Thursday, December 6, 2018

Savio the Memory Bear


Since I got out of the habit of blogging, there is so much that I haven't documented here. So today, I'm sharing Savio the Bear. If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember him.





Have you ever made a memory bear? Or a memory stuffie? Or quilt? A little over a year ago, I made my first memory anything really. I had decided that I'd like to make memory stuffies for my nieces/nephews when they have their first kids from some of my MIL's clothes. My MIL passed away four years ago now. I can't believe it's been that long. We think about and talk about her all the time.I found this picture from nine years ago when my son was three.💞 Gah! She is missed!




So my niece was the first one to have a baby, so I decided to use this wool vest that my MIL had gotten while on vacation in the Yorkshire Dales, one of her most favorite places that she visited. I was so scared to cut into it!



But I eventually gathered enough courage, and using a pretty simple pattern from Trending Etsy Store, (you can find it here) I set out to stitch him together, mixing in a remnant piece of fur that I had gotten on clearance at my local craft store. I had that piece of fur on my shelf for ages, having no idea what I would use it for, but it was sooo soft! It turned out to be perfect for this!

*handy tip* Don't cut into white fur if you're wearing black and/or before you have to go volunteer at your son's school. It sheds and it ends up EVERYWHERE. Maybe even up your nose. Don't ask me how I know. 

The first things to be stitched up were the legs and feet.



Then the head. The fur and thick wool made for some challenging piecing, but it looked so cute together, it was fun even when it was hard! Then I spent an hour or two going through my MIL's button jar that she had given me, to find the perfect eyes and nose.



After that, it was onto the body, and stitching all the parts together. Then stuffing, stuffing, and more stuffing. Then a little more stuffing. Then hand stitching the back seam together. That was the hardest part I think.



Then he was done! Except then I remembered that my MIL had given me a box of really old vintage spools of ribbon that had been her mother's. So I went and found the box and started digging, and found the perfect brown suede ribbon!🙌
Except it was too thick to tie a bow around his neck.

So I did what any 21st century person would do. I youtube'd it, and found a video tutorial on how to tie a necktie. I'm pretty proud of that knot. haha!



He turned out so regal and handsome, I decided to name him Savio, which was my MIL's maiden name. 

I wish I had a pic of the gifting to share, but I don't! However, I know that Savio is well loved, and livin' the life! 💓


Since then I have made another memory stuffie for my nephew and his wife's son. I will share that one soon, too. *hint* It wasn't a bear. 🦏🦏🦏 

Thanks for stopping in to meet Savio! And for reading along. Happy Friday eve! :D

xoxoxo
 

6 comments...:

What a sweet treasure! The bear is adorable - the fur and necktie looks wonderful with it - and how great that you are remembering your MIL with it.

What a handsome bear Savio is! You did a great job and my hat is off to you! Not sure why I am afraid of tackling something like this! I guess because it's 3D and all I do is flat quilts!!! I can't wait to see you pr other critter!!!

Lisa Lisa said...

I remember when you made Savio, but I didn't remember his name and that it was her maiden name! That is so special! I love him!

Savio is wonderful! The fur on his face and feet is perfect! I love the idea of creating something lasting with the clothing of those who have gone is a wonderful way to keep their memory alive. I'll have to do this for my grandchildren with my father's suits after he passes.

Savio is great! I remember you talking about your MIL before she died. What a wonderful memory of her. Love the tie.

What a cute bear and great remembrance of your MIL

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