Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress based in Vancouver, has made it her mission to mend a wide range of teddy bear mishaps, from pet-inflicted damages to lost parts and excessive wear and tear. For nearly twenty years, she has dedicated herself to restoring thousands of stuffed animals from all over North America.
Her home serves as a hub for teddy bear repair, with stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur adorning every available surface. Hasman offers an array of services including fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and even spa treatments for these beloved toys. She goes the extra mile for her clients, often scouring numerous thrift stores to source the perfect fabric for each unique repair job.
Each teddy bear presents a new challenge for Hasman, who finds joy in unraveling the stories behind the toys, some of which hold deep sentimental value for their owners. One notable case involved a 115-year-old bear passed down through five generations in a family.
One of Hasman’s satisfied clients, Vedrana Petrovic, expressed amazement at the transformation of her plush golden retriever, Sylvester, after Hasman’s meticulous repair work. Petrovic shared that Sylvester, a constant source of emotional support, had been left nearly deflated before his visit to the teddy bear hospital.
Hasman, who is currently training a successor in Maple Ridge, intends to continue her teddy bear restoration work for as long as possible, driven by the heartfelt stories that accompany each bear she repairs.