Gaye Parker – ‘Steiff’ Style Teddy Bear (Two day course)
Two Day Course
Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th October
Includes All Materials and Kit worth £30
The German company Steiff started making teddy bears over 100 years ago and the bears are still popular today.
Come and learn how to make your own teddy bear in the style of Steiff, using traditional Mohair fabric, complete with joints and eyes. I will teach you many of the ‘tricks of the trade’ to help you make a lovely traditional style, cuddly companion
This bear is not suitable for children under the age of 14 due to the components used in it.
Includes homemade lunch and refreshments both days
About your tutor
I have been sewing, knitting and crafting from a very young age. I remember knitting tiny socks on some plastic cocktail sticks when I was about eight years old and and winning prizes at school for my hobbies. I first made toy jointed teddies in 1983 whilst waiting for the birth of my first daughter.
In 1995 having moved back into Nottingham where I was born and I went to a teddy bear fair at at Newstead Abbey and fell in love with the mohair bears like my childhood bear. I started making my own bears and sold them at teddy bear fairs in Pudsey, Birmingham and Nottingham.
I enjoy working with beautiful natural fabrics like Harris Tweed, mohair and viscose fur, as well as silk and pure cottons. I am drawn to strong colours.
Since retiring from a career as a superintendent radiographer I now have time to fulfil my passion to teach textile construction and can use my adult teaching qualification. I love the interaction with students and watching new little characters emerging.
What you will need to bring
A sewing machine capable of doing straight stitch that you can operate with confidence*
General sewing equipment
A set of three doll needles (available to buy on the day)
Biro or fine fibre pen
Coloured headed pins
A selection of general-purpose sewing cottons for your machine including mid grey and beige
Sharp pointed scissors
Bradawl (if you have or use ours)
Long nose pliers (if you have or use ours)
Screwdriver with a long metal part and flat end or stuffing tool (if you have or use ours)
*Our machines can be used by prior arrangement