When you watch the hit BBC show The Repair Shop, you are instantly captivated by the transformative power of restoration, where skilled experts breathe new life into precious family heirlooms. One expert, in particular, stands out for her unique skill set and infectious passion: Amanda Middleditch. Known for her work with soft toys and teddy bears, Amanda’s expertise and warm personality have made her a beloved figure among fans of the show. But beyond the TV screen, her journey is one rooted in a lifelong love for craft, nostalgia, and the art of restoration.
The Early Days: A Passion for Craft and Restoration
While Amanda Middleditch may be best known for her role on The Repair Shop, her career in toy restoration began long before she appeared on the show. For Amanda, the path to becoming a soft toy expert was paved in childhood. Growing up, she had a fascination with the craftsmanship of stuffed toys, particularly vintage teddy bears, which would go on to define her career.
From a young age, Amanda was surrounded by sewing, stitching, and the delicate work of repairing items, skills she learned from family members, especially her grandmother. This early exposure to the art of repairing and restoring things sparked a lifelong interest in preserving memories and objects that hold sentimental value.
Amanda Middleditch The Birth of Bear It In Mind: A Partnership with Julie Tatchell
In 2006, Amanda partnered with Julie Tatchell, a fellow enthusiast of vintage toys, to form the business Bear It In Mind. The duo specialized in restoring and repairing soft toys, particularly teddy bears. Their work involved everything from mending torn seams to replacing eyes, noses, and stuffing, always ensuring that the restored items maintained their original charm while being brought back to life.
Together, Amanda and Julie became known in the UK for their meticulous and compassionate restoration work. Their business soon gained a reputation not only among collectors of vintage toys but also among families who wanted to preserve cherished childhood memories through the repair of beloved toys. Their skill and craftsmanship caught the attention of the producers of The Repair Shop, leading to their eventual inclusion as expert restorers on the popular BBC series.
Amanda Middleditch A Star on The Repair Shop
The Repair Shop premiered in 2017, quickly becoming a fan favorite for its heartwarming stories and impressive transformations of family treasures. The show’s premise centers around a team of experts who restore a wide variety of objects, from antiques and furniture to clocks, ceramics, and, of course, soft toys. Among the experts is Amanda, whose tender care and attention to detail have made her a standout.
As part of the show, Amanda works alongside Julie, and together they are affectionately known as the “Teddy Bear Ladies.” Their role on the show is to restore damaged or worn-out teddy bears, stuffed animals, and other soft toys. Whether the bear is a family heirloom that has been passed down through generations or a beloved childhood companion that has been loved to pieces, Amanda’s expert skills ensure that each item is restored to its former glory.
What makes Amanda’s work particularly special is her ability to connect emotionally with the items she restores. She understands that each toy is not just a stuffed animal but a repository of memories. For many of the families featured on The Repair Shop, the restoration of their teddy bear is a deeply emotional journey. Watching Amanda carefully sew and restore the toy is often a cathartic experience for the owners, who get to relive their childhood memories through the process.
Amanda’s work on The Repair Shop has resonated with audiences for its emotional depth. The reactions of the owners when they see their beloved toys restored to their former selves are often tear-jerking moments on the show. Viewers are equally moved by Amanda’s gentle approach and her sincere passion for her craft. Her friendly and approachable demeanor, combined with her expertise, has made her a favorite among fans of the show.
The Teddy Bear Ladies: Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch
While Amanda is known for her work on The Repair Shop, it is her partnership with Julie Tatchell that has made their restoration duo so memorable. Julie and Amanda’s dynamic is built on years of collaboration, with each bringing their own unique skills to the table. Together, they share a deep understanding of the history of toys and the intricacies of restoring them. Whether it’s replacing stuffing, mending fur, or recreating missing parts, the duo’s combined expertise ensures that each restoration is both authentic and sensitive to the sentimental value of the object.
Their teamwork extends beyond The Repair Shop. In addition to their TV appearances, Amanda and Julie have co-authored a children’s book titled Bartie Bristle and Other Stories: Tales from the Teddy Bear Ladies. The book, inspired by their work restoring teddy bears, features charming stories about the adventures of a bear named Bartie. It’s an extension of their love for storytelling and the nostalgic appeal of teddy bears, which have long been a symbol of comfort and companionship.
The Craft of Toy Restoration: An Art and a Science
Restoring a teddy bear is not as simple as sewing up a tear or adding a new button for an eye. Amanda and Julie’s craft is a highly specialized skill that requires a deep understanding of both the materials used in soft toys and the techniques for restoring them to their original form. From repairing delicate fabric to recreating intricate details, every aspect of the restoration process is done with precision and care.
One of the challenges of toy restoration is ensuring that the integrity of the original toy is maintained while also making it safe and functional. For example, when restoring a vintage teddy bear, Amanda may need to find period‑appropriate fabric or recreate the toy’s original stuffing material. Each restoration project is different, and Amanda’s ability to assess the condition of a toy and determine the best approach for its restoration is what sets her apart as a true expert in the field.
Her work requires a keen eye for detail, patience, and a steady hand. But perhaps more than anything, it requires a deep respect for the sentimental value that toys hold for their owners. Every toy Amanda restores tells a story, and her job is to ensure that the memory it represents lives on.
The Personal Touch: Amanda’s Role in the Restoration Process
What makes Amanda’s work truly special is her deep connection with each object she restores. She approaches every restoration with an understanding that each teddy bear or soft toy is much more than just a stuffed animal — it’s a symbol of a loved one, a piece of history, or a cherished memory. This empathy shines through in her work, as she treats each toy with the care and respect it deserves.
On The Repair Shop, Amanda’s interactions with the toy owners often reflect this emotional understanding. As she listens to their stories, she acknowledges the personal significance behind the objects, which allows her to create a bond with the families. This connection enhances the restoration process, as Amanda’s work is not just about fixing a toy — it’s about preserving the emotional attachment that comes with it.
Her compassionate approach has earned her a loyal fan base, with many viewers praising her for her warmth, patience, and dedication to her craft. It’s clear that Amanda’s work is more than just a job — it’s a calling, and she has become a trusted figure for families who need their precious toys restored.
Conclusion
Amanda Middleditch role as a teddy bear expert and soft toy restorer on The Repair Shop has made her a beloved figure in the world of TV personalities. Her work goes far beyond fixing stuffed animals — it’s about preserving memories, restoring sentimental objects, and connecting emotionally with the people who cherish them. Through her work, Amanda not only revives teddy bears but also revives the stories, emotions, and experiences tied to them.
Whether she’s working on a vintage teddy bear or sharing a heartwarming story on The Repair Shop, Amanda’s passion for her craft and her dedication to her clients is evident in everything she does. And for fans of the show, she will always be remembered as the expert who brought their treasured toys — and memories — back to life.