3. Tell me more about Memory Bears

Memory or Couture

• Standard woman’s blouse – Two 12″ – 14″ bears
• Standard men’s shirt – Two 12″ – 14″ bears
• Standard pair of pants – Two 12″ – 14″ bears
• Full length bathrobe – Four to six 14″ bears or Two or three 16″ bears
• Standard small shoulder stole – Two 9″ – 12″ bears
• Larger stole or small jacket – Two 14″ bears or One 16″ bear
• Hip length jacket or coat – Three to four 12″ – 14″ bears or two 16″ – 18″ bears
• Full length coat – Five to six 12″ – 14″ bears, three 16″ bears, or two 18″ bears

I have four different patterns in a range of sizes that I use, jointed & not jointed. If there is not enough fabric to make the amount of bears you are wanting, I may be able to adjust the pattern size smaller to accommodate, but no smaller than 9″ high.

Different types of furs are Mink, Muskrat, Beaver, Squirrel, Weasel, Opossum, Persian Lamb, Rabbit, Mouton, Seal, Silver Fox, & Raccoon. Different furs handle differently, but I do not suggest long hair fur for smaller bears.

Can you make duplicate Memory Bears?

Different fabrics can be combined to make bears with a quilted or patchwork look, giving several bears the same appearance. An old quilt can also be used to make a bear, with the obvious quilting design fussy cut for the chest area.

Can you combine fabric & fur for a Memory Bear?

Fabrics & fur can be combined, such as fur for the head, paws & feet but add other fabric for the main part of the body. Adding a vest can complete the combination.

How do you determine what pattern to use?

For Memory and Couture Bears, I recommend one piece bears for children, with attached head, arms & legs. Memory Bears have stitched eyes, noses & mouths that can not be pulled off. No buttons will be used. Couture bears are jointed at the head, arms, & legs & suggested for keepsakes or decoration only. They have extra specified details, which may be jewelry & various types of embroidery or trims.

Will my fur work for the bear?

Different furs will act differently. If the lining is still intact, the fur is usually usable. If the fur is dried out, it may not be usable. Call me to discuss the type of fur you have & the application. If the fur is not usable, I will not make the bear.

Do you use the lining of the garment?

If the garment has lining material it can be used for paw pads, ear pads, or noses. It could also be used for a vest or scarf. If it is too old, other purchased satin may be used.

Are the bears jointed?

Memory and Couture Bears can be jointed at the neck, arms, & legs so the bear can pose in different positions, adding character. I have several ways for jointing: plastic disks, nuts & bolts, or cording, depending on the fabric used. I do not recommend jointed bears for children, but suggest attached head, arms, & legs.

What is used for the eyes?

Hand stitched or standard acrylic bear eyes are used for Memory Bears. Acrylic eyes are more affordable, long lasting & look good. Couture bears may call for glass eyes, but will be at an additional cost. Buttons can be used for a country bear. Specify the kind you want when you place your order.

How long does it take to make a bear?

The fabric or fur must first be evaluated to see if it will stand up to the construction process. Removing a lining can take approximately one hour, with higher quality lining taking longer. Patterns must be adapted to work with the fabric or fur nap layouts, which can take several hours. The more bears I can get from each garment takes more time in pattern lay out. The joints take time to apply, which are applied with the correct amount of tension. Each bear also requires a lot of hand sewing. I estimate that each Memory Bear can take 8-12 hours. Couture Bears take an additional 10-12 hours with handwork, embroidery, or bead work.

How long does it take for delivery after the order is placed?

An average Memory Bear ships in about 2-3 weeks after the materials arrive. For Couture Bears, add another week. It depends on my work schedule, how many bears are in the order from the materials & what other orders are ahead of yours. I will e-mail you with updates as the progress. Christmas orders must be placed by August 1 to insure Christmas delivery.

What happens to the extra fabric or fur?

Usually, very little fabric or fur is left, depending on the quantity of bears ordered. Unless you specifically request it back, I will keep it & use it to alter other projects, or use it to do test samples for a new pattern or trying a new idea.

How should I ship my garment for my bear?

Pack it as compact as possible, with no garment bags or cases to return. It can be put into a plastic garbage bag & will be taken out of the packaging when it arrives.