Ruth Hasman, a retired seamstress based in Vancouver, has devoted her retirement to the repair of worn-out and damaged stuffed animals. Over the course of nearly twenty years, she estimates that she has restored thousands of plush toys from various locations in North America.
Her home is adorned with an array of stuffed toy parts, buttons, eyes, and fur, showcasing her dedication to her craft. Hasman offers a range of services including fur grafts, eyeball replacements, stuffing replenishments, and spa treatments for the beloved toys in her care. She spares no effort in sourcing the perfect fabric for each unique project, sometimes scouring numerous thrift stores to find the ideal material.
Each stuffed animal presents a new challenge for Hasman, who meticulously disassembles and reworks any piece that does not meet her standards. She finds joy in learning the personal stories behind the toys, many of which hold sentimental value for their owners.
One of her clients, Vedrana Petrovic, shared how Hasman restored her plush golden retriever, Sylvester, to its former glory. Petrovic expressed amazement at the transformation, noting that Sylvester had been a source of comfort and companionship for over a decade. Hasman’s dedication to her craft extends to mentoring a successor in Maple Ridge, with the hope that her legacy will continue even after she retires.
For Hasman, the true reward lies in the heartfelt connections she forms with both the toys and their owners. The stories behind each bear she repairs serve as a constant source of inspiration, motivating her to continue her work for as long as possible.
