There’s a Day for Everything

A couple of weeks ago, I was cleaning out a bureau where I store craft supplies and assorted sewing projects. One of the drawers has pattern pieces that have been cut from fabric, snippets of yarn and lace, and various items in different stages of work – most of them are nowhere near to completion. They’re leftover from the days I used to make dolls and ornaments for gift shops and fairs.

But at the bottom of the pile, I found these five pieces!

woolteddy

I had done the hard part long ago! It wouldn’t take much to finish the little guy. I remember that I made a bunch of them in cotton prints way back when, but this one is a fine wool in a pretty camel tan color.

Whenever my grandmother was working on something that she had put off for a long time, she’d always say, “There’s a day for everything!”

So, this was Teddy’s day. I decided to make a bow tie for him and found some dark brown gingham.

woolteddy2

Instead of the usual buttons, I chose tiny metal snaps for the eyes – mainly because I didn’t like any of the buttons I had on hand. Up until recently, I probably would have delayed finishing the bear until I could shop for the right buttons, but I have tons of stuff already and lately I’m thinking I should at least try to use something I have!

So here he is – all done!

woolteddy3

He needs a name. Any suggestions? 🙂

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Bears Can Knit, Too!

On your gift-giving list, is there a bear collector, or a knitter, or maybe someone who just loves tiny treasures?

Well, this mini teddy bear might be perfect for all three! Whether he decorates a birthday package or is a “gift” all by himself, he’s pretty hard to resist!

bear1

You can finish this project quick as a wink by using a 3″
pre-made bear. The knitting is done on full size knitting needles (size 1) and then transferred to tiny “bear-sized” knitting needles – made from toothpicks!

“Knitting Bear” Tutorial:

Supplies needed:

3” Bear – from your local craft supply store (I found mine at Michael’s)
A scrap of 1/8” ribbon for a bow at teddy’s neck
Assorted remnants of sport weight yarns
Size 1 Knitting Needles
2 round wooden toothpicks
2 size-5/0 beads (or any bead that fits the toothpick)
Tacky Glue

Directions:

Tie a bow at Teddy’s neck and then set him aside.

Using size 1 knitting needles, cast on 15 stitches in your choice of color.

Knit in stockinette stitch for 3 rows, then change colors for 3 more rows. If the knitted piece seems long enough, (depending on your yarn and tension) cut the yarn – leaving a one-yard piece, which will be rolled into a little ball of yarn.

Carefully put half of the stitches on one toothpick, and then the rest of the stitches on the other – moving them slowly to avoid losing stitches in the transfer!

Once you have transferred the stitches, the toothpicks may need a little trimming if they seem too long or are too fat for the beads to slip onto easily. I trimmed mine a bit with the tip of my wire cutters. The wood is soft and trims easily.

Next, glue the beads onto the toothpick ends.
Bring the hanging piece of yarn over the needles to the front, and roll it into a ball – starting at the end of the yarn. Use a little glue here and there to hold the round shape.

Any loose strands on the back of the knitting can either be woven in, or snipped close to the work and secured with a dab of glue.

Finally, place the piece of knitting in the bear’s paws and glue it to his chest area with a generous little dollop of tacky glue. Let dry.

Finished!!! Aww . . . isn’t he sweet?

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