Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hello- I was wondering if anyone is interested in trading any vintage doll or baby clothing that you are not going to use for mohair? I have several 1/4 and 1/3 yd pieces that I am no longer using (actually I have lots-but don't tell !!!)I love to dress my bears in antique clothing.I know there are wonderful markets in the US that sell these items but I don't get to the US very often.If you are interested please pm me and let me know what kind of mohair you are looking for and if you have something to trade.I was so sorry to have missed Jodi's raffle but it gave me the idea that maybe other TT's hade items of clothing that they are not using.Sincerely Jane D.

Hi Jodi-I missed the draw too.I can't believe it.Guess I was to busy celebrating Victoria Day.I love antique clothing for my bears. If anyone has any to sell please pm and let me know.I bought some gorgeous dresses from Gail last year but am in the market for more.Jodi -that draw sounded like lots of fun! Sincerely Jane D. PS Congrats Nancy-I'm so jealous!!

Hi Kate- You didn't say how big your bear is but lots of the old knitting books have children's sock patterns in them.Also Sirdar has knitted doll pattern books and they have sock patterns in them and I use larger needles and slightly thicker wool eg.knitting worsted instead of double knitting.If you want to pm me I could write the pattern out as an email to you.I could mail you a copy but it would likely take ages to get to you.Let me know if I can help.Sincerely Jane D.

I don't know if this is any help but on pg 17 of TB&F face book edition there is an ad with website address that advertises Settler Bears www.bears-n-friends.com and www.justteddybears.com.They are located in El Cajon,CA.I didn't look at the sites yet-Sincerely Jane D.

Jodi-The pleasure was mine.I do feel blessed to have this forum to participate in and I 've received so much help.It's wonderful.Glad to be able to give back to someone.As I said I took good care of it.If you knew me you would know that I'm notorious for spills on my reading materials! :redface: I did not put that magazine in the same room as any food or eat within an hour of reading the magazine!!!! It's great to know so many famous people! Sincerely Jane D.

Danni you look gorgeous! What an accomplishment! May I ask how long it took you to reach your goal? I have a lot of weight to lose but I can't stay with it and I feel such a failure.I seem to lose about 10 pounds fairly easily but end up gaining it back again because I think I can "cheat" just a little!!!! :doh: Congratulations! Sincerely Jane D.

Oh Katrina-poor sweetheart-Best wishes for a speedy recovery.Make sure you have all your favorite teddies nearby for comfort and inspiration.I am praying for your family as well as I am a mother and know how hard it is when one of the babes is suffering!Stay strong!Sincerely Jane D.

Hi Jeremy-A couple of things come to mind here.I am here in Ontario on Georgian Bay.When I've ordered from Intercal, I usually order about 4 one quarter pieces totalling just over $100.I use Intercal's coupon #7 which takes $5.00 off Canadian shipping.As the box is fairly small it passes through customs as it is marked samples.There is another approx.$7.00 for shipping.Keeping in mind that we have to pay in Canadian dollars-so the price is slightly higher.I use a Visa so it is adjusted when the bill comes in.All in all,I find it very reasonable.I have lots of mohair for sale from my stash( lots os 3/8 sparse distressed,3/8 sparse ratty, and other long 1 and1/2")I am downsizing my supplies-if there is anything you may be interested in just pm me! No exchange, no expensive shipping and I charge just what I paid for it!Do I sound like a sales person? Hope this helps Jeremy. Sincerely Jane D.

Wow Tammy!This is so wonderful of you as well.I don't know what I would do without all the super help!   Sincerely Jane D.This is so well explained!

Thank you so much Shane for taking time to help me.I truly appreciate it.We do not have an UPS store here so will have to go with Canada post and hope for the best.Thanks again.We have met before at TBOV and Octobearfest and I love your bears.(and your Christmas costumes!!!!) Thanks again.   Sincerely Jane D.

Good morning everyone.Could someone-preferably from Ontario or elsewhere in Canada answer some shipping questions for me.I have received parcels from the US but never sent one there.I have a potential customer who wants to buy a bear from me. :dance: He lives in the US and I don't know the best way to send it.I'm not sure how the delivery goes and how does the cost work?Is the price based on weight or distance.How do you know ahead of time how much to charge the customer? Could someone who does this often set up a little scenario for me?I have read here that Canada-US post can be a nightmare! My customer will call back today as I appeared to be a complete dummy when he called.I have only sold at shows.Thanks in advance everyone.Sincerely Jane D.

What darling happy bears! I just got my TBCI magazine Jodi and there you are!!It's a great article and you look gorgeous too! If you would like my copy I would be happy to send it to you for a souvenir! Sincerely Jane D.

I will add my 2 cents worth her as well.Interesting that I saw this today as it is my 7th anniversary today as a survivor.My very small tumor was detected because of a regular mammogram.The tumor was underneath the breastbone and probably wouldn't have been detected any other way until it had grown and perhaps spread.So I feel that the mammogram saved my life.Even small tumors can be aggressive as was mine.I had 2 surgeries but no lymph node involvement.I had 6 months of chemo anyway as the survival rate increased dramatically over radiation alone.Keeping in mind too that chemo does not have to be as aggressive when given without lymph nodes involved-so another reason to get your mammogram for early detection! Please don't ignore this girls and prayers to all here whose lives have been touched by this insidious disease.Take care of yourselves all! Sincerely Jane D.

I must have missed something but how does one get to Paula's blog? I would love to see the tutorial.The hardest thing for me is still stuffing the head.I have had so many tips from all the great helpers here on TT.I've read so many articles in books and mags and I still can't get a lovely even head-always twisted to one side.My shoulder aches from repeatedly stuffing the head over and over.If I didn't have such a huge stash of mohair (hidden all over the house!!!) I think I would just give up. It's a beautiful day here in Ontario-spring at last! Anyone going to the TBOV August show?Sincerely Jane D.

Cheryl I am sending lots of hugs your way  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug: You must try to focus on a task or make a new bear!!! That's the only way to get out of that "fog".I guess what comes to mind is that verse "sticks and stones---" but I know that the words feel like a betrayal and that's what hurts isn't it? Go for a walk in the great outdoors and think of the hugs you are getting and the support from those who care.Feel the positive vibes.Sincerely Jane D.

Hello-I'm am nearly in tears.I have been on the website for Pay Pal and I cannot understand what to do.I want to set up something simple in oder to perhaps (???)sell a bear and also buy a bear or 2 (or More!!!).From what I gather I need 2 accounts???If you sell a bear where does the money go?Do you use the same set of security questions for both accounts.Could anyone take pity on me and explain this simply-remember you are talking to a complete dummy here.I would just be a casual user not a high powered business woman. Thank you all.Does anyone else ever feel like this? Something new and I'm in a right tizzy!!!Sincerely Jane D.

Paula What a wonderful room! Your Stuart sounds like a "prince among men"! Enjoy your new room. Sincerely Jane D.

Hello-Old shoe button eyes can be found at www.laboursoflove.com.I don't think that Debra sells any as small as 3mm. though.I have heard that you can use glass eyes and sand them with sandpaper(of course!!)-then seal it with a clear coat of varnish.Hope this helps.Have to go now and watch hockey as my son's team is in Moncton for the Canadian University Championships.He plays for Wilfred Laurier.If they win tonight they move to finals tomorrow evening.TSN is showing the game on National television @7:00.I am so nervous!!!

Thank you for all the tips.I will be trying these tips over the weekend.I appreciate your taking the time to help. I managed to stay away from the chocolate but I did have a glass or two of Merlot! Have a great week-end all!

Hello from rainy southern Ontario! I have not been making bears for several months due to travel and a "frozen Shoulder"-of course my right side.I always did have trouble placing head pattern pieces on my mohair so that the nap was the same on both sides of the face.Is there a rule of thumb?I am drawing a complete blank as to how to place the pieces with regard to the nap.I like the fur on the gusset to go back from the nose but my side head pieces are going in all directions.Please help.It is a rainy day-just great for starting up my addiction once again-making bears that is! No rumors please!Actually if I don't get help today I just may have to try another addiction out of pure frustration and you will all be to blame.

Hi Jodie-how exciting for you!WOW! I subscribe to that magazine.I do not have my April issue but I will let you know when it comes and if you are in it.I can always mail you my copy to keep as a souvenir. I will keep you posted.Sincerely Jane D. :dance:  :dance:  :dance:

Oh Ellen-I'm so sorry to hear of your illness and will pray for you.There are so many scary illnesses now a days.When I had breast cancer I found that it was helpful to learn everything I could about the disease and to keep informed.I have survived for 7 years now and still stay involved.I will certainly try to find out info for you but I would try to "google" the name of the disease I'll bet that you will find tons of info on the net.Please stay strong and keep a positive attitude and let us know how you are doing. :pray:  :pray:  :pray: Sincerely Jane D.

Hi- I hope that no one felt that I was being pompous when I said that I felt like an artist.It's just that for 4 years now I've been going to shows and seeing everyone selling bears. I collect bears too and I felt humble to be in the company of "Bear Artists."My bears really never sold and it was very discouraging.Gail would always do her best to encourage me  as did other artists at the shows.When I had someone tell me that she liked my bears enough to put them in her store I was thrilled.I meant that I felt like artists must feel when someone appreciates their work.I think that for the first time my work had some validation.Hopefully no one thought that I was being a pain. :redface: Sincerely JaneD.

Thank you so so much everyone for taking time to look at my bears and send me such wonderful,encouraging comments.The shop is really adorable and Sue, the owner is so talented.She is going to add the heights of the bears as suggested.Thanks again everyone.You are all terrific!    

Hello everyone-As I have mentioned before,I am technologically challenged and still can't figure out how to send pictures of my bears for you all to see.However ,a store in Shakespeare,On.has agreed to take some of my bears on consignment.This in itself was thrilling as I never have much luck at shows, only selling one or two.Everyone tells me how wonderful they are but proceed on and buy someone else's bears.Sue, the owner, emailed me to tell me that my bears are up on her web-site, www.bearsami.com. I finally feel like an artist!! If anyone has an extra few minutes to look at my bears today, I would really appreciate it and if you have any ideas for improvements or ideas on how I can sell please let me know.I don't want to have to give up but I need to have a market in order to avoid the discouragement that I was feeling.Hopefully something good will happen at the bear store!