Restoring an old bear

[Krazynights34]

I have a teddy bear I (more or less stoke as a 2 year old) from my mum.
He’s one of the traditional types and I’ve lived him to bits, I’ve tried fixing him (added eyes back and started on his thread nose).
But I’m inclined to think he might need professional input..
Dies anyone have experience of restoring/having a bear restored?

Can you post a picture? I love old bears. I would be inclined to go for a professional restorer but it would depend how good you are at sewing.

Do you watch the repair shop. That is the sort of thing they would do.

Is it a simple pattern, your bear? My grandad gave me a bear when I was born. I loved it so much that by the time I reached my 20s it was literally falling apart. I bought some fur in similar colours and made my bear a 'second skin'. I'll take some photos to give you a laugh.

Before, after and before sitting next to his new skin. My before bear had been cuddled so much the poor thing had no fluff left and was bare material. Apparently the new skin made him look very much like he had been originally.

Old bear slots into new skin via an opening at the back of the neck

I had this done for my DSIS bear Floppy for her 40th birthday. He looked very like yours.
I searched online for a 'doll / bear restorer' as recommended above.
It was done really carefully, the poor thing even had moths in his nose.
Floppy turned 50 last month and feels fine. .

I've got the head and four limbs of my very first teddy bear, and desperately need someone to make him a new body and put him together. I'm so glad I'm not the only one. I'd post photos but to be honest he's tied inside a large handkerchief because it's scary.

Do you have a local Repair Cafe organisation who could fix him

I bought a teddy bear at a local craft fair and in conversation with the extremely talented maker, she agreed to rejuvenate my 50 year old teddy bear. She did a fab job. Maybe you could contact similar in your area.

Thanks all. I’ll send pictures in the morning. My chap is about 60 years old.

I love the second skin bear!!

My DM had a bear from her DM; she took him to a bear hospital and they fixed him up. I have him now and he's delicate but all in one piece! I keep him safe on a shelf.

I love bears too, I have loads of them which probably makes me a proper weirdo

days not weird at all.
Ours all have personalities and private lives of their own.