A friend recently started making memory bears. I had never heard of them and hers are so cute I just had to tell you about them.
Some of Kristine’s bears
She has made these using discarded clothing as well as yardage. She has also successfully used upholstery fabric for some different textures.
This bear was made from a flannel shirt
If you want to give it a try, here is the pattern she uses. It’s available from Studio Stitch. (If you don’t see it on their website, just phone them.)
If you want to know more, here is her contact information. I refer friends who want a memory bear to her, since making stuffed animals is not in my skill set!
Kristine Rimmey, kjrimmey@gmail.com
Next week I’ll tell you about a particularly spectacular memory bear she made from a wedding dress. Please stay tuned!
Zippy Quilts 
That’s a lovely idea, and the ones Kristine made are certainly adorable. I’ve seen these bears before, though often they’ve been made from old fur coats with sentimental value. Can’t say I, personally, would want a bear as a family keepsake, but it’s a nice thought for a child.
I didn’t know about making them from fur coats. I’ll have to tell Kristine!
In our family, there’s an unspoken rule that: ‘everybody needs a teddy bear’. This brings to mind when Ma was dying and baby bro brought her a special bear for her stay in ICU…I have some specially selected clothes of hers that I always thought I could make into a memory quilt (ugh to that as a project).
But a teddy bear would be right in line with a family tradition…plus someone else could make it since stuffed animals are also NOT in my skill (or patience) set!!!!
Thanks for the idea – and yes, I remember seeing a few of these on display when I visited Studio Stitch with you!
😉
She’s teaching a class on making them, though I still don’t think I will do it.
I’m with you!
These are indeed very cute!
Yes 🙂
I thought of your memory quilt post this week when I saw a YouTube video, where someone made small stuffed cat Christmas tree ornaments (from a person’s clothing) as a memory item. I thought that was a great idea, much less complicated than a quilt, and something that can be shared with lots of friends and family members.
Nice idea! I hadn’t heard of that one. Thanks 🙂
They are very cute. A friend of mine also makes them and fabric bears are somehow more special than their traditional cousins
Memory bears are an awesome idea (catching up on your posts in reverse order lol)!
I’m behind on blog reading and everything else—‘‘tis the season 😁