Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Peter,

I love the photos! I think Beaumont and Neville are going to be extremely happy living in Belgium!

I am so pleased (and relieved!) that you are delighted with Beaumont, I worried about him so much as you know.  At just under 29 inches, I wondered if he would be too much of a handful  for you!   

Yes, I was shocked by his weight when I weighed the poor chap, but the stuffing just kept going on and on and on .....  I was absolutely amazed how much I used.  But at least he will keep you on your toes as he is not a bear to be messed with!!  (Actually, he is a big softie really!)

Many thanks for the opportunity of making him for you, I hope he brings you lots of happiness.

Hugs,

Marilyn

You're one observant bunny Aleta!!  I wonder how long that has been there then! 

Wee, just tried it, I'll be "like-ing" all over the place now!

Hugs

Marilyn

Aawww, my kind of photo!!!           

Hugs

Marilyn 

A wonderful bear, and I adore the colour combination, one of my favourites.

Hugs

Marilyn

Hi Gemma,

Oh my, what a beautiful little girl and with such a beautiful name too!  Congratulations!

I particularly love the "bluebell" photograph and her crocheted hat just "makes" it, gorgeous!  You should enter that photo into a competition!!

Nice to see you back.

Hugs

Marilyn

I just thought I would pop up a few pictures of Tatty now that he has some of his patches off - freedom at last!  My last post above describes the state he is in but now he looks somewhat more dignified even though he is in the buff! Nice to see him relaxed and sunning himself in the evening sunshine.

Hugs
Marilyn

Dear Beth,

Sending you a big big hug.  I'm so very sorry to hear the sad news but you know in your heart that you did the very best for your wonderful dog.  Having to grieve is the worse thing ever, but it is the only way to make it possible in the near future for you to smile and laugh when you have all those fantastic memories of your lovely dog. 

Lots of hugs,  :hug:  :hug:

Marilyn x

US Bears -  I had fun with this one!!  - "Natty Tatty" was going around and around in my head when I was trying to sleep after reading your post.  It was like being in a train on a rickety track!  I had to get out of bed and go and get myself a drink to take my mind of it!! :crackup:

Catherine - thank you so much for your kind offer but I should think your mohair is too glorious for Tatty!  Poor little thing is in a very bad way.

Edie - thank you, I just wondered if they were the same size but Tatty is a bit larger.

Tatty Bear was removed from the freezer today and left to thaw himself out.  Actually he was fine, not damp at all, just a bit nippy.  He was lying with the late afternoon sunshine warming up his little toes, probably the best he has felt for some time! 

I couldn't stand looking at those patches on him any longer so carefully removed them and that alone took over an hour just to remove the tiny stitches which were all over the patches, many concealed in layers underneath.  Well, unfortunately Tatty is a little worse than I thought.  The arms are not even attached to the body!  The patches were literally just holding them in place as the mohair has ripped under the arms and so the joint which should be inside the arm is on the outside of the body with the arm "stitched" over the top of the joint to hide it.  One arm could probably be left but the other is worse.

As for the legs, well it looks as though the bear has been grabbed with a leg in each hand and then pulled in opposite directions.  The mohair is ripped to the inside of the legs with joints fully showing though the joints do turn.  This could be disguised probably with some close mohair/backing that could be sewn over the area to protect and hold in position.

What can I say about the had - it is a complete mess.  I really do feel that this poor bear has been grabbed by a dog as there are so many holes in it, large areas of darning, and I am way too scared to take the patches off because the mohair in several areas is wanting to disintegrate.  With the face and head being the main feature of a bear, I am at a complete loss as to what to do.  Loss of stuffing in the muzzle has given it a broken nose appearance and the mohair backing has disintegrated completed under the nose area so there is absolutely no way you can  do any sewing or tiny stitches to this area.  It looks as though he has had three different noses but I can't remove any layers because I am fairly certain that once again the backing fabric would fall away.

I will post some photos of the poor little love, he does look better without the patches on him but am wondering whether I should maybe just secure his arms to his shoulders  and just do the minimum amount of work to him.  Maybe just leave the face???  Dilemma, dilemma, dilemma!

I have decided that I am going to leave his tatty paws and feet exactly as they are so that some of the previous owner's loving work on him remains in place.  He would look ridiculous having new paws and pads with a face and head in such a bad state.

Just noticed I have been calling Tatty a "him" when it should be a "her".  What a confused little bear! 

Tonight when I was looking at Tatty, I had him sitting on a table in front of me.  When sitting up, he is resting on the "yes/no" mechanism, and as I went to lift him up gently it must have rocked on the mechanism because suddenly his little head nodded up and down a few times as if to say "Yes, I agree with everything you've been saying to me"!  and I must say that I feel so attached to this funny little bear already.  Aaawwwww..........

If you're not all too bored with this story, I will post some photos of his condition shortly!  Thank you for reading my ramblings!

Hugs

Marilyn and Tatty x

Dear Kerrilyn, Peter, Us Bears (sorry I don't know your name), and Edie,

Many thanks for your replies.  Yes, I am pretty sure he is a Schuco bear and because of the black boot button eyes, from around 1920's.

He is still in the freezer (fully bagged up) so after he has thawed and dried out for a few days, I will slowly investigate the patches.  I think there are some considerable sized holes under the "bandages" and can see that there is darning too under them.  I certainly have no intention or desire to make him look newer, I just want to stop any further deterioration and will definitely replace the patches with a more sympathetic fabric, possibly even a similar backing from mohair.  Whether patches made from a matching mohair backing would look alright, I am not really sure.  Has anyone applied this to a bear before? But I am certain it would be an improvement on his current attire!!

Edie - yes this certainly does look a little like your bear, with that particular colour of mohair, ears etc.  What height is your bear?

Tatty bear was a girl in former life so I think I will retain that side of her little life ...  now, just for a name!!!  I will have to think about how to dress her (if she does remain a "lady") but I am looking forward to bringing a little life back into "her".

Many thanks for your help, I will keep you informed as to any progress!!

Hugs

Marilyn x

What a wonderful array of bears - buyers would have been spoilt for choice I think.
Thank you for taking the time in posting all those photos!!!

Hugs

Marilyn

Thank you all for your replies and for taking the time to read about poor tatty bear.

Us Bears wrote:

Yes, he is jointed and only one joint is not turning correctly.  My worry though is that if the joints are fixed, it really means taking everything apart, new stuffing, the works, then would it really feel like the same bear with all his character?  Either way, I certainly intend to find some appropriate material to make some new clothing.  Tatty Bear was actually dressed as a girl when I bought it with a dress, bloomers (!) and hat, though I keep referring to it as a "he". 

He looks as though he is in nappies (diapers) doesn't he but they are patches on top of patches, holding the joints in place probably, so the poor thing is obviously in a right old state underneath.  I was wondering who the maker could be so that I can determine how his paws and feet should appear, especially with any paw embroidery on them. 

I was wondering whether it would be right to maybe "re-patch" this bear using a sparse mohair that I could try to match colour-wise?  Half of his face is covered in patches though so maybe there is no mohair underneath at all.  He does have lovely eyes though and even in his poor condition, he still "looks" at you as if to say "help me".  So that is what I will do ...  

My quest continues ..... 

Thank you!
Hugs
Marilyn x

Becky - No, the head feels quite firm with the woodwool and the mohair feels relatively strong.  Unfortunately the woodwool has broken away around the muzzle area so he has a loose nose.  There are so many peculiar patches of material on his body and bits of darning, I can only think that this rather sad looking bear was very well loved by someone because I do feel that maybe many people would possibly have discarded him long ago because he is in rather a state, poor thing..  I think it is that thought that made me want to buy him, someone loved it so much to do so many "repairs" to it but for one reason or another there is no-one currently doing that.  I hope to rectify that situation.

I would not want to make another head for it because then it would feel that it wasn't the original bear if you see what I mean but I am unsure where I can get such old mohair that I could use to maybe cover and reconstruct areas and sew invisibly. 

The paw and foot pads are all patched up so do not know how they should have looked originally either.

Richard - Yes, I know what you mean about taking him apart but I'm afraid he would disintegrate.  I will probably take him to a bear hospital eventually but wanted to see if I could find any information about him first to see whether it is something I could maybe tackle myself, give myself a little challenge!!

The poor bear is currently in the freezer for the next four days (read somewhere that is what I should do first!) to kill off any "nasties" and then let him dry out.  He did feel a little soggy when I went to check him a while ago so dread to think what I am going to find shortly!!!

Hugs

Marilyn

Hi everyone,

I have just returned from Wales where I happened to be browsing around an "antique" shop.  There, sitting with another bear, was this poor old bear looking SO forlorn.  For some reason, even after departing the shop, I kept thinking about this tatty bear and had to return later to look at it again.  I think the dealer realised I was bit of a pushover for a sad old bear,     so minutes later I came out of the shop with my purchase!

Anyway, this bear has what I think is the Yes/No mechanism as it certainly moves its head up/down and side to side  and answers all my questions!  But it is in such a state, a lot of damage not noticeable until I removed a "home made" dress and pantaloons set, bonnet and wooly socks!  There are so many patches on this poor bear and it is in rather a poor state, the head only has mohair under the ears and eyes and the backing looks shiny and bald.  Mohair left on the body and limbs is gold.  Pawpads and footpads have "repairs" to them and are covered by patches so I daren't investigate at the moment as it is stuffed with woodwool.  I think it may have a growler which isn't working (surprise surprise!) and original black boot button eyes.

I am just wondering whether there is any hope for this poor bear, is he/she way past restoration?  Any help or advice would be so welcome please from all you lovely people,  I am sure someone may have come across this type of bear before or could tell me whether the antique dealer "saw me coming!!".

Many thanks and "tatty-bear" thanks you too for trying to help him ..  :hug:

Hugs

Marilyn x

Hi Peter,

They are wonderful bears!!  I wonder what you are going to call the bear with no name, you will have a headache trying to think of one!  It takes me ages to find the right name for a bear!

So pleased you had a wonderful time at Stratford and it was lovely to meet up with you again.

Hugs

Marilyn  (Just got back from trying out BUSBY!!!)

I just don't know why you think he is ordinary???  I think he looks brilliant and the feet have turned out a treat!

Hugs

Marilyn

What a beautiful bear, with such an adorable innocent expression.  Lovely.

Hugs

Marilyn

Hi Denise,

I love your little Jamie, he has such an adorable little expression, he's just waiting for that cuddle!  
He will soon be swept up!

Hugs

Marilyn

Very cute couple indeed, really nice!

Hugs

Marilyn

What a lovely bear, and those sparkling eyes!!  Really nice.

Hugs

Marilyn

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and thank you too for taking a peek at her!

Hugs

Marilyn

Hi there Katy,

Hope you're keeping well ...

That's a super little tale, I could imagine it all quite clearly!  Morgan looks lovely and I am sure will bring years of happiness!

Hugs

Marilyn

Thank you for this lovely photo Tami.  I haven't been onto Lily and Hope's website today, I almost get too scared to click on it.  Little Hope really does break my heart.  When I see all the photos of her all alone in the woods, well, it's out with the tissues again.

But just look at those magnificent ears of hers!  Yes, we are all rooting for you sweetheart ... you just keep going!

Hugs,

Marilyn

Hi Everyone,       

Hope you are all keeping well.  I just thought that I would post a little picture of my latest bear, a large 22" girl called Bronte.

Her full details can be found on my website under my "Bears for Adoption" section.

Many thanks for looking!

Hugs to all,

Marilyn x

www.barlingbears.co.uk

Doesn't Hope just make your heart melt.....  I have just been onto the usual website and saw the latest picture of Hope and it all just brings tears, instantly, even though I usually prepare myself for the worst before going onto the site and tell myself not to get so emotional. She is just one adorable little bear with the most magnificent ears, who has totally captivated me.  It's so sad that she is all alone with no-one to cuddle up to for warmth ...  but ...  she is showing such courage and character I think for such a little fur-ball and I am sure she will grow up to be one big proud Mum herself one day.

I was just reading Lyn's update where he was wondering what to call his next book, the title of "It's me, bear" was suggested.  How absolutely perfect is that, brilliant.  To those readers who do not follow Lily and Hope, this is what Dr. Lyn Rogers says to the bears as he approaches them so that they readily identify him.  He has the most soothing voice and when he says this to the bears, well, I'm off on another tear session!!  Is there any help for me!!!  I should have shares in Kleenex!!!

Here's to little Hope, she's a winner and a star.    

Hugs to all,

Marilyn  

Hi everyone,

I will also be there with a few new bears!   

Looking forward to catching up with everyone and their wonderful creations and I wish everyone a truly happy day!

See you very soon.

Take care.

Hugs

Marilyn