Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress based in Vancouver, has dedicated her time to repairing worn-out and damaged stuffed animals. Over nearly twenty years, she has restored a multitude of stuffed toys from various locations across North America. Hasman’s home is filled with stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur, showcasing her passion for her craft.
Offering services such as fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and spa treatments, Hasman goes the extra mile for her clients. She meticulously searches through thrift stores to find the perfect fabric match and is not afraid to redo a bear if she is not satisfied with the outcome. Each toy presents a unique challenge, allowing Hasman to continuously learn and improve her skills.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of her work for Hasman is uncovering the sentimental stories behind each toy. She cherishes the interactions with clients and the history that accompanies the bears. Notably, she once repaired a bear that had been in a family for five generations and was over a century old.
A satisfied client, Vedrana Petrovic, praised Hasman for restoring her plush golden retriever, Sylvester, to its former glory. Petrovic expressed disbelief at the transformation of her beloved companion, which she had acquired during a challenging time in university. She described Sylvester as a crucial source of comfort and companionship, emphasizing the significance of Hasman’s work in preserving cherished memories.
Looking ahead, Hasman is mentoring a counterpart in Maple Ridge, grooming them to potentially take over her business in the future. However, for now, she remains dedicated to her craft, driven by the touching stories that accompany each bear she repairs.
