Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Wow!!!! When I get back into my bearmaking (later rather than sooner) I'll join up. Its a brilliant idea. So sorry not to be on here, I'm still  doing my new house up and have had a family death. I still sneak a quick peak here, as its nice to see what you are all up to. Well done Penny!

Just popped in to say hiya. I've not made a bear for ages and probably won't for awhile. I'm busy renovating a house and have got to sell this one too. When I finally get my head into gear I want to work on a range of mini distressed bears, its another option.

Looking good, Amelia. I dare'nt even look in the showcase section, I'll get nothing done! Funny I now lurk in building forums and ask things like roof pitch and whats the best boiler. I'll be glad to get back into fluffy construction.

Heres a bear I made ages ago. I used pva glue to distress the ulpholstery fabric.

See you all later, back to house plans and choosing bricks. :hug:

Hope things turn out OK. Sending good vibes. Hang in there. :hug:

I hope it goes well for you Penny. Sorry I've not been on here much but have a good one!

Thanks Jenny. A Merry Christmas to everyone and a happy bearmaking new year! :hug:

Sorry I've been so busy Sandra, just checking in and I hope you are feeling a little better. :hug:

I've got mine this morning.  :dance:  Usually as Amy is off school I would have had a lie in but I was there for the postman, I must have known! Its by Jane from Mo Bear Designs. Jane I'm so lucky as it goes perfect in my room. Than you so much.  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

I'm waiting too, but please don't worry too much swap partner, as long as it gets here it could be a lovely after Christmas surprise although there are still three days to go.  :hug:

Now that is a lovely surprise. You sound like you have a lovely girl and.....she cooks! We have got Amy a childs cook book for Christmas as I want her to start cooking meals as opposed to the cakes she does. Its nice to win something and its Nigella's too, very cool.

They watch the passing of my life, good and bad but only collect and give the happy memories when I pick them up or see them.

I've sent you an email Alan. Let me know if you don't get it as my email was playing up.

Interesting as like lots of mini bear makers I came from big bears first. I have reduced large 14" patterns down to about 4 1/2". I tend to do it by reducing then making a 9" then use that and reduce and make smaller. It helps to iron out any mistakes. Seam allowances I do like Shelli says, knock off then add back on.

You might need to get rid of bulk so on my miniatures things like tummys and arms need more shape as there is'nt always room for darts. I use a simple two piece body shape. Also I use the slit method for limbs. Sew all the way round, small slit vertical at top, turn through here, cottern pin in, then ladder stitch close. It helps to keep the limbs smooth and you don't see anything as its against the body.

Good luck, my best tip would to work your way down in sizes until you feel comfortable. If I went from large to mini without the bears inbetween I'd of given up!

Perhaps not to nag anyone, but to help with it being a surprise still, anyone who has not had theirs yet can just say so. It might help those who have posted. Our post has slowed down a little as well.

So I'm still waiting but don't worry, it will happen, suprise swap partner!

I'm afraid I sent two baubles off in a rush and never took photos. Here is a photo of Amy's penguin one. A bit blurry as I hae'nt got my light tent set up. I loved making them and if I had more time would have done some more. This has been a brilliant project.

This has been a lovely idea. I ended up making three more baubles. A penguin one for my daughter, a panda and another bear. There have been some great ideas.

I was wondering how you were today, I was moving Gladstone to a prominent Christmas position. I like to display him right. Clare has done a fantastic job and with loads of character. I hope things work out for you Pen. My hubby has just had his hernia done and its knocked him about a bit, plus no hard work! Just when I need him to do the new house up! Shirker!

Look after yourselves. :hug:

I'll be thinking of you Sandra. Sorry I've only being jumping in now and again. :hug:

I did some thread jointed ones and they have fallen apart! I started doing mini ones again last year, it gets very addictive. I swapped to joints that I turn with a small pair of blunt cheap scissors. I leave a bigger gap in the back so I can get in there to do the joints. Then I ladder stitch up. I also sew completely around my limbs then cut a little slit down the middle, turn through this, put my joint in and ladder stich up. You don't see anything as its against the body and you have even sewn outer edges. That is also what I do on big ones as well. Good luck with it all!

Fantastic news! I remember your post on what name to call the entry, a very happy ending! :dance:

I have only sent one thing to Canada and it took its time and I think may of been opened by customs. If Canadian post ran the army they would be invincible!

Thanks for bringing up the insurance/customs thing. At least we can learn from it for next time. Tami you have all our thanks for organising this. 

I sent mine off eleven days ago. I think these atlantic crossing decorations are enjoying the trip!

A brill first mini. I found them hard at first, had a massive ten year break, then picked up where I left off. Heres one of my first ones.

I was very disappointed when Robertsons went PC and did away with the Golly tokens. You used to collect them off the jam and marmalade and could send off for loads of stuff. There were badges and figures. I've still got a badge somewhere but my brother has the figures. Thanks for the links.

Fantastic article. Well done its nice to see 'the friends' that go with bears. :hug: