More Bears from my Collection

The bear that was used in my logo is called Thomas.  I originally made him to sell, but he had a wonky leg.  I only sell bears that are as perfect as I can make them.  I keep the others, and sometimes make them into patterns.  I had more of the mohair, so I made a smaller version.  Both have wobble neck joints which allows them to be posed in different ways.  Thomas is 23cm (9") tall, and Tommy is 18cm (7") tall.  They look like a father and son, and enjoy each others company. 

Thomas and Tommy

I used Schulte Antique Sparse Mohair in the Burnt Gold colour, that I bought from Gerry's Teddy and Craft Designs some years ago.  The reference number is AspG24.  I have bought some more of this fabric since then, but the new mohair does not have the lovely rich golden colour.  There has been a lot of interest in these bears, so if anyone knows where I can get this fabric, in it's original colour, I would be very interested.

Gerry had a bear making challenge about 7 years ago, before I started selling my bears.  I entered 5 bears, and was awarded 5 blue ribbons.  One of my bears, Sarah, also won the 'Best in Section' rosette.

Sarah

All her clothing and accessories were also made by me.  I remember being very proud of her standing on the display with her rosette.  I won a Merrythought bear with another of my entries, so over all, a very successful day for me.  The feedback alone is invaluable, and a great boost to the confidence! 

Cheers, Jan

Mini Bear making - all stitched up

My first micro mini teddy bear was made about 9 years ago.  I've called him Teeny Ted.  I made him without magnification so some of the stitching is visible, although he's is so small you still have to look closely.   Teeny Ted is about 2.5cm (1 inch) tall, and made from a very short pile, paw pad fabric.  I didn't have access to all the other lush plush that is available these days.

Teeny Ted sitting on a Doll's House table

I still have some of the fabric, and I like the teddy yellow colour, so I am making another one.  These pictures show the pieces all stitched up, and then turned through, next to my thimble. 

The little ted's parts are not stuffed or jointed yet - that will be in my next bear making post.

Thanks for your interest, Bye for now, Jan

First things first

Hello and welcome to my 'Who Framed Teddy?' blog, my home of miniature teddy bears, particularly micro mini bears.  I'm always trying out new crafts, and have been knitting and sewing for more years than I care to mention, so I'll be sharing all my latest projects, and hope to hear from other crafters along the way.


Above all,  I love to make teddy bears.  I always had dolls when I was young - in those days, bride dolls were popular, and I remember my grandmother dressed one of my dolls in a complete bridal outfit, including petticoats.  She was a very clever dress maker, and started my crafty juices flowing by teaching me how to sew on buttons, and make clothes for my Sindy doll.  She also gave me a teddy bear - as seen tucked under my arm in the picture.  (Not sure what was going on with my normally dead straight hair that day!!)

Nana and Jan

 I still have the bear, who looks like he has endured a lot of hugs over the years!  Does anyone else have a similar bear?  I'd like to know some more about him.

My grandmother was the most loving, generous, hard working, selfless, brave and beautiful person I've ever known and I am so proud and fortunate that she was in my life.  She continues to be an inspiration to me.

Now, about bears!
I've been making bears, on and off, for about 20 years, and selling them for the past 6 years.  I love a challenge, and strive for perfection, so began making miniature bears, just to see if I could.  I enjoyed it so much that I began designing my own.

 


This is my Berry Bear - I made all the tiny berries, too!  He's 4cm (1 1/2") tall.  More bears coming soon!

Thanks for visiting, Jan