Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Something on my ‘Wish list’!

I’ve wanted a soft cuddly teddy bear made out of an old quilt for a long time. I’ve spent a lot of time looking for one on Etsy but the few I’ve found were out of my price range.

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Well, I had an old quilt and a book of teddy bear patterns. But I had to have the courage to CUT the old quilt.

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I don’t know why but it was very difficult to cut it even though it was raggedy and not even good enough to fold and display. (it was in a zipper bag under my bed) So I talked it over with a friend and this is what she said, “That old quilt would have more life as a teddy bear than being stored in a bag. JUST DO IT! Save all the little pieces that are left and I'm sure you'll find new uses for them too.” Sherry from Back 2 Vintage

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So I listened…and I CUT!

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And now I’m so glad I did!

Thanks Sherry!

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Meet my cuddly snuggly teddy bear made out of a quilt I’ve had all of my life.

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(he has 2 hearts around his neck now)

I’m joining the Vintage Inspiration Link party HERE,

Ivy and Elephants HERE

Vintage Bliss Tuesdays HERE

and Tweak it Tuesday!

Also Let’s Talk Vintage HERE!

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Something I’ve always wanted.

Mark it off the wish list!

52 comments:

Kim@Snug Harbor said...

Sherry is one smart cookie. Your bear is adorable. Love him.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

How adorable!

Kathy said...

Oh, I know just what you mean about how hard it is to cut vintage linens, even when they NEED cutting. I love your results and Sherry is right, you have given that old quilt a whole new life!

Arlene G said...

I am amazed at your sewing skills Diane! And your friend was right, that Teddy was just waiting to join the family!!

Unknown said...

It turned out so cute.. I LOVE it.

Hugs~

Vee said...

Oh he is adorable! Well done, Diane. I know that it was a tough choice, but you made a great one!

Musings from Kim K. said...

Absolutely precious!

Donna said...

I'm glad you finally got the courage! It looks adorable! And you can make Christmas ornaments, stockings, and pincushions with the remaining quilt material!

JoKnows said...

Your bear is so sweet! You did a great job. (I would have trouble cutting into the quilt too.) Thanks for linking up at Vintage Bliss Tuesdays! Jo

Susie said...

I love that teddy bear . Your friend Sherry was so right...enjoy the quilt as a sweet teddy bear. You can make little sachets or mug coasters from some of the scraps. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Diane said...

So cute! Love the soft colors. I made a cat out of an old quilt many years ago and attached a paper tag that noted who originally made the quilt, etc. You might want to consider that.

Pamela Gordon said...

He is adorable! Now aren't you glad you decided to cut up that old quilt? I have done that too and made runners with one. And if you can find parts that aren't raggedy make pillow covers. Have a great day Diane.

Debby Ray said...

Oh my goodenss...how precious! I completely understand how you were reluctant to cut the old quilt...I would have been the same way. Aren't you so glad you did now?

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

YOU DID IT!!! The teddy bear is sooooo adorable!!! You have created something new from something old and given it new life. I think Diane had a great idea about attaching a tag that tells the story of the original quilt and everyone else had creative ideas about using other pieces from the quilt. Congrats and Thanks for the shout out!

September Violets said...

Hello Diane! What a brave soul you are to have made the bear. This post is so close to my heart as I too have a childhood quilt that my grandmother made (she died when I was 5). It's beyond repair as it's been used on our beds, and then (sadly) it kept our horse warm in winter! I rescued it from my parents' basement a few years ago, and was thrilled to find it as I didn't know it still survived. Anyway, I'm going to store this idea in my head as I want to do something with it, and hadn't come to a good solution yet. You're an inspiration! Wendy x

Unknown said...

Adorable!!! I am so glad that you found the courage to cut into that quilt. I have the same problem. But I think cutting the pieces for any project is scarey! I don't sew a lot and am intiminated by that step. lol
But the little bear is so darling.

Margaret said...

That is just sweetness! I'm glad you overcame your fear of cutting the quilt cause just look at the end result :) Enjoy! Maggie

cucki said...

Ooh so cute xx

NanaDiana said...

OMGOSH!!! That TEDDY is just adorable. I love that you gave a whole new purpose to that old well-loved quilt. It is just perfect. A few years ago I took an old quilt that was tattered and worn that my grandmother had made. It was too bad to use but I cut it apart and made a quilted front stocking for each of my kids. I think the time has come to pass each of them their stocking. xo Diana

Joanne said...


I am so glad you took that chance! You did a wonderful job. The bear is sooooo cute!

Blessings, Joanne

Red Rose Alley said...

Your cuddly bear made out of quilt material is adorable, Diane. And how special that you've had this quilt for years. I really like this project you did, and you did a great job on it. It really is cute.

love,
~Sheri

Betty said...

He is so cute and you did a great job making him.

Lynn said...

Aw, he turned out cute! No doubt you'll find other uses for the leftover fabric too:@)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sherry gives great advice! I am so glad you made this sweet bear. I love the two hearts on it. Oh this is adorable and even more special because A) you made it and B) it's a special quilt you already had. Love this so much.
hugs to you Sis!

Linda

Danice G said...

Totally cute teddy bear. Even better that he has special meaning to you. Great sewing job you did on him. Yes, I would have been nervous about cutting an old quilt also :)

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Diane,

How cute - love the little teddy made from quilts.
Happy day
hugs
Carolyn

Deborah Montgomery said...

Cute, cute, cute!! I'm so glad you listened to your friend and made him. He is adorable!

doodles n daydreams said...

Well done, new life for the old quilt and something you will be able to keep displaying.

Diana

Chris said...

I love your teddy bear it's adorable! I love them when they made from old quilts!

JG said...

So cute! Diane, it was a "just go for it!" sewing project.
~Judy

Country Crow said...

Oh, he looks so cute and soft! I love your teddy bear! It's really great that you had the courage to cut the quilt! :)

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Oh Diane I'm so happy you decided (with Sherry's help) to created this sweet bear with your quilt. Now you have it out to enjoy every day and you can continue to love it for years to come. Thanks so much for sharing at the VIParty.

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

What a precious keepsake you have now! Aren't you glad you have such an encouraging friend? He looks very cuddly. xo Karen

Jill said...

Aren't you the smart one? That is too cute!

bj said...

so so so adorable. i love it so much.

cynthia lee designs said...

Your teddy bear is so cute!!
~Cindy

Suzan said...

Ohhh my Diane-
You just knocked me on the side of the head!! THANK YOU!! I love your teddy bear quilt!!
I have my Grandmother's old quilt (actually several) but there is one that has been used and washed and is in pretty poor condition - but I wouldn't even think of throwing it away!!
BINGO!!! I can make a teddy bear for my Granddaughter and her sibling that is due in May 2015!!!
THANK YOU so much!! I love the idea!!

Stephanie said...

I know what you mean about having a hard time cutting a quilt - I am the same way with quilts and doilies :)

Your bear turned out super cute, Diane. I LOVE it!

Hugs to you!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I think he's the bee's knees! Cute!! Good call on using the old quilt! And you have plenty left to make some other things.

Deanies Stash said...

Diane, the bear is adorable! So glad you took the plunge and cut the quilt. The bear is such a great keepsake that you can treasure for years and years.

EG CameraGirl said...

I would have had trouble cutting up the old quilt too...but you did it and the bear is sooo cute! Good for you!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Your friend was right- you have given the old quilt a new life. Too cute!

sandy said...

Love that bear! I agree...use that quilt! Wish I were as creative at sewing as you and I'd turn a few quilts into bears!

~Damita's Pretty Wrap~ said...

Oh I love love your teddy bear!! So very cute!! I'm glad you listened to your friend too! I admit I have to same problem, I have even bought a couple old ones to make some things out of...its just so hard to cut them! :) They are just so lovely aren't they! Your bear turned out so great though!! :) xo Holly

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Reminds me of the Velveteen Rabbit story in a way :)

Linda Walker said...

I LOVE your bear! I have a couple of old quilts I have wanted to make into bears but was afraid to cut into the quilt. Think I might just do it! Yours is adorable!!! I am catching up on all the posts I have missed!!!!
Linda
mysewwhatblog

Jeanne said...

Ohhhh... he is so sweet!!

Jan said...

Your bear is adorable and has that "loved look". Make some Christmas ornaments out of some scraps! You can decorate a tree in them!

Robin Johnson said...

Oh My! This is so cute. Now I want one too. I can relate to not wanting to make that first cute. I've had many similar moments myself but in the end I was always glad I went ahead with it as you are now I'm sure with your cute teddy.

Adina said...

He is adorable! You did a great job and what a special way to keep your quilt.
Adina @ Simply Country Life

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

So cute... made out of an old quilt! Great idea... that is talent!

Would be great to share if you would like to link up with my "Let's Talk Vintage" Linky party today!

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Thanks for sharing your sweet bear again at Vintage Inspiration Party. I still love him!!