Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Guys!  Glad to see you're up and about now!! 

I was thinking along the lines of the swapper dictating what they would like to swap their item for.

For example:  I have a November issue of such'nsuch' UK mag and would be interested in swapping it for a July issue of such'n'such US mag.

That way potential swappee's would know exactly what is being requested in return.

I'm not sure how it would work with those daring members who would enjoy surprise swaps and would be open for swap 'offers' in return for their swap item!

Perhaps we need a simple code of swap conduct drawn up! 

Hmmmn - I just received the following info from a supplier:

The white Falkland is carded wool that would be in batt form but not of any specific weight, just order what you want.

Any reason for batt only as it is rare to have  wool prepared in this form. Ours wool comes off the carded and is collected on a rotating drum and therefore, forms a batt.Just about everything else we stock is in combed top form which is the way feltmakers usually make use of it.

So I still am none the wiser about knowing exactly what to order! 

Ooh Sabine, it sounds as though you've hit on something here!

Whoops!  Forgot about the small matter of the Atlantic ocean ... 

'Tis in the post as we speak. 

Hey Shelli, 40's not so bad! Honest!  I hated the thought of turning 40 but then it happened (inevitably - nearly three years ago!) and after checking the mirror for wrinkles, I decided I didn't look a day over 39!   

Like you've I've had 'stuff' to deal with over recent years and believe me, the only way is up!  When things fell apart in my world, I couldn't get myself together enough to seek 'proper' work and so decided to immerse myself in making my little business work.  Sticking to making those 2/3 bears a week has certainly been a challenge!  I'm fortunate enough to have both my rent paying kids still at home, so can still work on my bears earning just enough to get by ... let's face it, bear makers are never gonna be rich!!

Anyway, life's taken a happy turn and well, let's just say the horizon now looks a brighter place than it did and it is whole lot closer too!

So dear lady, make the most of 40, 'cos 41 and THE FUTURE will be on you before you know it! 

Yep, simple, straightforward, no-nonsense, swapping is what I meant Daphne.

It seems like the idea is generating positive feedback thus far, so um ... what next? 

Cooooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee - Are any of you advisors out there listening????

Wandered in here out of curiosity -  my, my!  What a heap of wholesomely behaved folk!  I'm impressed.  I haven't read every single page yet, so forgive me if this has been covered, but like I said, I'm curious, is anyone mixing in a little exercise with their new healthy eating regime?

Hey Lynette - I guess we both have a heap to learn eh?!! 

Shelli's request for a UK teddy bear magazine, made me think, maybe a swap forum would work well on TT?  We could post our wants and offer swaps for anything bear related, ie., mags, fabric, bears, supplies ...

It would be the swapper's personal responsibility to ensure sure swaps go smoothly.  TT would purely offer forum space for member's to suggest their preferred swaps ...

Just a thought!  What do you think?

Hi Shelli,

I have a spare unopened copy (advertising perk) - email me your address and I'll pop it in the post x

I'm just discovering here that it is called carded wool here in the UK.  I couldn't understand why I couldn't locate batts anywhere, bearing in mind we are a sheep farming country!  I was hunting high and low and then I wondered if maybe it was just called something else ... now I think I may have located some at last!

Two gorgeous bears Shelli - I have to be honest though, I like your's the best!  It has such a beautiful expression and the detailing is lovely.

Hmmn.  Howsabout - 'Orange Blob Bear' ... he was from a kiddies pattern sold through a local toyshop.

Then there was 'Ivor' ... he was a kit.

I can't remember my very first design - I will hunt through my files!

Ah!  Now I remember!  The yellow guy -  Pomeroy, he was about the third I designed ... the first couple went to my mum and my niece and unfortunately (!) I don't have any pics!

I bet you can Bronwen ... the only limitation is imagination!

23 bears in a week sounds supersonic!!  Wow!

I certainly couldn't manage that many.  For sanity's sake (not to mention quality's sake!) I average 2/3 bears a week.  I prefer to get three done per week, but don't manage that every week.

If I need to get more done, I enlist the snipping skills of my daughter and she joins me on the floor with a pile of fabric to cut out!

He's so cute Matilda!  Love his colour too!  I'm really looking forward to getting started. 

Lynette, great to hear you've registered - I think we'll have a great time and I'm certain we're going to learn heaps!! 

Glad to help Matilda!

I put a tail on a bear once ... how I came to design the shape is beyond my wildest imaginings, suffice it to say it would not have looked out of place at the back of any Ann Summers' shop!  (For those of you who don't know these shops, I will spare your blushes!) 

Since that day, I have admired many a cute tail on other designers' work and resisted all temptation to incorporate any more tails in my own work, just to be on the safe side you understand!! 

I think seeking out honest critique is essential when starting out on the road towards selling your work.  I took some samples of my work to a very well known bear artist here in the UK, before I ever considered selling.  I was terrified of the feedback, but more terrified of selling sub-standard goods!

I received some honest direction relating to the potential marketability of my product and my skills as a bear maker - in particular I remember being told to 'pay more attention to the nose stitching'.  When I compared my noses back then, to the bear artist who was kind enough to share expertise with me, I had to agree, I had a long way to go!  I worked hard on those noses from that day to this and now feel justified in taking pride in them!

It was a long time ago and definitely part of my learning curve.  At the time I was extremely grateful for the constructive critique and even now, feel it was of great benefit to me.

I always make four piece bodies these days, but having thought about what Sue-Ann has suggested here, I may well adapt my body designs to two piece ... I like the concept of less work!

I'm with you Stephanie, I like to see design, colour and texture created from fur - that's definitely what floats my boat!! 

Beautiful bears Judi!  I'm awestruck!

I must admit, I very much prefer the idea of working with natural fibre and even when knitting, prefer to use pure wool, so I understand what you are saying.  My problem at the moment is locating the batt here in the UK!  I'm wondering if perhaps it is called something different here ... I've looked at websites, but can't find anything listed specifically as batt!   

Carrie has kindly offered to send me a sample from her own supply (she's my angel of the week!  ) so that is a terrific help.  I've also emailed a company she suggested called Wingham Wool here in the UK.  I've pleaded my ignorance - I'm sure they must supply what I need, but I'm still waiting to hear back from them.

One way or another, I will be ready, willing and able on the 9th!! 

I like to use Ultra Suede because it's strong with a little 'give', but I also love to trim up mohair and use that - you can get so many different effects with it!

I love the idea of skylights, but if that can't be done what about using some 'natural light' bulbs?  They are sold in craft stores here.  Would they be helpful?  (By the way, I've never used any so I'm just grabbing at straws here!)