Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has dedicated herself to repairing worn-out and damaged stuffed animals. With nearly two decades of experience, she has restored thousands of plush toys from various locations across North America.
Hasman’s home is adorned with stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur, showcasing her passion for mending these beloved companions. She offers a range of services, including fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and spa treatments for the stuffed animals under her care.
Going the extra mile for her clients, Hasman often scours numerous thrift stores to source the perfect fabric for each unique repair project. If a teddy bear doesn’t meet her standards, she doesn’t hesitate to dismantle and reassemble it until it’s just right, emphasizing that each toy presents a new challenge and learning opportunity.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work, according to Hasman, is uncovering the sentimental stories behind the toys she repairs. She cherishes the interactions with clients and the chance to learn about the history and emotional significance attached to each bear.
Notably, Hasman once restored a 115-year-old bear that had been cherished and passed down through five generations within a family. Her dedication and craftsmanship have left clients like Vedrana Petrovic amazed at the transformation of their beloved companions, such as Sylvester, a plush golden retriever from IKEA.
Petrovic expressed astonishment at the restoration of Sylvester, who had become deflated and worn over the years. She described him as a pivotal source of comfort during her university days and expressed gratitude for Hasman’s skill in reviving him to his former glory.
Looking to the future, Hasman is currently training a successor in Maple Ridge with the hope that they will eventually take over her business. Nonetheless, she remains committed to her craft, driven by the heartwarming narratives that accompany each teddy bear she has the privilege of restoring.