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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Co. DurhamAlan here in the north east of England, Land of the Prince Bishops.
It all started earlier this year with tidying the attic and discovering the bag of old teddies bought for the children over the years plus the occasional bear bought for the boss. Didn't seem right that they were just stuffed in a box so out they came along with all the memories associated with them. Sitting on the side in the bedroom there they were in all shapes and sizes each with their own personality. None worth much in money terms I wasn't to worried about doing the odd repair even though over 60 odd years I have just about managed to sew a button on!
Well I sort of got hooked on seeing how teddies were put together and their history. On the principal that you learn best buy doing I found an old pattern in a book and set off on bear 1, a 4 inch stitch jointed ted made out of some old fabric the wife had in her bits box. He now sits proudly on his own hand sewn cushion on my table glaring down at all my subsequent bear making attempts. I've named him Stitch as he looks like his tut tutting at all my efforts. Every bear is just done for my own amusement, and that of my grown up boys who have decided that dad is finally going senile. Having said that they don't hesitate to share photos of my efforts with their girlfriends who give great feedback.
I'm sure I'm discovering all the same problems that everyone does but it's all a great learning experience. When I finally made a mohair fully jointed bear that I could live with was a great moment. Having discovered this forum I can see there is plenty of friendly help on hand.
Oh, that original hug from the loft seems to have grown rather over the months. And then I discovered Bear Fairs!!!!
Past Time BearsHello Alan from The Land of the Prince Bishops . . . we're so glad you found Teddy Talk! What a great way to discover an affinity for teddy bears. The history of and all the many ways they can be constructed are just the beginning of your getting hooked on an iconic treasure. Welcome to the world of people crazy about them and good luck on the journey to creating your own legacy bears.
Boechout, AntwerpHello Alan and welcome to TT. 
It's always nice to meet another man who becomes infatuated by teddy bears, even after many years.
Good luck with you bear making. I've tried it a long time ago, but it's not my cup of tea; I just like having them around the house and the hug is still growing (but sadly the house isn't it 
).
I'll look forward to seeing Stitch and any other bears you would like to show us. 
Netcong, New JerseyWow, that is just amazing! I'm glad you found that bag of old teds! What an inspiration your story is! I collect teds and have never tried to make a bear myself YET, but would love to see your creations!
