Cure Bears

Many of our lives have been touched by someone who has either lost their battle with cancer or is fighting this disease. We have heard from countless people who have received our bears as a gift of love, and about how much comfort they provide.

For a limited time, we can create your bear using the 'Quest for the Cure' fabric. When considering the fabric choice - white or pink background - please give us a call and we can confirm the availability. And for each bear sold, we will be donating $10.00 to the Relay for Life (McHenry, Illinois chapter).

Creating Your Custom Memory Bear

If you have fabrics, whether from home decor projects, old but useable clothing, Christening or Baptismal outfits, linens or clothing from a deceased loved one, why not turn them into a Memory Bear. Please be sure the fabrics or clothing is clean, as we do not launder the garments or fabrics before they are used for the bear. The bears are 18” tall, so they require at least a medium, long sleeved or large/extra large short sleeved shirt. Should you desire a bear made from a plaid flannel shirt, it needs to be large/extra large, with no worn spots or stains. If you wish the inner ears and paws in a contrasting fabric, please let us know if you need a fabric to work with your own. Any scraps not added to the stuffing that are left over will be returned to you. We can also embroider a name, date or message on the bear for a nominal fee.

We stuff our bears, generously, with a non-allergenic polyester fiberfill, so that the bear has a full huggable body, without being overstuffed. The bears can be machine washed in a gentle cycle and machine dried on either a delicate or low, permanent press setting.

If you would like a Memory Bear to match your decor or to give as a gift, and don't have access to fabrics, just let us know what you'd like. We'll work with you to create a custom bear for you or as a special and ”memorable” gift!

So, keep the memory of your loved one alive in a quality made Memory Bear that you can treasure. Contact us to discuss fabrics and request a quote.