Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

The Mr. and I stay home with the Grandies while the parents have a night out. When the New Year rings in our Adult kids give us a call and tell us how much we mean to them and how much we are loved.
My Mr. is from the "South" ( North Carolina) where tradition is to fix BlackEyes Peas, corn bread and "greens" and a "big ole ham" on new Years day. The whole family comes over, the TV is NOT turned on. We play games, share our  New Year resolutions and
check our scratch off Lottery tickets for a winner.
Her FIRST New Years day spent with us our outspoken Daughter in law, born and raised here in TEXAS commented on our
traditional meal.  She said BlackEyed peas tasted like dirt, and she was positive the greens( turnip)  was the ugly bush once growing in the corner of the back yard ! My Son was horrified when his Wife said this. The Mr. saved the day with his wise explanation of different traditions, telling her he probably would not eat Menudo, a spicy Mexican soup she makes from the lining of a cows stomache which is thought to cure hangovers. 
Donna A.

Oh Heather,  Fabearlous !... beautiful colors, Easy to get around your site. Clear photos.
I wuv it.   
Donna A.

Thank you Neysa,

I am soo sorry to hear your going out of business. I've spoken to you  at several  bear shows .
First time we met we stories about our cats, how Siamese and my Tonknese love to steal mohair, especially bear limbs that
have been sew up !... they drive us crazy gettin into trouble in the bear workroom. You talked me into purchasing your book Whimsical bears. Neysa, this book had been such an influence to me. Not only the patterns but the design HOW TO section.
They taught me how to make fun, quality bears. And not to be afraid to experiment outside of the "BOX".
Since meeting you I have purchased several of your patterns, both books, AND both of Celia Bahams books recommended
on your site.
I've been making mini AND large mohair artist bears since 2000.  Check out my web site...you should recognize someone !www.BrandonBears.net.
Yesterday I took the plunge and listed my first bear on ebay !...ITEM:  280055178255 A mini Thread crochet bear.
I have a question:   Can I sell bears on ebay that I have made from your patterns ?   Stating in the auction:
Made from 1" brown German mohair. Pattern by : Neysa Phillipi. 
I certainly understand if you say No. The patterns ARE copyrighted and a LOT of work went into making them YOURS.

Thank you Neysa, for making a difference in the bear world.  YOU will be terribly missed.
Its going to take a BIG bear to fill your shoes.
Donna A.

Like you, I'm new at 'real fur' bears. I've made 4 of them.  I also purchased Nancy T's book. I recomend reading it cover to cover before beginning.  Tips that helped me:  glue stick. Purchase a good brand. Glue on the liner fabric ONLY. When purchasing real fur, always ask about odor. Its REALLY hard to get that "old" smell out.  Use a strong hand quilting thread. If possible cut the fur outside, if fur bothers you wear a mask. I used little electrical aligator clips to hold my pieces together and sewed by hand. Once a hole is made in the leather its there for good, so you dont want to get too many holes in the leather as it weakens it.   I've used fox, beaver, black and silver mink.  My favorite is the shered beaver. The black mink was hard to work with as it was black, Yet the bear is my favorite....The sheared beaver bear is so whisper soft that my 30 yr. old son   bearnapped him !
Have fun, post photos.
Donna a.

Hi All,
I'm trying to locate a 18" inch old antique style ted pattern.  One with long arms, skinney wrists & ankles. long muzzle.
I have a childs old wood sled that calls out for a old bear. Perhaps wearing some old RED long johns and stocking cap.

Thanks,
Donna A

Hi All,
I'm new to teddy talk, going thru the posts I noticed this one about pattern templates and wanted to share.
Go to your local hospital. OR ask a friend who works at a hospital. Most X-Ray departments have old X-rays they discard. Most hospitals will glady give them to you  FREE.
Yes, they have 'pictures' on them that are usually a dark grey.  To remove the 'silvering' you will need  a large cookie sheet that has sides and some bleach. Do this next step outside. Pour bleach in the cookie sheet about 1/4 in deep. Use a sponge or paper towel and wipe off the 'picture'. No scrubbing and takes just a few swipes.  My X-Rays turn out a pretty crystal clear blue color.

Donna A.

Hi, I'm new to Teddy Talk. Just been lurking when the talk about swaps came up.
Can I join ? can I can I  huh ? have the details been worked out ?
Donna A.