Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Shelli, You're Wonderful!!

I had no idea what thoes little buttons on my keyboard were for, and was going mildly insane trying to find out!!  :P

I'm saving your photo instructions, as usual. Much clearer than the manuals!

Eileen

Shelli,

I actually got to stay in Scotland for a week twice, once shortly after I was married and once after my first daughter was born and my mother-in-law was terminally ill. I loved it--rolling hills, lochs, sheep all over the place, ocean, very very nice people. I'm a bit of a sheep fanatic, so it was some days before I stopped freaking out and trying to hug one every time we passed a flock.

Hmm. I think the sporrin's too small for any sort of whiskey supply. John never learned the pipes in the school band. He was so tall that they put him on the drum. He marched at the rear with a huge drum in front of him and a leopard skin over his shoulder!

Did you know that 'Amazing Grace' was originally a traditional pipe tune, and that the words were written much later by a reformed English slave trader named John Newton? True.

Eileen

I knew it. Mirror, eh? Thanks a bunch, Rita!! :o

And keep feeling better, ok?

Eileen

Lovely, Kelly--really nice proportions! Is Katy's wrist basically the same as a double jointed neck?

Eileen

Thanks for posting the page, Jane, for all of us deprived ones. He's gorgeous, Danni !

Eileen

Thanks, Laura! That helps.

It's a scarf? I thought I was looking at wire and gems!! Time to get my eyes checked, I guess. Does anyone know the name of the yarn? Mfgr?

Eileen

Rita, do tell us the truth! :lol:

I'm married to a Scot, and he won't tell me! I get jokes, not answers. He's got his kilt and sporrin etc. packed away in mothballs. The joke is from one of the old Goonies, I think. Spike . . . somebody. Question: Is anything worn under the kilt? Answer: No, it's all in perfect working order.

Good idea, Shelli. Woman to woman, Rita . . . . ? :D

Eileen

Laura, your nose is perfect!!  I can't wait to get my template . . . did you cut a nose-backing from the template, or did you just trace the shape onto the bear?
And what a dear little bear--I love the necklace.

Hayley, what's the best way to use the template?

Eileen

Depressing, Tammy, but I have a sick inkling that you're right!  

Sitting here waiting for my last leather-needle wound to stop bleeding, I'm thinking of offering myself to local schools this season, maybe putting on a little show (moms invited) about "The History of the Teddy Bear". Slide show! Bears to pass around! Music! Business Cards for the moms!

They might be able to say no to me, but not so easily to their kids. Just a thought. :lol:

Eileen

Good for you, Shantell! I've been there. She's going to need a bear! :D

Dr. Eileen

Awwwww. He's wonderful, Millie! Thanks :D

Eileen

Wow, Jane :D

What a gorgeous pair! I love the toes. How does the mama close her mouth?

Eileen

She's perfect, Dilu!! Great expression. I can't wait to see the shoes . . .

Marie, your chocolates are amazing . . . thanks for sharing, sort of :D

Eileen

Congratulations, Danni :D

A well-deserved honor!

Eileen

He's darling, Shantell:D

No wonder your friend wants one too!

Eileen

Welcome Picobaby! :D

I had the same problem, but with markers, until I heat-set them. Works a treat!

Eileen

Thanks Clare :D

I had seen that. I'd just totally forgotten! I 've even got a tool somewhere that removes them safely--originally designed for upholstery!

Eileen

Welcome Barb :D

I think it's a great tribute to your bears that you do so well in a small community!
Great idea.

And DO NOT disappear back into lurkerdom. We need your insights!

Eileen

And men in kilts! :lol:

I'm really glad you're feeling better, Rita and Back to Bears!!

Eileen

Thanks, Dilu :D

I think it's quite possible that both my pins and my alligator clips and my stitches are too short. I think I need more practice.

I'm working on a 1" very curly mohair that's slick as a whistle. Unfortunatly, I cut out the little brute's pieces so so efficiently that (I swear) all I've got left for scraps are tiny snips here and there. It was tight!

That said, the machine is so much faster that I'll hang in and practice. And practice. And practice . . . :lol:

Eileen

Catherine,

Check out the rare-earth magnets at Lee Valley.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx … 2363,42348

They're very strong, come in all sizes, and can be glued in place with epoxy. I've never used them for bears, but I'm guessing that you could put a magnet in the bear's paw and a small washer in the thing you wanted it to hold.

Eileen

Great advice, everyone! :D

I've been longing to try machine sewing mohair, but so far I'm too chicken:(

I've got an antique treadle--sews beautifully, but only a chain stitch, which I don't trust for bears, because one snag and the whole thing comes undone. I've also got an old White with zigzags, and I've used it for everything from sheers to denim slipcovers.

My one attempt with mohair was a semi-disaster. Even with pins and alligator clips, the layers slid all over one another, and I had to rip.

How do you secure the layers really really well? Or could my feed-dog be out of commission? I'm not sure what to do. Help!

Eileen

Welcome, Marion! :D

Good info, thanks! I love your avatar . . .

Eileen

Millie!! :D

I want to see your squirrel. I love the little beasts and used to foster litters of babies, though my Dad spent the last seven years of his life in mortal combat against them! Pleeeeeze?

Eileen

Fantastic Report, Kelly! Thanks! :D

I can't wait to see Laure's entry. I grew up on Uncle Wiggley. I adore that dear old lagomorph!!!

Eileen