For the upcycle project, I plan to create a classic teddy bear using old fabric scraps from clothes and incorporating mending and patchwork techniques such as the Japanese mending style of sashiko. As an artist who makes toys and plushies and has a great fondness for stuffed animals, I often make silhouettes more modern, with bears being similar to those seen in Build a Bear or from brands like Jelly Cat. However, my deep personal connection to stuffed animals, which outnumbered any other toys I had in my childhood, drives me to recreate the comforting feeling of holding a vintage teddy bear with moveable limbs. I believe this feeling of nostalgia is something many of you might relate to.

Stuffed animals played a huge part in my life and are part of the reason I chose to pursue art. I often see them being thrown out alongside old clothes and sheets, and I believe that if there is a way to upcycle them and give them a new life, I should do it. It would also be a good idea to use the fabric from old stuffed animals or stuffing to create the patches for this project. The bear still has that classic plush feel of a stuffed animal.

By using old fabric scraps, mainly from clothes, I aim to create a bear with a classic silhouette but without the typical fabric used in vintage teddy bears. I am drawn to the patchwork and folk art aesthetic, and by combining both, I will be able to create a bear that is truly unique. This bear will encompass the charm of folk art, with the material being mended and patched with different colors, textures, and patterns. The Japanese mending technique of sashiko will allow me to incorporate vibrant colors into the base fabric, most likely denim, and create patterns that exude a folk art feel. To further enhance this unique blend, I plan to create a stitch pattern that resembles Latin folk art’s flowers and geometric shapes and ensure that the fabric pattern is not overwhelming. 

I chose the Patchwork and folk art aesthetic because of the materials I will be working with and the connection these aesthetics have to vintage toys and stuffed animals. Many vintage stuffed animals were made by hand, and with time, people would have to mend the accessories and even the stuffed animals themselves. I also believe that patchwork is oftenn’t seen as something nice or aesthetic worthy, which feels incorrect, with many pieces of fashion emphasizing and including that rough or smooth patchwork in their designs. Sometimes, the designs of stuffed toys are also distinguished as a part of traditional folk art that people produce, such as Mexican Lele dolls, traditionally made from fabric. Classic toys like teddy bears are ubiquitous, and with the drive to create new products, the silhouette of teddy bears has changed over time. A classic teddy bear shape with cotter pin joints would be perfect for the project because it would also give that nostalgic feeling many people get when they see old toys.

 

Links to pictures:

https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/3/25/18274743/visible-mending-sashiko-mending-fast-fashion-movement 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plrmII86LMM 

https://faoschwarz.com/products/preorder-classic-teddy-bear 

https://www.steiff.com/en-us/classic-mohair-teddy-bear-000867

https://www.etsy.com/listing/653604588/old-style-classic-mohair-teddy-bear

https://mx.pinterest.com/pin/593841900884390806/ 

https://vermontteddybear.com/products/15-inch-cotton-candy-patchwork-bear

 

2 Comments. Leave new

  • Claire Markus
    February 2, 2025 7:27 pm

    Love this post Sofia! So cool that you are a toymaker! What kinds of stuffed animals have you made in the past? Our relationship to toys especially in childhood is fascinating to me. There’s this quote from one of my favorite books that says “I would love to conduct a literary salon in which all of my beloved friends bring their comfort blankets and stuffed animals from childhood to the table and we discuss the gender identities of all of them.” (EIKAL, 315). I think that maybe the way we gender stuffed animals comes down to the gender presentation that we find most comforting. You mentioned that you want the patchwork design too not be visually overwhelming, that makes sense for a comfort item. How will you achieve a very busy patterned item that isn’t overstimulating?

  • I like your idea of mixing your aesthetic to something that is nostalgic for you. I also think this is a great way to upcycle old clothing. I’m curious to see what you come up with!

You must be logged in to post a comment.
Previous Post
Golf club headcover
Next Post
Upcycled Project: Light Academia Coffee Tray