Woman Turns Old Clothes Of Lost Loved Ones Into Memory Bears So People Can Hold Them Close Forever

These one-of-a-kind bears are lovingly crafted from the clothing of loved ones who have passed away.

Losing a loved one is tremendously difficult, and it’s natural to want to hang on to anything that reminds you of them.

Often, it’s their favorite piece of clothes that you’d like to retain and treasure forever. While nothing can bring them back, Mary MacInnes hopes to make things easier for anybody mourning a loss by converting scraps of fabric into memory bears! You may even pass a memory bear along to the next generation as a method to keep a person’s memory alive.

According to The Metro, these one-of-a-kind masterpieces are mostly constructed from the deceased’s favorite garments, but they can also incorporate jewels or ashes. Based on the individual who has passed away, each bear has its own distinct appearance. As a result, you may tailor it to the individual’s personality. You may even add a unique pocket on the back of the book where you can save letters or other treasured keepsakes. MacInnes spends around 6 hours putting the components together, where she designs, cuts, and sews the bear with care. Because stuffed bears have jointed legs and limbs, you may also personalize your bear by having it posture in any way you like. MacInnes allows for particular changes, although these come at an extra cost.

MacInnes studied fashion technology at Heriot-Watt University and was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the age of 16. The artist, who is now in her early twenties, began her stitching career in the bridal sector. Memory bears were not in her original intentions, but it appears that fate had other ideas. “She said,” she said “I produced my first memory bear as a favor for a friend five years ago and was often asked to make more, but I declined since I wanted to focus on education and a future in bridal design. I caved in to calls for bears, and after I put photographs on my website, the response was overwhelming – so I’m completely dedicated to manufacturing them right now.”

While the procedure might be physically hard, MacInnes said that it can also be emotionally draining. “Some days may be emotionally exhausting,” she said. “A 37-year-old dad recently pleaded with me to make bears for his two kids, ages 10 and 12, before Christmas. He insisted on paying in full and even offered me an additional £10 to send them to his daughters. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer and would not live to see Christmas. I sobbed the entire time I was cutting, sewing, and stuffing those two tiny bears “she said. Despite the challenges, MacInnes expressed gratitude for the possibilities, saying, “It is truly a joy to be invited to build something from people’s personal belongings.” “I like seeing their expressions take on personality, and I’m having the time of my life. When my clients come to collect bears, I have a lot of fun greeting them – around 80% of them cry. I believe this is because clothes arrive as tragic memories of the past, and then they are given new life. They become lot more acceptable to snuggle and chat to, and feedback indicates that they may absolutely aid in the mourning process “she continued.