Those tiny first outfits can be surprisingly difficult to part with.
Babies grow so quickly that favourite little clothes are soon packed into boxes and put away — yet years later they can bring back incredibly vivid memories of those early days.
Having treasured baby clothes made into a memory bear is a lovely way of bringing some of those pieces back out of the box and turning them into a keepsake that can remain in the family.
Which baby clothes can be used?
Suitable fabrics can be incorporated into a memory bear, and several different garments or fabrics can sometimes be combined in one design.
Colours, patterns, embroidery, little pockets and other details can all provide inspiration when I am deciding how to position the fabrics.
Not every fabric is suitable for bear making, so I am always happy to discuss the clothing with you before anything is sent to me.
Creating something completely individual
Every Minster Lovell memory bear is individually handmade by me in my shepherd’s hut workshop in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
Before cutting the clothing, I spend time considering where each fabric will work best. If there is a particularly meaningful feature, I will always consider whether it can become part of the finished design.
A name, initials or significant date can also be hand embroidered onto the bear if requested.
The result is something completely personal because your bear couldn't be recreated from anybody else's clothing.
From a box of clothes to a family keepsake
A baby-clothes memory bear can mark the arrival of a child, celebrate their early years or simply provide a way of keeping those favourite fabrics rather than leaving them packed away.
It can also make a very personal gift from a parent or grandparent, particularly for a milestone birthday when those tiny clothes have been kept for many years.
Instead of opening a box occasionally and remembering how small they once were, some of those special fabrics can become a handmade bear that tells part of their story.
If you have treasured baby clothes that you would like to turn into a Minster Lovell Memory Bear, please contact me to discuss which fabrics would be suitable.