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How To Choose Your Clothes

selection of sentimental clothing on a hanger, chosen to create a handmade Memory Bear cat by Creatively Quirky in Mt Gambier
Handmade pink and white nautical themed Memory bear Cat created by Creatively Quirky from sentimental fabric

How to Choose Clothes for Your Memory Bear

A memory bear is more than just a teddy , it’s a way to hold onto the special memories of someone you love. By turning cherished clothing into a keepsake bear, you can preserve those moments in a beautiful, comforting way.

 

Whether you’re remembering a loved one who has passed, celebrating your baby’s early years, or marking a milestone, the clothes you choose will help make your custom bear truly unique. This guide will help you select the perfect garments for your memory bear, keepsake bear, or personalised teddy, no matter where you are in Australia.

 

 

1. Think About the Memories You Want to Capture

The most meaningful part of your bear is the story it tells. Before choosing clothes, take a moment to reflect on the memories you want to preserve.

 

  • To remember a loved one:
    Include a favorite shirt, dress, work uniform, or cozy pajamas that remind you of their personality and spirit.

  • For a baby keepsake bear:
    Tiny outfits like a coming-home onesie, first birthday clothes, or a beloved blanket are perfect choices.

  • To celebrate a milestone:
    Wedding attire, graduation robes, or sports uniforms can mark a special time in life.

Sometimes, just one well-loved garment can hold a lifetime of memories.

 

2. Almost Any Fabric Can Be Used — Even Delicate Ones

You don’t need to worry about whether a fabric is “easy” or “hard” to work with, I can carefully include almost any type of fabric in your bear.

 

  • Common and sturdy fabrics:
    Cotton shirts, denim, flannelette, and T-shirts always sew beautifully and give a classic look.

  • Special or delicate fabrics:

    • Knits and wool

    • Stretch fabrics like activewear or baby grows

    • Satin, silk, or slippery fabrics

    • Lace or sheer materials

  • These fabrics may need extra reinforcing or lining, but they add amazing texture and uniqueness to your bear.

       If the garment is meaningful to you, I’ll always find a way to work it in with         care.

 

Your bear should reflect the person or moment you’re remembering, not just what’s easiest to sew.

 

3. Making Sure There’s Enough Fabric

To create a full-sized memory bear, I usually need one to two adult-sized garments.

 

  • For baby clothes, several smaller items are often needed to make up enough fabric.

  • If you’re unsure, send a few extra pieces, I’ll help choose the best ones.

  • Any unused items will be returned to you safely with your finished bear.

This way, nothing is lost, and you have peace of mind that every piece is treated with respect.

 

4. Wear and Tear is Part of the Story

Your memory bear doesn’t need perfect clothing, small signs of wear can make it even more meaningful.

 

  • Perfectly fine: Light fading, gentle pilling, or small stains

  • Still usable with extra care: Small holes, thinning areas, or frayed edges

  • Handled creatively: Extremely fragile fabrics can still be included in pockets, bows, or applique details

Every stitch is placed with love, ensuring your bear is strong enough to be cherished for years to come.

 

5. Adding Extra Personal Touches

Your keepsake bear can be as simple or detailed as you’d like.

 

Some beautiful, personal additions include:

 

  • Embroidered names, dates, or meaningful phrases

  • Buttons, patches, or details from the original clothing

  • A ribbon, bow, or tie made from the fabric itself

  • A tiny pocket to hold a note, photo, or small token

 

These little touches make your bear one-of-a-kind.

 

 

6. Preparing Your Clothes Before Sending

Because I ship Australia-wide, it’s important that clothes arrive clean and ready for sewing.

 

  1. Wash and dry all clothing, especially if it’s been stored away.

  2. Fold and pack neatly in a clean bag or box.

  3. Include a note with your name, contact details, and any special instructions, such as which fabrics or details matter most to you.

 

This helps me treat your garments with care and attention from the very start.

 

 

Why People All Over Australia Choose Custom Memory Bears

 

From Perth to Sydney, Melbourne to Brisbane, and everywhere in between, families trust me to create handmade memory bears that capture love and memories.

 

I carefully design each bear with respect and attention to detail, so you’ll receive a keepsake that’s as beautiful as the memories it represents.

Shipping is available Australia-wide, making it easy for you to send garments from anywhere and receive your finished bear safely by post.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing clothes for your memory bear is a deeply personal process, there’s no right or wrong choice, only what feels meaningful to you.

 

If you’re unsure what to send, don’t worry, simply include a few options, and I’ll help guide you through the process.

Let’s Work Together

500 Terry Francine Street 

San Francisco, CA 94158

Tel: 123-456-7890

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