The Repair Shop: Julie Tatchell fixes a toy seal
The Repair Shop’s teddy bear experts, Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, were brought together through their passion for sewing.
They began working together in 2006, hosting workshops and creative birthday parties for children.
The business developed into restoration and repair and they now run a well-established and respected company.
Alongside their regular appearances The Repair Shop, they also have their own podcast called Bearly Begun.
On the podcast, Julie opened up on when she first met Amanda, who had visited her shop.
She said: “I was quite scared. Not that you looked scary – it’s every day pink ladies walk in with pink hair.
“It was just that I was so new and I was trying to be so professional and my experience of actual artist bears was very limited.
“So I was very aware, I had to be the one looking at your work thinking, ‘Is this good enough for my shop?’”
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After years of building and developing their business, Julie and Amanda announced they would no longer be taking on new restoration projects.
They said: “This has not been an easy decision. It is clear, as we spend more time as ambassadors promoting this craft, we are unable to work on as many patients as we have done in the past.”
Away from her Repair Shop work, theparentage.com said Julie had worked as a feature writer for Ashdown Publishing
She also took part in IKEA’s Teddy Bear doctors tour, giving much-loved cuddly toys a makeover.
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On what her dream repair would be, she said: “If a bear or soft toy that needs fixing and an owner that needs our help, it’s a dream fulfilled!
“However, we would love to find ourselves with the opportunity to care for and learn the stories behind the bears and soft toys belonging to people in the public eye such as the Royal Family or other influential figures. Who hasn’t got a teddy bear story to tell!?”
On how she became an expert in her field, she added: “Many years of hard work, dedication, a passion for the subject and the history combined with the people who trust us with their precious items have got us here.
“Maintaining a good relationship with our clients enables the best outcome for the patient.”
The Repair Shop airs on Wednesdays on BBC One at 8pm
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