Thistledown Bears

16/09/2025

It is with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that Thistledown Bears is now closed for business.
This is due to a decline in my health which has made it extremely painful to continue sewing and so I needed to pivot and find something else I'm capable of doing now to help support my family, at least a little.
If you would like to continue following my journey and supporting me in my small business please pop over and drop a like at The Taffeta Fox or pop over to my website at www.thetaffetafox.co.uk if you're in the market for some new stationery. These items all feature my own artwork and illustrations.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your understanding, your patience, and your support over the years—it has meant more to me than words can say.
Many thanks
Claire

Browse The Taffeta Fox's rate of cute stationery, quirky greeting cards and more, delivered to you with the click of a button.

19/02/2025

A stunning example of my newer Thistledown Keepsake Bear which I created recently. I truly hope this Bear helps to bring comfort to my lovely client and that it brings a whole host of wonderful memories flooding back every time you look at it.

27/01/2025

One of my favourite bears to create is one from a babies first outfits. I love trying to include all the tiny details to make this bear as precious as the little girl who wore them. I hope you love your special bear Keeva 🐻 💕

23/01/2025

With the Red Weather warning for winds tomorrow we will be closed.
Please stay home and keep your loved ones and animals safe.

Should you need them, here's a reminder of some numbers you can reach out to if you need help:
NHS - 111
Police - 101 (or 999 in an emergency)
East Lothian Council - 01620 827827
SPN Energy (for Powercuts) - 105
Floodline - 0345 988 1188

10/01/2025

Update:
I have decided to temporarily close my waiting list for new orders until I've worked my way through the orders currently on it, with the hope to reopen the waiting list again from June 2025 onwards.
If we've already been in contact with each other, don't worry, you are still on my list and I'll be in touch to organise appointments as soon as I can while working through my waiting list.
Thank you as always for your continued support.
Claire x

25/12/2024

Merry Christmas to all my customers this year.
I cannot thank you all enough for your trust, your tears, your joy and memories and all the stories you've shared with me.
I finished 2024 on the count of 69 memory keepsakes created in total and as I look back at the photos my heart is full.
Thank you and know I'm wishing you all a peaceful Christmas filled with love xx

11/11/2024

Dear Customers and Friends

I'm currently unable to work due to illness and will respond to all messages as soon as I feel better.

For those who don't know, due to my medications, I am immuno-suppressed. If you have an appointment with me, please do not attend if you are unwell at all, but instead, let me know so we can rearrange. While I appreciate that you may not wish to wait longer, ultimately, everyone has to wait longer if I become unwell.

Thank you all for your understanding.
Claire xx

12/10/2024

This little bunny hopped off to say a Big Emotional Happy Birthday to someone very special. Ordered by some very lovely friends and created from the precious clothing of a friend who can no no longer physically celebrate with them but whom I'm sure was with them in spirit on their special day. I hope you enjoyed your day even if this gift brought some tears 💕

Created using a pattern by Funky Friends Factory.

28/09/2024

This duo of beautiful bears left me yesterday to head home and help two daughters remember their much loved Mum. Thank you to my wonderful customer for trusting me to create something so special 💖

(Pattern by the fabulous )

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06/08/2024

Apologies for being so quiet lately but between health issues and being so busy sewing I've not had much time for posting photos.

This group of 6 memory keepsakes consisting of 3 bears and 3 dogs ended up so cute, especially with the use of as many logos and labels as possible. I try to include any unique parts of the clothing provided as it's a reminder that these were once a loved ones clothing items.

(Bear pattern created by the wonderful Funky Friends Factory and used with thanks.)

05/08/2024

This lovely set of memory keepsakes left me this week and I sincerely hope they help bring some comfort to a lovely family. It always hits a little harder when it's someone that I've known personally and I hope I did her justice. Thank you as always for trusting me to create something so precious for you all. 💕

(Bear patterns designed by and used with thanks)

12/06/2024

I've been meaning to share this beautiful bear for a few weeks now. This one of a kind keepsake bear was created using a treasured wedding dress as a gift from mother to son as he plans his own wedding for later this year. It has been created to fit the future wedding theme and also incorporates some lovely jewellery pieces from the original special day back in 1994. I can't think of a more unique or special gift for a much loved son and his soon to be bride. Wishing you both the very best when your own magical day arrives 💕