Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose Spruce Mountain Keepsake Creations?
I know just how important these cherished items are to you. I take great pride in being able to create such meaningful items. Each keepsake is carefully constructed from start to finish. I keep communication open with my clients through the entire process.
Often times creating Keepsake items can be an emotional experience, and you can trust your items are in good hands. ❤️
Can I only use shirts?
If it is fabric, I can use it!
(Well… most fabric). Items that work great for all keepsakes are T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, pants, flannel shirts, cotton button downs, dress shirts, pajamas, tightly knit sweaters, and even some thin jackets.
For baby clothes quilts, onesies, shirts, pants, costumes, blankets, bedding, curtains all work well!
Items that do not work are heavy and thick denims or leather, very thin shiny or sheer items, or loosely knit sweaters.
I only have one shirt. Will that work for a bear or pillow?
Absolutely! In most cases I only need one shirt to make one bear. If the shirt is very small or child’s size, I may have to add coordinating fabric if there is not enough material. If you only have one shirt for the bear, I will use a coordinating fabric for the ears and the feet of the bear.
How many Bears can be made from one shirt.
In most cases, I can get one bear per clothing item. If the clothing is Men’s XL or bigger, a second bear can be made from that item.
How many onesies are needed for the Onesie Bears?
This is dependent on the size of the onesies. 0-3 months (4 onesies), 3-6 months (3 onesies), 6-9 months ( 3 onesies), 12m+ (2 onesies)
I only have a few shirts. How many pillows can be made?
For collared shirts, and t-shirt pillows, it is standard to use one shirt per pillow. A great way to get more pillows from only a few clothing items is to order the Patchwork style Pillow. Only a small bit from each shirt is used for the patchwork pillows. Feel free to message me regarding what you have and we can come up with a good plan to fit your needs.
Can I place a local order and avoid shipping?
YES! I love to meet my clients and customers! Use the contact page to send a message. We can discuss what items you would like to order and I will get you the local pricing for your items. We can then make arrangements for local pick up, delivery, or meetup!
How do I prepare my clothing?
1.) Wash all clothing in scent free detergent prior to sending.
2.) Please do not cut the clothing. I will handle all deconstruction.
3.) If there are logos you would like to include from the front and the back, please mark the item with a note pinned to the clothing item. Blue Painters tape works well for this, but be sure to write on the tape before you stick it to the clothing item, as your marker can bleed through.
4.). If you are sending extra items, please separate the “must haves” and the “extras” in two separate bags.
5.) When packaging your shirts, please do not over fill the box, as it can cause it to bust during shipping.
How does shipping work?
The customer is responsible for the cost of shipping the clothing items to Spruce Mountain. Free return shipping is offered when I am ready to return your item back to you.
Detailed mailing instructions are included in an email after your order is placed.
I use UPS Ground, and USPS Priority Shipping to return your finished keepsake. Tracking information will be provided when your keepsake is on its way back to you.
What happens with any extra clothing?
If there are extra clothing items when the project is finished that have not been cut, they are returned with your finished keepsake.
Any leftover fabric scraps go into my scrap storage. A few times per year I sew mini bears, pillows, and quilts to be donated to local nursing homes and shelters in Western Pennsylvania.
How do I care for my Keepsake?
Following specific care instructions is important to preserving the unique memory quilt. They are made to be used and loved!
It is recommended to wash your quilt about once per year. Unless it is getting extra use, then you may need to wash it more often. You can also spot clean if only a small area is dirty.
Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with a bleach-free detergent. Dry on low heat or fluff and hang dry.
For larger quilts, a trip to the laundromat may be in order. Overcrowding a large quilt in a domestic machine could cause damage to the item.
You can use an item made by Shout, called “color catchers”. These can help to prevent any bleed within the colors.
Spot cleaning works best for Keepsake Bears and Pillows as there are portions of the items that are hand sewn. To prevent any of these seams from opening it is best not to put them into the washing machine.
What is your return policy?
All products are custom-made so I do not offer returns/exchanges/refunds.
In the event that there has been a mistake or there is a sewing error, please reach out as soon as possible to discuss! If there was a mistake made in the construction of the item, I will have you ship the item back to me, and I will fix the item and return it back to you.