Gift Reviews: The Patchwork Bear

a Keepsake Memory Clothes Bear

This unique and creative idea enchanted me from Day One!  As a mom, grandmom and doggie mom, I could think of no better idea to gift myself or a beloved friend with a bear that is handmade from bits of my collection of saved clothing that memorialized my children’s babyhood, my friendships, a special event, or even a beloved pet.  Jennifer Cura, owner and designer, was a delight to work with and my finished bear is exquisitely made.  I have owned my own business making dog coats, and I am a stickler when it comes to invisible, tight seams and no threads hanging off the clothes I buy.  My gorgeous bear arrived with impeccable workmanship, and Jennifer’s OOAK staff arranged my clothing swatches artistically and meaningfully.  I really felt the love and ownership of a company that CARED that I loved my Patchwork Bear.  And I do.  I almost cried when I lifted him from the box:  he was that amazing and the memories of my children and my deceased dog were staring me right in the face!!

The Patchwork Bear sent me a box with complete instructions to place 6-10 small items of clothing or cloth swatches to send back to them.  The instructions included a pattern of my bear where I could figure out where I wanted each piece of clothing.  They also include a form to fill out with each piece of cloth, and where you would like it placed on your bear.  Since I was doing a memorial bear for my beloved Bouvier Des Flanders, Savannah, I chose her service vest (the yellow piece on the front) as my first placement.  Then I included her bandannas, a few of my children’s baby clothes, and Savannah’s Service Bag to make up my bear.  The bear kit also includes personalized name embroidery, and of course, I chose Savannah on the front of the chest for my bear.

I know that most Moms will choose to memorialize their children’s baby clothes on their bear, but I wanted something different, something to remind me of my beloved pet.  The Patchwork Bear emailed me to make sure that I wanted certain things on the bear, and they were fast and so efficient!  What a great staff.  It took about 2 ½ weeks for my bear to arrive and I was thrilled with the result.  If you are looking for something personal that will mean everything to your children, mate, or friends, this is one of the most unique and heartfelt gifts that I can think of.

I did have to pay for postage to send the clothes to The Patchwork Bear but it was quite minimal.  Everything else is included in the price, and there are no extra costs for embroidering, etc., which I really appreciated.  This is a fine company and my handmade bear will be a treasure in the years to come.

From The Patchwork Bear website: