Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress based in Vancouver, British Columbia, has dedicated her time to restoring worn-out and damaged stuffed animals, ranging from pet-inflicted injuries to missing parts. Over the past nearly 20 years, she has repaired a multitude of stuffed toys from various locations in North America.
Within her home, one can find an array of stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur, serving as a testament to her craft. Hasman offers an array of services including fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and even spa treatments for these beloved toys. She goes to great lengths for her clients, often scouring numerous thrift stores to source the perfect fabric for each repair job.
No two bears are alike, presenting Hasman with new challenges and opportunities to learn with each restoration project. She finds joy in uncovering the sentimental stories behind each toy, noting that some hold deep emotional connections for their owners.
One of her clients, Vedrana Petrovic, praised Hasman for the remarkable repair job on her plush golden retriever, Sylvester, obtained from IKEA a decade ago. Petrovic expressed her surprise at the transformation, stating that she initially thought Sylvester was beyond repair. The restored toy holds significant sentimental value for Petrovic, serving as a constant source of comfort and companionship.
With plans to pass on her skills to a successor in Maple Ridge, Hasman continues her work with a deep passion for preserving the stories and memories woven into each cherished stuffed animal. She remains committed to her craft, driven by the heartwarming narratives that accompany these beloved toys.