Material Memories – Meet the bear makers: Eileen
Material Memories is a special way to remember your loved one. Your loved one’s clothes are captured in a beautiful keepsake handmade bear to treasure every day & reminisce.
Each bear is handcrafted with care by one of our team of volunteer needle workers. Every design is unique to you, as your loved one’s clothes are used to create the bears.
Meet Eileen, one of our amazing Material Memories makers who create our beautiful handmade bears.
Eileen has kindly taken the time to tell us about herself, and why making the bears for the hospice is so important to her.
❓ Where do you live?
💬 I was born and grew up in Trimley St Martin but now live in Felixstowe.
❓ Apart from sewing what other interests do you have?
💬 I am a keen gardener and enjoy walking, swimming and Yoga. I love to read, especially historical novels and researching my family history.
❓ When did you start sewing?
💬 My mother taught me to sew as a child, both by hand and on her very old Singer Treadle sewing machine. I will have a go at sewing almost anything, and in the past have made curtains, cushions and other soft furnishings, clothes for myself, my children and grandchildren and fancy dress costumes for children during their school years.
❓ What inspired you to make bears for the hospice?
💬 I decided to apply to make bears for the hospice after making some for my sister’s family when she passed away 3 years ago. She left me her lovely sewing machine and I make all my bears on this as a tribute to her as she was a fabulous sewer.
❓ What is your hospice connection?
💬 My late husband spent some time in respite care during his illness and I was supported by Hospice at Home nurses during this time. My sister also spent her last days in the hospice.
❓ Why do you enjoy making bears for the hospice?
💬 I feel it’s a great privilege to make a lasting tribute to a loved one, and have witnessed first hand just how much it means for the family/ friends to have this lasting memorial made from their favourite clothes. By doing so I’m proud to be able to help support the Hospice in continuing their wonderful work in this small way.
