Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Well, I both laughed and grimaced at these posts.  I'm not feeling as clumsy with a needle.  Or, perhaps you all are just as clumsy as I am.

Hugs,
Alison

Thank you all for your complements.  Tyler Patrick (the bear) is on his way to his new home in Finland. 

Hugs,
Alison

I make a St. Patty's day bear every year but this year didn't think I'd get to it.  But, I hurried up and made this teddy which I named after my son.  Tyler Patrick (the bear) is available on my website.

Hugs,
Alison

Well,
I think Joanne, definitely wins for the most painful poke.  I've stabbed myself numerous times under the fingernails with a needle but never with my awl!

Hugs,
Alison

Joanne,
Nope, you're not weird at all.  I thought both blue ones were kind of cute myself! 

Alison

My husband often teases me that even if something happens to the sewn in tag on my bears, they will be able to find out who made it through DNA testing.  One would think that as long as I have been making bears, I wouldn't be stabbing myself so often.  The worst is under the fingernails!

~ Alison

I would like to hear more about the book.  Is this merely a picture book?  Or, is there some substance within the book that would give meaning to the pictures?  Sometimes, authors use shock tactics to make a point.  Obviously, he's trying to say that life for children isn't always warm and fuzzy.  If the author is trying to shed light on child abuse, childhood proverty, etc. then these pictures could serve as a good representation.   While the pictures may be disturbing on their own, coupled with the book, they may have real meaning.  I think I will withhold judgment until I see or read the book.  Remember . . . never judge a book by its cover!

Hugs,
Alison

Hello Everyone,
I just stabbed myself with a needle, yet again, and had to quit working while I apply pressure to my finger to stop the bleeding.  I was wondering how often the rest of you stab yourselves while making bears.  I get myself several times with each bear, at least once drawing blood.  And, it's not just the fingers!  One day, I took a bear to work on to a doctors appointment.  There I was  in the Mayo Clinic waiting room working on a bear in my lap.  I stabbed myself in the boob!  I wanted to scream and cry but I was surrounded by strangers.  I just quietly put the bear away and read a magazine.  Anyone else have any strange stabbing stories???

Hugs,
Alison

Sarah,
I just used my regular sewing needle on my machine when I sewed my 2 inch bear.  I never thought to change it.  I manipulated the fabric using pins.  I held onto the ends and used the points to move the fabric.  It was not easy, nor was it fun.  But, with practice, someone could get good at it.  You should give it a go.  If you mess up, it's not like you ruined $100 worth of fabric.  They are so small you could afford to throw one or two away.  I make big bears and this was just one of my insane moments where I thought I should try something really tiny.  Here's a picture of the bear. 

Hugs,
Alison

I did a 2 1/2 inch bear by machine once.  The entire thing, foot pads and gusset included.  I used pins to hold and turn the fabric while I sewed.  It was beyond crazy  and I'll never do it again! 

Hugs,
Alison
www.teddybearmohair.com

Absolutely adorable!

Hugs,

Alison
www.teddybearmohair.com

Many, many thanks to all of you who bought raffle tickets for Melina.  I sold $185 worth of tickets and many more were purchased by festival goers.  Fellow artist, Paula Carter, won the bear.  Congrats Paula!!

Hugs,
Alison

I want to thank everyone who purchased raffle tickets.  I bought 222 tickets this morning which to me is a very good sign that someone I know will win.  Now, to fill them all out!  I'm going to make some labels and save myself a lot of time.  The raffle drawing is Saturday so I'll let you all know if anyone from Teddy Talk won. 

Hugs,
Alison
www.TeddyBearMohair.com

Oh yes!  Tickets are available world wide.  I'll ship the bear anywhere for free.  I'm trying to be the #1 raffle item this year.  Last year I was #2.    The money tree was the #1 raffle item.  Nothing like my competitive drive to be the #1 item to raise more money for the school.

Hugs!

Alison

Hello!
As many of you know, each year, I create a one of a kind teddy bear for my son's school.  This bear is raffled off at the spring festival and all of the raffle proceeds benefit the Valley Academy Parent Organization (VAPO).  VAPO provides support for staff and students throughout the year by funding teacher appreciation lunches, to field trips, to playground equipment.  Please meet this year's raffle bear, Melina, whose name is Greek for honey.  You can read more about Melina on my website, www.eTeddys.net   Melina will be raffled off this Saturday, March 6th

I have been granted permission again this year to sell tickets outside of the school community.  Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, March 3rd!  Tickets are 6 for $5 and can be purchased via paypal or in person if you live nearby.  There will be a 45 cents per 6 tickets added to any paypal ticket purchases to cover the fees.  If you would like to purchase tickets via paypal, just email, stating how many tickets you would like and I will send you an invoice.  If someone from Teddy Talk wins Melina, I will ship her to you free of charge.

Thank you all for your support!

Alison
--
eTeddys
Enchanting Teddys by Alison McKee
www.TeddyBearMohair.com

Lanie,
Another cute teddy.  I am always in awe of your photography.  I keep saying I'm going to get  light box one day.  For now, I continue to set up a back drop on my porch. 

Hugs,
Alison

They are all so cute but Dreamer is my favorite! 

Hugs,
Alison

Susan,
I was going through the photos this morning and Hector caught my eye.  What a handsome chap with his glasses on.  I machine sew all of my bears, even the few mi ni's I've made so I really admire people who hand sew everything.  You must have a lot of sewing time in a bear this big! 

Hugs,
Alison

This head is definitely YUMMY!  I love the top knot!  Too cute!

Hugs,
Alison

Very sweet!  What kind of fabric is she made from? 

Hugs,
Alison

What a pretty color of mohair.  Did you hand dye it.  It is perfect for this sweet little cub. 

Hugs,
Alison

Donna,
How bad do you want one???
http://classicbells.com/proddetail.asp?prod=cbUnlDog4
Big $$$
How this for more affordable?
http://primativeperspective.com/Christm … ollars.htm
or
http://www.carpecanem.com/store/index.php/cat_7

Alison

You are such an amazing artist!  I love this set.

Hugs,
Alison

ADORABLE! 

~ Alison

His face is nothing short of fantastic!  Great job!

Hugs,
Alison