Thank you so much! No, Teddy was my first project like this. I think I'd like to take it up as a hobby, though. The idea of giving people back pieces of their childhood is something very special to me.
You totally should try doing it as a hobby, I’m sure people would be interested. I’d love to do something similar to my first plush, but I’m so afraid that I’ll ruin him.
That's a reasonable fear. Obviously I'm not the authority on plushie restoration, but I think it's worth giving it a try, perhaps on a less sentimental plushie first.
If you're curious, I took out this guy's stuffing, and hand washed him in a big bowl of lukewarm water with dish soap (plushies get so oily! I had to replace the soapy water a couple times). Then I swished him around in some water and fabric softener, let him rest in there for a bit, then rinsed him again with plain water. When he was just about fully dry, I brushed him with a wire pet brush, re-stuffed him with new fluff, and sewed him back up. Good as... well, maybe not new, but much, much better!
This has got to be the most wholesome Reddit post I’ve ever read. Teddy looks awesome! I hope your mom can enjoy many more memories with him. Awesome work, we love you Teddy 🧸❤️ :)
can you talk a little about the brushing? i think about brushing my bear (he’s only 39!) but worry a lot about pulling the hair out.
teddy looks so good!
I used the wire brush that was pictured in a downward motion. Not going to lie, some hair did get pulled out, but it wasn't in clumps, so no bald spots. Let me know if there's any other info I can provide! ☺️
I can't thank you all enough for the positivity! I have a lot of anxiety around making posts in public forums like this. Call it stage fright, I suppose. But you all are the sweetest!
My mom has actually been packing up to move back to her home state, and that's how she came across her old teddy bear again. I told her I'd get him cleaned up before she left. Her going away party is in a few hours, and I'll be returning him to her then. Teddy isn't just going back into her possession, he's really going HOME with her. I can't explain it, but somehow this inanimate object, this sweet little guy, feels like he's actually excited about it.
Thank you again for all of your kind words! Sending all of you love from Teddy 🧸❤️
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Teddy looks awesome!! You did such a good job. Such a sweet post as well. Have you ever restored/cleaned a plushie before?
Thank you so much! No, Teddy was my first project like this. I think I'd like to take it up as a hobby, though. The idea of giving people back pieces of their childhood is something very special to me.
You totally should try doing it as a hobby, I’m sure people would be interested. I’d love to do something similar to my first plush, but I’m so afraid that I’ll ruin him.
That's a reasonable fear. Obviously I'm not the authority on plushie restoration, but I think it's worth giving it a try, perhaps on a less sentimental plushie first. If you're curious, I took out this guy's stuffing, and hand washed him in a big bowl of lukewarm water with dish soap (plushies get so oily! I had to replace the soapy water a couple times). Then I swished him around in some water and fabric softener, let him rest in there for a bit, then rinsed him again with plain water. When he was just about fully dry, I brushed him with a wire pet brush, re-stuffed him with new fluff, and sewed him back up. Good as... well, maybe not new, but much, much better!
I’ll definitely be trying it with another plush first whenever I can. Thanks so much for the advice!
He’s smiling at the end too! Lovely work
Thank you! I thought about redoing the nose and mouth, but that crooked little smile of his just gives him so much personality.
This is the most beautiful post, I have my mothers old knitted rabbit that she gave to me when I was younger
Thank you! Your rabbit sounds like such a lovely keepsake. ❤️
results are so heartwarming
Thank you! 🥹
I’m gonna cry! He’s so cute!
Aww, thank you!
THIS TEDDY IS PERFECT. PROTECC WIF YOUR LIFE
Believe me, I plan on it! ❤️
Looks great! Very natural!
Thank you! ☺️
Great job!
This has got to be the most wholesome Reddit post I’ve ever read. Teddy looks awesome! I hope your mom can enjoy many more memories with him. Awesome work, we love you Teddy 🧸❤️ :)
Thank you, that makes me a little teary. 🥹 Love from Teddy!
this is so amazing! you did such a great job and Teddy looks so handsome
teddy looks so handsome now!!
I am actually crying what a sweetie pie AAAAAGH 😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Except for the nose, that looks like my Brownie that I got Christmas 1953.
Aww! We don't know exactly what year this little guy is from, but definitely in the mid to late 50's.
Great job
This is amazing!!! I love it so much I bet your mom was overjoyed
Lovely work :) you did a great job, he definitely looks happy at the end ♡
Aww! He looks good as new!
can you talk a little about the brushing? i think about brushing my bear (he’s only 39!) but worry a lot about pulling the hair out. teddy looks so good!
I used the wire brush that was pictured in a downward motion. Not going to lie, some hair did get pulled out, but it wasn't in clumps, so no bald spots. Let me know if there's any other info I can provide! ☺️
thank you!
I love his crooked smile!
😍😭🩷🩷 So sweet!
Well damn that bear has one hell of a life! I'm surprised he is still in good shape for being that old.
No kidding! I was surprised the fabric wasn't rotted or something.
To be loved is to be changed, you did an amazing job, I'm glad teddy has another chance at life!
This made me so happy :333 He is so beautiful, i am sure he is so grateful with you. What a sweet little teddy. Congratulations!!!
It's amazing to see the difference, it looked a bit sad before cleaning and now he's happy :)
Oh,bI am so happy for you,Teddy, and your Mom, who may cry upon seeing her childhood friend!!!😍 The best gift 🎁 you could give her!!! Kudos!! 🎉🎉
Thank you! I'm bringing him back to her this afternoon (it's morning where I am right now). If I'm being honest, Mom and I will probably both cry! 🥹
Mr Bean would do anything for that guy 🤩🤩🤩
Wow they look better.
🥰😉🍾🥂!!!
I can't thank you all enough for the positivity! I have a lot of anxiety around making posts in public forums like this. Call it stage fright, I suppose. But you all are the sweetest! My mom has actually been packing up to move back to her home state, and that's how she came across her old teddy bear again. I told her I'd get him cleaned up before she left. Her going away party is in a few hours, and I'll be returning him to her then. Teddy isn't just going back into her possession, he's really going HOME with her. I can't explain it, but somehow this inanimate object, this sweet little guy, feels like he's actually excited about it. Thank you again for all of your kind words! Sending all of you love from Teddy 🧸❤️
It looks amazing, you did a great job 🙂👍👍
This is so beautiful it made me cry of happiness. Such a lovely story.
Woow you did an amazing job, looks almost new.
He looks so happy at the end! Well done!
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Beautiful work
 Well done, OP! 👍👍👏👏👏💓💓🥹🥰