At Made by Nette, we create Memory Bears and Memorial Keepsakes that transform your loved one’s clothing into something you can hold, use, and treasure every day.

From shirts, jeans, and favourite garments, we can craft a Memory Bear you can hug close when you need comfort, or a Memory Bag that keeps their presence with you in the everyday moments of life. It’s a way of keeping them close—whether that’s through a cuddle or even carrying them with you on a simple trip to the shops.

For those who wish, ashes can also be carefully placed within the bear in a secure red heart, creating an even more personal and meaningful keepsake that holds them close in a deeply symbolic way.

Names, dates, and special sayings can also be beautifully embroidered onto the bears or bags, allowing each piece to be completely personalised and truly one of a kind.

This part of my work began after my Dad passed away in 2024. While going through his clothes, we found so many pairs of jeans and shirts that held memories of him. I couldn’t bear to see them just packed away, so I started experimenting—turning his jeans and shirts into bags for our family. I had never made a bag before, but that moment quietly changed everything and set me on a new creative path.

I made bags for all of us girls. My mum now uses hers every time she goes shopping and often says it feels like he’s still there with her, helping in his own small way. I also created toiletry bags for the men in the family. With so much denim still left, I then began making Memory Bears, giving even more of his clothing a new purpose.

Working with clothing from someone who has passed is deeply personal, emotional, and never something I take lightly. There are moments of doubt—wondering if it will feel right, or if it will be “enough.” But those worries fade the moment a finished piece is held close for the first time. Seeing someone hug their Memory Bear, or hold a keepsake made from something so familiar, is incredibly moving.

Every piece is made with love, respect, and compassion, because I know these are not just items—they are memories, stories, and connections that will always matter.

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 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!