Hello Again!

Let me introduce myself, and tell you all about my range of Magical Memory items.

I'm Jo, founder of Sew Special Memory Bears & Keepsakes. I've been sewing and crafting for as long as I can remember (and probably a bit before that!), making all sorts from candles to collages, books to baskets, dolls to dresses and everything in between. I just love making things! I have a background in children's nursing, particularly Neonatal Intensive Care, where I have seen at first hand just how precious the mementos and reminders of milestones achieved, significant occasions and lost loved ones are. 

Sew Special Memory Bears & Keepsakes came about really during the pandemic, when my son finished his GCSEs and there was no prom, or any of the other celebrations of school life that usually take place at the end of years 6, 11 and 13. So, I decided to make a memory bear from his school uniform to mark the occasion. I had made one or two bears previously for friends from their children's out-grown baby clothes and really enjoyed it, so it was fun to try it with items of uniform. When it was finished, I posted a photo on social media and hey presto - lots of other people wanted one!

Since then, things have gradually expanded. Officially, I suppose I'm now one of the growing number of small business owners in the UK.  I hand make all keepsakes myself, in my studio, using wonderful patterns by Funky Friends Factory for all my Magical Memory Friends. My favourite part of these is when I finish sewing the head together and turn it the right way out. It's the first time I see each ones character and I get quite excited! They're all so different, even when a group are made from the same fabrics. These animals, as well as the keepsake cushions, are perfect to hug, and the blankets are like being wrapped in love.

Recently, I started working with local schools to regularly supply uniform bears for pupils, as well as teaming up with local funeral directors to bring comfort to grieving friends and relatives through Sew Special Memory Bears & Keepsakes. Occasionally, I get some free time and guess what I do? I make myself clothes or I garden - I'm always sewing or sowing!!

Thank you so much for visiting Sew Special Memory Bears & Keepsakes. Please take a look around - I'm sure you will find something here to bring your treasured memories flooding back.