Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress in Vancouver, British Columbia, has dedicated her time to repairing a wide variety of teddy bear issues, ranging from pet damages to missing parts. Over nearly two decades, she has successfully restored thousands of stuffed animals from all over North America. Hasman’s home is filled with stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur, showcasing her commitment to her craft.
Her services include fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and spa treatments for the beloved toys. She goes the extra mile for her clients, sometimes scouring numerous thrift stores to find the perfect fabric match. Each bear presents a unique challenge for Hasman, who takes pride in learning something new with each repair job.
Apart from the technical aspect, Hasman cherishes learning the sentimental stories behind each toy, some of which hold deep emotional value for their owners. One of her most memorable repairs was a 115-year-old bear that had been passed down through five generations in a family.
One of Hasman’s clients, Vedrana Petrovic, was amazed at the transformation of her plush golden retriever, Sylvester, after Hasman’s expert touch. Petrovic, who received Sylvester for emotional support during her university days, described him as “irreparable” before his visit to the teddy bear hospital. Now, Sylvester looks almost new and continues to be a cherished companion for Petrovic.
Looking to the future, Hasman is training a successor in Maple Ridge and hopes that her legacy of teddy bear restoration will continue even when she can no longer actively participate. However, for now, she remains dedicated to her craft, driven by the heartfelt stories that each bear carries.
