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Teddy Bears and more Teddy Bears
For years, I knitted afghans. I just liked the flow and the no
piecing together. I donated them as each was finished. But,
every summer, I had to stop. It was just too hot to hold, much
less knit, a big heavy afghan. I knitted socks for awhile but the
sock yarn is just so darned expensive and I have enough and it just
wasn't fun.
The Summer of 2005, I found this wonderful teddy bear pattern and
started my new addiction. I make about 3 a week. Each different and each a little dab of
delicious cuddly.
I take them over to the wonderful folks at the
Baby Corner
where, hopefully, they find loving homes and hugs.
This is the first batch I did.
Pattern: Baby Bobbi Bear published by
Blue Sky Alpacas.
(The
Knitting Bag sells a GREAT kit that includes the pattern and all you
need. I got one for my Mom and she said it even came with a
wonderful bag.)
I followed the pattern pretty much except: I used size 6 needles,
I use sew on eyes and noses and I make neckware for each - a bow tie or
a scarf.
Supplies: I only use synthetic yarn so that each is
totally machine washable and dryable. Generally I use a lot of Caron's Simply Soft
and Ultra Brites,
but I will use about anything on sale that is a good color.
I use the wiggly eyes and nose from La Petite line (Blumenthal
Lansing buttons) - card 1181. They aren't easy to find. But
I recently lucked into a wonderful supplier!!!
PapaDens.com. It's a great online shop for those of us afflicted with crafitis. I urge you to check it out!
(Note: the eyes and nose cards are only available via email right now -
but Eva at PapaDens answers emails REALLY quickly so don't hesitate to
give her a try!)
And, after trying several different types, I am totally loyal now to
Fairfield's poly-fil
stuffing. This is the best. It's light weight, easy to
use, totally washable and it has a magical kind of springy action to it.
I am trying out a new bulk supplier. I'll report back if it works
out.
Here's the first one in progress. |