Dawn Fleischman started sewing Funky Friends Patterns 7 years ago! Dawn was inspired to start her business Grin and Bear It Keepsakes when she started getting requests for Memory Bears and made a few for family.

Here is a photo of Dawn with
the very first Funky Friends she sewed.

 
 
She says it kind of snowballed after that. At last count, Dawn has created well over 600 Memory Bears, Funky Friends critters and  Memory Pillows over the last 17 years. This is one of my favourite toys sewn by Dawn – Calico Bear. 

What a beary
cheerful smile!  

 

Dawn says shes loves using Funky Friends Factory patterns to sew lovely keepsakes because of the the smiles, hugs and sometimes happy tears they bring ~to young and old alike!  She made this colourful version of Kitty Kate for a little girl who visited her and wanted to see her sewing room. She was so excited when Dawn showed the many FFF patterns she has.

She picked Kitty Kate
and this beautiful minky.

 

Dawn’s most requested toys are Memory Bears and Funky Friends Factory animals made from clothing in memory of loved ones.  She loved making this Ellie Elephant keepsake from a dear Great Grandmother’s robe.

I think Dawn’s careful placement of the embroidered detail
on the ears is what makes it extra special!

 
Dawn sewed this version of Puppy Pete for a little boy as a Keepsake from his mommy’s Navy uniform shirt. The mom requested a smaller nose and Dawn added a tongue and personalized little hat!

The special details Dawn adds really personalise
the keepsakes she sews for her customers!

 
 Besides Keepsakes and Memory toys, Dawn also sews custom made items from NEW fabric like this “muddy”, but very cuddly, Puppy Pete.

Another of MY favourite
FFF toys sewn by Dawn!!!!

 

Look at Dawn’s attention to detail in this stunning version of Unix the Unicorn.

I love the matching horn and
embroidered heart!

 

Dawn ships her gorgeous creations all over the US. She is able to ship to other countries, but so far has not received any orders from other countries.  The best way to contact Dawn is through her FB business page... Grin and Bear It Keepsakes & More.

 
Please get in touch with Dawn if you’d like her to sew a Funky Friend for you… or if you want to sew your own, you can always use my toy patterns to sew your OWN!

  

Do you sew keepsakes with my patterns? I’d love to see photos of them so please post some pics to my Facebook Page!!! 😁

 

bye for now,

Pauline

xxx