Old Clothes, Great Memories
When a local
gentleman passed
away in 2006, a family
member asked Pat
Jessen to make
a memory
bear out of his
clothing. She had
never heard of them
but after a quick search
she was able to find a
pattern. You could say
the rest was history. 10 years
and 500 bears later, Pat still loves to make
these bears for people and makes quite a
bit. Before Christmas she had 60 bears to
make and has already made 30 this year alone. Through the
years she has tweaked the pattern and now makes different
sizes.
Pat learned sewing from her mom, but she taught herself
how to crochet. “My mom knit but I just didn’t like it. I bought
a book and taught myself how to crochet from that.” She not
only makes memory bears but she makes other items; from
name doilies to scarves, from crocheted booties to pillows. The
name doilies can either be framed or sit on a table. Pat made
one for herself which is one of the larger options that she has
sitting on a table. “If there is a pattern, I
can make just about anything.” A quick look
through her Facebook is evidence of this.
Her husband jokingly says it’s an addiction
but Pat believes it’s something crafty to keep
her occupied.
Each bear is individually made from a
piece of clothing and they feature a tag with
a picture on the front and a poem inside.
Pat uses a couple of different poems, which
she feels gives it another personal touch.
The bears start at $25 but can cost a little
bit extra if you want clothes for the bear.
The clothes are also made from a loved
ones’ clothes. Pat uses all sorts of clothing
to make the bears; from sweaters and
bathrobes to antique fur coats. “The fur coat was a bit scratchy
and it left pilling everywhere.” Pat has also used old military
uniforms and baby onesies. There is even an order for her to
make a bear from a wedding dress.
Business has really grown from word of mouth and Facebook.
She has bears in many different states and even has a bear in
Germany. If you’re interested in a memory bear, name doily, or
anything else you can contact Pat via Facebook or (605) 6618160.
vBy Brandi Bue
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