EL’s magic memory maker bringing comfort
Phillips creates special keepsakes of loved ones lost
Creating tangible memento s for those who ’ have lost a loved one or want to look back on significant life events fondly, Kerry Phillips is East London s local Magic Memory Maker. ’
Starting her sentimental keepsake-making business more than two years ago, Phillips has enjoyed turning old clothes into teddies, quilts, pillows and knee blankets.
“I was looking for ways to supplement my income and try my hand at sewing again.
“The idea of the memory teddy came to mind as there seemed to be a gap for something unique like that in East London,” said Phillips, who is a mother of three and works full-time as a debtors and creditors clerk.
Reminiscing on the nerve-racking experience of cutting up a client s loved one s clothing
’ ’ for the first time, Phillips said her little business had slowly flourished.
My cousin in Durban who sews was kind “enough to send me a teddy pattern or two which got me started.
Not many people in East London knew “what a memory teddy was when I started out but as time has gone by, my little business has grown, said Phillips, who has a Facebook ” page dedicated to the Magic Memory Maker, but relies mostly on word-of-mouth.
To say I was nervous cutting someone s “’ loved one s keepsake clothing for my first order ’ is an understatement,” Phillips, 47, said.
While the initial jitters of dealing with precious clothing items that hold a lot of memories took a while to subside, Phillips has pressed on and has made more than 200 memory items.
Using jerseys, sweaters, favourite shirts and more, some beautifully mismatched and others colour co-ordinated, each of Phillips s ’ nostalgic creations are made with the client in mind.
I look back and realise how much more “confident I have become in my creativity.
I absolutely love creating these special “keepsakes, it ’ s my passion and each and every one I make is a treasured memory,” said Phillips, who has always enjoyed sewing.
My sister and I sewed together for a little “while about 25 years ago, making kiddies and adult clothing. Just something we had done on the side for extra income.
I ve always loved it, but it was a lot of trial “’ and error to get the teddies right, but with perseverance I managed,” said Phillips.
She said the designs were mostly left up to her, but she often got to hear about the people the clothing belonged to, which helped her creativity along.
Normally when I receive the clothing my “mind is picturing how I would like the keepsake to look.
People contact me and come and see me in “the evenings after I finish work or on weekends, and bring the keepsake clothing with them.
I listen to what they would like and offer “ideas and advice to ensure the keepsake item is something they would be happy with. In some instances I get to hear about the “loved ones who have passed, which is wonderful as I get to know a little of who the person was and how much they were loved and also missed,” Phillips said.
Phillips offers two different styles of teddy bears, one with movable button arms and legs and a standard teddy.
She also makes a range of stuffed creatures including elephants, lions, and unicorns.
And while she spends her time mainly making memory items, she also offers weighted birth teddies to commemorate the birth of her clients children.
’ I make the birth bears from baby clothing. “
They are made to the baby s length and “’ weight and get embroidered with all those special birth details like name, date, time of birth, weight and length,” Phillips said. But whether it s to remember a loved one ’ who has passed or the milestone of being born, Phillips said every keepsake she had the opportunity to create was a rewarding experience.
Seeing the joy on the customer s face, the “’ appreciation and knowing I have made something that can be treasured always is the best thing about what I do.
“Each and every keepsake I make is special and I am beyond blessed and truly grateful for the support I get.”
Using jerseys, sweaters, favourite shirts and more, some beautifully mismatched and others colour co-ordinated, each of Phillips ’ s nostalgic creations are made with the client in mind