The Repair Shop's Teddy Bear Ladies, Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch, are widely recognised for their remarkable closeness on the much-loved BBC programme. The cherished pair work in tandem to restore visitors' most treasured belongings, dedicating themselves to reviving childhood bears and other well-loved soft toys.
Are Julie Tatchell and Amanda Middleditch related?
Given how closely the pair collaborate, many viewers have long questioned whether Julie and Amanda are actually related. While they undeniably share a strong connection, the soft toy specialists are not related by blood, yet have remained steadfast friends and professional partners for at least 15 years.
How did they meet?
The pair first joined forces in 2006, united by their mutual enthusiasm for inspiring others to take up needlework. They subsequently combined this with teddy bear and soft toy restoration by hosting workshops for children and their parents at creative birthday celebrations. Julie and Amanda ultimately chose to concentrate exclusively on teddy bear restoration as their full-time vocation, leading to the establishment of their business, Bear It In Mind, now firmly rooted in the New Forest.
Their journey on The Repair Shop
It was back in 2017 that they joined The Repair Shop, with the hope that the programme would encourage more people to take up a needle and thread. They wrote on the Bear It In Mind website: "There may even be a new generation of repairers developing as we speak, together with growing interest in the history and stories behind the once flourishing manufacture of soft toys in Britain."
Regrettably, Bear It In Mind no longer accepts new restoration commissions, having chosen to focus on championing and safeguarding the traditional craft. Outside of their online platform, Julie and Amanda present their podcast, Bearly Begun, and released their children's book, Bartie Bristle, last year. The story centres around a charming teddy bear shop and follows the escapades of Bartie and his cherished cuddly companions.
The duo are due to feature on Love Your Garden with Alan Titchmarsh, where host Alan may probe them about their special connection. Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh airs Sundays from 9.30am, and you can stream The Repair Shop on BBC iPlayer.
