BlankieStuff repair

For those of you who know me for a long time, you know I always made handmade toys for my children. I always wanted them to have toys that are made with love and care (not in a Chinese factory filled with awful fumes and slave labor). There was even a time I sold a few to stores and made some custom orders but never pursued this passion any further. My promised on all those toys to always repair them.

Well, Henry's stuffed animal, BlankieStuff, (yes, that is his real name) that I made for him when he was probably less than 2 years old has been on what I call 'hospice care' receiving only comfort care for a long while. We both agreed that this is the best we can do, as he underwent many repair procedures and now it is time to let him pass on to the next stage of his existence.

Interestingly, Henry has been going to sleep lately thinking about death. It is not an easy subject for any of us. When he came out last night I sat him down and explained to him how this is just another way of being. I went further to explain that what ones exists cannot seize to exist... it just a transfer of energy. He really connected to his own creation and how Jeffrey and I cannot NOT be a part of him and his being on whatever plane of existence he is. It was very deep and I really felt that he finally understood this explanation.

Lastly, he asked me to take BlankieStuff out of hospice care and transfer him for his final and extensive surgery. Today, once again I became a stuffed toy doctor and made those necessary alterations. I am shocked he could be repaired. His skin is so thin and fragile. He has been held, snuggled with, washed, thrown up at, and traveled with endlessly over the past 10 years. I am sure, this teenage boy will be thrilled to hug his animal for a little longer.

For those interested in learning to mend their children animals or their garments, please take a look at a beautiful Japanese technique I have learned a few years ago while sick. It is called Sashiko mending. It is usually used with a contrasting stitch. I chose to use invisible stitching. It is incredibly sturdy and provides quite a bit of flexibility to the patch. I have fixed great amount of jeans with this absolutely incredible, ancient technique.

Let's toast to another chance in life!

P.S. I used a great quality jean fabric from old jeans that I collect for repairs. It is a tough material that will withstand the most abuse... yes, the boys throw their animals from bed to bed on the weekends. I guess adventure is out there for all of us.

A hole on his chest could be repaired with nothing else but a heart shaped patch.

I cannot believe his back was in this state. You can see all those old repair stitches that just moved further.

Our patient is recuperating from all the surgical procedures.

Unfortunately, the largest of patches had to be placed on his back. I think he looks really tough and cool.