Old Bear

I love old teddy bears and have several in my collection but wanted to show you the first antique bear I ever purchased.  I found him in a thrift shop about 15 years ago and it was love at first sight! I named him "Old Bear"...real creative, I know!...and have treasured him ever since.

His soulful glass eyes are the original ones and his silk plush fur has been nearly loved off in many places but that only adds to his charm. I think he was made in America sometime in the 1930s which makes him around 80 years old. Can't you just imagine the stories this little guy could tell if he could talk???

Wishing you all a beautiful spring day :)
Sandy

A New Little Bear

I'm happy to say that I finally have a new little bear to share with you all! His name is Tucker and he measures in at just three inches tall. I stitched him entirely by hand from a pattern of my own design using a really soft pink mini bear fabric. I have to admit that the fabric color isn't one that I would usually choose for bear making but it kind of reminded me of spring so I decided to go ahead and use it. I think he came out pretty cute and hope you do, too!

Today was a beautiful day here in California after rain all day yesterday. There's nothing quite like a spring storm to freshen up the air and make everything smell yummy and sweet.

Here's wishing you all warm and beautiful days ahead :)
Sandy

Some Old Bears

There is nothing in the world quite like an old teddy bear which is why I love them so much! Old American bears are my favorites and here are three from my collection. The little white one is an early Ideal as is the brown one but the origin of their rust colored friend is still something of a mystery. Aren't those sweet old faces completely irresistible?

I hope the New Year has been good to everyone so far. I have an exciting announcement coming in the next week or so. Until then, I wish you all lots and lots of happy stitching!!!

Sandy

Another Little Bear

I finally finished stitching another one of my little bears and wanted to share him with all of you. Please meet Rusty, a five inch fully jointed bear that I made from mohair using a pattern of my own design. I also hand knit his tiny scarf...just in time to keep off a much anticipated autumn chill that will hopefully be arriving here any day now. Hope you like him!

Sandy

My Blog Giveway Winner...

My most helpful old American bear was anxious to draw the lucky winner by himself when...

another helper arrived on the scene and insisted that he be allowed to join in on the fun.

Together, they pulled the winning name from out of the basket and told me that is was Jennie Lynn from Appleseed Prim!!! Congratulations, Jennie Lynn. I will send you an email and get your mailing info. Enjoy your new birdie pinkeep!

Thanks to everyone who left such sweet comments re my giveaway...I appreciate each and every one of them :)

Sandy

My Little Bears

Once upon a time, several years ago, I used to make little teddy bears and sell them under my then business name of Sandy Paws. I say "little" bears because they usually stood five inches tall or slightly less and, because of this very manageable size, I was always able to easily stitch them entirely by hand. I came across a group of these little guys the other day and thought it might be fun to show them to you.



Wobbles, Bradley and Marmalade are all made from mohair and stand five inches tall. I used my own original design to make them and knitted Marmalade's scarf myself using pearl cotton.

Wally is my smallest bear. He stands just three inches tall and is made from a really soft "mini" bear fabric. My grandmother's old thimble will help give you a better idea of his actual size. I always loved making my bears but there came a time when I just needed a break from those little but sometimes demanding faces. Happily, I'm feeling that maybe it's time to get out my mohair once more and start stitching...

I hope everyone is staying as cool as possible so far this summer. I am still stitching away but don't seem to be getting much finished lately. Those cooler days of autumn sound pretty good right about now!

Sandy