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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I've had a day to 'do my own thing' today and despite promises to myself that I would stay out of my workroom, I couldn't resist slipping back in to work on a little project I've had in mind for some time.
There's a bit of a tale behind this project ... are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin!
After many, many years living in my last house, I finally plucked up the courage to sell up and move to a new place in February of 2007. Last week, I decided to delve through the trunks I'd moved from my last loft, to my new loft, so that I could decorate for Christmas. Everything was hickledy pickledy up there and I wasn't sure which trunk to look in first, so I heaved boxes aside and unclicked the first trunk I found; there was no Christmas sparkle inside, but tucked carefully away within layers of old tablecloths, I found two of my childhood toys ...
'Ellie the Elephant' was made for me by my uncle when I was nought but a wee baby (yes, I confess! It was almost forty five years ago!) A train line ran across the back of my Gran's garden and my mum's youngest brother had quite literally taken his life in his hands one day, by playing on the track. By some miracle he survived when the train hit him. He spent a long time in hospital and when he was healed enough to work on his co-ordination, he was given a pattern to make a 7" elephant as part of his therapy ... my little Ellie.
Ellie was one of my very much loved softies and over the years, her felt eyes and floppy ears were loved away, but I've never quite been able to bring myself to part with her. Which leads me to part two of my tale! My youngest sister is due to have a baby early in January and as soon as I saw my worn out little elephant, I knew exactly what the perfect keepsake gift would be, so I have spent today recreating my Ellie Elephant for my new niece or nephew when the stork delivers him or her, in the New Year.
I had the perfect piece of wool tucked at the bottom of my fabric box and couldn't wait to get started on it and this is the outcome! Rather than the original wool felt eyes of my original elephant, I have used tiny glass eyes as this is to be a keepsake, rather than a toy and using my memory to help me, I have created new ears, lined with beige velvet.
Well, that's my elephant tale finished! I hope you enjoy the pics. The other softie? Oh yes! My other softie was a black dog ... but that's another tale for another day ...
Laurie Lou BearsI am sure this elephant will be as loved as the old one Paula-it looks so soft and cuddly.Now you have made an elephant will we be seeing some mohair elephants in the future.They are addictive to make once you have made one :dance: 
Laurie :hug:
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsWhat a wonderful story and a thoughtful gift!
Thanks for taking a peek at my little elephant .. I'm glad you enjoyed the tale! I had a lovely time stepping away from my bears and giving myself the chance to play a little. I really wanted the little elephant to recreate my old 1960's elephant and I'm very pleased with how he's turned out; he's lovely to hold and very cute looking. It was fun to play with wool for a change from mohair too ... it's made me think I'd like to use it again sometime, it has a really nice 'old' look to it.
Laurie, as far as more elephants go, oh yes! My little elephant is completely unjointed (that was a feat in itself, mastering the body gusset so that it sat properly!) so naturally, I'm thinking fully jointed mohair thoughts now and how to design an 'All Bear' elephant (if there is such a thing!) 
I can't wait to get started in the New Year. First though, I'm also thinking about more softies from the rest of the wool ... a bunny would work nicely .... so would a little teddy bear! I don't normally enjoy making small bears, but this 7" size has been a really nice project.
Paula, how wonderful. I had elephant softies when I was a child too. My best friends mum made them and I got one for almost every birthday,. ahh those were the days. I love your new version, it really does look the most squeezy, cuddly loveable elephant.
Regards
Lisa
Past Time BearsLOVE the elephant, LOVE the story behind it! 
Waggle BearsBeautiful little elephant and story. I wonder if it was your uncle's little elephant that put you on the road to bear artistry.
Japhe's BearsHow wonderful and so nice to hear the story behind it
Thank you all so much for taking time to read my elephant tale, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It makes me wonder, just how many of our childhood toys have tales to tell ... I'll bet there are lots!
Marlys, I think you may be right. I'm certain the things that are special to us when we are children, weave their way into our adulthood in one direction, or another.
Flying Fur Studioswhat a great story and a cute elephant! Thanks so much for sharing that.
Thanks for popping in all the way from Canada to read about my elephant Heather! 
Kiprie BearsOh Paula, it's truly wonderful story and what a charming elephant he is !!!
I'm sorry for posting so late, today I was searching for elephant and I found your elephant ! 
