Here at Made by Nette we make Memory Bears and Bags. We can turn your loved ones clothes into a Memory Bear that you can hug or a Bag so that your loved one still helps you with your shopping.

I started making these after my Dad passed away in 2024. While clearing out his clothes we found a lot of jeans and I had the idea to make bags from the Jeans and Shirts. I’d never made a bag before but this started me on the Bag making path. I made us all girls bags, Mum uses hers every time she goes shopping and found comfort from him still helping her with the shopping. I made toiletry bags for the men. I still had such a lot of Denim left so I had a go at making memory bears.

Making items from a passed loved ones clothing is scary, nerve racking and very emotional. A lot of things cross’s my mind mainly “what happens if they don’t like it” but slowly I learned that once you you see them hug their memory bear all that fear fades and yes it brings tears.

If anyone is interested in having a Bear or Bag made please contact us on info@madebynette.co.uk this is a service I want to offer but every instance is so unique that they need discussing and planning. A bear needs at least 2 items of Adult clothing. A Bag needs an item which is strong like Denim, Canvas and an item that is a shirt or blouse or skirt.

Prices for a Bear to be made start from £40.00

Prices for a Bag to be made start from £30.00

Below you will see examples of items I’ve made using loved ones clothing. Some of these are made from my Dads clothing and you will see how things changed and developed as I’d never made bags or bears before.

Memory Bears – Ashes are placed in a red heart within the bear, dates names and sayings are embroidered onto the bear , these bears are made with love, respect and compassion. The colour of the bears eyes reflect the colour of your loved ones eyes.

***New Pattern – Memory Cat*** Following the lost of my beloved Cat, who was my shadow, I created 2 Memory Cats using his blanket with some of his ashes enclosed within a heart.

Memory Bags and Accessories – Please bear in mind that these was the 1st bags I ever made. I didn’t follow any patterns, I didn’t know bag patterns existed. I’d never even used a sewing machine! I was grieving and not really thinking straight but I was inspired and determined and I managed to make some Tote bags and Crossbody bags, Toiletry Bags and even a Glasses Case. All of which are used very regular bases.

The Tote Bags are lined using my Dads shirts, the pockets are usable and I think I even has a slight curry stain on it which is totally My Dad!