08/04/2026
So, you’ve probably seen for a while now, I’ve been very quiet on the Ted front….if I’m completely honest with you all, my counselling has taken off and I’m using all my energy to help others through their various life experiences…meaning I haven’t had much energy for making teds.
The teds over the years have provided so much joy 🤗 They have provided a chance for each of you to connect with your loved ones even once they have passed on, through their clothing, through the stories you have shared with me about each and every one of the amazing people who you have wanted to remember in your own special way…and I will always feel honoured that you have chosen me to create something so incredibly special and emotionally valuable to you.
I have made the incredibly hard decision, after 11 years, to stop making memory teds…this decision hasn’t been made lightly…however….after spending 2025 looking after my gorgeous great uncle, both before and after he passed, I have realised how much time I have missed with my girls…the working all the hours I’ve been given, 5am starts to midnight finishes to ensure my orders have been completed, and that’s on top of working full time with my counselling, caring for my uncle over the past 6 years and trying to be a full time mum and wife.
If I’m completely honest, and I know you’ll understand, it all became too much. I got to the point of overwhelm/burn out…I wanted to keep being there but knew I needed to put myself and my family first….
So the very hard decision to stop making Teds, cushions and quilts was made 😢 I’ve had a few people ask recently for orders and sadly I’ve had to turn them away but knew I needed to make a public announcement… it’s taken me a while but today is the day, I need to make this official.
I want to thank absolutely each and everyone of you for being part of The Ribbon Rose Studio…I wanted to work for myself for so many years, and you made this a reality. I’ve been able to be there for my girls, for sports days and harvest festivals, Christmas concerts and parents evenings…you’ve enabled me to be a mum whilst also giving me the gift of time to create some of the most amazing memories for you. Every person who has come to the studio, who has told me that their person wore a special top for a loved one’s wedding or a 70th birthday…that grandchildren have been able to give their granddad one last cuddle because they can physically hold their teddy…I’ve been in tears, you’ve been in tears…it really has been the most amazing ride and as I write this, I wonder why I’m not continuing…but I need time now to be a mum, to close down at 5pm from the day job and start the next job of being a mum while Harriet and Annabel still need me. I know each of you will understand this.
I will always be here….for those who I’ve made teddies for, whether it be 1 or 20, a single order or multiple…for those who I’ve taught to crochet, knit, sew….they are skill from those who came before me and I know they’d be proud that I’ve been able to pass them on.
For the friendships I’ve made throughout the last 11 years, these mean the world…as a Kiwi who arrived in the UK, 22 years ago knowing no one; your friendships have meant the world.
I will sign off by saying thank you, thank you for making my dream a reality, for enabling me to get through COVID and for allowing me the privilege of knowing your people and enabling me to help cherish every memory you hold of each of them.
It’s not goodbye, but a change of direction…
Much love always
Kate ###
