Magical Memory Friends come in many shapes, although bears continue to be the most popular. Other possibilities include lions, cats, dogs, bunnies and elephants, but this is not an exhaustive list. If you have a different idea, please get in touch - I love working with clients to create their perfect bespoke keepsake.
Let me tell you about these very special keepsakes. The bears, bunnies and elephants pictured above are approximately 12" high (about the length of a standard ruler). The other animals vary in size depending on the position they're in, ie. whether they are seated, standing or lying down. All can be made from almost any fabric, from one item of clothing up to as many as you would like included. However, as a guide, if you're looking for a multicoloured Magical Memory Friend, three to eight different pieces work well. Please note, fabric doesn't have to be from clothing - I have used shopping bags before, and also made one bear with fabric from a sofa! Please discuss with me first if you are including these type of materials, as some are very thick or may not be suitable for sewing.
Clothing items can be posted or delivered to Sew Special Memory Bears & Keepsakes. These keepsake friends then take between four and six weeks to complete (for a single item) from receipt of fabrics. I use at least one piece from every fabric you send me, & all scraps are given to my local charity shop for them to recycle & earn vital funds from. If you would rather I return unused pieces of fabric to you, please let me know. Finished orders are then posted via Royal Mail or can be collected by arrangement.
For convenience, Magical Memory Friends are divided into the following three categories. Scroll down for even more information.
This category includes any Magical Memory Friend that is made in honour of a person or occasion. This could be for any reason you can think of, such as to remember a loved one or pet, commemorate a wedding or other life event, or save a collection of precious baby clothes.
These Magical Memory Friends are made from school or other uniform. Anything from hospital scrubs to scout shirts, company polo shirts to armed services uniform. A great retirement or school leaver's gift.
If the animal you'd like for your keepsake isn't included in either of the previous two categories, it will be a bespoke order. Weighted Magical Memory Friends (AKA Birthweight Bears) also come into this category. Please contact me to discuss your ideas and requirements.
There are so many times when a Magical Memory Friend can bring comfort, smiles and treasured remembrances to mind.
From L-R:
top row - pretty blouses from a beloved grandmother; colourful clothing from a sadly missed father; a shirt from a deeply mourned daughter.
middle - smart cap , collar & tie (extra charges apply) finish off this bear made from two gentlemen's shirts.
bottom row - a treasured dressing gown makes a lovely soft bear; babygros make great bears; part of a collection of bears made from a beloved mother's colourful outfits.
As you can see, these Magical Memory Friends are a great way to show off school clothes or other uniform, rather than keeping it all stashed away in a cupboard or loft!
Bespoke Magical Memory Friends are those that are slightly out of the ordinary - either they are made to order animals, they are weighted (to mark a birthweight), or there are little extras added, such as clothing.
There are many ways to personalise your Magical Memory Friend with little extra details. These might include (but are not limited to):
Many of these personalisations are available to add to your keepsake in the EXTRAS section of my shop, but if you would like something that isn't listed, please contact me.
