Question 1

What is Seams Sew Thready?

Accepted Answer

Seams Sew Thready is a small, Michigan-based business specializing in crafting custom memory items, including Memory Bears, Pillows, Blankets, Keychains, and more. We transform cherished fabrics into tangible keepsakes, celebrating life and honoring the memory of lost loved ones.

Question 2

What is a Memory Bear, and How Is It Made?

Accepted Answer

A Memory Bear is a handmade plush bear crafted from your sentimental fabrics, such as clothing or blankets. Each bear is meticulously stitched, ensuring that the essence of your cherished memories is preserved in a cuddly companion.

Question 3

Are the Memory Bears Safe for Children?

Accepted Answer

At Seams Sew Thready, the safety of our customers is of utmost importance. Each memory bear is meticulously crafted with secure stitching and high-quality materials. While generally safe, we advise supervision for children under three years old when interacting with plush items. Despite our efforts to ensure durability, the memory bears are primarily designed as a keepsake. If you choose to gift it for gentle play, it's your decision, and you are responsible for supervising their play due to small plastic parts like safety eyes, which may pose a choking hazard. Conversely, our mini bear, designed without safety eyes, it is a perfect choice for little children and is just as cute as our full-size memory bears. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Question 4

What if I want a different memory item not listed on the website?

Accepted Answer

We love creating custom pieces! Contact us with your ideas and requests, and if possible, we'll work together to craft a unique and personalized memory item just for you. If it isn't something that we can accommodate, we will make the best recommendation for an alternative.

Question 5

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

To place an order, simply browse our collection, select your desired memory item, and proceed to checkout. Follow the prompts to provide necessary details and submit any special requests in the notes. For custom orders or specific inquiries, feel free to contact us before placing your order.

Question 6

Can I Include Multiple Fabrics in One Memory Bear?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We actually prefer it!  Many of our creations, including our Memory Bears and Memory Pillows, incorporate at least two contrasting fabrics -- one as the main and the other as an accent. This adds a personalized touch and allows you to combine different fabrics with special meaning.

Question 7

Can I customize my memory item?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We love personalizing our keepsake creations.  If you desire an embroidered name or message on your memory bear or pillow, simply choose 'Yes' for the Personalization option before adding the item to your cart. Specify your preferred text in the provided box (refer to the image below). Please note that if the Personalization option is not selected here, your animal will not be embroidered.

Feel free to share any additional specific details, fabric preferences, or any special features by clicking the 'Add a Note' link in the bottom left corner of your cart when checking out (refer to image below).

You can also include a physical note with your design preferences in the package with your materials for your memory keepsakes. For more intricate customizations, contact us before placing your order. We're here to make your keepsakes uniquely yours!

Question 8

What types of fabrics can be used for memory items?

Accepted Answer

When sending adult clothing for your memory keepsake, consider the following:
Non-Stretch Fabrics:
Button-down shirts
Flannel shirts
Flannel pajamas
Knee-length or longer bathrobes
Stretchy Fabrics:(Stretchy means if your item gives or stretches when pulled on)
T-shirts (note: large logos may not entirely fit)
Golf/Polo shirts
Sweatshirts (note: large logos may not entirely fit)
Fleece shirts
Fleece pajamas
Knee-length or longer fleece bathrobes
Materials that can't be used:
Loose-knit items
Handmade crochet or knit items
Thick knit sweaters
Sheer or lace items
Silky or satin-like polyester materials (e.g., wedding/bridesmaid dresses, blouses, or nightgowns)
Muslin or gauze-type material
Nylon items
Woven afghans or blankets
Bedding
Swim trunks or bathing suits
If creating a memory animal from baby clothes, consider using sleepers, onesies, gowns, t-shirts, receiving blankets, and toddler/children's clothes. For baby sizes, Preemie, Newborn, or 0-3 Months are ideal for a 5x7 inch mini bear unless using more than one article of clothing. Any unused fabric will be returned upon request.

Question 9

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to cancel your order before sending materials, notify us within 30 days of the order date for a full refund, including shipping. Once materials are received, the shipping cost will be used to return the items to you. For more detailed information about cancellations and refunds, please visit our 'Refund Policy' page.

Question 10

Can I change my order after it's placed?

Accepted Answer

Certainly! Feel free to add more items anytime by placing a new order. Keep in mind that combining new items with the original order may affect the estimated delivery date, unless you would prefer that they be shipped separately.

If you wish to make changes to an existing order, please contact us as soon as possible. We can assist you if production hasn't started yet. If changes are still possible, we'll guide you to place a new order with the updated items. Upon receiving the new order, we'll cancel and refund the original one. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're here to help!

Question 11

Do you offer gift cards?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do! Explore our Gift Cards section for a convenient and thoughtful way to share the gift of cherished memory bears and other memory keepsakes with your loved ones.

Question 12

Are the displayed animals for sale?

Accepted Answer

The animals featured in our photos are only examples of keepsakes we've made for previous customers and are not for sale. Each item we create is unique and made to order based on your specific preferences and materials.

Question 13

How do I clean my memory item?

Accepted Answer

Handle memory bears with care, avoiding machine washing or drying. If it must be cleaned, we recommend spot cleaning using a damp cloth and mild soap or detergent for gentle maintenance.

Question 14

How long does it take to receive my order?

Accepted Answer

Production times vary by item type and are calculated from the date we receive your materials, not the order date. You can find an estimated completion date range in the gold box at the bottom right corner of each product listing (see image below).

Once we receive your materials, we will send you a confirmation email with a more specific Estimated Completion Date.

You can also refer to our Shipping Policy and Production Time table for detailed estimated timeframes for each item type.

Expedited shipping options are available at checkout.

Question 15

What happens if I provide the wrong shipping address?

Accepted Answer

Customers are responsible for the accuracy of provided addresses. You can always log into your customer account and select "My Addresses" to update your shipping address.

If the address on your order is different from your current address, please notify us immediately.  If we have not yet shipped your order, we can easily send the order to the new address with no extra hassle.

If your order has already been shipped, we're here to assist you but we will need to work with the carrier to resolve the issue, if possible.

For more shipping info, check out our Shipping Policy  or contact us.

Question 16

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Currently, we only ship within the United States. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location and the items in your order.

Question 17

Can I ship items to different addresses in a single order?

Accepted Answer

Currently, our system processes orders to a single shipping address. If you wish to send items to different addresses, a separate order will be required for each destination. This ensures accurate processing and delivery to the intended recipients.

If you have specific requests or need assistance with this process, feel free to contact us, and we'll be happy to help you navigate the ordering experience. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we appreciate your understanding in making each delivery special for your recipients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)