Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Well, I shall one of each of all the tools you girls are after, plus one additional one.  I would like a tool that puts the second ear on exactly in the same position as you managed to get the first one on.  I don't know why it is, but my first ear always goes on a dream, and then the second ..... don't even ask!!

Sorry Shelli, I shall translate for you.  This is Aussie speak.  A Chook is a chicken, and in Australia, I suppose as slang, we refer to "a young chicken" or an "old chook", it is meant in female terms, in the nicest possible way.  So a young woman would be a young chicken, and an older woman would be an old chook.

I don't think I quite fit into either category, I'm not a youngie anymore, but perhaps I was being a bit hard on myself, as I'm probably not an old chook yet!

I am probably guilty of using Australian slang on here and nobody knows what I am talking about !!!!   I shall have to provide a translation each time, and then when some of you overseas girls get to visit us here in Oz, you'll understand what we are on about!!

Hi everyone, I am so excited I just wanted to share with you a photo of my swap bear that I just received from Gemma of Pumpkin and Pickle bears.  It was a swap organised on Cheap Chat.  Little Blizzard arrived in Australia this morning, and he is just gorgeous.  He is made from a beautiful curly mohair with ever so slight blue colourings.  Clever Gemma has needlefelted his nose and his footpads and they look terrific.  Aren't I a lucky old chook!!!

So very sad to hear the news of the passing of Winney.  I am sure she will be making little angel bears up in heaven.

Gorgeous little babies Stephanie.  Just love all of them.  What's the fabric you have used on little Priss.  It's great.

Wendy, from memory the chap in the catskin hat, isn't it terrible that we can remember his name, well, he found it financially unviable to continue, and so another large group took it over.  I am sorry I don't have any more information, but at least the sanctuary is still running, which is the main thing.

Gosh, that's one way of fixing it.  I'd probably stick my fingers together and have a bigger problem.  By the way Stephanie, my first "Sassy's" order arrived today, and it is just brilliant - many thanks for your wonderful service.   I will be back.

Kim, how lovely - a wonderful holiday and a beautiful gesture from your husband - you must be a very happy little sausage.  It is terrific too when you have someone to look after the children that you know and trust and know that the children will be having a great time as well.  It certainly helps you to relax and enjoy your holiday.  Tell your husband that all the girls on TT think he is great and we are very proud of him doing all that for you.  Perhaps he might like to email all our husbands with instructions!!

He is just yummy, and that fur - just gorgeous.  I'm sure he will do well - being such a cutie and all in his sailor outfit.  Who can resist a sailor?

I'm doing the Sassy dance all the way over here in Australia.  My first Sassy order has just arrived, and the poor postman did a hundred metre dash, because I think he thought I was going to grab him as well.  Great delivery - only 1 week to get all the way around the world to Oz.  Beautifully packed, and just gorgeous fabric.  No dinner tonight for the family, I'm playing with my Sassys!!!

Oh Tom, please please behave yourself.  I can't bear to think of you roasted!!!

Gaby, what a truly amazing story.  Gosh, that poor girl, just imagine what she went through.  Let's hope they get the man responsible.

Renae, yes that was the perfect reply.  Once you cut the backing the fur will just gently separate itself.  The fur is not actually woven together, it is only woven onto the backing.  The time that I find it needs a little help is when you use a very matted mohair, but again, you still just cut the backing, sliding the scissors in under the fur as you cut, and when the backing is cut, just gently tease the mohair apart.  If you cut the fur in a dead straight line with the backing, like cutting a piece of paper, you will not get that gentle blending of fur between seam lines etc.

Please don't worry about asking what you think are silly questions.  I have been making bears for two years, and I still have "silly" questions.  Ask away.

Wendy, I think it is Warrawong Sanctuary or some spelling similar.  The guy who wears the cat hats is not longer there, and it is now run by an eco group.  If anyone is coming to Adelaide, let me know and I shall check it out for you.

That is so terrific Chloe.  The two bears Deans have chosen are just gorgeous.  A well deserved honour.  Congratulations.

Jodi, your bears always look so full of joy - they are wonderful

Peter Platy is just gorgeous, I am soooo jealous!!!   They are just the most amazing little creatures in real life.  So very unusual.  Do any of you girls overseas have them in zoos?  I have no idea if they manage to live in other countries in zoos or not?

Ha Dilu, please don't scold yourself, I have done that to.  Our computer was out of action for about two days a while back, and I mean totally out of action - off having a holiday with the technician.  You wouldn't believe how many times I absentmindedly went over to the empty desk to turn it on to catch up on things.

Dilu, I think you are an amazing woman.  You are truly an inspiration with your attitude to life and lifes problems. Thank you.

Hello Dana, and a very big welcome to TT, it is lovely that you are going to start bears - and you will never stop!!  For me, I love to use the Fiskars scissors which have a lovely pointy tip to them and are not like traditional scissor, more like gardening sacatuers, as you grip them in your palm and squeeze to cut.  They take a bit of getting used to, but your hands don't hurt at all after lots of cutting.  When cutting your bears as well, make sure to slowly take small snips so that you cut only the backing and not the fur, or you might be left with some bald spots.  I also have some smaller embroidery scissors for really tight little spots.  I got my Fiskars here in Australia at a stationery suppy shop called Officeworks, but if they don't have that where you are, I would think any big craft store would have them.  Do you other girls have any suggestions regarding scissors?

Lucky you Jodi,  I keep attacking the postman waiting for mine, but I think it still may be heading across the ocean.  It's got a bit further to go.

Wow Sue Ann, those Musk Ox are an amazing looking animal - I have never seen one before - see what an education I am getting on TT.  Many thanks for the photos.

Sophie, you are such a sweetheart to post all those beautiful pictures and information for us all - thank you.  The weather looks like it was perfect for your visit as well.  I have promised our daughter Brittany that we shall take her to Brittany one day!!

Chrissie, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved dog.  They are so close to us they are just like children.  The pain is just awful, but you must take comfort in the fact that you gave her all the love and care that you could and helped her fight the best fight she could against this awful disease.  You were both lucky to have had each other, and I know you will treasure her memory.  It hurts so much though doesn't it.

What beautiful photographs Jenny, and what an absolutely gorgeous setting.  I don't think anyone is ever going to tell me I need a bum pad!