Sunday 9 September 2018

It's Who You Know...

My kind and gentle Father in Law died in July. Unexpected and therefore quite shocking. My sweet Mother in Law has been bouncing off the walls between what needs to be done and not wanting to do anything, as you can imagine. She found catharsis in sorting through Dad's wardrobes and drawers about a fortnight ago. She was content to let his clothes go to charities and a couple of big jumpers were snatched up by grandchildren. Even though he retired from work about 20 years ago and weddings and funerals were the only occasions that he needed them for, Mum was a bit reluctant to let go of Dad's ties. Of course, we encouraged her to keep whatever she wanted and the ties were no exception. After all, they weren't exactly taking up space! By coincidence, my sister was telling me about a girl she knew who had scoured charity shops for ties and made a waistcoat out of them. PING. I suggested to Mum that we could use the ties to make each of the grandchildren a gift. And when I say we...I mean Annie, Wipso to you and me.
Off they went. And in four days flat, back came a box full of little Brian teddies. Mr Dunnit and I were quite choked, all over again. Then, when I took them to Mum, so was she. We had a good Boo hoo and a little argument amount which Grandchid will get which bear. Meantime, I'm looking after them. What's the collective noun for a box full of Brian Bears?

19 comments:

Marit said...

Oh Julia, what a lovely way to have your Dad in Law remembered and so sweet of Annie that she made these so quickly... I can imagine you got emotional. Hope you had a beautiful day with your hubby and have a great weekend.

Helen said...

how fabulous! Annie mentioned making some of her memory bears from ties this week, but not for whom! they look beautiful and I am sure once you can part with them, will be much loved by the recipients!!
Hope you had a good day with Mr D yesterday.

Annie said...

I'm always happy to make special memories...especially for very special friends like you.
Biggest hugs,
Annie x

Heather M said...

Hi Julia, sorry we didn't get to meet yesterday, there will always be another time for that. As instructed I ate lots of cake, drank lots of coffee and chatted lots! Hope you had a lovely day with Mr Dunnit. I saw these bears on Annie's blog during the week, they are marvellous keepsakes. Have a great rest of the week, and catch up with you in Wednesday, hugs Heather x

Kathyk said...

That is SUCH a fabulous idea, Sadly, no idea what the collective noun for a box of Brian Bears might be - perhaps you should choose one!


Kathyk

shazsilverwolf said...

Hi Julia, and hope you had the most fabulous time with Mr Dunnit! We certainly had a lovely day at the crop, and meeting a few new WOYWWers made it extra special too. Loving the bears, Annie puts so much love into each one, doesn't she? Love & Hugs, Shaz X

Dotty Jo said...

What a lovely thing to do. Jo x

Lunch Lady Jan said...

A lovely thing to do...hope it helped all of you. Well done Annie, you did a great job xx

Sue said...

Hi Julia, What a wonderful idea.

Hope you've had a nice weekend. Sue

Twiglet said...

They are such a cuddlesome "bundle" of bears - she is a clever little sis. We had a fab day Julia - will see you at the next one! xxx Jo

ShazInOzCardsCalligraphy said...

Sad to hear this Julia..so hard for all who loved him... but.. oooer how utterly wonderful of Annie to make those gorgeous bears.. and so skilfully amd well was so pleased yest when Shaz had one of her bears at the crop in the draw... what a day it was Julia but you were with us in our hearts and thoughts and in my prayers too.
Margaret's playing cards on computer while I'm on my phone... next to one another in her craft room, and yes, we did craft... or I did!!
Playing with another's stash.. quite a novelty for me..
Sending loads of love and prayers,
Shaz in Oz.x

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

SO sad to read about your father in law. Those bears turned out wonderful, although I had seen some on Annie's blog on Wednesday. Your post is a LOT faster than in the U.S. and Annie was quick, too. The name for a box of Brian Bears? Love in a box.

Neet said...

What a wonderful boxful of bears you have. No idea what the collective name is but rather like Jo's suggestion of a "bundle". Can only think of a "bonanza" but will come back if I think of more.
What a wonderful idea to use the ties in that way and what beautiful gifts for the grandees, I once saw a skirt made from ties and always wanted to make one myself - never did of course but still remember it. Kinky me would have worn it too!
Missed you but understood you had other things clashing so no worries, next time ... Love my Picasso inspired book, just came to the right person as I had been chatting with Pearshaped Chris about her small journals - this is the perfect size - thank you.
Hugs, Neet (who will have rather a long blog this week, sorry) xx

Jackie PNeal said...

I had a bit of a well-up myself with your post. What a wonderful gift for those grandchildren!
Peace and healing wishes to you and your family
Jackie xx

Christine said...

Ditto.
Deffo Love in a box.

Robyn said...

love love love love- everyone needs an Annie and a bear inter lives!

Darnell said...

This brought tears to my eyes, Julia. I think the idea of making bears out of a loved ones clothes or ties is just brilliant. Thank you for sharing. I hope you had a wonderful date with Mister Dunnit!! Hugs, Darnell

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

I love this idea. And have enjoyed all of Annie's posting on her great works.
Such a treasure for all.

Monica said...

What a super idea and so much love sewn up into a memory.
hugs Monica