Lorraine’s This2That

I'm so excited that I finished my pattern design and it's ready for sale. I hope to post step by step instructions soon!!

Taking the clothing of loved ones that have passed to help keep their memory close to heart. What better way than making clothes for a teddy bear that you can hold and keep close for comfort. The sweater of this bear was made from a cardigan, the pants made from a t-shirt and cuffed from the fleece of a fleece jacket, vest made from the fur lining, scarf and the pillow was made from the same fleece jacket. I believe that this holds so many fond memories that help comfort the loved ones left behind!!

This is a project where I'm taking the clothes of a loved one and making clothes to fit a teddy bear. I study the clothes that I'm given to see what would work best for what. This takes time but is well worth the investment. Sometimes you have to walk a way take a break and come back later other times it just comes to you, oh yes this will be perfect. I made the pants out of a t-shirt and cuffed the bottom hem with a fleece material from a jacket. The sweater and hat made from a cardigan. The vest was also made from the fleece jacket. Before doing the finishing touches on the clothing you try it on the teddy bear to make sure that they fit and this is where you make any needed adjustments or changes. I also embroidered the name, "Mary Bear", at the family's request, on a pocket that I sewed on the fleece vest. I hope this brings comfort and joy to the recipent of this precious sentimental value teddy bear!

What a way to keep memories so close to the heart -- from clothes to quilt! I took 6 dresses and cut 10"x10" squares from them until I had 5 blocks from each dress. To make the 5x6 you will need 30 blocks. You can make it more scrappy if you want to by using more dresses and just sewing them randomly. This is a very cool way to treasure memories of your loved one!!

The original dress was quite simple but I wanted to change it up a bit. I shortened the black jacket and the material I removed I added to the bottom of the dress. I bought approximately 4 yards of a beautiful trim with cord and sequin. I embellished both the dress and jacket with that trim. The material I cut off from the dress I used to make rosettes to embellish the purse and shoes. It was a fun project.

This story touched my heart I hope it touches yours! Having four visiting family members, my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her to get some needed items, which included light bulbs, paper towels, trash bags, detergent and Clorox. So off I went. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter, only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here." It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?" "My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he respon...

This is one of the many special sentimental ways of passing on to the younger generation. First as a wedding dress and now as two grand-daughter dresses and purses. I can't think of a more sentimental way to pass a little history on. I'm sure they will treasure these precious gifts.