tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10440560301717196022024-03-13T16:21:35.066+00:00ColdhamCuddliescallingAfter 50 years making Toys, describing how they are made and sold on www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES; plus histories of toys owned, met with or restored: plus odds and ends, as they occur.Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-20207182480491575422020-11-15T15:14:00.003+00:002020-11-15T15:14:45.698+00:00Reaching The End of the Current Stripeless Tiger Rush<center style="text-align: justify;">Good afternoon <b>Everyone </b>- <b>Cy Bear </b>back again, after an unintentional week off.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">After another self-inflicted glitch in the photography area of <b>ColdhamCuddlies </b>life last week, <b>Isobel </b>finally managed to work out a way of shifting photos taken on her camera, on to the laptop,and into files with which she can work. An essential requirement for listing new <b>Toys </b>etc. as well as illustrating this blog. Without that ability, last week's post would have been a bit dull, so we decided to leave well alone and hopefully return to normal business this week. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">(We are starting to think we're going to <u>have</u> to replace the computer - it's been being considered for some time. If (or when) it does happen, Isobel will leave someone technically competent to do the necessary switch of the material from this machine over to the new one - and hopefully, get her properly set up, with just one version of every programme, operating system, media platform - or what ever. Currently she seems to operate on multiple ones - and I'm sure that could make her life a whole lot easier!! As well as being easier for me to live with too!)</span></i></b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b>I've </b>also persuaded <b><i>Isobel</i></b> to keep the <b>Clinic </b>photograph at the bottom of this page (i<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">t's been quite a while since we used it</span></i></b>) - because removing it every time we post a new story does cause problems for her when she comes to edit anything we write. (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">Finally, I got fed up listening to her moaning about how long it can take - when all she had to do was allow it to remain where it was!</span></i></b>). Besides, <b><i>I've </i></b>enjoyed being reacquainted with the <b>Bears</b> who were <b>Patients</b> in the <b>Toy Restoration Clinic</b> - before we moved up from <b>Wiltshire 6 years</b> ago!! That seems a lifetime ago, although <b><i>Isobel</i></b> does still keep up with some of the friends (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">many of them Customers - both for the Shop and Clinic). </span></i></b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6KDEjENbF8/X7E4rl5tVxI/AAAAAAAAJdc/wf60g2SCrWsZsm3QSlzgqsDr8JF86yTbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1980/IMG_5274%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="1980" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6KDEjENbF8/X7E4rl5tVxI/AAAAAAAAJdc/wf60g2SCrWsZsm3QSlzgqsDr8JF86yTbwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5274%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><center style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><b>Two New Stripeless Tiger Kits-heading for Mt Shasta at the beginning of this week.</b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Indeed this week, we received a request for "that huge plastic bag" we had when we lived in <b>Wiltshire</b> - so that the <b>Banner</b> for the <b>Heytesbury Branch</b> of the<b> Royal British Legion</b> can be safely stored. Alas, the <b>Branch</b> is now non-operational, and the <b>Banner</b> is being "laid up" in <b>Heytesbury Parish Church </b>(<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">where it's predecessor was stored a few months before Isobel and I moved to Kirkby in Ashfield, in 2014.)</span></i></b> That is housed in another large plastic bag (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">again from our sources)</span></i></b>. We then had ready access to them when we used to get our regular six-monthly supply of fabric off-cuts from <b>The Fine Quality Feather Compan</b>y, in <b>Frome, Somerset.</b> </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">The plastic bag is now on its way to <b>Heytesbury</b> - and we're delighted to have been able to assist (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">it was under threat of eviction as it did take up valuable space - which is always a problem hereabouts.)</span></i></b> That does mean the biggest plastic bags we have access to now are the 3 kilo ones in which the stuffing required for making new <b>ColdhamCuddliesToys</b> is supplied - from <b>Fred Aldous Ltd</b>, in <b>Manchester/Leeds</b>. We got two bags a few weeks ago, and are already well into the first one - thanks to the requirements for our two latest <b>Stripeless Tiger Toys,</b> both headed (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">together with their Mother/Sister or whomever) for Mt. Shasta, California</span></i></b>). These are at the request of <b><i> MrsML</i></b> from <b>San Diego, California</b> - who ordered the last three <b>Tigers Who Lost Their Stripes</b> for herself and her friends, as well as the newly introduced <b>Orange Tiger Toy (<i><span style="color: #741b47;">shown below</span></i>)</b>, whom she sent to her newly-arrived <b>Great Niece</b> living in <b>Brooklyn.</b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">The two new <b>Stripeless Tiger Kits</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">pictured above</span></i></b>), who will shortly be listed as such in the <b>Shop</b>, look like this. They are going to become <b>Forever Friends</b> with two grandsons of <b><i>MrsML's</i></b> best friend, <b><i>MrsMJ</i></b> - and will be travelling to <b>Mt Shasta</b> tomorrow, once <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has prepared the necessary travel documents to enable this journey to take place. Differentiating between them was initially a slight problem, and originally <b><i>Isobel</i></b> had suggested different colour collars to each of them. However, during manufacture, one of them ended up with a head that was slightly off-centre, and rather than take it off and re-position it, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> decided to leave it as it was (<b><i><span style="color: #741b47;">it's eyes were also placed in a different spot on his face</span></i></b>) and that's ended up with two quite different-looking <b>Tiger Toys.</b> These toys are going to be accompanied by a matching <b>Tiger Who Lost His/Her Stripes,</b> because<b><i> MrsML</i></b> wanted to give one like one of the two she now has, to <i><b>MrsMJ</b>.</i></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s66_W-DPDGE/X7E5eOxE35I/AAAAAAAAJdo/e4S8wNWTjIwbcycv3TBxO9u-xliCL_fcACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5294%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1606" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s66_W-DPDGE/X7E5eOxE35I/AAAAAAAAJdo/e4S8wNWTjIwbcycv3TBxO9u-xliCL_fcACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5294%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Stripeless Tiger Arm Puppet also going to Mt. Shasta this week<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, we've received some lovely reviews for the previous <b>Tigers (<i><span style="color: #741b47;">Orange and Stripeless</span></i>)</b> <b><i>Isobel </i></b>has been making over the past few weeks - the beneficiaries of whom are also friends/relations of <b><i>Mrs ML</i></b>: she's fast-becoming not only one of our best customers - EVER: but also a good "pen-pal" for <b><i>Isobel</i></b> as well.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Here are the nice things she said about these two</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgGj-d6ybWI/X7E1bnEb3dI/AAAAAAAAJcg/2iepfBayMBwIeap7FlCUFq-x8Hi-ZC0EQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5257%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgGj-d6ybWI/X7E1bnEb3dI/AAAAAAAAJcg/2iepfBayMBwIeap7FlCUFq-x8Hi-ZC0EQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5257%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRMuBDEl9yg/X7E1ut591PI/AAAAAAAAJco/WO2DG24t0JgZcipbaXqAhKCR1NEKPJplgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2021/IMG_5256%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2021" data-original-width="1882" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kRMuBDEl9yg/X7E1ut591PI/AAAAAAAAJco/WO2DG24t0JgZcipbaXqAhKCR1NEKPJplgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5256%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br /><center style="text-align: justify;"><div class="mt-xs-2 mb-xs-2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 12px 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="shop2-review-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;">09 Nov, 2020</p><p class="shop2-review-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><span style="white-space: nowrap;">5 out of 5 stars</span></p></div><div class="mb-xs-0 p-xs-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="stars-svg " style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><span aria-hidden="true" class="rating lit rating-first icon-b-2" data-rating="1" style="bottom: 2px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ffa300; display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="3" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="4" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="5" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">We are so happy with our order of a orange striped Tiger stuffed toy and a Matching puppet! They are so special Nd unique. These were given as a gift to my new great niece and her parents (my nephew and niece). They loved them and will be cherished. The workmanship on these special items was outstanding. Thank you Isobel.</p><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Then yesterday, we received this review in connection with the Tiger Who Lost Its Stripes which went to Sunnyside, New York last week. That arrived safely, and MrsML wrote this about it yesterday.</p><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="flag-img vertical-align-top pr-lg-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: table-cell; margin: 0px; padding-right: 18px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><img alt="" class="circle float-right loaded" data-src="https://www.etsy.com/images/avatars/default_avatar_75x75.png" data-was-processed="true" height="48" src="https://www.etsy.com/images/avatars/default_avatar_75x75.png" style="border-radius: 50%; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: right; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden;" width="48" /></div><div class="flag-body pb-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: table-cell; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 909px;"><div class="mt-xs-2 mb-xs-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 12px 0px;"><p class="shop2-review-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/dajp6dds?ref=shop_review" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px;">Marsha</a> on 14 Nov, 2020</p></div><div class="appreciation-photo__container mb-xs-3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; height: 277px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow: hidden; transition: height 0.25s ease 0s, margin 0.25s ease 0s, border 1s ease 0s; width: 277px;"><button alt="Buyer photo " aria-controls="customer-photo-overlay-2098464302" aria-label="View details of this review photo by Marsha" class="width-full unstyled-button cursor-pointer " data-js-action="openReviewPhotoInline" data-transaction-id="2098464302" style="border-color: initial; border-radius: 0px; border-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; height: inherit; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; width: 275px;" type="button"><img alt="Marsha added a photo of their purchase" class="width-full has-hover-state display-block bg-gray-darker loaded" data-pin-nopin="true" data-src="https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/5c628f/2708872319/iap_300x300.2708872319_j6m1f3oz.jpg?version=0" data-srcset="https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/5c628f/2708872319/iap_640x640.2708872319_j6m1f3oz.jpg?version=0 2x, https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/5c628f/2708872319/iap_300x300.2708872319_j6m1f3oz.jpg?version=0 1x" data-was-processed="true" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/5c628f/2708872319/iap_300x300.2708872319_j6m1f3oz.jpg?version=0" srcset="https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/5c628f/2708872319/iap_640x640.2708872319_j6m1f3oz.jpg?version=0 2x, https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/5c628f/2708872319/iap_300x300.2708872319_j6m1f3oz.jpg?version=0 1x" style="background-color: #7b7149; border: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin: 0px; width: 275px;" /></button></div><div class="mb-xs-0 p-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="stars-svg " style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="screen-reader-only" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); height: 1px; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; width: 1px;">5 out of 5 stars</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="rating lit rating-first icon-b-2" data-rating="1" style="bottom: 2px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ffa300; display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="3" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="4" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="5" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; margin: 0px;"><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">I LOVE all of the items I have ordered from Isobel, the maker and owner of this shop. This is the 2nd order of a Tiger with no stripe puppet I ordered from Isobel! Plus I ordered an orange striped Tiger puppet and matching stuffed toy for a new born and her parents. Everything is so well made. The quality and material are first rate and items are so cute! Everyone loved their special gifts. As an added bonus, Isobel gave me updates on my orders. I highly recommend this seller! The quality is so much better than anything I have ever ordered before! I definitely will be ordering more ....!!!!</p></div></div></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div>As usual because <b><i>I've</i></b> directly copied these reviews from our <b>Etsy Shop</b> site, we've once again ended up having to finish this post using their typesetting. Rather than undo the latter additions to this post, we do hope you won't mind putting up with this change of look! At least you've got two week's worth of posts to read this time around!</div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Next in line from the <b><i>ColdhamCuddlies Shop</i></b> will be models of two <b>Furry Rabbit</b> friends (<b><i>one brown and one grey</i></b>) made into the shape of our <b>Yellow Rabbit Slippers</b> - the very first <b>Novelty Slipper </b>offering when they were originally introduced.</div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VP1cYoNbp8g/X7E7K1jqGvI/AAAAAAAAJd0/5idVpW9zgwwpYBdRiI6w6YUJbGkJi8j1ACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="794" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VP1cYoNbp8g/X7E7K1jqGvI/AAAAAAAAJd0/5idVpW9zgwwpYBdRiI6w6YUJbGkJi8j1ACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="268" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Then taking </span><b style="background-color: white;">Isobel</b><span style="background-color: white;"> up to the beginning of </span><b style="background-color: white;">December,</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;"> we received an order for a Bishop Bear (taking the number of adopted Clerical Bears to 40, when it leaves for a Pittsburgh, Pa destination.) That will be accompanied by a <b>Black Cat Arm Puppet</b> headed for the same place, at the same time!</span></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1uGFpufzyFw/X7E8cMgs0kI/AAAAAAAAJeA/e7re60ti1rodcJkswoKEXEAe9uM5aW4MACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1449" data-original-width="794" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1uGFpufzyFw/X7E8cMgs0kI/AAAAAAAAJeA/e7re60ti1rodcJkswoKEXEAe9uM5aW4MACNcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="132" /></a></div><b><i><br /><span style="background-color: red;">NB: The Shop will be closed for 2020 delivery orders on 1st December. It will remain open for NEW YEAR delivery orders from 29th December, 2020- although Isobel will likely still be doing daily administrative jobs in the interim.</span></i></b></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Right - that's it for the time being folks. Blogging may not now commence until the New Year - unless,of course something momentous occurs in the interim.</div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So here's wishing everyone a really great<b> Christmas</b> - or as good as you can manage under the present <b>Covid19 </b>regimen, wherever you are in the world). Also here's hope for a Happy New Year to you All, as well.</div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Your friend.</div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><i>CY BEAR.</i></b><br /><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;"><br /></p></div></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><br /></center><center><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES?section_id=10242697&ref=shopsection_leftnav_4 " rel="”nofollow”" target="_blank"><img alt="Coldham Cuddlies Clinic" src="http://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o501/AngieOuelletteTower/Sponsors/SponsorIsobelClinic_zps095372fc.jpg" /></a></center>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-29911734553779899032020-11-01T14:32:00.000+00:002020-11-01T14:32:32.273+00:00Some More Tiger Tales - from different American Destinations.<div style="text-align: justify;">Hello there <b>Everyone</b>! <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back again - with latest updates on the <b>Tiger Front.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Orange Tigers - Puppet and Toy</b> - posted about two weeks ago, reached <b>Brooklyn, New York</b> safely - within the stated deadline: that doesn't always happen these days, <b>I </b>fear . From the photograph you'll see that the <b>Toy Tiger</b> was being inspected with interest when that picture was taken:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmXXwD3Jie0/X56zJwSkp5I/AAAAAAAAJbo/n2QsIlLM63o5zCvhfNnyzjdKbR67MGR1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Rogue%2Band%2BHer%2BNew%2BOrange%2BTiger%2BFriend.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmXXwD3Jie0/X56zJwSkp5I/AAAAAAAAJbo/n2QsIlLM63o5zCvhfNnyzjdKbR67MGR1ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Rogue%2Band%2BHer%2BNew%2BOrange%2BTiger%2BFriend.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As the <b>Tiger Toy</b> travelled in the same package as did our <b>Orange Tiger Arm Puppet,</b> we assume that too was approved of, and that the family are now all settling in well and getting to know each other. <b><i>Isobel </i></b>and <i><b>I</b> </i>are very grateful for the speedy response to the request for this news and wish everyone a really happy life together going forward</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While the <b>Tigers</b> travelled quickly to <b>Brooklyn</b>, once dispatched from our local <b>Post Office, <i>Isobel </i></b>quickly finished off the <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes Arm Puppet</b> that our new <b>San Diego</b>-based friend, <b><i>MrsML</i></b> had ordered be sent to her best friend's <b>7 year old grand daughter, MsC </b>living in another part of <b>New York.</b> That package departed last <b>Wednesday</b> afternoon, and having just checked with <b>Royal Mail Tracking Service <i>Isobel</i> </b>finds that it has left the <b>UK </b>on its way to <b>America,</b> but so far the <b>United States Postal Service</b> hasn't yet received it officially. Some journeys, even to the same postal <b>City</b> can take longer than others - and in the case of as big a <b>City </b>as <b>New York</b>, may even take longer still (<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">depending on which airline handles the package, and which airport the package lands).</span></b> Anyway, we know it's still travelling - and looked like this before being wrapped up and packed into its <b>Royal Mail</b> plastic <b>Air Mail</b> envelope.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljqD9thep0E/X565yUosrVI/AAAAAAAAJb0/lFrclMh4G8MsTYp6sKI4LuusOkFAmiROACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Sunnyside%2BTiger%2BArm%2BPuppet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1598" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ljqD9thep0E/X565yUosrVI/AAAAAAAAJb0/lFrclMh4G8MsTYp6sKI4LuusOkFAmiROACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Sunnyside%2BTiger%2BArm%2BPuppet.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was just before this <b>Tiger Arm Puppet </b>was wrapped up that <b><i>Isobel</i></b> noticed that it didn't have the usual black yarn embroidery around his orange nose. So, before the final wrapping took place (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">but after this photo was taken</span></i></b>) that the missing facial feature was added. When this <b>Arm Puppet</b> arrives in <b>Sunnyside, New York</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">isn't that a nice sounding address?</span></i></b>) she will therefore look complete, rather than how the photograph shows her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While still on the subject of our <b>2020 Saga </b>about our <b>Tiger Arm Puppets, <i>Isobel</i> </b>finally received a refund for one <b>Arm Puppet </b>who got lost in transit during his journey to <b>Medina, Ohio</b> in <b>May</b> this year. This <b>Tiger</b> was dispatched from our local <b>Post Office</b> together with another one headed for <b>Raleigh, North Carolina.</b> We had assumed both reached their destinations as usual, but at the end of <b>July</b>, the customer wanting her <b>Tiger Puppet</b> to go to <b>Medina</b> wrote to us (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">just in time, fortunately</span></i></b>) to ask what had happened to it. She had wanted her grand daughter to receive it for her birthday, but it hadn't arrived. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> learned about this about five days before the deadline for her to make a successful claim against<b> Royal Mail</b> for non-delivery of goods. When we heard from <b><i>MrsSG </i></b>(<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">the Ohio buyer</span></i></b>)<b><i> Isobel</i></b> naturally refunded her in full - and set about claiming for the lack of service (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">which is why we ALWAYS send all Coldham Cuddlies via Royal Mail International Tracked/Signed For service)</span></i></b>! What with <b>Covid19</b> and the usual checks that take place on such occasions, we finally got our payment - IN FULL - at the end of this week. Next job for <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is to pay that cheque into the <b>Cuddlies' Bank</b> account in <b>Sutton in Ashfield</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">which will happen either Monday or Tuesday of this week).</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, that is all for this week <b>My Friends</b>. <b>England</b> is going into "full" <b>Covid19 </b>lock down as of <b>Thursday</b> next week, which is almost as severe as it was earlier this year. Whatever happens, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>will still be able to visit <b><i>TeamACE</i></b> up the road, and do her shopping. She is currently busy with three <b>Tigers</b>, two of them <b>Toys</b>, and one further <b>Arm Puppet</b> - all destined for <b>Mt Shasta, California</b>. The <b>Toys</b> are are being made like the <b>New York Orange Tiger Toy,</b> but made in another Plush fabric - <b><i>I'll </i></b>show you those, when they're completed - as <b><i>Isobel </i></b>goes along. Also things are moving on the <b>UK Department of International Trade Export</b> assistance front that <b><i>I </i></b>told you about earlier this year, so she will be kept busy, whatever else happens.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>I'll</i></b> be back again, next week - meanwhile you all keep safe, my <b>Friends:</b> wherever you happen to be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your <b>Friend</b>,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-60511716176658351182020-10-25T15:04:00.000+00:002020-10-25T15:04:03.406+00:00A Little Self Indulgence on Our PartHello <b>Everybody</b>: <b><i>Cy Bear </i></b>glad to be back again.<div><br /></div><div><b><i>Isobel</i></b> is currently still busily immersed in making <b>Tigers</b> - whether our <b>Arm Puppets</b>, or more recently <b>Orange Tiger Toys</b> - so she thought you'd like to see what she's been up to when not helping me write this blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>The former uses the same pattern as our popular <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes Arm Puppets</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">two of whom have recently found their Forever Homes with a new good friend of the Coldham Cuddlies, Mrs ML</span></i></b>). Thus one <b>Orange Tiger Puppet</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">pictured below</span></i></b>) is currently on its way to <b><i>MrsML's</i></b> nephew and wife in <b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">New York</span></i></b>, accompanied by our most recent addition to the <b>Shop </b>(<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies)</span></i></b> our <b>Orange Tiger Toy</b> - which is intended for their <b>6</b> <b>months old</b> daughter, <b><i>MsR:</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8Og0j8Oj78/X5V_Ldx6OKI/AAAAAAAAJag/NydA1McyX_kYUrddoHkdOb0tKdCxvEteQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5234%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8Og0j8Oj78/X5V_Ldx6OKI/AAAAAAAAJag/NydA1McyX_kYUrddoHkdOb0tKdCxvEteQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5234%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div> <b><i> https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/888344491/</i></b><div><br /></div><div>This <b>Tiger Toy </b>is being accompanied by a matching <b>Orange Tiger Arm Puppet </b>shown below - both of them are travelling in the same parcel via the usual <b>Royal Mail Tracked and Signed For</b> Service and are due to land in their <b>Forever Home</b> sometime next week - all being well. (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">In these Covid pandemic times, one can never be totally confident of what is normally a pretty trouble free service!</span></i></b>).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYHs-TI6aS0/X5WDsFmlVmI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/N0wHSt5ZDmMP3a7FV4SJ_n79rLQYyKQSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5257%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1472" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYHs-TI6aS0/X5WDsFmlVmI/AAAAAAAAJbQ/N0wHSt5ZDmMP3a7FV4SJ_n79rLQYyKQSwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5257%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><div> <b> </b><b>Ready to be wrapped and packed up to travel to Brooklyn, New York</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Although not intended specifically as a <b>Halloween</b> present, we're all hoping that this bundle of potential family fun will get to <b>New York </b>in time for this year's commemoration of all things spooky, even though neither of these toys can be classed in that category! (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Unless, of course, to begin little MsR is a bit startled by the bright colours, and dark stripes</span></i></b>). Equally, not every child is immediately intrigued by toys that don't have their full number of paws/legs! As <b>Toy makers</b>, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> and <b><i>I</i></b> have to be ready for the odd initial hesitance in accepting a new toy in a family: although, to date, that has not lasted too long (fingers crossed).<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m3BMxv6aTw/X5WD5vj1M3I/AAAAAAAAJbU/4PXrW6RxSUwIzHkhmYGWQT_b7xfKBVVrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5259%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1774" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0m3BMxv6aTw/X5WD5vj1M3I/AAAAAAAAJbU/4PXrW6RxSUwIzHkhmYGWQT_b7xfKBVVrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5259%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Getting acquainted prior to the start of their joint journey</b></div><div><br /><div>The lighting for the last two photographs shows that these were indeed taken just before the two toys were readied for their trip (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">just as Isobel had finished sewing the Puppet, and then going to bed on the evening before they left the UK!</span></i></b>). So not really a photograph: just a quick snapshot!.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LMvhUPH7nU/X5WBAjbvDxI/AAAAAAAAJaw/3sKusJYSygo0b3apPDa0EX0Ev-lUPPJTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5236%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1120" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LMvhUPH7nU/X5WBAjbvDxI/AAAAAAAAJaw/3sKusJYSygo0b3apPDa0EX0Ev-lUPPJTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5236%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It's been sometime since <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has been asked to use this <b>Orange Tiger</b> print fabric, so there was even greater care needed in trying to match the stripes in such a way that everyone didn't get eye-strain with the decorations going in all different directions. Making so many <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes Puppet </b>versions has meant <b><i>Isobel </i></b>having rather lost that skill in a way. However, we're both satisfied that the final outcome is not too much of a strain for family onlookers and their friends. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWUkFRP3-NM/X5WBKnZobqI/AAAAAAAAJa4/VNLl9HrLxFAB5yl8zWSqJkhf3kYT0KvPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2643/IMG_5235%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="2643" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWUkFRP3-NM/X5WBKnZobqI/AAAAAAAAJa4/VNLl9HrLxFAB5yl8zWSqJkhf3kYT0KvPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5235%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The stripe arrangement for this side of the <b>Tiger Toy</b> was much easier to accomplish on this side!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hP8dj1qZP4/X5WBYWn7fkI/AAAAAAAAJbA/-71b64EYQEMAG3RzvhL2KQLv505PXE6iQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5233%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1hP8dj1qZP4/X5WBYWn7fkI/AAAAAAAAJbA/-71b64EYQEMAG3RzvhL2KQLv505PXE6iQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5233%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Our <b>Orange Tiger</b> looks a little fierce (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">or maybe a bit startled</span></i></b>) here - just because of the arrangement of stripes on the side of his face and mouth. One doesn't want to lose too much fabric in the process of matching up the pattern while creating the toys with existing printed patterning on the material.<br /><div><br /></div><div><b><i>MrsML</i></b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">of San Diego, California</span></i></b>) is fast becoming one of the <b>ColdhamCuddlies</b> best customers, because not only did she decide to keep the two <b>Tiger Arm Puppets</b> that comprised her initial order to <b><i>Isobel</i></b>, but she's ordered another, smaller version non-stripey <b><i>Tiger Arm Puppet</i></b> for her best friend's grand daughter living in another part of <b>New York</b>). (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Isobel is close to finishing this smaller Tiger Arm Puppet</span></i></b>). </div><div><br /></div><div>Then she has been asked to make two more <b>Tiger Toys (<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">imitating this Orange Tiger, but using the Biscuit Premier plush fabric we use for our original Tiger Arm Puppet</span></i></b>), plus another normal-size stripeless <b>Tiger Arm Puppet</b> - with all of them being sent to the same address in another part of <b>California</b>. You might say, we're inundated with <b>Tigers</b> presently! Its a very good thing <b><i>Isobel </i></b>enjoys making these toys!! Far from being overwhelmed though, we'll happily accept requests from all-comers!</div><div><br /></div><div>With that, <b><i>I'll</i></b> end for this week. Hereabouts, we are expecting to be put into the highest tier of <b>Covid 19 </b>Lock Down measures in <b>England</b> this week (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">maybe as soon as Monday, but more likely on Wednesday</span></i></b>). That means <b><i>Isobel </i></b>will be more restricted than she has been lately, but she can still visit <b>Team ACE</b>, her family <b>3 doors</b> away and also do her essential shopping. She's well prepared, and will continue do her best to keep safe - something we <b>BOTH</b> urge all our friends who read this, and support the <b>Cuddlies</b>, to make sure they do too.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you again next week!!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Your Friend</b></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cy Bear.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-61857847417772638682020-10-18T14:43:00.001+01:002020-10-18T14:43:54.272+01:00Following on from Last Week's Post About The Grampy Cats<center style="text-align: justify;">Hello there <b>Everyone</b>! <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back again.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">As promised last week, here are some up-dated photos of the <b>Grampy Cats</b>, all taken shortly after they had met <b><i>MrSS's</i></b> grand daughter, <b><i>V</i></b> after arriving at her home in <b>Tulsa, Oklahoma</b>. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">She's been the recipient of many, if not all, the <b>Cuddlies </b>that our good <b>Friend, <i>MrSS</i></b> purchased from <b>Isobel</b> since they met in <b>2015</b>, and was indeed intended to be the recipient of <b>THE Memory Cat</b> when <b><i>MsVS </i></b>commissioned <b><i>Isobel</i></b> for this project. However, as <b><i>I</i></b> told you last week, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>decided that there should be <b>4</b> different <b>Cats</b> made with the material she'd been given (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">with permission from MsVS needless to say!</span></i></b>) because she felt more than one member of the <b>Family</b> might like to have a permanent reminder going forward.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWqKjrqZEF8/X4w-4BHEZ0I/AAAAAAAAJZ8/uSefI3vuA0U5M-lwvwgGy5IVAhcDml46gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/51DC996E-637B-4F76-9FB8-BAE96EA64C59.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWqKjrqZEF8/X4w-4BHEZ0I/AAAAAAAAJZ8/uSefI3vuA0U5M-lwvwgGy5IVAhcDml46gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/51DC996E-637B-4F76-9FB8-BAE96EA64C59.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>An Armful of Grampy Cats </b></div><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">When the <b>Cats</b> had been unpacked it became obvious that the decision as to who was going to get which Cat might take somewhat longer than initially expected. V evidently has found it difficult to decide which two Cats will remain in her house, and which two will go to her Grandmother and her Uncle (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">as well which one will go to whom!</span></i></b>). Here are some of the initial photos showing her getting to know the <b>Grampy Cats</b> - and beginning to consider her options.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n1QjDTbVok/X4w6c5p7_II/AAAAAAAAJZQ/ZTndfFVQMegzRv3PbV9Km691dGIFFzPuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1136/4790441D-5EF1-4AB8-A1E4-E38AE4981057.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5n1QjDTbVok/X4w6c5p7_II/AAAAAAAAJZQ/ZTndfFVQMegzRv3PbV9Km691dGIFFzPuQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/4790441D-5EF1-4AB8-A1E4-E38AE4981057.png" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><b>Grampy Cat No 1</b><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAGm21dPyZA/X4w6w0yS-wI/AAAAAAAAJZY/_BH9QqewKjQO8tJPEDKfksnbxgtT_XZsACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5D48D8F4-03C6-4681-961B-9652BB682926.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAGm21dPyZA/X4w6w0yS-wI/AAAAAAAAJZY/_BH9QqewKjQO8tJPEDKfksnbxgtT_XZsACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/5D48D8F4-03C6-4681-961B-9652BB682926.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>Grampy Cats 1 and 2</b></div></div></blockquote><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPBa_dxPOKk/X4w7BJOE4LI/AAAAAAAAJZg/fdqT4o6WgFkuVmvKlKjpYqAHPA3E5fGqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D6EAB5C1-8F60-46B8-93FC-7C3CCCD42F47.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPBa_dxPOKk/X4w7BJOE4LI/AAAAAAAAJZg/fdqT4o6WgFkuVmvKlKjpYqAHPA3E5fGqQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/D6EAB5C1-8F60-46B8-93FC-7C3CCCD42F47.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b> Grampy Cats with Green garments</b><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkn5fhq9IzA/X4w7O5KaUCI/AAAAAAAAJZk/ioi-0MIQUv4L9nqlafbqqB86kdWrOb6eACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/C1522FF0-5A5E-43D7-B62D-E37B405C785A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gkn5fhq9IzA/X4w7O5KaUCI/AAAAAAAAJZk/ioi-0MIQUv4L9nqlafbqqB86kdWrOb6eACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/C1522FF0-5A5E-43D7-B62D-E37B405C785A.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div> <b> Maybe the Choice is emerging?</b><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-219jZQr9TXo/X4w7dy8tF0I/AAAAAAAAJZs/gEffP-Xrlsommis2d7EVNXqYnMnUauO7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/ED5B3290-5568-4786-9233-FC66127F1BD2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-219jZQr9TXo/X4w7dy8tF0I/AAAAAAAAJZs/gEffP-Xrlsommis2d7EVNXqYnMnUauO7gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/ED5B3290-5568-4786-9233-FC66127F1BD2.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <b>and Being Sealed with a Kiss?</b></div><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">From these pictures, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> and <b><i>I</i></b> are beginning to think that the initial model of the <b>Cat in her Blue</b> <b>Skirt</b> might be winning the selection process for <i><b>V</b>,</i> herself. However, <b><i>MsVS</i></b> did say in the accompanying message for the second set of photos that the choice was proving "very difficult"! Last news was that each <b>Cat </b>was being taken to bed singly - just to show them what they are supposed to when they do meet their <b>Forever Friend,</b> maybe? After that, there is some mention of a further batch of photos once the decision has been made, and the <b>Cats</b> distributed. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Once we hear what the results are, we'll let everyone know!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Isobel </i></b>is currently busy with <b>Tigers</b> galore - <b>Orange Stripey</b> ones (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/690265436/tiger-arm-puppet-kids-activity-toy-made?ref=shop_home_active_18</span></i></b>) and both <b>Arm Puppets </b>and <b>Stuffed Toy</b> varieties in the original brown <b>Stripeless Tiger Arm Puppet</b> versions. <b>Two Tiger Toys</b> - using our latest <b>New Cuddly</b> listing <b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">(https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/888344491/new-orange-plush-tiger-toy-stuffed?</span></i></b> <b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">ref=shop_home_active_3</span></i></b>) are going to <b>2</b> young brothers using our soft plush fabrics. <b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">(Isobel is currently waiting to hear if the Buyer wants both done in the same fabric, or one fluffier than the other - just to preserve domestic harmony!) .</span></i></b> <b><i>I'll</i></b> doubtless be tasked to let you know what their stories are when they're all finished and either at their <b>Forever Homes</b> - or en route them.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">See you all again soon.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Your <b>Friend</b>,</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></center>
</div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-68099184016073902522020-10-11T16:37:00.003+01:002020-10-18T13:31:45.457+01:00Here's the Story of the Memory Cats (now named the Grampy Cats).Hello there <b>Everyone! </b><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back again with two weeks missing in between! One was - as ever - a technical hiccup: the other <b><i>Isobel</i></b> started to do this post, and found she then had filed the photos for the finished <b>Toy Cats </b>destined for <b><i>MsVS</i></b> and the family in Tulsa somewhere on the computer - and couldn't then find them for including here! We're hoping that we can conclude the story this time around.<div><br /></div><div>Our last post ended with the hope that <i><b>I'd</b> </i>be able to start telling you about the <b>Cats</b> - then called <b>The Memory Cats. </b> These were the result of a commission by<b><i> MsVS</i></b>, daughter of <b>Cuddlies</b> <b>Friend</b> and <b>Designer,</b> <b><i>MrSS</i></b> who sadly died earlier this year. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> hadn't realised that he'd been living on borrowed time, so when the event took place, it was a bit of a shock. Not only had <b><i>MrSS</i></b> been the "go-to" designer for <b><i>Cuddlies</i></b> for whom <b><i>Isobel</i></b> didn't have a pattern, but he'd also become our <b>Best Buyer</b> - by far, as he seemed to buy all the new models of our <b>Clerical Bears</b> - who can be seen here - <span style="color: #c27ba0;">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies?section_id=27506818 </span>- but also had been responsible for introducing his daughter and her family to the <b>Cuddlies</b>, as well as his <b>Mother</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAnVW-0I1Vo/X3ngiWU_TPI/AAAAAAAAJWM/9IrJIjnE-doSMZSGhgnJngSigZmRn9mVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5178%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sAnVW-0I1Vo/X3ngiWU_TPI/AAAAAAAAJWM/9IrJIjnE-doSMZSGhgnJngSigZmRn9mVgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5178%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The first Cat Head, as well as two of the 4 calico cut out bodies</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Anyway, <b><i>MsVS</i></b> contacted <b><i>Isobel</i></b> in the early summer and asked if she would be prepared to make a <b>Memory Cat</b> if she sent us some of her <b>Dad's</b> favourite shirts to make them with. After a battle to get the right price for the package sent to us in the <b>UK</b> - <b>from Tulsa, Oklahoma </b>- the fabric eventually arrived, and we were able to get started on the commission. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>As <b><i>Isobel</i></b> deactivated the order when it was completed, she's unable to give me a photo of the fabrics to show here. It consisted of two shirts (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">one blue and one sports shirt in a lovely green colour, and a bit of a family joke fabric consisting of material with lots of yellow ducks - the kind that kids play with in baths</span></i></b>). Once <b><i>Isobel</i></b> understood the significance of the last item, she had great fun deciding exactly how to incorporate the ducks (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">which faced in all sorts of different directions on the material</span></i></b>) - once she had unpicked both shirts so that she could use the fabrics without seams getting in the way. (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">That wasn't an easy task, because both items were well constructed - and she also had to try to save some decals that were incorporated on the two shirts as well).</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>While undertaking the unpicking task, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> decided that instead of doing just the one <b>Cat</b> - as she had already decided - she was going to make the <b>Cat </b>using at least two, if not three, of her existing <b>Toy</b> patterns. As she could think of at least <b>4</b> close family members who might like to be eventual <b>Best Friends</b> with the <b>Memory Cats</b> (<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">MrSS's Daughter, Grand daughter, Son and Mother</span></b>), she began to plan her attack on the fabric and go for the full foursome. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcXcHl2dH-Y/X4MM_D-7OEI/AAAAAAAAJXI/Ny9WdR-_hkM9iX6ksmdxvVAZVQFuyLESACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5179.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AcXcHl2dH-Y/X4MM_D-7OEI/AAAAAAAAJXI/Ny9WdR-_hkM9iX6ksmdxvVAZVQFuyLESACNcBGAsYHQ/w320-h181/IMG_5179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First to be cut out was a <b>Lady Cat</b> using the green shirt for the Cat's skirt. (<b><span style="color: #a64d79;">She decided she would make two Girls and Two Boys, and leave the Family to decide who would get which cat</span></b>). The Cats' Faces, Paws <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">(hands and feet</span></b>) and Tails were to be made with our Grey Premier Plush fabric - which is lovely and soft and most recently used to make our <b>Elephant Toy</b> </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTROY31AMjQ/X3ne7vwepLI/AAAAAAAAJVk/gO5qCm7GGZwD5bu6Ex7OkecfTL6AkdL-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5149%2B%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTROY31AMjQ/X3ne7vwepLI/AAAAAAAAJVk/gO5qCm7GGZwD5bu6Ex7OkecfTL6AkdL-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5149%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>- <span style="color: #c27ba0;">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/825844254/</span></div><br /><div>She then cut out a similar number of Ducklings to be added to a Blue Skirt (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">with the lady Cats having Tops made with Blue or Green, depending on which Skirt one was looking at</span></i></b>). The <b>Gentlemen</b> would have a similar colour choice - and you can see what <b><i>I </i></b>mean by looking at the then headless <b>Cat Boy Toy</b> below. <b><i>MsVS</i></b> had stipulated she didn't want Shoes or Boots, but Furry Feet and Paws, and this <b><i>Isobel</i></b> set out to provide. The <b>Snoopy</b> decal was delicately prised off the Blue Shirt when she was unpicking the shirt seams. Where appropriate, she used the <b>Lucky Ducky </b>material as linings, which she backed with thin interfacing, as the fabric was a lot thinner in weight than the two shirts.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkJbvdMqBLo/X4MOt1i32mI/AAAAAAAAJXU/72TpCSCSqhQpqTPd_McvmGdsTbRgDuregCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5190.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IkJbvdMqBLo/X4MOt1i32mI/AAAAAAAAJXU/72TpCSCSqhQpqTPd_McvmGdsTbRgDuregCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5190.JPG" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can see the first <b>Boy Cat's</b> clothing a bit better in the photograph below. All the <b>Cats'</b> arms were made so that they could be moved once finished - giving the eventual<b> Best Friends</b> as much opportunity to arrange their own <b>Memory Cat</b> to suit the eventual spot where they would spend their forthcoming lives.</div></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9JzrGZuDu4/X4MP4hMQnwI/AAAAAAAAJXg/zQV0DChPRx0wUaz8bDDpjAxcWC18J9VfwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5191%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1422" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i9JzrGZuDu4/X4MP4hMQnwI/AAAAAAAAJXg/zQV0DChPRx0wUaz8bDDpjAxcWC18J9VfwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5191%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When the heads got cut out and sewn, no matter how she tried, <i><b>Isobel </b></i>couldn't help feeling that they didn't look as much like <b>Cats</b> as she would like - even though the pattern she was using most was said to be from a <b>Cat Puppet</b>! That may have been because the Grey Premier Plush didn't really lend itself to looking like the desired animal, but in the end, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> decided to carry on carrying on - because whatever she did, none of them would necessarily look like each other - which was the effect she was trying to achieve.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-XzOIiGrI8/X4MQtJgKy0I/AAAAAAAAJXs/ZIYMbMzd0XY2kZfdOp9K2GX5RIz4ushpwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5186%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-XzOIiGrI8/X4MQtJgKy0I/AAAAAAAAJXs/ZIYMbMzd0XY2kZfdOp9K2GX5RIz4ushpwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5186%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is how the <b>First Cat Toy</b> looked when finished - we decided that a dark blue satin waist band gave the Toy a good completed look,although she also definitely needed something around her neck too.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JP9kGUkiZf0/X4MRyNt4OsI/AAAAAAAAJX4/O_Tw6p8BLtks4vlNoBt4RywsrwJCi7YsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5196%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1432" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JP9kGUkiZf0/X4MRyNt4OsI/AAAAAAAAJX4/O_Tw6p8BLtks4vlNoBt4RywsrwJCi7YsgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5196%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div>A photograph of the first completed pair shows the <b>Boy's</b> jacket closed by using a popper (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">under the gold button</span></i></b>), because we felt it would spoil the jacket if <b><i>Isobel</i></b> made a button hole with which to close it. Also, the Lady Cat now has a neat white, embroidered collar to finish off her outfit.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1qO-odc0eE/X4MSWsy3oAI/AAAAAAAAJYA/QrLRIoOmpC46P7GsRwlkQho9r24VJlGLACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5197%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1742" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s1qO-odc0eE/X4MSWsy3oAI/AAAAAAAAJYA/QrLRIoOmpC46P7GsRwlkQho9r24VJlGLACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5197%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Then <b><i>Isobel </i></b>turned to the other two <b>Cats</b> she had in mind, alternating the fabrics to get different tops and bottoms, although she felt the Green material made the better trousers. The decal on this <b>Girl's</b> top was taken off the original Green Shirt fabric - and has a horse depicted on it. <b><i>MsVS's</i></b> family are keen horse-people, so she was keen to include this item in the <b>Memory</b> project <b>(<i><span style="color: #a64d79;">it was originally off the Green shirt - a Ralph Lauren product)</span></i>. </b>The waist band, this time, is provided by a matching pale blue satin ribbon tied in a bow at the back. The skirt and waist band are sewn in, and the finishing touch of a felt collar was added, because both the <b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Girls'</span></i></b> necks looked a little bare without something there. The collars have embroidered edges, picking out the main colours in their outfits.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Isobel</i></b> felt that all of the <b>Cats</b> needed to have their own tails, so she made all four of them furry ones to match their head and limbs and they ended up looking like this.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hXAZPN16as/X4MT_TyCUHI/AAAAAAAAJYM/6ByyjSu_TEA-aoHkTGEXZPZfdMpAuPckQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hXAZPN16as/X4MT_TyCUHI/AAAAAAAAJYM/6ByyjSu_TEA-aoHkTGEXZPZfdMpAuPckQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>The<b> Cat</b> with the Green Skirt can sit down - and actually prefers to do so. The <b>Blue-Skirted Cat</b> is not able to do so, because <b><i>Isobel </i></b>forgot to do the necessary seams to enable it to do so! (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">We're not sure what the speck is in the photo here - because all the Cats had soft furry ears on the outsides, with a grey lining for all ears to complete the look).</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhS8SkEMbFo/X4MVIB0WNNI/AAAAAAAAJYY/3_KEYQsvKkkW0dChxbDtb2lV2tud2U_ZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5195.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hhS8SkEMbFo/X4MVIB0WNNI/AAAAAAAAJYY/3_KEYQsvKkkW0dChxbDtb2lV2tud2U_ZgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5195.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The <b>Memory Cats</b>, as they were called when they left us, lined up for their final pictures before each were individually wrapped and fitted into one of our biggest postal envelopes - nice and snugly. They travelled quite fast this time around. (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">During our relationship with MrSS there had been times when Toys had gone for longer journeys than intended and one nearly being returned, because the wrong Zip Code had been provided to Isobel</span></i></b>!). They were picked up from their local post office, after the postman had initially not been able to deliver them - and were given a seal of approval from <b><i>MsVS's</i></b> daughter, who was originally intended to get just one. <div><br /></div><div>While she looks like she's happy to love them all, we now await to hear which family member gets to house which <b>Grampy Cat</b> - as they have now been named now that they are arrived in <b>Tulsa, Oklahoma.</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Technology is once again intervening, and not allowing me to copy and paste them from their original Facebook files. We'll work on the problem over next week, and show you some of the photos then).</span></i></b><div><br /></div><div>Until then, <b><i>I'll </i></b>sign off for this week,</div><div><br /></div><div>Your Friend, </div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>An Important announcement follows:</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: red;">MrSS and Isobel had originally crossed paths when he contacted her to make a series of Tiger Arm Puppets about 5 years ago - and he then gave us the patterns for us to use for all our Arm Puppet Toys in the Shop. So you see why Isobel is so grateful that she was given the chance to make these Memory/Grampy Cats for the Smith family. MrSS has been a large part of the reason that this week, COLDHAMCUDDLIES is able to announce that we have now made 200 Sales from our Etsy Shop since we started (and that doesn't count all the sales we've made OFF LINE - at craft bazaars and other events in the same period). We're looking forward to making many more as the months go on - but meanwhile want to thank EVERYONE who has supported us since our start in September 2010.</span></i></b></li></ul></div><br /></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-38445248798955812092020-09-27T16:05:00.002+01:002020-09-27T16:07:15.012+01:00Yet more technological problems: but coping/learning as one goes along. <center style="text-align: justify;">Hello again Everyone - from <b>Cy Bear</b>!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Many apologies for the break down in posting - but technology has intervened once again. Apparently the internet connection <b><i>Isobel</i></b> relies on for doing all the<b> Cuddlies </b>work with her laptop failed - because something called "the router" broke down and the only remedy was for a new one to be supplied by the <b>Post Office</b> - who provide <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> broadband and telephone connections. The router applies just to the broadband service, so she was still able to make/receive land line telephone calls. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtHrubBx9fU/X3CezpskC3I/AAAAAAAAJUE/9D7T_ipCecoiki_GVecfdQmz21feD1jDgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5208%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mtHrubBx9fU/X3CezpskC3I/AAAAAAAAJUE/9D7T_ipCecoiki_GVecfdQmz21feD1jDgCNcBGAsYHQ/w113-h200/IMG_5208%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="113" /></a></div><span><div style="text-align: center;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><b>This is what the lining of a Tiger (or any other) Arm Puppet looks like when first sewn </b></div></span><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></div></b></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Needless to say - because it seems technology likes to break down at week-ends - it was on the <b>Sunday </b>that the problem showed itself. That meant no blogging session, not to mention all the daily <b>Etsy </b>routine tasks having to be put on hold as well. When first contacted the <b>Post Office</b> <b>Call Centre</b> had <b><i>Isobel</i></b> crawling (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">no mean task nowadays with her still injured left hip</span></i></b>) around electric sockets in our flat to find out which plug related to the router - and then applying the tests requested by the <b>Call Centre </b>staffer. None of them worked, so - as it was <b>Sunday </b>- <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was told to ring for more technical assistance the next morning.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4A_nrXeiGFY/X3CjNZthDbI/AAAAAAAAJUQ/VP55OClOCwkTuAoFe1GlWfOOGpriOYMnwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4A_nrXeiGFY/X3CjNZthDbI/AAAAAAAAJUQ/VP55OClOCwkTuAoFe1GlWfOOGpriOYMnwCNcBGAsYHQ/w113-h200/IMG_5206.JPG" width="113" /></a></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Here is what the latest Tiger Who Lost His Stripes looked like before being turned right side out</b></div></b><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b>Monday</b> dawned, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was on to the <b>Post Office</b> folks early. She had to go through all the tests again, because this time engineers were involved, and apparently they never take anyone else's capabilities seriously! We were promised a replacement router as soon as possible - because <b><i>Isobel </i></b>stressed her need for being able to communicate with the outside world on behalf of the <b>Cuddlies.</b> A week later (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">last Monday in fact</span></i></b>) she was again on the <b>Call Centre</b> line very early - to find out that somehow the router order had not left the <b>Call Centre</b>. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Isobel</i></b> was not a "happy camper" as you can imagine, and demanded to be put through to the <b>Manager </b>of the <b>Call Centre</b>! This was not possible immediately - there was a <b>36 hour </b>wait for such a conversation to take place. Believe me, the flat was not a comfortable place for some time on <b>Monday</b> morning - but there was little <i><b>Isobel</b></i> could do about it - except wait for the arrival of the newly ordered replacement. (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">A Manager did indeed call back within the stipulated period - with profuse apologies), but the matter had been largely solved by then!)</span></i></b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Settling in for another week of learning how to work her new <b>Galaxy</b> smartphone whether she liked it or not - <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was delighted (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">and very surprised</span></i></b>) to get a special Next Day Delivery parcel from the <b>Post Office</b> - with the required router inside it. The rest of the week has seen <b><i>Isobel </i></b>concentrating on making everything work - something that can take her a lot longer than it does younger folk. However, she linked everything that needed it (<i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">including the Printer</span></i>) to the new router and the office systems are now functioning - for the time being. (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">The Smartphone and Isobel are getting on better than expected by the way!)</span></i></b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">She also unexpectedly linked up with <b>Microsoft Help yesterday</b> - something she's been trying to do for MONTHS, and someone actually remotely accessed her computer and seems to have put some of the problems to bed. One or two still remain, but she's hopeful that having discovered a route in, she will be able to get extra assistance - when she has the time to be able to do it. As long as the laptop works, she's happy to carry on because things are beginning to hot up on more than one front.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">When she's not trying to be an amateur engineer, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has been sewing as normal. The <b>Memory Cats </b>were finished - and posted to <b>Tulsa, Oklahoma. </b> She is waiting to learn about their safe arrival before telling you about the two that were still unfinished when she wrote about them on <b>6th September</b>. That should happen next week, because checking the <b>Tracker Number</b> before starting this post, we know they've arrived in <b>Tulsa</b> - the postal folk have not yet been able to deliver them because <b><i>MsVS</i></b> is currently "living" between two houses - the new one (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">where the parcel was sent to</span></i></b>) and her previous dwelling, which she is getting ready to sell! Always a difficult situation for everyone concerned, <b><i>I </i></b>should imagine!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3MIiB1330g/X3CnlpIgy7I/AAAAAAAAJUc/gu5_Hm8fRPQPIUbi8f2N-MsgWVyJFuchACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5210.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3MIiB1330g/X3CnlpIgy7I/AAAAAAAAJUc/gu5_Hm8fRPQPIUbi8f2N-MsgWVyJFuchACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5210.JPG" /></a></div><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></center><center style="text-align: center;"><b>Here the two bits of the Tiger are in place - awaiting the addition of its Head.</b></center><br />After the Cats, Isobel began another <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes Puppet</b> - this time for a <b>Buyer</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">MsML from San Diego, California - the photos here were taken to keep MsML updated on how her commission was progressing!</span></i></b>). There's a real story attached to this one, which will form another blog, after I've finished the <b>Memory Cats Saga</b>.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Until the next time, then. Stay Safe Everyone in the meantime.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Your Friend,</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></center>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-80381899103630673812020-09-06T16:22:00.001+01:002020-09-27T14:28:08.795+01:00News on the Tiger and Memory Cat Fronts<center style="text-align: justify;">Hello once more <b>Everyone</b>!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Here's this week's bulletin from your <b>Friend, Cy Bear </b>- with good news on the escaping dog front <b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">(eventually</span></i></b>). She led the searchers a merry dance, but was finally persuaded into a trap set by the terrific team on <b>Thursday</b> morning this week. She was nearly persuaded earlier in the week, but was scared away from the area she had chosen to "settle" by the early morning <b>Waste Bin Collectors</b> on <b>Tuesday</b> morning. In the end, she moved her area of operations - not too far away - and found some friendly dogs to play with on a small-holding located in a countrified bit of <b>Kirkby in Ashfield</b>. Here is Molly - on the run - but nearby where she found some friends to play with shortly after this was taken.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="No description available." height="254" src="https://scontent.fman2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/118963340_3054847234623558_9129060852139071130_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=b96e70&_nc_ohc=t2a0g767fEcAX-bGhEN&_nc_ht=scontent.fman2-2.fna&oh=d9e771a50c433daaaf588abdf981aeb4&oe=5F79A7F3" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="226" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>11+ days on the run beginning to take its toll</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Clare</i></b> - who was on site as much as possible compatible with getting her young son back to school after the <b>Covid19 Lockdown</b>, as well as it being the start of a new school year - watched how <b><i>Molly</i></b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">the dog's name</span></i></b>) began to relax her guard (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">shortly after this photo above was taken</span></i></b>), and was then guided by her doggy friends (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">and owner</span></i></b>) towards what WILL BE a much safer existence than she has had so far in her life. Arriving back at just after midnight on <b>Wednesday/Thursday</b> morning she's been largely sleeping off nearly <b>12 days</b> on the run. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image may contain: dog" height="363" src="https://scontent.fman2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/118811491_10157353647531921_6230605203198648517_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=Ihjl43lWwyMAX-Z0HXW&_nc_ht=scontent.fman2-2.fna&tp=6&oh=90f0e3d1c8e919df8796041d8d5dd4bd&oe=5F7BC5AE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="270" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><b>Now begins the long job of getting her settled into the family - at her pace, not ours</b>.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, life on the <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> front has been moving forward steadily. The latest <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b> order will hopefully be ready for posting tomorrow/<b>Tuesday</b>. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 5" height="293" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/e409f0/2387735025/il_794xN.2387735025_9f0h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825</span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"> <b><i>Isobel</i></b> wants to send it tomorrow (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Monday</span></i></b>), but may not be able to do so because the <b>Cavity Wall Insulation</b> applied to all the buildings at <b>Old Chapel Close</b> recently needs to be inspected by those in charge of such things. They're due to be calling in on <b><i>Isobel</i></b> between <b>mid-day</b> and <b>1500 hours</b>. She's hoping the <b>Tiger</b> will be finished by bedtime tonight - so she can post it tomorrow morning, while returning some unwanted goods - ordered recently from some people called <b>Amazon.com.</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">I don't know them from Adam, of course, being a Beaver Lamb Bear - but they do seem to be around a lot hereabouts these days!</span></i></b>). She's discovered she can hand the goods in at one of the <b>Supermarkets</b> where she gets her shopping done, and is going to try the system for herself in the morning - or as soon as she can afterwards.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Now an update on the<b> Smith Memory Cat Project <i>I</i></b> mentioned a few weeks ago - in our post on <b>16th August, 2020. </b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwZIigJwrPU/X1TvAgCGoeI/AAAAAAAAJTI/viaJjrvLJdsSRX9MYlkHhruA_5wvkRvQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5193%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1952" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AwZIigJwrPU/X1TvAgCGoeI/AAAAAAAAJTI/viaJjrvLJdsSRX9MYlkHhruA_5wvkRvQgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5193%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This one needs a Nose/Mouth Job, as well as his Tail being attached</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br />Work on the <b>Smith Memory Cat Project</b> has moved ahead steadily. Two are now nearly fully complete: and the rest are in pieces. These now need to be assembled, stuffed and put in place. <b>Cat</b> <b>No.1</b> has had her ears changed, but now needs to have her tail added in the appropriate spot on the back of her skirt. She now has dark blue sash around her middle (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">not yet stitched in placed</span></i></b>), and will have a white collar (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">suitably embroidered with some of the colours her outfit is made with</span></i></b>).</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgXKt7E1q3M/X1Tv1scS9pI/AAAAAAAAJTU/av-dsZTYl1oLw1mz2zC6YhOkCcM5zWPkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5186%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1445" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgXKt7E1q3M/X1Tv1scS9pI/AAAAAAAAJTU/av-dsZTYl1oLw1mz2zC6YhOkCcM5zWPkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5186%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Waiting for her Tail and a Collar around her neck</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><center style="text-align: justify;">The <b>Snoopy Dog</b> patch was carefully extracted from the shirt it was originally sewn on, and has been successfully added to the "shirt" made for <b>Cat No. 2</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">see below</span></i></b>). That <b>Cat - </b>a gentleman <b>Cat</b> this time <b>- </b> also now has a Coat - lined with the <b>Smith Family's "Lucky Ducky"</b> fabric that came with the two original shirts. This was also used to provide the decoration round <b>Cat No. 1's </b>green skirt. There is still some sewing needed to neaten seams, and add buttons/button holes before that bit of clothing is complete, but we are getting there. (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Ms VS has seen where we've got to - and is happy with what is coming along</span></i></b>). </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iy4Jbr8LrLU/X1TxRw1rCgI/AAAAAAAAJTg/AFKcZi3jDz0XKRPP6aDXyJSwFkHNj64uACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5191%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1422" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iy4Jbr8LrLU/X1TxRw1rCgI/AAAAAAAAJTg/AFKcZi3jDz0XKRPP6aDXyJSwFkHNj64uACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5191%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Still requires the addition of buttons/holes and a head/neck and tail before he's complete</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>We'll </i></b>be back again, hopefully, next week - possibly with the <b>Smith Memory Cat Project</b> down to it's last few pieces. It's taken a bit longer than <b><i>Isobel</i></b> intended, but she didn't want to waste too much of the fabric by doing things too quickly. There is a lot less material for her to play with on this project than she normally has to hand when making the usual <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> toys!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">See you all again soon</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b>Your Friend,</b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b>.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center>
<span><a name='more'></a></span>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-84005806015496152042020-08-30T12:14:00.000+01:002020-08-30T12:14:22.389+01:00<center style="text-align: justify;">Hello there Everyone from Your Friend, Cy Bear</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Today's blog is going to be a shorter one than normal - really a "holding" one. Because a lot of things have happened, but results are "on hold" waiting for their final outcomes.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">The main thing is not strictly a <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> matter, but an "<b><i>Isobel's Family</i></b>" matter - in which she has been doing as much as she can. A rescue dog - called <b><i>Molly</i> </b>- who arrived at daughter <b><i>Clare's </i></b>home last week-end, bolted on <b>Tuesday</b>, and has been on the run ever since. There's a group of professionals on the case, but <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has been tasked with looking out for the missing dog here at <b>Old</b> <b>Chapel Close</b> - if she should evade the team closing in on her - because she did spend time in the gardens where <b><i>Isobel</i></b> and <b><i>I</i></b> live, and she may recognise some of it were she to come back. However, <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> main role has been to supply the items needed to lay a scent trail in the hope that the animal will follow it back to <b><i>Clare's</i></b> home up the road and (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">three doors away from our flat</span></i></b>). The ingredients are a mix of tinned <b>Sardines in Oil</b> and <b>Hot Dog Sausages</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Frankfurters</span></i></b>) - apparently irisistible in such circumstances. She's not far from home - but is a determined (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">but very frightened</span></i></b>) escapologist. Fingers crossed that she's caught soon, and life can return to somewhat more normal. Can't think why the "runner" seems to prefer being loose, rather than inside in a warm home: the weather this week while she's been out has been simply awful - and it's turned a lot colder too.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">We're still waiting for an answer from <b><i>Etsy.com </i></b>as to what happens now in the case of our <b>Black</b> <b>Squirrel</b> Order: with over 66 million shops online, and many complaints/questions to answer, understandably it will take some time. The <b>Support Desk</b> has acknowledged <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> approach, however, so we are "in the system"!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH9ffaNB8x0/X0uFAVC6VcI/AAAAAAAAJSs/SrUIfodCbu4i-Nwr05SPhioP_TgeCvziQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5184%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="2048" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH9ffaNB8x0/X0uFAVC6VcI/AAAAAAAAJSs/SrUIfodCbu4i-Nwr05SPhioP_TgeCvziQCNcBGAsYHQ/w328-h216/IMG_5184%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Crab Apple Butter ready for the Store Cupboard. These were the larger jam jars used. </b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Before <b><i>I </i></b>finish, though, there <b>has </b>been a successful outcome on the <b>Crab Apple Butter story</b>! <b>8 jars </b>(<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">of varying sizes)</span></i></b> were made with the fruit picked for<b> <i>Isobel</i></b> a couple of weeks ago, and she's already tasted from the bits that didn't fit into a bottle that could be sealed - for keeping! (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Definitely acceptable apparently!</span></i></b>) One, smaller - in case it wasn't really what the person liked - jar was reserved for the young gardener who picked the fruit from the tree for <b><i>Isobel.</i></b> He appeared to be pleasantly surprised to get it, even though he'd been told he would! The <b>Gardening Team</b> visit <b><i>Old Chapel Close</i></b> every two weeks between <b>March</b> and <b>October</b>, so we'll find out how the <b>Butter </b>went down next time they are here!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">That's it <b>Folks</b>. <b><i>I'll</i></b> be back again next week - just wonder what will happen next? Hopefully, the <b>Wanderer </b>will have safely returned by then.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Stay Safe <b>Everyone</b>! </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Your Friend</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></center>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-72357904249865688052020-08-23T15:36:00.001+01:002020-11-01T12:42:04.570+00:00Our Black Squirrel in Search of a Forever Home<center style="text-align: justify;">Hello<b> Everyone</b> - <b><i>Cy Bear </i></b>here again, at the end of a busy and rather curious week.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><div style="text-align: justify;">Early last week, we received an order for one of our <b>Black Squirrels</b> - as it happens, he was in stock, so once the<b> Buyer's</b> payment reached our local <b>Bank</b> account, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> packed him up and sent him off. However, she did so with some reservations. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Black Plush Squirrels Delightful Black Squirrel Toys Unusual image 0" height="245" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/9d8cce/2063249805/il_794xN.2063249805_68hf.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We're talking about the Squirrel on the right, and we were asked to keep the acorn (if it didn't cost extra - </b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/587570321/black-plush-squirrels">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/587570321/black-plush-squirrels</a><b>)</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The address to which she was instructed to send him was just "c/o a <b><i>Ms JI</i></b>", and giving an address in <b>Gloustershire, England, UK</b> with no mention of whom it actually should be sent to (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">the normal way of doing business, I am told!</span></i></b>). <b><i>Isobel</i></b> had queried this in a message to the <b>Buyer</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">using the given email link- which was a bit of an odd one, when Isobel thought about it later!</span></i></b>), which she addressed as "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN" - again, <b><i>I</i></b> am told, the normal procedure when no actual person's name is on the document in question. No answer was forthcoming, so <b><i>Isobel</i></b> duly took note, and because she thought it just might be a family/friend wanting to give <b><i>MsJI </i></b>a nice surprise (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">and it was not her place to spoil things)</span></i></b>. After that, she really didn't think any more about the order, once she had posted it from our <b>Local Post Office </b>early on<b> Friday</b> morning. Once she got back here, she performed her usual routine of notifying "TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN" that their <b>Black Squirrel</b> was on its way, and giving them the travelling ticket number (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Tracker Number</span></i></b>). There was a small shipping overage, which <b><i>Isobel</i></b> refunded to the mysterious<b> Buyer.</b> Order done and dusted she felt.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Black Plush Squirrels Delightful Black Squirrel Toys Unusual image 6" height="434" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/686119/1352070771/il_794xN.1352070771_8aio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>We don't seem to have a single photo of the Squirrel I'm talking about: this is the one on the left of the first photograph</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Around lunch time on <b>Saturday,</b> however, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>got a telephone call from <b><i>MsJI </i></b>herself (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">we always send a delivery note with our telephone number with every Toy dispatched from the Shop</span></i></b>) asking exactly what/whom had sent her this <b>Black Squirrel Toy</b>. We learned that she was a 60 year old lady, complete with a husband - so not in need of a companion (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">her words actually)</span></i></b> and could <b><i>Isobel </i></b>please explain why this had happened. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> found herself in somewhat of a quandary. The <b>Black Squirre</b>l had been duly paid for, and a refund sent - (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">it hasn't been returned by the way!) </span></i></b> <b><i>MsJI</i></b> really doesn't need it - <b><i>Isobel</i></b> found out that she and her husband have two <b>Labrador Dogs</b> already; .they were out for a walk, when<b><i> Isobel</i></b> telephoned <b><i>MsJI</i></b> with the unhelpful results of a chat with our local <b>Bank</b>, so we have now been in contact with <b><i>MrJI</i></b>, because <b><i>Isobel </i></b>has now sent the whole file to <b>Etsy Help Department </b>to deal with. (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">Fortunately she is meticulous in keeping all relevant paperwork including all messages involved with any transaction)</span></i></b>, and copies of all the file have been sent too. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> asked <i><b>MrI</b></i> if they would kindly give <b>Black Squirrel</b> a temporary abode, while <b>Etsy</b> and she try to sort out the situation. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the interim, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has changed her passwords allowing her access to <b>Etsy.com </b>and the <b>Shop </b>itself - just in case there's something dodgy going on. We'll let you know what happens next!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two other things to tell you that happened this week. Last night, <i><b>MrsKB</b></i> mother of the young man who wanted to have our new <b>Grey Plush Cat Arm Puppet</b> as a birthday present - posted a really lovely review for us, together with a photo of newly arrived traveller. We had hoped we would get it to <b>Denton USA</b> in time for the celebrations, and as the review says, we were lucky the journey was accomplished in time, with no unexpected hitches.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="flag-img vertical-align-top pr-lg-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: table-cell; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 18px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><img alt="" class="circle float-right loaded" data-src="https://www.etsy.com/images/avatars/default_avatar_75x75.png" data-was-processed="true" height="48" src="https://www.etsy.com/images/avatars/default_avatar_75x75.png" style="border-radius: 50%; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: right; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden;" width="48" /></div><div class="flag-body pb-xs-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: table-cell; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 909px;"><div class="mt-xs-2 mb-xs-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 12px 0px;"><p class="shop2-review-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/kstacyart?ref=shop_review" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px;">kstacyart</a> on 22 Aug, 2020</p></div><div class="appreciation-photo__container mb-xs-3" style="border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-sizing: border-box; height: 277px; margin: 0px 0px 24px; overflow: hidden; transition: height 0.25s ease 0s, margin 0.25s ease 0s, border 1s ease 0s; width: 277px;"><button alt="Buyer photo" aria-controls="customer-photo-overlay-1980063099" aria-label="View details of this review photo by kstacyart" class="width-full unstyled-button cursor-pointer" data-js-action="openReviewPhotoInline" data-transaction-id="1980063099" style="border-color: initial; 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border: 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); box-sizing: border-box; display: block; margin: 0px; width: 275px;" /></button></div><div class="mb-xs-0 p-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="stars-svg" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="screen-reader-only" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); height: 1px; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; width: 1px;">5 out of 5 stars</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="rating lit rating-first icon-b-2" data-rating="1" style="bottom: 2px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ffa300; display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; 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color: #595959; margin: 0px;"><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Such a beautiful hand crafted puppet! Very thankful for Isobel’s talent and also for her great communication. Our puppet arrived just in time for my son’s birthday!</p></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then on the same day that we got the <b>Black Squirrel </b>order, we received another order for a <b>Tiger Who</b> <b>Lost His Stripes</b> - this time, not from the <b>United States,</b> but from <b>Larne, Northern Ireland</b>. He's now top of the <b>Work In Progress Schedule</b> after <b><i>Isobel </i></b>has completed the <b>Smith Memorial Cat Project</b>. That's coming along well, although to look at the heaps of fabric all round the living room - while all of the <b>Cats </b>are being made and dressed, you might not think so. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is hoping to have the project completed by the end of next week, or early in <b>September.</b> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So that's it for this week - wonder what will happen next? This is certainly a year in the life of <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> like no other, to date!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Your Friend,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="flag-img vertical-align-top pr-lg-3" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; display: table-cell; margin: 0px; padding-right: 18px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="flag-body pb-xs-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: table-cell; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: middle; width: 909px;"><div class="mt-xs-2 mb-xs-2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 12px 0px;"><p class="shop2-review-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></div></div></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-1111611720708889672020-08-16T15:59:00.000+01:002020-08-16T15:59:54.779+01:00Potential Light At The End Of The Technology Tunnel + Harvesting Crab Apples<center style="text-align: justify;">Hello <b>Everyone</b>: <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> here and hoping you're all well.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvqq2M8L3as/Xzk-aHQg_3I/AAAAAAAAJRo/ZHuERiwP_YQetPfNDG8H3pUkXIFaxivFQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvqq2M8L3as/Xzk-aHQg_3I/AAAAAAAAJRo/ZHuERiwP_YQetPfNDG8H3pUkXIFaxivFQCNcBGAsYHQ/w147-h262/IMG_5177.JPG" width="147" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Head of One Smith Cat Toy (with ears wrongly placed). That will be corrected later!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Isobel </i></b>is definitely in a happier place on the technology front this week, although by no means out of those particular woods. As far as <b><i>I</i></b> understand it, the meeting with the <b>Media Specialists</b> on the <b>East Midlands Team</b> of the <b>UK Department of International Affairs (DIT) - <i>MsSR</i> and <i>MrMB </i></b>- were both very helpful. On one front,<b><i> MrMB</i></b> believes he knows what's wrong with our <b>Facebook sites</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">and they are repairable - WOW, that's a relief for Isobel</span><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">!</span></i></b>) and <b><i>MsSR</i></b> gave her lots of pointers regarding her current/future social media and website actions which give us a firm pathway to follow. So - lots of work for <b><i>Isobel</i></b>: but technology "daylight" is approaching!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: center;"><b>The Smith Memorial Cat Project</b></center><center style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></center><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbzfIF8xZxs/Xzk-9jJ33aI/AAAAAAAAJRw/7Y8j8CLM_y8QcNNbwdc9RYzGMRUg0yUHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5178%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1348" data-original-width="2048" height="138" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LbzfIF8xZxs/Xzk-9jJ33aI/AAAAAAAAJRw/7Y8j8CLM_y8QcNNbwdc9RYzGMRUg0yUHQCNcBGAsYHQ/w210-h138/IMG_5178%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="210" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Head with Two of the Bodies ready for stuffing</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">On the <b>Microsoft </b>front, <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> jotted down telephone number - allegedly for their <b>Support Team</b> definitely wasn't a "go-er!", but she has now found a <b>Business Support</b> telephone number, complete with all valid international calling codes (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">I'm not surprised that Isobel gets befuddled: even a Beaver Lamb Bear can understand her irritation!</span></i></b>) Anyway, that number is going to be used sometime on <b>Monday </b>(<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">after she's watched a Webinar from the local East Midlands Office of the DIT on how to get one's website to work properly for your particular project.)</span></i></b> </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqHCY5ZWzE/Xzk_ckuJEiI/AAAAAAAAJR4/vdt0IvKkXwkXfbRGXO8zKk9hAfW8JNMxQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pVqHCY5ZWzE/Xzk_ckuJEiI/AAAAAAAAJR4/vdt0IvKkXwkXfbRGXO8zKk9hAfW8JNMxQCNcBGAsYHQ/w328-h184/IMG_5179.JPG" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One of the Dress Skirts for One of the Cat Toys</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">In between we've been working on the <b>Shop</b> - planning several changes there, and keeping up with the usual administrative jobs (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">playing Team Games, I believe it is called in the real world)</span></i></b> - just so <b>ColdhamCuddlies Shop</b> doesn't disappear into the <b>Etsy </b>world! Last week <b>Isobel </b>learned that there are now over <b>62 million shops </b>on the <b>Site</b> - so you can see the necessity of doing everything one needs to for people to find us!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Then in the evenings, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>has been carrying on with the <b>Smith Memorial Project</b> - we've one or two photos to show you - included here, and <i><b>Isobe</b>l</i> is satisfied with progress to date. We're keeping <b><i>MsVS </i></b>updated on how we're doing, but still have some way to go.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejDGnytovFA/XzlABd0pTbI/AAAAAAAAJSA/1a20f_z9E-ILr0qWJFP5tcpwWVxffdejwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="184" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejDGnytovFA/XzlABd0pTbI/AAAAAAAAJSA/1a20f_z9E-ILr0qWJFP5tcpwWVxffdejwCNcBGAsYHQ/w328-h184/IMG_5180.JPG" width="328" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is one of two skirts being made from MrSS's Two shirts provided for the project.</b><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;">Today,<b><i> Isobel</i></b> is also making this year's <b>Crab Apple</b> harvest (<i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">picked </span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">by one of the Old Chapel Close visiting gardeners for Isobe</span>l</b></i>) into something called <b>Crab Apple Butter. </b> It's an old-fashioned recipe that she's made for many years, and is pleased she's been able to use some fruit this year. Last year it was one of those years when <b>Crab Apples</b> don't appear (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">apparently it happens every two or three years</span></i></b>), but <b><i>Isobel </i></b>was able to stretch her supply of the <b>Butter</b> until early <b>Spring</b> this year (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">last made in 2018</span></i></b>). The crop is abundant this time around, so when we've finished this, she will be returning to the second half of the procedure.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">The first apparently is to top and tail the fruit, wash it and put it in a large saucepan. Then <b><i>Isobel</i></b> adds <b>Apple Cider </b>and <b>Ground Cinnamon</b> and <b>Ground Cloves</b> (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">it smells like Christmas in the flat presently</span></i></b>), plus the same amount of <b>Wate</b>r as the <b>Cider</b> until the <b>Crab Apples</b> are soft; then the mixture gets sieved. The second part of the procedure (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">allowing Isobel to sit down for a bit</span></i></b>) is allowing the mixture to cool, so one gets a more accurate measure of how much sugar has to be added. Then <b><i>I</i></b> gather that the <b>Sugar</b> gets added and the mixture is gently cooked to thicken it, while being stirred - until there is a slight line visible in the mixture. The stuff is then ladled into jam jars (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">which have been heated in the oven meanwhile!</span></i></b>). Then tops are put on the jars, and the <b>Crab Apple Butter</b> allowed to cool and set. </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>I'll </i></b>show you photos of the finished project next week - meanwhile, <b><i>I'm</i></b> saying good bye to you all for This Week. Have a good one,<b> Everyone.</b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Stay Safe All, as well.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Your Friend.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">PS: Please forgive the lighting in the photos - they're very much rushed, but just needed so I could use them for this post today. (<span style="color: #a64d79; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Also for showing MsVS what is happening on this side of the Atlantic for her special family project). </span> Hopefully, soon, I'll be familiar with my new smartphone, which has special recommendations for using its camera, which should also assist in future ColdhamCuddlies plans.</center>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-26398694324765955752020-08-09T15:19:00.000+01:002020-08-09T15:19:24.777+01:00Still Battling Technology, But There May Still Be Hope<div class="separator"><span><br /></span></div><div class="separator"><span style="text-align: justify;">Hello again <b>Everyone</b> - <i><b>Cy Bear</b></i> back once more</span></div><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Some better news on the Technology Front: last week, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> moved a little further forward with the smartphone - by realising that she had ordered the wrong book if she needed to have her hand held setting everything up to get it working seamlessly. She arranged for the right one to be swapped with <b>The Helpful Book Company</b> - so hopes to be in a better position on that technology matter soon. Some more apps have been downloaded, but there's a way to go yet. However, the machine is still functioning: and that's a major plus.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJryHf_Vq1Y/Xy_0JWEIyAI/AAAAAAAAJPE/Agsoej5b-3go517Mh0GDVWjoEZqv1c1YwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJryHf_Vq1Y/Xy_0JWEIyAI/AAAAAAAAJPE/Agsoej5b-3go517Mh0GDVWjoEZqv1c1YwCNcBGAsYHQ/w230-h410/IMG_5163.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A full frontal view of our Child's size Panda Head Golf Club Saver</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">As you see, we found them: the missing photographs <b><i>I </i></b>mentioned last week in my run down on <b><i>Isobel's </i></b>battle with technology were eventually run to earth after lots of searching on the endless <b><i>Microsoft</i></b> "<b>Help"</b> sites. There's just so much time <b><i>Isobel</i></b> can spend with them before her head starts to spin, and she gives up. Try as she might to follow <b><i>Microsoft's</i></b> "helpful" hints at what to do next, she always ends up either where she doesn't want to go - or doesn't understand what she's being told to do in the first place. (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">She doesn't think she's as stupid as she always feels after a session trying to sort herself out</span></i></b>). </center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBlnMCYdk9U/Xy_1utHAy7I/AAAAAAAAJPk/CTH6vHni1-MqvnR1JZDdh5UDe-cze9D9QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mBlnMCYdk9U/Xy_1utHAy7I/AAAAAAAAJPk/CTH6vHni1-MqvnR1JZDdh5UDe-cze9D9QCNcBGAsYHQ/w262-h147/IMG_5164.JPG" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Showing off the shorter Self Colour Black Metal Handle Cover<br /><br /><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table>However, just before bedtime last evening, on the <b><i>One Drive</i></b> site, she spotted an unusual reference number <b><i>"1979-12-31</i></b>" at the top of a list on her <b>Pictures</b> page, clicked on it (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">her normal behaviour on such occasions) - </span>a</i></b>nd blow us down with the proverbial feather: here were the <b>50+</b> missing photographs : all in quadruplicate (<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">proof of Isobel's searches</span></i></b>) and all requiring editing before appearing in any guise in public. This morning has been spent doing those tasks (a<b><i><span style="color: #a64d79;">nd almost missing live-streamed Mass from St. Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham in the process</span></i></b>). But done in time for us to be able to produce some the photographs <b><i>Isobel</i></b> talked about in our last post, here.</center><center style="text-align: justify;"> </center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H9PY4YpHZ0/Xy_6fJpJ-kI/AAAAAAAAJQs/jwgeWw0TDoQcdmpgO7sQr9W8YCeERG65QCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5165%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6H9PY4YpHZ0/Xy_6fJpJ-kI/AAAAAAAAJQs/jwgeWw0TDoQcdmpgO7sQr9W8YCeERG65QCNcBGAsYHQ/w147-h262/IMG_5165%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="147" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Child Golf Club Saver from a different angle</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: justify;">Now we can show and tell you more about the new <b>Grey Cat Arm Puppet.</b> Here are some of the photos we'll be using when we list it as a <b>New Coldham Cuddlies Arm Puppet </b>next week. As we told you quite a lot about it last week, <b><i>I'm</i></b> not going to repeat it all here, but there may be some additions, which <b><i>I'll</i></b> keep short!</center><center style="text-align: justify;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2XHpAKehOk/Xy_7IHm8qaI/AAAAAAAAJQ0/CIyTeQ25f0E2979EVzOvh-lSCh8nHRGvACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A2XHpAKehOk/Xy_7IHm8qaI/AAAAAAAAJQ0/CIyTeQ25f0E2979EVzOvh-lSCh8nHRGvACNcBGAsYHQ/w184-h328/IMG_5166.JPG" width="184" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>The first view of our <b>New Grey Cat Arm Puppet</b>, being operated for photographic purposes by our friend and neighbour, <b><i>MrRY</i></b> - who kindly helps<span style="background-color: #a64d79;"><b><i> Isobel</i></b></span> in these situations.</div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-448sUA0MeMg/Xy_7MiRlsSI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/zZGcAGJKOT8qv8psp4BtuYoqhqkTN_-JACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-448sUA0MeMg/Xy_7MiRlsSI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/zZGcAGJKOT8qv8psp4BtuYoqhqkTN_-JACNcBGAsYHQ/w184-h328/IMG_5168.JPG" width="184" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One view of the Grey Cat Arm Puppet, showing his paws</b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y8N-2gxjUA/Xy_7RbmFYmI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/fRKkLnqkgoUyrm1L59GzsncmXh0oMWbmgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0y8N-2gxjUA/Xy_7RbmFYmI/AAAAAAAAJQ8/fRKkLnqkgoUyrm1L59GzsncmXh0oMWbmgCNcBGAsYHQ/w184-h328/IMG_5169.JPG" width="184" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The New Grey Cat Arm Puppet viewing his surroundings and greeting "His Public"<br /><br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbg2oNnRhV0/Xy_7UFoOMkI/AAAAAAAAJRA/bmAAcMd4KIsCLzXB3DAUQVO_n21AKEGkACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="328" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbg2oNnRhV0/Xy_7UFoOMkI/AAAAAAAAJRA/bmAAcMd4KIsCLzXB3DAUQVO_n21AKEGkACNcBGAsYHQ/w184-h328/IMG_5173.JPG" width="184" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <b>The New Grey Cat Puppet waiting for his Travel Papers to be prepared in a Final Farewell Photo</b></td></tr></tbody></table><center style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b><i>Isobel </i></b>did take several more pictures, and they will also form part of our listing for the <b>New Grey Cat</b> - which will probably be done tomorrow. <div><br /></div><div>Next week sees us take another step in our exploration of the toy export market with <b><i>Isobel </i></b>booked for a 30 minute <b><i>One to One</i></b> telephone meeting with <b><i>MsSR </i></b>(<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><u>or MrDB</u></span></i></b>) from the <b>UK Department of </b><b>International Trade.</b> That all sounds quite interesting - and hopefully will lead to some new adventures <b><i>I </i></b>can share with you all. Maybe, even, we might make further progress with the whole <b>Facebook saga</b>- who knows: stranger things have happened!! (<b><i><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Due to the photograph hunt, the third link MsSR gave Isobel hasn't yet been approached. Given time, she hopes to be able to do it today. Alas, there has been the usual silence in news from THE TARGET!!)</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, that's all from me for this week. Hope everyone is taking care of themselves, and not doing anything to attract more lock downs happening: local or not, they don't sound very nice from a <b>Beaver Lamb Bear's </b>point of view, and even worse <b><i>I </i></b>should imagine from everyone else's.</div><div><br /></div><div>See you next time. </div><div><br /></div><div>Your Friend</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-18596397012485669322020-08-02T15:31:00.003+01:002020-08-02T15:33:15.873+01:00Technology Can Sometimes Overwhelm One! It is Now!!!Greetings <b>Everybody!</b><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back again with this week's news from the <b>ColdhamCuddlies Shop</b> and world. Technologically, it has been a bit frustrating. Things seem to be moving on the <b>Facebook</b> front that <b><i>I</i></b> mentioned last week - in that it looks as though someone has realised <b><i>Isobel </i></b>is in a bit of pickle with their site, and are trying to rectify things! However, it isn't helping yet at our end,however - because they don't get in touch in response directly! Now most of our posts are not being read - except two or three days later (<b><i><font color="#c27ba0">which kind of misses the point don't you think?</font></i></b>) Well, as promised (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">threatened?</font></i></b>) last week, last night<b><i> Isobel</i></b> copied and pasted her missive of last week, and sent it to the second link that our <b>Department of International Trade (</b><i><font color="#c27ba0"><b>DI</b></font></i><b><i><font color="#c27ba0">T</font></i>)</b> contact sent her. We'll see if anything more transpires this time around.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 7" height="477" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/c846c3/2387736629/il_794xN.2387736629_rurl.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>This was a Grey Plush Custom Order of a Grey Tiger Who Lost His Stripes - the Buyer remembered<br />the original character as more grey than beige from his childhood, but wanted the same nose!</i></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The <b>Grey Cat Arm Puppet <i>Isobel </i></b>told you about last week (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">now to be made with the same fabric as used for out Elephant Toy - see photo below</font></i></b>) was also cut out, sewn and sent off on <b>Friday,</b> so it should be on it's travels to <b>Denton, Texas</b> by now - if all the travel connections worked - see our postscript.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 6" height="354" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/85ea42/2462905913/il_794xN.2462905913_fa4g.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Elephant's rump, showing the fabric it's made with</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We're going to list it as a <b>New Coldham Cuddly Toy</b> - even though we do have a <b>Grey Cat Arm Puppe</b>t already listed in the <b>Shop.</b> This one looks very different from this first one - which was one of our first Custom Orders some years ago. The latest <b>Cat Puppet</b> has had the photographs taken before it was posted last week, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has uploaded it to the computer photo files, but thanks to the recent <b>Microsoft</b> upgrade - and the arrival of the new smartphone<b><i> Isobel</i></b> is starting to suspect - has somehow disappeared into a new "<b>Personal Vault</b>" where such things can now be "safely" stored (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">without Isobel knowing it now existed!</font></i></b>). Technology really is a frustrating thing when it doesn't actually help us!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="OAAK Grey Plush Cat Puppet Autism Teacher Tool Grey Cat Arm image 0" height="376" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/ae7983/1623694740/il_794xN.1623694740_4ort.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Custom Ordered (special fabric) Grey Cat Puppet</b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><div>As part of our on-going re-arrangement of the <b>Shop</b> (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">now that we've done several "one-off" custom orders</font></i></b>) <b><i>Isobel</i> </b>is going to create a new <b>Section i</b>n our <b>Shop</b> - and our original <b>Grey Cat Puppet </b>- seen above and now also a <b>One of a Kind Puppet</b> in future, will be joined by the <b>Arm Puppets</b> we told you about just after we resumed posting a few weeks ago. (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">Blue Teddy Bear, Bun-Bun Rabbit and Teddy Bear Dog Arm Puppets among them - 26.06.20).</font></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div> Alas, one of our <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes Arm Puppets </b>still hasn't reached his destination (<b><i style="background-color: #d5a6bd;">after 12 weeks en route</i></b>!). The <b>Buyer</b>, understandably cross, contacted <b><i>Isobel </i></b>on <b>Monday</b>. We refunded her the total cost of the order, and <i><b>Isobel</b></i> has claimed the lost money from <b>Royal Mail</b> - the reason why we send EVERY Toy by either <b>Special Delivery</b> (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">in the UK</font></i></b>), or<b> International Tracked & Signed For </b>service if going anywhere else in the world (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">not JUST the U.S.A</font></i></b>.). </div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 0" height="242" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/f4a2c7/2340159328/il_794xN.2340159328_h1fa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>It's one of the current "new-look" Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b></td></tr></tbody></table><b> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>who has gone "walkabout".</b><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately,<b><i> Isobel </i></b>had all the necessary paper-work to hand, and copies of it accompanied the<b> Claim Form,</b> which was posted to <b>Royal Mail Lost Post</b> services on <b>Tuesday</b>. This incident happens to be the first of its kind for<b> COLDHAMCUDDLIES </b>in the <b>10 years</b> we have been operating, but it's annoying and upsetting all the same. <b><i>We</i></b> don't like disappointing youngsters who might have been expecting to have a new playmate by now. <b><i> Isobel </i></b>suspects that the <b>Tiger</b> is lurking in a <b>Customs Shed</b> somewhere in the <b><i>U.S.A</i></b>, and she's hoping that now the <b>Tracking</b> system has been activated we will flush it out from wherever it's been languishing. We've had <b>Toys</b> take their time getting home, but never actually seemingly lost for good before. We hope we've alerted the authorities in time, because <b><i>MrsSG</i></b> the disappointed buyer was VERY patient and waited almost<b> 3 months </b>to tell us it had not arrived, and<b> Royal Mail</b> has a time limit on when claims can be registered! We think we just made it!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span></span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iY8uub53Cnk/Xya-7V0EZLI/AAAAAAAAJOc/0gVQWdruLOoyw03JVTz63EQA0V4DuuyMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1066/IMG_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="967" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iY8uub53Cnk/Xya-7V0EZLI/AAAAAAAAJOc/0gVQWdruLOoyw03JVTz63EQA0V4DuuyMQCNcBGAsYHQ/w238-h262/IMG_4428.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><br /></div><br /><b><i>We've</i></b> also uploaded the photos of the new version of the <b>Panda Head Golf Club Cover</b> - which we presume is also currently "safely" stored in the <b>Personal Vault,</b> as we can't find it where we used to before the <b>Microsoft </b>upgrade! <b><i>Isobel </i></b>is going to have to add it to this post when we finally run the latest photographs to earth (<b><i><font color="#d5a6bd">or, now we've got some relevant photos, we'll have a separate post once we've unravelled the latest technological developments</font></i></b>). We'll have to do the same with the new <b>Grey</b> <b>Cat Arm Puppet,</b> but meanwhile, we do have photos of a previous <b>Grey Cat Puppet</b>, made with the same pattern but using a <b>Grey</b> plush material chosen by the intended recipient himself, so <b><i>Isobel </i></b>will include them in this post - to break up all the printed matter.<div><br /></div><div><div>With that, <b><i>I'll </i></b>close for this week. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is currently unstitching the shirts sent to us by <b><i>MsVS</i></b> that belonged to our dear former friend/designer <b><i>MrSS</i></b> from <b>Tulsa, OK</b>. Whoever made them certainly did not intend them to be undone! She's on the third and final garment, and has already spent two evenings solidly unstitching them. Then will come the important creation process - which is still a project-in-planning".</div><div><br /></div><div>See you all again soon - hopefully in a more technologically friendly space once more! <b><i><font color="#cc0000">You All Stay Safe </font></i></b>now though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your <b>Friend</b></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>PS: <i> Isobel</i></b> has just checked the <b>Royal Mail Tracker</b> page - and we can confirm that our latest <b>Grey Cat Arm Puppet</b> is "In Transit!" - and we'll be able to check his progress once he reaches the other side of the <b>Atlantic Ocean</b>. Fingers crossed he doesn't get way-laid en route too!</div><div><br /><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div></div></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-1923889276567834062020-07-26T15:24:00.002+01:002020-07-26T15:45:15.918+01:00We now have a "Heffalump" among the Cuddlies Family.<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div>Good afternoon <b>Everybody</b>. <b><i>Cy Bea</i></b>r here, and hoping you've all had a good week!</div><div><br /></div><div>As promised in last week's post, I'm going to tell you all about our<b> New Elephant Toy (<i><font color="#a64d79">he's shown below</font></i></b> ) today, but will start with an update on non-toy activities that have happened during last week - which seems to have passed at incredible speed - again. Seems like yesterday <font color="#a64d79"><b><i>Isobel</i></b> </font>and<b><i> </i></b><font color="#a64d79"><b><i>I</i></b> </font>were involved in last week's post.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 0" height="191" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/12be44/2415283810/il_794xN.2415283810_n1ur.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/825844254/">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/825844254/</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Well, familiarity with the new mobile telephone is proceeding at a slow, but steady pace. <b><i><font color="#a64d79">Isobel</font></i></b> is taking things VERY slowly so that she doesn't have to waste time after making her inevitable mistakes! So far, any that have occurred, haven't been "vital" ones, and she's been able to self-correct, although as more things are added, it seems the computer is beginning to "interfere", as well as the situation not being aided by the <b>Operating System</b> (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">whatever that is</font></i></b>) being upgraded, and that's not helping!!. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 2" height="386" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/461cdd/2415282782/il_794xN.2415282782_dp7s.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Close up of Elephant's face - and only just fitting on the radiator<br /></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The exporting research/planning has moved a step closer with a date being set for the one-to-one meeting between <font color="#a64d79"><b><i>Isobel </i></b></font>and the "social media expert"- recently recruited to the <b>East Midlands</b> office of the <b><i><font color="#a64d79">UK Department of </font></i><font color="#a64d79">International Trade (<i>DIT)</i></font></b> - now in our diary for<b> 11th August</b>. (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">She's a replacement for another person, though: not a brand new recruit!</font></i></b>) <b><i>Isobel </i></b>has already been given three possible on-line links to <b>Facebook (<i><font color="#a64d79">something that is always on our minds)</font></i></b>, one of which will hopefully enable <b><i>Isobel</i></b> to sort out our presence on that site - <b><i><font color="#cc0000">once and for all! </font></i></b> A long message was sent to the first link yesterday - fingers crossed we'll hear back from somebody helpful ere long! (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">So..... one link down, and two more to try!)</font></i></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 1" height="342" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/72885c/2462930863/il_794xN.2462930863_echa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Front Facial View - shows how fluffy and soft Elephant is, doesn't it?</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Isobel </i></b>was able to finish the latest<b> Panda Bear Golf Club Saver </b>order and it's on its way to <b>Coatesville, PA, USA</b>. It was somewhat different from our usual one though. When "chatting" with <b><i>MrsCC</i></b>, the <b>Buyer</b>, we discovered it was actually intended for her nine-year old daughter. As usual, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> began by knitting the metal handle cover part of the <b>Golf Club Saver</b>, and woke up the day after beginning to wonder if that meant the final product might not need to be quite as long for the knitted bit as we usually do. She was right: the club is eight inches shorter than our usual model - and the club head was about 2" smaller all round too. While that meant not as much knitting was required, it did mean <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was then unable to check at each stage of the sewing process that we were going along the right lines (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">or size in this case</font></i></b>). Guessing is not<b><i> Isobel's</i></b> favourite pastime, but we had no option. Also, this was the first time that we'd used our "new" way of padding the<b> Animal Heads</b> we use for the driver bit of the club, using our usual <b>Golf Club</b> <b>Saver</b> templates. (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">That means using up remnants of our faux fur fabrics instead of making a whole new club cover lining and then putting stuffing between the outer layer and lining)</font></i></b>. When the smaller head cover was complete this time it was certainly too small for our existing Club model - which means we'll have to create another template for each future <b>Animal </b>we are asked to use - but <b><i>Isobel</i></b> guessed it would be OK for the smaller children's size golf club we were dealing with this time. The finished <b>Panda Club Cover</b> was also different in that the proposed <b>User</b> wanted the whole thing completely black - instead of in our usual patterned style. We're hoping it will be acceptable - as it's not due to arrive until the middle of next week. (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">Because of the operating system upgrade, the photos Isobel took have somehow "disappeared" into some part of the system - so that's another bit of technology to fathom/fight/overcome! If we recover them in time, I'll post a picture of the new version next week - or whenever!)</font></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is back to <b>Arm Puppet</b> manufacture - this time for a <b>Grey Cat Puppet</b> in the style of a famous <b>Cat Puppet </b>of yesteryear - starring in the re-runs of a popular <b>US Childrens' TV</b> programme popular when <b><i>Isobel </i></b>and <b>Family </b>lived in <b>Canada,</b> and recently up-dated in the <b>United States of America.</b> Our <b>Cat Puppet</b> will be "friends" with our <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b> puppet - because the <b>Buyer</b> actually wants <b><i>Isobel</i></b> to make both of them for her <b>Son</b>, who has fallen for both of them. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 0" height="242" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/f4a2c7/2340159328/il_794xN.2340159328_h1fa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="260" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825/tiger-puppets">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825/Tiger-Puppets</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Originally, <b><i>MrsKB </i></b> wanted them both together for a mid-<b>August</b> birthday gift for her ten-year old son. He wanted the <b>Grey</b> <b>Cat </b>made in the same material as our <b>Elephant</b> (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">which means the "experiment - as far as Isobel was concerned - now needs replenishment!</font></i></b>), but prefered the original fabric for our <b><i>Tiger Puppet</i></b>. (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">We ran out of that, as I told you in an earlier edition of this blog.</font></i></b> <b><i><font color="#a64d79">That's now been rectified, so we are hopefully ready to cope with any Orders needed for Christmas onwards!</font></i></b>) However it might mean that the <b>Grey Cat</b> <b>Puppet</b> will be there for the birthday date - or a few days after - and the <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes </b>one<b> </b>will be there for <b>Christmas!</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now for our new <b>Friend</b> the <b>Elephant</b>. His pattern is to be found in the same book that produced <b>Wonky Pig</b>, and our <b>Frog</b>, <b>Owls</b> and <b>Cat - which can be seen by clicking here - </b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies</a> - previously, and will be used to create our <b>Mum</b> and <b>Dad Lion</b> (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">complete with a Mane</font></i></b>) later this year. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> stuck to the pattern as written in the book, and the final production did not produce any surprises this time around. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 3" height="251" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/b81f68/2415283048/il_794xN.2415283048_qq40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The view from the other side. He didn't fit quite so well on the radiator so his back foot looks "wonky", but it really isn't!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>So, that's how <b>Elephant</b> (<b><i><font color="#c27ba0">or Heffalump - you can choose!</font></i></b>) was made. He's settling in well, and we hope it won't be long before he finds himself a home.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 5" height="374" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/8cc0d6/2462905715/il_794xN.2462905715_6tqr.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A rear view of Elephant showing his tail</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>On the "house-keeping" side of the <b>Shop</b>, we've at last found the right sized manilla envelopes in which we can now store patterns that have to be stuck together (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">as both Elephant and Pink Pig do</font></i></b>) to produce a seamless body to work with. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> plans to put all our pattern files - smaller manilla envelopes - into them as the weeks go by. (<b><i><font color="#a64d79">The current "files" are looking rather "tired"- after 10 years' handling).</font></i></b> However the new envelopes take up more space in our bookshelves, so we'll need to rearrange where our other books go because the shelf they now occupy isn't high enough accommodate the new ones. That's going to be an "interesting" proposition. <b><i>I'll</i></b> have to watch where <b><i>Isobel</i></b> puts them, in case it affects my future sitting spaces as well!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><b><img alt="New Grey Elephant Cuddly Toy Just the Job for Girls Boys or image 7" height="232" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/6ebd47/2415283538/il_794xN.2415283538_b9e9.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></b></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Elephant (wrong side) - showing how <i>Isobel </i>oversews all the seams - to keep the fluff under control</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>That's it for this week. Have a good one <b>Everyone</b> - and here's hoping it will be more sunny and a little less rainy than it has been for the last few in the <b>UK.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep Safe: see you next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Your <b>Friend</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><font color="#ff0000"><br /></font></i></b></div><div><b><i><font color="#ff0000"> </font></i></b></div></div></div><div><br /></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-32245892127637202832020-07-19T15:51:00.000+01:002020-07-19T15:51:23.500+01:00Twin Otters Join the Coldham Cuddlies Family <div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Hello there<b> Everyone</b>: <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back once more, and this time - fingers crossed - with no more technical hitches, as happened last week.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div><div>This week, though, there have been some technical changes that we instigated. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has decided to finally ditch our first smartphone - which broke completely when the <b>Covid19</b> pandemic first hit us in the <b>UK</b>, and get herself a new one. She will need a better, more up to date model if our exporting expansion plans take hold, and she was getting absolutely nowhere with the company she had been dealing with since <b>2017</b>. (<b><i><font color="#741b47">When we first got a mobile phone - so that she could accept credit/debit cards - whatever they are, when we were selling Cuddlies at Bazaars and Craft Fairs).</font></i></b> <b> Beaver Lamb Bears </b>like me don't need them, thank goodness. She was intent on keeping our existing mobile number (<b>+44</b> <b>7414 087192</b> (<b><i><font color="#741b47">she had taken long enough to learn it!</font></i></b>) and was unable to do it with the existing arrangements. So, on <b>Friday</b> she went and purchased a completely new one - and has been gingerly getting to know it and try to make it work. We've still got the important telephone number, and so far, so good. <b><i>I'll</i></b> doubtless be reporting on progress (<b><i><font color="#741b47">or lack of it of course</font></i></b>) as we go along!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Brown Otter Twins with Orange Fish Cuddly Toys Brown image 0" height="165" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/182c78/2450720925/il_794xN.2450720925_lliy.jpg" width="260" /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Introducing the Otter Twins</b></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile, the <b>Elephant<i> I</i></b> told you about last week was completed - and has been listed in our <b>Shop</b> (<b><i><font color="#741b47">you'll hear about him soon)</font></i></b>. At least, she was able to fathom the many seams insisted on by the original designer this time, and our "<b>Heffalump</b>" did not turn out <b>Wonky</b>! <b><i> Isobel </i></b>stuck with the instructions this time all the way through, and there wasn't the mistake we encountered with <b>Wonky Pig</b>, whom<b><i> I</i></b> told you about last week. We knew that <b>Wonky</b> had got to his new home, thanks to being able to track his journey (<b><i><font color="#741b47">as we do with every Toy that leaves us for their future dwellings</font></i></b>)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKKdDHhpDu8/XxRMHknKY5I/AAAAAAAAJNw/rnW2uCjHxUAT85PvFmBV2lfuan37SMrwQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5109%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1669" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKKdDHhpDu8/XxRMHknKY5I/AAAAAAAAJNw/rnW2uCjHxUAT85PvFmBV2lfuan37SMrwQCNcBGAsYHQ/w209-h256/IMG_5109%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="209" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This is what arrived in our <b>Review Section</b> in the <b>Shop</b> at the end of last week -</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="mt-xs-2 mb-xs-2" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 12px 0px;"><p class="shop2-review-attribution" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/PaulaSweetP?ref=shop_review" style="background: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; margin: 0px;">PaulaSweetP</a> on 14 Jul, 2020</p></div><div class="mb-xs-0 p-xs-0" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="stars-svg " style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="screen-reader-only" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); height: 1px; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; width: 1px;">5 out of 5 stars</span><span aria-hidden="true" class="rating lit rating-first icon-b-2" data-rating="1" style="bottom: 2px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ffa300; display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; 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display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span> <span class="rating lit" data-rating="5" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="text-gray-lighter" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #595959; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;"><p class="prose break-word m-xs-0" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word;">Such a beautifully made plush piggy. Wonderful communication and I would definitely buy from Coldham Cuddlies again. Everyone should own a Coldham Cuddly.</p></div></div><div><br /></div><div>- it can be seen in our <b>Shop</b>, but I'll repeat it here just to make sure it gets seen as widely as possible!</div><div><br /></div><div>Now that's last week's round-up done, so <b><i>I'll</i></b> continue this week's blog with more about <b>The Otter Twins</b>. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> called them that, but of course - because she cannot make two <b>Toys</b> look EXACTLY the same - there are some differences if you want to be "picky". One is clearly a bit stouter that the other. Although they were cut out using the same pattern. (<b><i><font color="#741b47">One is obviously hungrier - for stuffing - than the other)! </font></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Brown Otter Twins with Orange Fish Cuddly Toys Brown image 2" height="183" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/dbb261/2403088108/il_794xN.2403088108_g1a6.jpg" width="320" /></div><div><br /></div><span></span><div> They can of course also be sold separately and they were really fun to make. <b><i> Isobel</i></b> was familiar with how the seams worked here because of course the arms upwards form the basis of our popular <b>Golf Club Protectors</b> - with their different colour fishes, and the special Custom ordered <b>White Otter Golf Club Saver</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="White Otter Head Golf Club Cover Otter Head and Brown Fish White" height="347" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/26650f/2330362684/il_794xN.2330362684_cl3b.jpg" width="260" /></div></blockquote></div><div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><br /></span><span></span><div style="text-align: left;">Both patterns have been possible thanks to <b><i>Isobel </i></b>being able to download the free original patterns created by <b><i>Jenny Mai</i></b> from https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fluffmonger, and using her <b>"Squeakers" the Otter </b>pattern. Our fishes replace the original item that <b>Jenny's Otter</b> friend holds - with her permission.</div></blockquote><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="NEW Brown Otter Twins with Orange Fish Cuddly Toys Brown Brown" height="263" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/444b51/2451547179/il_794xN.2451547179_kcfz.jpg" width="325" /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This view from the rear definitely emphasises the difference in size of the <b>Twins </b>(<b><i><font color="#741b47">just like in "real" life such things can happen</font></i></b>!). Both the <b>Otters</b> are made with <b>Brown Fleece</b> that we now source from a <b>Nottingham</b> fabric supplier, and the material is lovely and tactile. As usual, we use polyester stuffing that meets the following<b> British</b> and <b>European Standards for Soft Toymaking:</b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Brown Otter Twins with Orange Fish Cuddly Toys Brown image 6" height="265" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/918548/2403088388/il_794xN.2403088388_ri3e.jpg" width="260" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>BS 1425</b> for cleanliness: <b>BS5852</b> for flammability: <b>BS EN71-3:2013</b> Compliance for Soft Toys sold within the European Union. </div><div><br /></div><div>Both have been listed (<b><i><font color="#741b47">before the newest Shop member - who will form the basis for next week's post here</font></i></b>) in our shop - <b><i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies</a>.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Brown Otter Twins with Orange Fish Cuddly Toys Brown image 7" height="284" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/d8f22f/2450719677/il_794xN.2450719677_k26a.jpg" width="260" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hoping everyone has a great week, that the weather will finally decide it's summer time here in the <b>UK,</b> and, above all, EVERYONE Stay Safe!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Your Friend</b>,</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></div><div><br /></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-9202010079340618502020-07-12T17:10:00.000+01:002020-07-12T17:10:25.940+01:00Why Being Called "Wonky" Isn't Such a Bad Thing!<div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>Hello there <b>Everyone</b>!</span><div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="text-align: justify;"> <b> <i>Cy Bear</i> </b>here again, even though <b><i>I'd</i></b> almost given up on being able to chat to you this week - thanks to technology once more rearing it's ugly head. My system provider has just kindly provided its users with a Brand New (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">and in our case, quite unnecessary and not required!</font></i></b>) upgrade and threw all <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> carefully set programmes askew - at least <b><i>I</i></b> think that's what happened. She tried to begin blogging this afternoon to be faced with a screen with lots of hyroglyphics which were totally incomprehensible - resulting in a plea for help from part of our <b><i>Family Helpdesk</i></b> team known as <b><i>TeamACE</i></b>, being the nearest at 3-doors away! Fortunately, senior engineer was able, willing and has done the trick, we've had an unexpected thoroughly enjoyable visit from <b><i>GrandsonE </i></b>and we're hoping we'll now return to "all systems go" once more.</span></div><div><div><div class="separator"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></div></div><div>Last week, <b><i>I</i></b> told you about our new <b><i>Lion Cub Toy (<font color="#7b1fa2">see a later photo</font>)</i></b>: this week, it's the turn of <b><i>"Wonky Pig"</i>,</b> who was listed in our Shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies</a> - for just 2 hours, before finding itself a new home!. That's a record sale speed - by anyone's standards <b><i>I'd </i></b>suggest, and something we feel well worth recording. While over the moon that <b><i>Wonky Pig </i></b>found himself/herself a home (<font color="#7b1fa2"><b><i>in Crewe, Cheshire, England, UK</i></b>) - <b>it does mean that <font style="background-color: white;"><i>Isobel</i></font> now has another New Toy to make and re-list in the Shop!</b></font>). <b>Wonky</b> was posted to his new home (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">we think that is what he will be regardeas!</font></i></b>) and we know he arrived safely on <b>Thursday</b> morning. <b><i>MrsPP,</i></b> the <b>Buyer</b>, told<b><i> Isobel </i></b>in one of several messages they exchanged, that she will be sharing the photographs (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">hers, not ours!</font></i></b>) on her own <b>Instagram</b> page - which is a bit of a turn up for us <b>Cuddlies</b>. We wait to see what happens - or not, as the case may be</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkjAEujBYe0/Xwsg6j1HZDI/AAAAAAAAJMI/YEZ8T8edOTQAhHlqD0csaXab-NUYoRRlQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5120%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1933" data-original-width="2048" height="242" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pkjAEujBYe0/Xwsg6j1HZDI/AAAAAAAAJMI/YEZ8T8edOTQAhHlqD0csaXab-NUYoRRlQCNcBGAsYHQ/w256-h242/IMG_5120%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here's Wonky Pig</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He/she was sewn up back to front underneath by <b><i>Isobel</i></b> when it was made - and the mistake was only found, when she took the photographs prior to listing it on the <b>Shop </b>website. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5W-gFt-L-s/XwshK3RZ5oI/AAAAAAAAJMU/JskZSY3XIzsJsnw-D-Ml41GtDjbzMymBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5118%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1606" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5W-gFt-L-s/XwshK3RZ5oI/AAAAAAAAJMU/JskZSY3XIzsJsnw-D-Ml41GtDjbzMymBQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5118%2B%25283%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Clearly, something is not right!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div>This was the photo that was the give away - you can see that <b>Wonky's</b> head was far too big for the rest of her body - and the hind-quarters were just far too sleek/slinky for a proper-looking<b> Pig Toy</b>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAFGcuBT8UA/Xwsi15IfjZI/AAAAAAAAJM4/ecnzomyu5KMpioTaxEH6HEGgpBDNecl5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5107%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1919" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UAFGcuBT8UA/Xwsi15IfjZI/AAAAAAAAJM4/ecnzomyu5KMpioTaxEH6HEGgpBDNecl5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5107%2B%25282%2529.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Doesn't look too bad from this angle though!</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>By this time, <b><i>Isobel</i> </b>decided that as the mistake wasn't too obvious, that the fabric was so lovely and soft that even wrongly made, there HAD TO BE Somebody who would like to give <b>Wonky </b>a good home, so she went ahead and listed it in the <b>Shop </b> with the following <b>Titles</b> (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">or tags, as they are called in Etsy language).</font></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><h1 class="display-inline mr-xs-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #faf9f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px;">"Wonky Pink Plush Toy Pig Pink Plush Pig Toy Cuddly Pink Plush Toy Needs A Home Pink Plush Pig Made Wrongly But Still Safe For Play Pink Pig"</h1></div><div><h1 class="display-inline mr-xs-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #faf9f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px;"><br /></h1></div><div><h1 class="display-inline mr-xs-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #faf9f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px;"><br /></h1></div><div><h1 class="display-inline mr-xs-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #faf9f5; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; display: inline; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 26px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 6px 0px 0px;"><br /></h1></div><div><span style="background-color: #faf9f5; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #faf9f5; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un5ljIW7bAI/XwsjSQXik0I/AAAAAAAAJNA/m2ZOPtXXidsafbUzuBC6ZHA8DcEOJI6ggCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5112%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un5ljIW7bAI/XwsjSQXik0I/AAAAAAAAJNA/m2ZOPtXXidsafbUzuBC6ZHA8DcEOJI6ggCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5112%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> </span></div><div>There was even a new way to make a tail that <b><i>Isobel</i></b> discovered,and it worked first time too. As well, there was no need to stuff the tail. Shows that one is never too old to learn new things. (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">Also, that "her way" of doing things is not always the best way!).</font></i></b></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28kWEWEzrxw/XwsmMBfllpI/AAAAAAAAJNY/_jJgkDhQSxQqkZ2tHtT7h94KMXbdttJ-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_5111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-28kWEWEzrxw/XwsmMBfllpI/AAAAAAAAJNY/_jJgkDhQSxQqkZ2tHtT7h94KMXbdttJ-ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Giving an idea of the final Wonky Pig size - against Isobel's Beswick Horse Ornament on one of the bookshelves in our Living Room</b><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Another reason <b><i>Isobel </i></b>felt there might be a chance we could find <b><i>Wonky Pig a</i></b> new home at sometime in the future (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">we never thought it would be so fast in this case!</font></i></b>) was that in 2018, when we were first working on the <b>Clerical Bear Collection,</b> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiO3x2f4uhc/XwsnEiJZWwI/AAAAAAAAJNk/zgSRHt8QjWsZW7DbD8FQYhixbyQWLkbMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1148/Clerical%2BBears%2BEn%2BMasse%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="918" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QiO3x2f4uhc/XwsnEiJZWwI/AAAAAAAAJNk/zgSRHt8QjWsZW7DbD8FQYhixbyQWLkbMgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Clerical%2BBears%2BEn%2BMasse%2B%25282%2529.jpg" /></b></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />The Original Six Clerical Bears - We now have Ten</b></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Isobel</b> </i>created a <b>Teddy Bear</b> using more than one pattern for the experiment, and also using up scraps of material for what was always going to be a "work in progress". When <b><i>Wonky Bear</i> </b>was finished, he too look very appealing</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxRLL4DBfFQ/Xwskp1JU5UI/AAAAAAAAJNM/cMY5-M_W4Gw62QT4nUdXw82IsyeW4wOoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1027/IMG_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="732" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BxRLL4DBfFQ/Xwskp1JU5UI/AAAAAAAAJNM/cMY5-M_W4Gw62QT4nUdXw82IsyeW4wOoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4379.JPG" /></a></div></div><div> </div></div><div>and although it took a little longer for him to find his <b>Forever Home </b>- about <b>5 weeks</b>, in his case - it was with someone who had already purchased <b>Three ColdhamCuddlies Teddy Bears</b>. She was also the <font color="#b51200">Very First Overseas Customer </font>we had - way back in <b>2011</b>! You can see in <b>Wonky Bear's</b> case, he had arms that looked different from the rest of his body, and again, his head was a little too big for what <b>Isobel</b> was wanting. Nevertheless, as in <b>Wonky Pig's </b>case, he clearly wasn't a dangerous hand made <b>Toy</b>, and we also hoped he'd find a <b>Forever Home</b> one day. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="258" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/0722d7/2359181724/il_794xN.2359181724_rhz8.jpg" width="260" /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Isobel</i></b> has been busy with sewing <b>New Coldham Cuddlies</b> toys this week - and our <b>Lion Cub </b>has been joined by a pair of <b>Fleece Otters</b> who were finished (<b><i>and listed) </i></b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/836261761/new-brown-otter-twins-with-orange-fish?ref=shop_home_active_3">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/836261761/new-brown-otter-twins-with-orange-fish?ref=shop_home_active_3</a><b><i> </i></b> in the<b> Shop </b>during the week. <b>She's</b> currently working on a <b>New Elephant, </b>and we're delighted to say we've received orders for a <b>Panda Bear Golf Club Saver.</b> The<b> Buyer </b>doesn't want it to be exactly the same, though, but with an all-black knitted handle cover, so although we have two ready-and-waiting <b>Pandas</b> with black and white patterned handles, a brand new <b>Cuddly</b> is going to emerge shortly. So, that's next on the list. </div><div><br /></div><div>We've also been commissioned by the daughter of our best <b>American Friend</b>, the late <b>MrSS</b> - from <b>Tulsa, Oklahoma</b> to make a <b>Special Memorial Toy</b> from shirts he particularly liked. (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">Alas, he died earlier this year - leaving Isobel and ColdhamCuddlies without a go-to designer for toys we had no pattern or picture for</font></i></b>). So, this is a very special item on <b><i>Isobel's To Do List</i></b>, as you can imagine. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, plenty to keep <b><i>Isobel </i></b>out of mischief: several future subjects to cover in the upcoming blog posts: so<b><i> I</i></b> think this is a good moment to bow out for this week! Have a good one everyone - and <b><font color="#d52c1f">STAY SAFE!</font></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Your Friend,</div><div><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-15788303983891545992020-07-05T15:30:00.004+01:002020-07-05T16:17:45.712+01:00Coldham Cuddlies come in all Shapes and Sizes<div class="separator"><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">This is <b><i><font color="#9c27b0">Cy Bear </font></i></b>calling in once again to say Hi! </p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">This week, we find ourselves having to get used to a new format for creating our blog posts - because <b>Blogger.com (<i><font color="#7b1fa2">where we post from</font></i>)</b> have this week introduced a new one.! It is designed to make it easier for people to read our stories via their telephones, rather than just their lap tops or other technological inventions. (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">I know Isobel finds it difficult to keep up with technology: can you imagine just how much more difficult it is for a Beaver Lamb Bear?</font></i></b>) So, as we go along, if margins are slightly different, please forgive us - <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has got to type this for me, while working out how to fit things onto the screen. Life isn't easy sometimes.......!</p><p style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Playful Lion Cub Toddler's Lion Cub Best Friend image 8" height="280" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/075b0f/2406785359/il_1140xN.2406785359_4eob.jpg" width="239" /></p></div><p></p><center style="text-align: center;"><b>A new photo of myself - together with the newest member of the Coldham Cuddlies family</b>.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Last week<i> <b>I</b></i> suggested that we might tell you about some new toy projects that <b><i>Isobel </i></b>is planning/being asked to consider making. She's been hard at it this week (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">when not involved in sorting out a major mistake in one of the new projects</font></i></b>). That's had a happy ending (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">or will have tomorrow, when the toy in question heads off for his Forever Home,</font></i></b> so <b><i>I'll </i></b>keep you hanging on to hear about that incident! <b><i>I'm</i></b> hoping that the <b>Buyer</b> will kindly send us a photograph when the <b>Toy</b> gets to her home, which we can then use in the post about <b><i>Isobel's </i></b>recent major, but "honest" mistake! </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">However, after a longer time than we would have wished, we can now introduce you to the first of our new <b>Toy Friends </b>in the <b><i>Coldham Cuddlies Shop</i></b> (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies?section_id=12038124">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies</a>) - our <b>New Lion Cub.</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Playful Lion Cub Toddler's Lion Cub Best Friend image 0" height="196" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/6ef514/2359991972/il_794xN.2359991972_9nmm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">He doesn't have a name - <b><i>Isobel,</i></b> in a recent change of policy, has decided not to give any of the <b>Cuddlies</b> a name from now on (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">for a little while, at any rate</font></i></b>). In the listing for <b>Lion Cub,</b> he's described as "playful", and <b><i>I</i></b> do think that is a good way to describe him - don't you?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Playful Lion Cub Toddler's Lion Cub Best Friend image 1" height="322" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/0722d7/2359181724/il_794xN.2359181724_rhz8.jpg" width="325" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Here is Lion Cub, sitting on top of Isobel's Printer.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">He's made with the wrong fabric that <b><i>Isobel</i></b> first ordered when the <b>Tiger Puppet </b><b>Premier Plush </b>fabric (called <b>Khaki</b>) ran out. This <b>Lion</b> material is labelled as "<b>Mustard</b>", and we've got <b>2 metres</b> (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">roughly 6.56 feet</font></i></b>)) with which to make several more. As a matter of fact, while she's been selecting other new <b>Toy </b>patterns to attempt, she came across one for a "<b><i>Daddy" Lion</i></b>, complete with mane, and thinks she could also make a "<b>Mummy"</b> one too! This means there's plenty of uses to which the "mistaken" <b>Mustard Premier Plush</b> can be put! Presently, <b>Lions</b> seem to be the most suitable use to which this particular material can be put. (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">It's important that we do find such projects, because we still have a pretty full cupboard(s) of fabric with which to make our existing toys, as and when they find new homes - so space is limited!!</font></i></b>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Playful Lion Cub Toddler's Lion Cub Best Friend image 4" height="206" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/266a27/2359182130/il_794xN.2359182130_sl1s.jpg" width="325" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>A proper side view of our Playful Lion Cub</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">This pattern was stumbled upon when<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2"> Isobel</font></i></b> was picking through her<b> Pattern Library</b>, and was actually one that originated from daughter <b><i>Clare's</i></b> sister-in-law's collection - when she used to make toys several years ago. <b><i> Isobel</i></b> was given several likely toy patterns when a family cupboard clearance was under way, and this is the first time that she'd looked through the collection "with intent" since they arrived. (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">There's one for a dressed Hedgehog as well, which we've been told is "delightful" when made up - so we may be adding that to the "To Do List" as well</font></i></b>. <b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">Isobel's Son-in-Law is quite keen on this addition being on that List too!) </font></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="NEW Playful Lion Cub Toddler's Lion Cub Best Friend image 7" height="215" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/63777e/2406786827/il_794xN.2406786827_brnk.jpg" width="325" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>Lion Cub Rear view - showing his tail off well and the fluffy, soft look of Premier Plush fabric</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">We've already got an <b>Elephant </b>pattern cut out and ready for placing on a <b>Grey</b> version of the <b>Premier</b> <b>Plush</b>, plus we've got to repeat the "major mistake"<b><i> I</i></b> mentioned earlier in this post,but this time without the error! We've been waiting for this <b>Grey Premier Plush</b> fabric to materialise since February/March. Somehow, our suppliers were caught out by the Covid19 pandemic that has hit the world (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">and is still raging by all accounts</font></i></b>) and the shipment containing this particular Grey version was held up. It eventually arrived in the <b>UK</b> in the middle of <b>June</b>. Our suppliers - <b><i>Fabricland </i></b>(of <b><i><font color="#7b1fa2"> Bournemouth, England, UK</font></i></b>) were as good as their word, and sent our order on to us almost as soon as it arrived in their warehouse. You can't ask more than that, can you?</p><p style="text-align: left;">Currently,<b><i> Isobel</i></b> is nearly half-way through making "fully-grown" <b>Otters</b> complete with their <b>Goldfish</b>. She cut out two, because they seem fairly quick to do, especially as she's made three or four <b>Otter Golf Club Covers</b> using part of the pattern before.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Otter Head Blue Fish Green/Blue Handle Protector Brown Fleece image 0" height="288" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/c4caed/2244996982/il_794xN.2244996982_bspr.jpg" width="208" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/743820454/">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/743820454/</a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="White Otter Head Golf Club Cover Otter Head and Brown Fish White" height="278" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/26650f/2330362684/il_794xN.2330362684_cl3b.jpg" width="208" /></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/757697515/white-otter-head-golf-club-cover-otter?ref=shop_home_active_7">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/757697515</a><br /><br /></div><p></p><center style="text-align: left;">The <b>Golf Club</b> covers only consist of the <b>Otter</b> "bust" from the arms upwards. This time<b><i> Isobel</i></b> is actually using the entire original pattern she got (<b><i style="color: #7b1fa2;">from Jenny Mai from https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fluffmonger which is an original downloadable pattern created by Jenny Mai from https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Fluffmonger.)</i> Her pattern for "Squeakers" the Otter is just what<i> Isobel </i>was looking for when making her first Golf Club Cover with an Otter Head. Jenny Mai was only too happy to allow us to make some adjustments to her original pattern. These included substituting a handmade small fish for the hands to hold, rather than the ornament originally created for the pattern. Anyone interested in other similar free patterns from Jenny Mai should click here: http://fluffmonger.net/category/free-sewing-pattern.</b><i> </i>There's a whole "pattern Zoo" from which to choose.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">So, this is all for this week - while <b><i>Isobel</i></b> sews busily away in the evenings, she's busy during the day with those plans for trying to introduce the <b>Coldham Cuddlies </b>brand to new markets. (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">I told you about those in the first post of this series about 5 weeks ago</font></i></b>) She's been watching "<b>Webinars</b>" and learning lots of new things she needs to know about: and is waiting to have a One-to-One on line meeting with someone from the <b>East Midlands Office</b> of the <b>UK Department</b> <b>for International Trade</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>to discuss the best way to achieve this objective. </center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, she's also been working with the technology whizzes from <b>Yell.com</b>, together with our <b><i>Account Manager, Daniel Forbes</i></b> on the website - <b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">www.coldhamcuddlies.co.uk</font></i></b>. Since that was first published, we've been able to add the<b> Shop</b> site to the original <b>Animal Hospital </b> (<b><i><font color="#7b1fa2">for which the site was originally conceived</font></i></b>) and this blog now appears on the website, just as soon as<b><i> Isobel</i></b> publishes it - when it has been edited and passed as correct and ready for publishing.</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">It's all systems go - as you see, and it seems to be betting busier by the week! See you all again, next week</center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b>Your friend,</b></center><center style="text-align: left;"><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;"><b><i>Cy Bear</i></b>.</center><p></p>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-13508546907496994042020-06-21T17:39:00.000+01:002020-06-21T17:39:10.617+01:00Post Tiger Invasion; What Happened Next?Hello there! Back, as promised, to carry on with the <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes Saga</b> you learned about late last week.<div>
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Well, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>did not want to find herself in the same position of having orders, and no way of meeting them. So, when the <b>Honey Plush </b>purchased from <b>Plush Addict of Peterborough</b> had proved a suitable substitute for our favourite, <b>Khaki Premier Plush</b>, she went back to the new supplier, and ordered the normal <b>2 metre length</b> we go for when stocking up. It arrived, again, almost by return of post, but because the material comes in a different roll width, so we didn't get as much to work with for the long term, but sufficient for the time being. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 0" height="298" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/f4a2c7/2340159328/il_1140xN.2340159328_h1fa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The New Look Tiger Who Lost His Stripes: slightly smaller -due to the different fabric weight.</b></td></tr>
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As we still had one more outstanding order for a <b>Tiger Puppet</b>, this time heading for <b>Franklin, Wisconsin</b>, <b>Isobel </b>set to and cut out the entire new <b>Coldham Cuddly</b> using the current <b>Honey Plush</b> fabric (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">making a bit of a dent in our supply</span></i></b>). After <b>14</b> repeat <b>Tiger Orders</b>, she'd got into a good working routine for these<b> Activity Toys</b>, and the remaining order was completed in two evenings and dispatched early in <b>June</b>. <b><i>MrsSD,</i></b> who had been kept informed about the dramas happening before her commission arrived at the head of <b><i>Isobel'</i>s "To Do List</b>" - and was equally happy to accept the new-look <b>Puppet -</b> has yet to respond as to whether the toy has arrived safely. However, as we always send our <b>Cuddlies</b> by <b>International Tracked and Signed For</b> service offered by <b><i>Royal Mail,</i></b> <b><u><span style="color: purple;">(<i>the best travelling route availabl</i></span></u></b><i>e)</i> <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has just checked the <b>Tracker Number</b> under which the <b>Wisconsin Tiger</b> travelled, and sees that it was safely delivered on <b>13th June</b>. Now that is somewhat longer than our toys normally take to reach their destinations in the <b>United States</b>, but all international travel is taking longer under <b>Covid 19 Pandemic</b> restrictions than it once used to. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">So far, too, all our packages sent to the United States have got to their addresses: some people around the UK, have not been as lucky!)</span></i></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 1" height="255" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/6b2705/2340157220/il_1140xN.2340157220_c8kt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The New Look Tiger Puppet has ears that have a furry lining, rather than the usual silky look</b></td></tr>
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However, it has meant that our <b>Listing in our Shop </b>- <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825/tiger-puppets-without-stripes-tiger?ref=shop_home_active_55">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825/tiger-puppets-without-stripes-tiger?ref=shop_home_active_55</a> needed to be up-dated, with photographs of the<b> New Look Tiger,</b> rather than the original ones. You can see some of them interspersed with the story here today as well. There are still some of the<b> Old Look Stripe-Less Tiger Puppet</b> - because <b><i>Isobel</i></b> does intend to return to the original arrangements - mainly because we get more fabric for our money, than with the new version. </div>
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The <b>Honey Plush </b>is narrower in width, so we don't get as much for <b>2 metres</b> of that material, whereas <b>Khaki Premier Plush</b> comes in a much wider format. Also, this week, we learned that we'll not be able to travel to the <b>Peterborough Warehouse</b> for the foreseeable future, as the firm has decided that they're going to carry on supplying customers on-line for the time being, as they were not sure it was the right modus operandi for them to have people in their building as happened previously. The <b>Pandemic </b>basically showed them the way forward, so we might as well carry on getting our supplies from old, trusted sources. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 3" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/d3447b/2387737899/il_1140xN.2387737899_8cne.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="239" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Another view of the New Tiger Who Lost His Stripes, minus its usual Operator's Arm/Hand</b></td></tr>
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So, while all the <b>Tiger</b> orders were coming in, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> also began to get more requests for <b>Clerical Bears</b>. We made a <b>Bishop Bear</b> for starters (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">one of two orders that arrived on the same day!</span></i></b>), after the <b>Wisconsin Tiger</b> left for its <b>Forever Home</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">or rather the Buyer's home</span></i></b>), because like most of the <b>Activity Toys</b>, they tend to be presents for younger members of the buyers' <b>Families </b>and often far distant from the <b>Buyer's</b> actual home.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bear Novelty Collectable Fun Gift for Everyone Bishop Bear image 0" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/4c4449/1670138671/il_794xN.1670138671_6unx.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="213" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/628372290/bear-novelty-collectable-fun-gift-for?ref=shop_home_active_1">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/628372290/bear-novelty-collectable-fun-gift-for?ref=shop_home_active_1</a></td></tr>
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The destinations for the two <b>Bishop Bears</b> were well apart from each other. One went to <b>Parkville, Maryland</b> and the second was, this time, not too far away from <b>Cuddlies HQ </b>in <b>Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts</b>. He only had to travel to <b>Evesham, Worcestershire, England,UK</b>. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> applied her newly acquired skill for making multiples of the same toy, and both of the<b> Bishop Bears</b> were sent off within a day of each other. </div>
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One side-effect of all these dispatches, is that <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> injured hip is having more exercise than usual - as we now can walk to our local <b>Post Office</b>, whereas, since <b>May 2019</b>, she's been going to the <b>Town's</b> more central <b>Post Office</b>, which has meant reliance on the local 'bus service to access the services needed. It is taking her about <b>40 minutes </b>each time she does the round trip, and it's not a flat surface she walks on either! (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Now that the local 'bus service has resumed, she will have the choice!</span></i></b>).</div>
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While <b>Bishop Bears</b> production was under way, we received an order for a <b>Treasure Yellow Rabbit </b>- from <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> older daughter, <b><i>Philippa.</i></b> Fortunately, we still had one in stock, so he/she was on his/her way within a day or so.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Yellow Plush Baby Bunny Rabbit Toys Treasure Rabbit image 3" height="222" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/1ad4ab/1789096202/il_794xN.1789096202_rz6z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These live in the Coldham Rabbit "Burrow", and replacements for many of our Baby Rabbits are now required, including these!</b></td></tr>
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Incidentally, the very first <b>Yellow Baby Rabbit </b>was actually made for her when she was a baby and it was named "<b>Treasure</b>", because that was what her Grandmother called her at the time! The name has stuck ever since for this particular version of our baby plush rabbits. (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/coldhamcuddlies?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=18803204">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/coldhamcuddlies?ref=seller-platform-mcnav&section_id=18803204</a>)</div>
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At the same time, out of the blue, another order arrived - this time for one of our <b>Halloween Spiders</b>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Yellow/Black Spider Finger Puppet Activity Toy Halloween Toy Yellow" height="145" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/31899e/1639837316/il_794xN.1639837316_f3vk.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/587570247/yellowblack-spider-finger-puppet?ref=shop_home_active_2">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/587570247/yellowblack-spider-finger-puppet?ref=shop_home_active_2</a></td></tr>
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This one - which we then found was the last one in the <b>Shop</b>, for the time being - is on its way to <b>Harrisonburg, Virginia, USA</b> - because <b><i>MsVQ</i></b> saw it while she was visiting and <b><i><span style="color: lime;">"liked the look on its face"</span></i></b>. So, the replacement <b>To Do List</b> is now getting longer, although we're planning on adding some new faces/toys to the <b>Shop </b>before we attack that particular task. </div>
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We've got two new additions to tell you about as well - one is a <b>Clerical Bear</b>, which was a <b>Custom</b> <b>Order</b> for one of <b>Isobel's</b> fellow <b>Members</b> of the <b>St. Barnabas Cathedral Arts & Crafts Guild</b>, as well as a brand new <b>Toy</b> - made with one of the "mistake" fabrics recently purchased while the <b>Tiger Saga</b> was under way. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has got patterns for at least another two more new <b>Cuddlies </b>she wants to make, so as you can see, she's been kept on her toes over the past three months while the <b>Lockdown </b>has forced her to stay within the confines of our <b>Flat</b>. </div>
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She's still somewhat restricted - by official edict, as well as her walking ability. In <b>November</b>, thanks to one of our vigilant doctors at the local <b>Surgery</b>, she discovered that her injured leg is now <b>2.2cms</b> shorter than the other one.<b><span style="color: purple;"> (<i>No wonder she'd been walking like Donald Duck and beginning to walk with a stoop!</i>) </span></b> But it now means she has to have any future new shoes altered to account for that difference, so that she can walk upright. Because she'd been going from side to side while getting over the <b>May </b>fall, her pelvic bone was tilting in the direction of the shorter leg, so recently she's had to almost re-learn how to walk again. It's still painful, but she's getting there. Being "confined to barracks" during that time has therefore not been too much of a problem for her, although it has meant that she's not been able to see her local family as much as normal - which hasn't been nice for anyone concerned.</div>
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I'll be back to tell you more, next week - hopefully. Meanwhile, stay safe, everyone and have a good one!</div>
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<b>Your Friend</b></div>
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<b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></div>
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-48674582947184144382020-06-19T17:07:00.001+01:002020-06-19T17:07:35.260+01:00An Inundation of Tiger Arm Puppets - And Some ConsequencesHello there Everyone: <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back once more, and a little later than intended. Nevertheless, we are back again.<br />
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In last week's post <b><i>I</i></b> said one of the reasons we stopped posting last <b>October</b> was because we began to get several orders for our <b>Arm Puppets,</b> most of whom were based on our <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b>. ( <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825/tiger-puppets-without-stripes-tiger?ref=shop_home_active_7">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/650644825/tiger-puppets-without-stripes-tiger?ref=shop_home_active_7</a> Well, while preparing this week's chat, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>went through the orders she had received, made and sent to their various homes (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">all over the United States of America</span></i></b>), and we thought we would share the locations of where these members of the <b>Coldham Cuddlies </b>family now find themselves:<br />
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Listed in the order in which they left us - starting in <b>October 2019, t</b>he Stripe-less Tigers are now living in:<br />
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Perkassie, Pennsylvania<br />
Boyds, Maryland<br />
Longboat Key, Florida<br />
Indianpolis, Indiana<br />
Iowa City, Iowa<br />
Saint Louis, Missouri<br />
Lancaster, Pennsylvania<br />
Flushing, Michigan<br />
Raleigh, North Carolina<br />
Medina, Ohio<br />
Walkersville, Maryland - where two now live together<br />
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All of them were made with what has become <b><i>Isobel's </i></b>fabric of choice for making our <b>Arm Puppets </b>(<b><i>where possible</i></b>), <b><i>Premier Plush</i></b> - except for one, which is what this post is going to be about. We normally get this from the fabric shop <b><i>Isobel </i></b>used to frequent when <b>she </b>and <b><i>I</i></b> lived in <b>Wiltshire</b>, prior to moving to <b>Nottinghamshire</b> in <b>2014.</b> Called<b><i> Fabricland, </i></b>they have several "brick and mortar" shops in the <b>West of England,</b> and she used to buy the materials needed for <b>Cuddlies </b>over the counter from their <b>Salisbury Shop</b> mostly. She could easily reach it using the local 'bus service then. Since arriving in <b>Kirkby-in-Ashfield</b>, thanks to the internet, we've been able to maintain our links there with no problems - until now. <br />
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Because our flat is considerably smaller than where we previously lived, storage space is more limited, so <b><i>Isobel</i></b> buys replacements in <b>2 metre</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">just over 6.5 yards)</span></i></b> at a time. Due to the orders coming in at such a rate, and with the arrival of the <b>Covid19 Pandemic</b> in the <b>UK, </b>our usual supply line became somewhat less reliable. Being a fabric warehouse, materials needed for the specialist needs of the <b>UK </b><i><b>National Health Service</b></i> understandably had a priority rating for the <b><i>Fabricland</i> </b>staff, who were working with fewer people in their <b>Warehouse</b> as well.<br />
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That seems to have coincided with <b><i>Isobel</i></b> having a "senior moment" on two different occasions. First time around, she ordered the wrong colour:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Faux Fur Fabric Premier Plush" height="230" src="https://www.fabricland.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DSC01935.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A selection of the fabrics from which Isobel usually buys for our Tigers taken from the <i>Fabricland</i> online Shop site.<br /></b><div style="text-align: left;">
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The colour we usually go for is called "<b>Khaki</b>" and is shown here on the right side of the photo, next to the white version. For some reason, and we can only think it was because<b><i> Isobel</i></b> ordered it just before going to bed that time, we ended up with what is called "<b>Rose</b>", next to the <b>Red</b> and <b>Black </b>versions. Quite understandably, when fabric is cut out, and the customer makes a mistake, he/she has to take what arrives, and get on with life. <b><i>Isobel </i></b>was cross with herself and when checking to see which WAS the right colour, again she must have been not concentrating, because the replacement for the replacement that arrived looked like the fabric on the other side of the red material shown in the photo! <br />
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That, we discovered is called "<b>Mustard",</b> and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> cannot for the life of her understand how the mistake happened once again (<span style="color: purple;"><b><i>except that it could have been in the evening again, and colours look different when seen under electric lights these days</i></b></span>). It was her fault, as she had clearly ordered "<b>Mustard</b>", rather than <b>Khak</b>i. We had to accept that the mistake was once again ours So, valuable space was being taken up by <b>4 metres</b> of potentially non-usable material! (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">However all is not lost .... that could mean at least another blog post or two!!)</span></i></b><br />
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However, back to the <b>Tiger</b> saga: <i> </i><b><i>Fabricland </i></b>were unable to guarantee the second replacement delivery in the time needed, because they too were awaiting delivery of the<b> Khaki </b>fabric! (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Another possible reason for the wrong colour choice: the Khaki having been temporarily withdrawn while delivery was awaited?</span></i></b>) <i style="font-weight: bold;"> Isobel </i>just<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>HAD to find matching material for the back of the second <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b> that was due to head for <b>Walkersville,Maryland!</b> within days. Thus we were faced with the dilemma of all C<b>rafters </b>worldwide. Matching exactly fabric from a different source, whose dyes and original fabrics might not be an exact match. All knitters regularly face this problem: but so far, in the <b>10 years</b> that <b>COLDHAMCUDDLIES</b> has been operating, this is the first time we've had to! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not really an exact match, was it?</b></td></tr>
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Following a frantic on-line search (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">aided and abetted by daughter Clare</span></i></b>) <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was able to contact a fabric warehouse which is located about <b>1.5 hours </b>drive from us - rather than almost the other side of the country, as is <b><i>Fabricland</i></b>! However, the lock down regulations in place in the <b>UK</b> meant that we were unable to actually drive to the new fabric source. We had to rely on their judgement about the colours we were only able to provide via the internet - not always the most reliable medium when one needs a perfect match. Driving to <b><i>Fabricland</i> HQ,</b> located in <b>Bournemouth</b>, on the <b>South Coast </b>of <b>England</b>, would have meant at least <b> 6-8 hour drive</b>, even with the wind behind us - and equally forbidden in present circumstances.<br />
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<b><i>Isobel</i></b> contacted the <b>Mother</b> of the two children who were looking forward excitedly to getting their own <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b> to play with and explained the situation. <b><i>MrsLB </i></b>was wonderfully understanding, and more than open to the possibility of having one <b>Puppet</b> look slightly different from the other. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Fortunately the missing piece would actually be on the back of the finished Puppet</span></i></b>). So, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>went ahead and ordered just enough of the "Honey" plush fabric stocked by the new supplier, <b><i>Plush Addict</i> </b>- based in <b>Peterborough, Cambridgeshire</b>. Prior to this "hiccup", <b><i>Isobel</i></b> had offered to embroider the initials of each child in the lining of each <b>Puppet</b>, so that there would be no mistaking which <b>Tiger </b>belonged to which youngster. Now, with one with a slightly different coloured back, there COULD be no argument!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZalBFIUbWI/XuzVmi5bqlI/AAAAAAAAJKM/kDTV1dgt6fcTn9kuSMxLgrvUILsrOeSiACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mZalBFIUbWI/XuzVmi5bqlI/AAAAAAAAJKM/kDTV1dgt6fcTn9kuSMxLgrvUILsrOeSiACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5060.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The <i>Plush Addict r</i>eplacement: definitely more acceptable</b></td></tr>
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We were lucky in that the material arrived almost by return of post - and when actually compared to the original front of the <b>Puppet <i><span style="color: purple;">(and its arms</span></i></b>) the new arrival was not that different, and certainly unlikely to worry a young man, intent on playing puppets with his bigger sister!! Whew!!!<br />The project was eventually finished and both puppets travelled together early the next week after all the excitements. Our usual <b>Farewell Ceremony</b> took place, and here's a photo of the three of us before they were packed up and dispatched on their way to their <b>Forever Home.</b><br />
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So what happened next? Well, <b><i>I </i></b>think <b><i>I've</i></b> said enough for this week - and if <b><i>I'm</i></b> going to get back into our usual publishing regimen, you'll only have to wait a couple of days (<b><i>instead of a whole week</i></b>) to find out!<br />
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Until there, do hope everyone has a good end of week - and see you all again, (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">hopefully</span></i></b>) on <b>Sunday.</b><br />
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<b>Your Friend<i>,</i></b><br />
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<b><i>Cy Bear</i></b><br />
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-73113722695799546872020-06-07T20:10:00.000+01:002020-06-07T20:12:50.022+01:00Heigh ho! Back once more - after quite an absence.Hello Everyone! <b style="font-style: italic;">Cy Bear</b> here<b style="font-style: italic;">, </b>starting the conversation.<br />
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It's been a long time since <i><b>Isobel</b></i> and <i>I </i>were here, but we've jointly decided it's about time we corrected the situation. So, here we go.<br />
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2019 was a kind of difficult year for <b><i>Isobel </i></b>after her fall in <b>May,</b> when she broke her hip. Rehab took longer than she really wanted, but it progressed satisfactorily for all the experts involved. We'd only just re-opened our blogging, when she became very busy with several orders for our <b>Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b> <b>Arm Puppet</b>,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 6" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/29e2c2/2387735541/il_1140xN.2387735541_33fp.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Tiger Without Stripes Arm Puppet in 2019</td></tr>
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and more repeat orders for <b>Sister, Bishop</b> and <b>Padre Bears</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">all of whom were needed as Christmas presents</span></i></b>). We had posted about most or all of these various toys just before this happened, thus there wasn't much point in repeating ourselves, so we didn't!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Bear Novelty Collectable Fun Gift for Everyone Bishop Bear image 8" height="260" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/793ac8/2239162638/il_794xN.2239162638_nmwb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>There are some newer members of the Clerical Bear Collection needing to be added - see below</b></td></tr>
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Then after <b>Christmas</b>, when orders for any <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> goods normally tail off, the orders for the <b>Tiger Arm Puppet</b> took off skywards, and <b><i>Isobel </i></b>got some unexpected custom orders from people who wanted arm puppets to look like other toys or, even, dogs.<br />
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So, as posts can't get written when <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is sewing, <b><i>I've</i></b> been sitting in my normal place on her bed, waiting to help her in this task, when the time was right. There didn't seem to be much point in telling you all about which <b>Puppet</b> was being done - since you already know how they are made. Similarly the same can be said about telling you about the <b>Clerical Bears</b> - the<b> Bear</b> bodies are all made the same: it's only their "uniforms" that change, and you've been told about how they come to be made too. So, I'm afraid the blog has languished ..... but there are very good reasons now for resurrecting our weekly posts from now on. I'll tell you about that shortly, before I close this week's post.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sister Rose Bear Pink Nun Collectable Fund Raising Poplin" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/b1b4ae/1879724407/il_794xN.1879724407_hinn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="295" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The real "Pink Nuns" live and work in several US States.</td></tr>
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Now, the entire world has been affected by something called the <b>Covid19 Pandemic</b> - which as a <b>Beaver Lamb Bear</b> really hasn't affected me directly, but it has had quite an effect on <b><i>Isobel</i></b>. No...she's not actually been ill, but because she will be<b> 80 years old </b>later this year, she was told to "self-isolate" so she didn't catch the virus. That has meant she's been under my feet ALL DAY, every day since the middle of <b>March</b>. But while she's been very busy finding all sorts of other things to do on the computer,she hasn't had the time to properly sit down and write here either. Self isolation for her has meant that she's not been allowed out of our flat - not even to visit <b><i>Clare</i></b> and her grandson, who live just 3 doors away since the "lock down" (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">which is how it is referred to everywhere</span></i></b>) started. She even has a stranger (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">who is not allowed to come into the flat</span></i></b>) to do her weekly shopping for her. She can go out once a day - for exercise, and get "essential supplies" like milk (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">which is done at the local corner store at the end of the driveway to Old Chapel Close).</span></i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Poor Clare Sister Bear in the style of With Brown image 0" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/145a70/1681223548/il_794xN.1681223548_ch0u.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="314" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Our Poor Clare Nun is also not included in the picture of the Clerical Bears either.</b></td></tr>
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The way it works is: <b><i>Isobel</i></b> writes out a shopping list for the week (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">as she does every week anyway</span></i></b>) and posts it (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">via the computer</span></i></b>) to the Volunteer (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">as the helper is called)</span></i></b> the evening before the shopping is needed. The Volunteer - a lovely lady called <b><i>MrsCN </i></b>- does it (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">or as much as she can if it's on the shop shelves</span></i></b>), and when she's finished packing the items in her car, she rings to tell <i><b>Isobel</b> </i> how much she owes the organisation (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Age UK - a really terrific charity!</span></i></b>) she works for. By the time <b><i>MrsCN</i></b> arrives at our flat front door, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has a cheque written out to pay <b>Age UK</b>, and hands it over while having a quick word - with at least a 2 metre (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">6 ft plus)</span></i></b> distance between the two ladies, as well as <b><i>Isobel</i></b> handing over the previous weeks' empty shopping bags. Then <b><i>MrsCN</i></b> goes off to deal with her next "isolated customer", <b><i>Isobel </i></b>picks up the shopping bags, unpacks the goods and puts everything away. This has been going on for <b>11 weeks </b>now - and looks like it will be repeated for several weeks, if not months, to come.<br />
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Until a week ago, it also meant that <b><i>I</i></b> was perched on the window ledge of the living room window in our flat - bit of a change from my usual perch:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If Isobel had the time, this is the view she gets while she sews the Cuddlies</td></tr>
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Shortly after lock down began, all around <b>Kirkby in Ashfield,</b> lots of <b>Teddy Bears</b> and <b>Rainbows</b> popped up in people's windows - in an effort to cheer everyone up as they were walking around the <b>Town.</b> Even though not many people can see me (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">as we live on the first floor</span></i></b>) and the complex is not directly on a road, some of the <b>Carers</b> who come to look after the other ladies and gentleman who live in <b>Old Chapel Close</b> can see me. So <b><i>Isobel</i></b> thought she would give me a change of view - from sitting on her bed all day, looking at a wall. It's been fun, but then<b><i> I've </i></b>also been needed a lot for farewell photos, as each <b>Arm Puppe</b>t (be it a <b>Tiger, Rabbit, Blue Teddy</b> or <b>Teddy Bear Dog -</b> which you'll hear about in upcoming posts) is got ready to be dispatched to their new homes, almost without exception to somewhere in the <b>United States</b>. Sitting in the window has meant that she hasn't had to carry me from the bedroom to the sitting room every time such a ceremony takes place. Now the orders have slowed down,<b><i> I</i></b> am hoping <b><i>I</i></b> can remain sitting in a comfortable armchair in the living room, as there's so much more happens for me to observe - than my usual spot in the bedroom!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grwvngx_0EM/Xt0JfFGG0aI/AAAAAAAAJJM/QXGmseZraFIi8k9cvnO7flY_Z3VRlTN2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1129" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grwvngx_0EM/Xt0JfFGG0aI/AAAAAAAAJJM/QXGmseZraFIi8k9cvnO7flY_Z3VRlTN2wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4721.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sister Breda, our "Blue Nun" whose community was started, and is still based, in Nottingham is missing too</b></td></tr>
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Meanwhile,<b><i> Isobel </i></b>is exploring how to get help from the <b>UK Department of International Trade </b>(<b><i><span style="color: purple;">DIT</span></i></b>) in publicising the Coldham Cuddlies Shop, using a new website (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">whatever that i</span></i></b>s) that is being "built" for the Coldham Shop by an outfit called <b>Yell.com </b>- which is known as https://www.coldhamcuddlies.co.uk. That has actually been in existence for some time, and initially was meant to publicise just the <b>Animal Toy Hospital</b> and the <b>Patients</b> being treated there. The website is being changed now so that not only the <b>Hospital </b>is highlighted, but also the <b>Shop</b> and this <b>Blog</b> too. At least <b><i>I</i></b> think that's what <i><b>Isobe</b>l </i>is working towards. <b><i> I</i></b> don't know about these things, and suspect <b><i>Isobel </i></b>is busy finding out!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dominican Father Dressed Bear In Style of the Order of image 0" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/9c1bfa/2284385208/il_794xN.2284385208_by83.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="255" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">Newest addition to the Clerical Bear Collection: Fr Dunstan Bear, OP (a special order)</b></td></tr>
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It will be easier for the <b>Department of International Trade</b>) when they become involved to help <b><i>Isobe</i></b><i>l</i> in her task of getting us all better known globally. Which is why <b><i>Isobel </i></b>has been so busy on the computer of late. They do the sort of thing she and <b><i>Peter</i></b> tried to do when they lived in <b>Canada </b>until <b>1987</b> when assisting small companies in <b>Alberta</b> to export overseas - especially, the <b>Middle</b> and <b>Far East. </b>Both areas <b><i>Peter</i></b> knew when he was a <b>International Business Journalist</b>, before he and <b><i>Isobel</i> </b>got marred, and the family moved to <b>Alberta</b> in <b>1975</b>. Obviously exporting stuff from the <b>United Kingdom</b> is very different from <b>Alberta</b> the concept of knowing about the other countries etc is not, so<b><i> Isobel</i></b> is keen to get "up to snuff" with what happens nowadays. After all most of the internet was still being invented when that was going in in the early <b>1980's</b>!! <b><i>Isobel</i></b> used a teleprinter to message <b>Peter </b>and people overseas! They left <b>Canada </b>to return to the <b>UK</b> in <b>1987</b> - and a lot has happened and changed everywhere in the intervening years.<br />
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Apparently she's been watching/attending<b> Webinars </b>all about exporting. Agreed, that's what we've been doing all along via the <b>Etsy</b> website, but this way,<b> Isobel </b>and <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> will be helped to do it with the the <b>DIT's</b> international resources behind her. These are world-based via the <b>UK's </b>embassies, high commissions etc, and likely to be helpful in a different way from what is currently available to us via <b>Etsy.com. </b> The latter have enabled <b><i>Isobel</i></b> to hone her selling skills to a mainly<b> United States</b> audience, with some customers coming from <b>European</b> and <b>UK</b> since <b>2010 -</b>the ten years that <b>ColdhamCuddlies </b>has been in existence. Now, hopefully, with the help of people who do nothing else but try to help <b>UK</b> businesses - even those as little as <b>ColdhamCuddlies</b> - to sell their goods overseas, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> can fulfill her "gypsy tendencies", and hopefully find more <b>Cuddlies</b> homes in more overseas countries. Exciting prospect isn't it?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Tiger Puppets Without Stripes Tiger Plush Puppets Tan Plush image 0" height="298" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/5795048/r/il/f4a2c7/2340159328/il_794xN.2340159328_h1fa.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T<b>he "new Look" 2020 version of our Tiger Who Lost His Stripes - a story all it's own!</b></td></tr>
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You'll have to wait till next week to find out what more has gone on. It's so lovely to be back again chatting to you all.<br />
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<b>Your Friend</b><br />
<b><i>Cy Bear</i></b></div>
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-41565245661370454632019-08-11T14:20:00.000+01:002020-02-18T08:46:52.320+00:00Another Otter takes off across The AtlanticHello there Everyone: <b><i>Cy Bea</i></b>r back - on time again! <br />
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Actually, the blog is being prepared a bit ahead this week, because for reasons best known to technology (or even <b>Etsy</b>!), after being on the <b>Shop</b> site all <b>Friday</b> afternoon, when <b><i>Isobel</i></b> tried to get back after her evening meal, she wasn't able to access the <b>Team </b>site, so she could finish her daily promotion duties. So, she thought she would get ahead and allow me tell you about the third <b>Otter Golf Club Cover/Saver</b> - as promised in my last bulletin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The final look.</b></td></tr>
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As <b><i>MrLA</i></b> didn't respond to the invitation to go with our other, more colourful version of our <b>Otter</b> - based on the original pattern by <b><i>Jenny Mai</i></b> of <b><i>Fluffmonger.com</i></b> -<b><i> Isobel</i></b> went ahead and began (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">as usual</span></i></b>) by knitting the handle cover.<br />
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Because there had been quite a lot of brown double knit yarn used in the colourful version -<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/723285529/lucky-the-otter-head-golf-club?ref=shop_home_active_14">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/723285529/lucky-the-otter-head-golf-club?ref=shop_home_active_14</a> our stock was low, and so we faced the usual dilemma of knitters the world over - trying to get an exact match. One would think dark brown would not be a difficult task to undertake, but because <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is still hampered getting about (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">although she is now able to get places by 'bus, which makes life a whole lot easier</span></i></b>), she can't walk as far as she did before the fall. So, we had to make do with the nearest local supplier - who normally is great! We got a pretty good match, but ,on the day we searched, we had to make do with the best one available that day - which was in an acrylic double knit wool, whereas we had hoped to do it in wool. (<span style="color: purple;"><i>Isobel prefers the texture</i></span>). </div>
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However, in order to make sure we meet the dispatch deadline we went ahead with what was available, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> melded the wool into the acrylic fibre. The finished product doesn't look too odd, actually, because she made it look as though the shade difference was deliberate!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>If one looks closely, one can see the slight shade difference.</b></td></tr>
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Also, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> decided to give this <b><i>Otter </i></b>black whiskers and mouth for his facial features - instead of the brown we had used for the previous two versions. We think we will carry on with this face look, because it matches<b> Otter's</b> eyes better - and the brown silk used for the previous Otter versions didn't really look like <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> original vision for them.<br />
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<b>Otter No.3</b> looks a bit stern in this side view, but actually it's a whisker getting in the way of him enjoying his grey satin-look fish (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">as opposed to the gold fish shown in the colourful version</span></i></b>).</div>
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Here's one of the latest <b>Golf Club Save</b>r - with club in situ - from the rear view. After the photo shoot, the latest <b>Coldham Cuddlies Golf Club Saver </b>was wrapped up and posted from the local post office later on <b>Thursday</b> afternoon. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Just for fun, Isobel has just inserted the Tracker Number for the package into the Royal Mail site, and finds that the package has been received in Chicago, so is well on it's way to the intended destination - Columbus, Ohio).</span></i></b><br />
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When<b><i> Isobel</i></b> was on line on <b>Thursday</b> after the postal session, she found that <b><i>FrauAB</i></b> from <b>Bochum</b>, <b>Germany</b> had left a lovely review about the <b>Brown Sister Bear</b> "in the style of a <b>Poor Clare Nun</b>"- which we'd sent off the previous week. <b><i>FrauAB</i></b> was one of the lovely customers who stuck by <b>Isobel</b> after she had had her accident, and <b>Etsy</b> suggested we cancel the order - so that<b> Coldham Cuddlies</b> didn't fall foul of the dispatch dates not being met "rule" - for which we are very grateful, of course. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/644247608">https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/644247608</a></td></tr>
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We're excited to get it - because it was actually given in <b>German</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">a first for us</span></i></b>), although there was a translation too.</div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/andreambauer1?ref=shop_home" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px;">andrea bauer</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "graphik webfont" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "roboto" , "droid sans" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "graphik webfont" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "roboto" , "droid sans" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">on 06 Aug, 2019</span></div>
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cooles madamchen super idee und sehr "süß" vielen dank!</div>
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which was translated (by Micrososft) as " <span style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px;">cool madamchen super idea and very "sweet" many than</span><span style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px;">ks!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px;">As neither <b><i>Isobel</i></b> or<i> I </i>speak <b><i>German</i></b>, we're happy to accept that translated version! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px;">So another<b> Clerical Bear</b> goes home to make someone happy. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is now working on a <b>Padre Bear</b> for one of our best<b> UK</b> customers. <i style="font-weight: bold;"> MsMP </i> - a fellow parishoner at <b><i>St. Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham</i></b> is determined to have the same number of <b>Clerical Bears </b>as we do in the <b>Shop. </b> Every time she gets one from us though, she finds someone who she thinks would like one even better - or buys it off her - so she comes back for another!! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #555555; font-size: 14px;">Naturally, we don't mind - we wish there were more folks like her!! <b><i>St. Barnabas Cathedral</i></b> benefits either way - because, as you may recall, <b>20 per cent</b> of each <b>Clerical Bear</b> sold goes towards the <b>Building</b><b> Maintenance Fund,</b> and it's <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> way of celebrating the fact that <b><i>St. Barnabas Cathedral</i></b> was opened <b>175 years ago</b> this year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #555555;">So that's this week's post done. Our apologies for the change in typeface mid-way - caused by <i><b>Isobel</b></i> importing <b><i>Frau Bauer's</i></b> review to the page. We don't know why that happens - nor why the whole font size decreased while we were typing. One of the many mysteries of technology that </span><b style="color: #555555;"><i>Isobel</i></b><span style="color: #555555;"> (</span><b><i><span style="color: purple;">and I, when she is otherwise engaged</span></i></b><span style="color: #555555;">) cannot fathom, but carry on with - regardless!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #555555;">See you all soon - even next week, with luck!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #555555;">Your <b>Friend, <i>Cy Bear</i></b></span></span></div>
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-72273546341408058332019-08-04T16:30:00.000+01:002019-08-04T16:30:38.405+01:00Carrying on from where we left off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greetings <b>Everyone</b>: Hope you're all fighting fit and well.<br />
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<b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back once again, after yet another delay, but this time it's because <b><i>Isobel </i></b>simply ran out of time after getting back into the <i><b>Etsy</b> </i>promoting games rhythm, as well as the fact that she was/still is in a rehabilitation regime causing her to have less time to do everything at the same pace it previously took place. Daily patterns are returning to normal: but there is still a way to go, and the next stage in the recovery process begins tomorrow, with her first physiotherapy session - designed, she understands, to get her wounded leg back to it's former strength and fitness (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">or as near as possible</span></i></b>).</div>
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Meanwhile, sewing on the <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> front has proceeded steadily, and the <b>Colourful Otter</b> <b>Golf Club Saver, </b>mentioned in my last post<b> </b>and<b> </b>completed shortly after we posted it, was dispatched - well within the required time - to <b><i>MrRR</i></b> in <b>Cambridge, NewYork State, U.S.A.</b> It evidently caught a flight fairly quickly, and was received safely the following week-end (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">actually taking the promised 5 Working Days to reach its destination).</span></i></b></div>
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This is how he was made -</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3lzteH10tw/XUbtIi7ennI/AAAAAAAAJBo/vpWy504LW6kuMef5fXOM4ZL8NRXzjgWOQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4852%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n3lzteH10tw/XUbtIi7ennI/AAAAAAAAJBo/vpWy504LW6kuMef5fXOM4ZL8NRXzjgWOQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4852%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The finished metal handle cover</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_tI2HGO8uY/XUbtbvifuTI/AAAAAAAAJBw/iYrvIiL5fOoPEya2dI5P5-L9cPqBcdgpQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4854%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1600" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O_tI2HGO8uY/XUbtbvifuTI/AAAAAAAAJBw/iYrvIiL5fOoPEya2dI5P5-L9cPqBcdgpQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4854%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Isobel decided on a gold fish this time, rather than our original grey fish for Otter to "nibble".<br /></b></td></tr>
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<b><i>Isobel</i></b> then began work on the <b>Otter</b> head and body - and he began to take shape like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-VMth6jPcc/XUbu1ZPxLuI/AAAAAAAAJCI/cqhdBSqWF_0skhEjH33Qks0q-emZGlHZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4855%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P-VMth6jPcc/XUbu1ZPxLuI/AAAAAAAAJCI/cqhdBSqWF_0skhEjH33Qks0q-emZGlHZQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4855%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The back and front pieces of the head have been padded with faux fur leftovers, but Lucky still needs whiskers</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcAGawHjIh0/XUbvgFih9BI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/E39QqEFptqgfehCVBu1a17kpjT37ND0vwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4856%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1039" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WcAGawHjIh0/XUbvgFih9BI/AAAAAAAAJCQ/E39QqEFptqgfehCVBu1a17kpjT37ND0vwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4856%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Checking that Lucky's Head and Shoulders fit over the Golf Club</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gl1ubWIXP0/XUbvwwpSW4I/AAAAAAAAJCY/BUDlsXcNnoY53yby39xHyYxwK9RjjfsMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4859%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="792" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Gl1ubWIXP0/XUbvwwpSW4I/AAAAAAAAJCY/BUDlsXcNnoY53yby39xHyYxwK9RjjfsMwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4859%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="158" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fitting the two Golf Club Saver pieces together on the Club, with whiskers in place!</b></td></tr>
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and looked when he was finished.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyDIqwGkpX0/XUbwMKnMvKI/AAAAAAAAJCg/RJ8lyl2MoFgPKAb1xfqcqCFZvofl2I3hQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="964" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CyDIqwGkpX0/XUbwMKnMvKI/AAAAAAAAJCg/RJ8lyl2MoFgPKAb1xfqcqCFZvofl2I3hQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4863.JPG" width="192" /></a></div>
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An "official" review has yet to be posted on the <b><i>Etsy Shop</i></b> site (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">these are not allowed for a few days/weeks after their expected arrival date by the Etsy system)</span></i></b>. <br />
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(<b><i><span style="color: purple;">This can - and often does - mean they never appear at all! It also explains the different numbers shown on the Shop site between the number of Sales recorded by the system, and the number of reviews actually posted there)</span></i></b>.</div>
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However, when <b><i>MrRR</i></b> emailed to confirm safe arrival of his delayed <b>Otter Golf Club Saver</b>, he also mentioned that he was treating it as his lucky token - for when he returned to his golfing activities after surgery. The item was also described as being "perfect"! So, you could say, <b><i>Coldham Cuddlies</i></b> has another satisfied customer! (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">We've decided to name the listing as Lucky, the Colourful Otter Golf Club Saver</span></i></b>).<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xR7IF1QDjaU/XUbyhj8DXVI/AAAAAAAAJCs/ktVHYAmuQ44a0CorKBrrm_mXjnRyX145ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4860%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="884" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xR7IF1QDjaU/XUbyhj8DXVI/AAAAAAAAJCs/ktVHYAmuQ44a0CorKBrrm_mXjnRyX145ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4860%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lucky Otter Golf Club Cover - without the Club inside him</b></td></tr>
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Interestingly, just after Lucky Otter was posted, we received another order for a Golf Club Cover with an Otter Head - using the original (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">more muted</span></i></b>) pattern for their request. As the new listing only appeared AFTER this new order arrived, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> got in touch with <b><i>MrLA</i></b> from <b>Columbus, Ohio </b>- giving him the opportunity to change his mind. As he'd signed into the Shop as a "Guest", as opposed to joining <b><i>Etsy</i></b> as a full<b> Buyer</b>, he may not have received the offer - as it used an unusual email address. <b><i> Isobel</i></b> also often finds communicating via email in this way is not as effective in communicating with our customers, as via the <b><i>Etsy</i></b> <b>Convo </b>system. So, without further instructions, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> proceeded to make the new <b>Otter Golf Club</b> <b>Cover</b> in the original, dark brown colours - together with a grey fish, as opposed to a gold fish. That's almost completed, and should be en route to <b>Ohio</b> early next week. We'll post a photograph of <b>Otter Golf Club No.3</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">or No.2 - depending on how you want to calculate it, because the two Otter versions are being listed separately in the Shop</span></i></b>) before he leaves to join his new <b>Golf Club Bag club</b> companions in <b>Columbus,U.S.A.</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtLmefs9jGQ/XUbzr2_GsSI/AAAAAAAAJC4/49BAOCjtdrA4GtFXl196NW1OlY0cswCBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4853%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1172" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtLmefs9jGQ/XUbzr2_GsSI/AAAAAAAAJC4/49BAOCjtdrA4GtFXl196NW1OlY0cswCBACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4853%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The two pieces waiting for the third item to complete Lucky Otter Golf Club Saver</b></td></tr>
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That's it for this week, folks. Have a really good one - or as good as the weather in your parts allows. After a week of incredibly hot weather here in the<b> UK</b>, we're now seemingly returning to a "traditional" <b>English</b> summer. That used to be described as "two fine days, and then a thunderstorm": nowadays, though, we're finding the the two fine days result in very high temperatures: and the thunderstorms are frighteningly noisy accompanied by torrential rain. Definitely not the "usual" <b>English</b> rain of old - which <b><i>Peter</i></b> used to describe as "the gentle pitter, patter": that's well into the past.<br />
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Your friend. <b><i> Cy Bear.</i></b></div>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-91951796027555978142019-07-14T17:15:00.002+01:002019-07-14T17:15:30.819+01:00Be Careful What You Wish For!Hello Again Everyone: <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back again after yet another break in communications.<div>
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Carrying on the topic of our last post of 19th May, 2019:<br /><div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Finished Peacock Golf Club Saver - with the protected Club in situ</b></td></tr>
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At least this time, the breakdown wasn't caused by technology. It was the result of a bad fall <b><i>Isobel </i></b>had a couple of days after our last post here. This resulted in her going to hospital for two weeks, and the rest of the time till now being occupied with her rehabilitation (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">after breaking her hip in four places)</span></i></b>. The exact medical terminology for the procedure - and <b><i>I</i></b> quote - "Left dynamic hip screw for neck of femur fracture". Nearly eight weeks in from the date of the accident, she is now walking with the aid of a two-level trolley inside the home, and a three-wheeler walking frame for outside activities. All the wonderful <b>Social Workers</b> who formed part of the <b>Occupational Therapy Support Teams</b> sent to help her recover have gone their separate ways, as she can cope with daily duties in the home. She's been to <b>Mass</b> at <b>St. Barnabas </b>twice in the last 3 weeks, thanks to lifts in with <b><i>Clare</i></b> and her family, and she now has visits twice a week from a <b>Personal Independence</b> <b>Worker</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">someone who walks beside her</span></i></b>) - watching how she uses the three-wheeler - and gives assistance (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">if needed</span></i></b>) in other activities which hopefully will allow <b><i>Isobel</i></b> to be back to her former active self as soon as practicable. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Full-Length photograph of Peacock Golf Club Saver in use</b></td></tr>
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Meanwhile, the flat, which is already pretty fully furnished - to cope with both <b><i>Isobel </i></b>and <b><i>The</i></b> <b><i>Cuddlies</i></b> requirements - has had mobility aids of different varieties loaned to her by the <b>British Red Cross</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">for as long as they are required</span></i></b>), and it's making for some cramped living conditions. Access to the <b>Cuddlies</b> toy storage has been limited - which is why there have been no further posts from me! <b><i>I'm</i></b> not even sitting in my usual spot in <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> bed - and we're not quite sure when that will happen again!! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Seen from the Peacock's "best side" - minus feet, which we felt didn't look right on the finished Cover</b></td></tr>
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However, after a week or two at home, the <b>Peacock Golf Club Cover</b> - we've decided to rename them <b>Golf Club Savers</b> from now on, as we feel that is a better description for them - was completed. </div>
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The gentleman who caused the creation of this new <b>Coldham Cuddly</b> did confirm that he was not in fact interested - but we've listed the new creation in the <b>Shop,</b> and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is finally getting round to our weekly blog posts too. The pain-killing regimen hasn't helped the writing process very much, but even that is improving, so - here's hoping. </div>
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She's not yet got in touch with the <b><i>Lady Golfer</i></b> who asked to be kept informed about the <b>Peacock's</b> final arrival - because she's only really just returned to her daily laptop regimen. It takes up a lot of day light hours simply trying to get completely better after one of these incidents, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> does get somewhat impatient with herself because it all seems to be so slow. However, everyone around us keeps telling her that she's doing OK - so, hopefully, we'll get back to "normal" soon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Rear view of the new Golf Club Saver</b></td></tr>
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Meanwhile,<i><b> I'm</b></i> not going to hope "that things go smoothly" as <b><i>I</i></b> did at the end of my last contact with you on <b>19th May</b>!! It was only two days later, that <b><i>Isobel</i></b> had her fall!! (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Also, this may explain the title of the post this week).</span></i></b></div>
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In the interim, while <b>Isobel</b> was in hospital and during the weeks since, she discovered that our whole <b>Shop</b> might get closed down by <b>Etsy,</b> because the five orders we had "on the go" - two of whom where "off line" orders, had become well out of date when it came to delivery/dispatch dates. All our <b>Buyers </b>had been told about<b><i> Isobel's</i></b> accident and had indicated they would be prepared to wait until <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was back "in business" once more. However, <b><i>Etsy's</i></b> automated system closes <b>Shops</b> down when multiple late dispatches get flagged up!! To avoid this scenario, we were told to refund the monies we'd received, and ask the customers to re-order. We did so - and are pleased to say that all but one of the kind people did re-order, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is now sewing again as well.</div>
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We've finished the first re-order: for a<b> Brown Sister Bear</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">in the style of a Poor Clare Nun</span></i></b>). </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sister Bear is wrapped and ready for shipping to Bochum, Germany: which will be done by Clare on Tuesday next week.<br /><br /><br /></b></td></tr>
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We're working on a new version of an <b>Otter Golf Club Saver</b>. This will be heading for <b>Cambridge, New York State, U.S.A.</b> as soon as it is completed. The <b>Buyer </b>on this occasion suggested that <b><i>Isobel</i></b> "surprise him with some colours" when re-ordering his item. During subsequent email conversations, it was decided that the original <b>Otter</b> "body" will remain the same colour, but that the fish and knitted metal handle cover will be where the "surprise colours" will be found.</div>
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The knitting for the latter is well underway, and the item hopefully will be en route by the end of this next week - provided that we don't run out of the wool in the interim!! Pictures of the latest version will be shown as soon as they are taken. </div>
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<b><i>Isobel</i></b> cannot yet board any public transport without help from others, so is reliant on <b><i>Clare</i></b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">and our wonderful neighbours</span></i></b>) to purchase anything that she cannot reach for herself. That includes her ability to leave the flat un-escorted. Being on the first floor, she has to use a built-in stair lift, which can accommodate her, but not the three-wheel walking frame as well, so someone has to carry the latter to the end of each journey before she can set off walking to the eventual destination!! Frustrating - but doable; but you can see why <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is "champing at the bit" a little!!</div>
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The other two orders still to be finished (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">and they are already cut out, awaiting Isobel's attention</span></i></b>) are for another <b>Blue Nun Bear </b></div>
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and for a Padre Bear. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Our last Padre Bear (<span style="color: purple;">sent just before the accident</span>) got this review while Isobel was in hospital:</i></b><br /><br />"I haven't seen it yet, but my mom loved it. She sleeps with it (she's 84 and in asst living). she likes that it's a priest :)"</td></tr>
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Both are off-line orders, which can be handed over in person when completed, as they are both for <b><i>St.</i></b> <b><i>Barnabas Cathedral</i></b> parishioners and one is not subject to <b>Etsy </b>deadlines, although now they are not a problem, thank goodness. That takes the overall total of <b>Clerical Bear</b> sales since they were introduced in <b>October</b> last year to <b>23. </b> Please keep them coming! They none of them ever look the same, even though <i><b>Isobel</b></i> uses the same patterns for each of them!</div>
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Think <i><b>I've</b></i> gone on long enough for this week: hope that we can continue to keep in touch WITHOUT further incidents along the way. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Think that's a safe enough wish - for now, anyway!</span></i></b>).</div>
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Your Friend, </div>
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<b><i>Cy Bear</i></b>.</div>
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-26064944463001497472019-05-19T15:51:00.000+01:002019-05-19T15:51:19.459+01:00Some Creative Musing on the Cuddlies Front: plus Order News too!Hello there everyone! <div>
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<b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> back again, this time in a bit of a hurry. Things are hotting up in these parts, and <b><i>I</i></b> don't necessarily mean just the weather! Last week's post about our latest <b>Golf Club</b> cover, our <b><i>Otter Club Cover</i></b> may - or may not; one can never tell we find - have resulted in two new orders for the same kind. <div>
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One, when they are made shortly, will be off to <b>New York State, U.S.A.</b>: the other will be headed shortly afterwards to <b>Austin, Texas,U.S.A</b>. There's just about two days in between the receipt dates for their respective orders, so <b><i>I'd</i></b> guess that <b><i>Isobel </i></b>will be making these in tandem, as it were!</div>
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Meanwhile, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>decided to have a bit of a break from <b>Clerical Bear </b>production - even though we collected an off-<b>Etsy</b> order for another <b><i>Padre Bear</i></b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">which now makes 20 sales to date!</span></i></b>) last <b>Monday </b>when <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was at a <b>St.Barnabas Cathedral Craft Group</b> meeting. She was helping to finish off the banner-making in which she and her fellow member have been involved since the beginning of <b>2019</b>. We already have an order in for another <b>Sister Breda Blue Nun Bear</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">the third or fourth version since she was originally introduced early in 2019</span></i></b>). As you can see, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is being kept well out of mischief!!</div>
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As a breather from <b>Bear-</b>making (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">do not understand why she should need one, mind you!</span></i></b>) <b><i>Isobel </i></b>embarked on having a go at making a brand new <b>Golf Club Cover</b>. After all, it is golfing season now - at least that's what <b><i>I'm</i></b> told - and when making the<b><i> Otter</i></b> earlier in the year, she felt she had been challenged to have a go at making another kind, as she mentioned in last week's post. </div>
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We'd found a pattern for a bird (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">not a Peacock one - there were plenty to choose from, but none that looked like one we could use for our purpose</span></i></b>) that <b><i>Isobel </i></b>felt she could use to create what she was aiming for - from that well-known site<b> Pinterest:</b></div>
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This was traced off, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> stuck it on to some of the cardboard (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">formerly cereal boxes, kept especially for this purpose!</span></i></b>). After cutting out each piece as printed, she then created a slightly larger version which she felt would be a better finished size for the <b>Peacock Golf Club</b> cover she was aiming for.</div>
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The materials needed for making the <b>Peacock Club Cover</b> had been in hand since the challenge had been received. So, she first knitted up the metal handle cover - this time using a chunky yarn, rather than the usual double knit variety she usually uses. That's proved to be a wrong decision, because she's currently involved in re-knitting the finished cover, because the original was just not wide enough to accommodate the club head when it is put together. <b><i>Isobel</i></b> couldn't remember exactly the size of knitting needle best suited to this weight of wool, so she guessed, and although it looked good, it hasn't yet proved to necessarily be the right choice - not wide enough to give sufficient space for easy placing/removal of the wooden club head.</div>
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The two small bits on the right of the picture above are the proposed wings made in felt, and backed with a spare piece of white long-pile plush, which <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is now using as stuffing for club covers. It's less bulky than full-on stuffing, and seems to work well. During the week, however, she decided to cut out another set of wings in felt, remove the plush backing, and sew a second felt backing to each wing. The plush was making the wings out of proportion to the body of the proposed <b>Peacock!</b> However, the rest of the bird pattern was sewn with the white plush fabric to make the body. It's meant, in this version anyway, that every piece has needed to be sewn to the backing, and then the pieces of felt turned inside out, so that the pile is on the inside of each pattern piece. As the plush backing does tend to fray, it's meant that each seam involved has needed to be over sewn too - so the creation process is quite long-winded.</div>
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This gives you an idea of what the <b>Peacock</b> began to look like as the "building up" process went along. The beak is in two pieces, using black felt. The "crown" was made by rolling up a small piece of left-over felt, and cutting thin tassel-like pieces half way down the finished roll. It results in a fairly recognisable peacock "crown", and we feel is acceptable for this particular purpose. After all, this is an experiment, isn't it? We just need it to be recognisable as a <b>Peacock</b>: not an exact replica!</div>
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Then the tail was created. Using the tail pattern piece, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> used the two different-sized pattern pieces for that part of the bird, and created a fan type final product. We cut out two pieces of the final tail piece, and on one of them, using coins as a template,<b><i> Isobel</i></b> created the circular peacock type eye decorations, and sewed them in place on the top piece of felt, with black double knit yarn knot as the centre piece, holding all the other colour pieces in place. She then sewed round the darker yellow felt bit to keep each decoration in situ. She then placed a backing piece, with wrong sides together and blanket-stitched the two pieces together, ending up with a tail piece like this, She used pinking shears to cut out the tail pieces - hoping to give an impression of feathers:</div>
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At this point, <b><i>Isobel </i></b>got in touch with the gentleman who originally, had gestingly suggested a <b>Peacock Golf Club </b>cover - to see if he might still be interested in having one as his special golf club cover. Initially, we don't think he was - he'd probably forgotten about it, and didn't want to be reminded! However, the next day, the gentleman emailed <b><i>Isobel </i></b>to say "great work: lovely colours. Keep me posted!" So, that's just what we have done, and will continue to do. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">By the way, Isobel is a little bit surprised at herself at the moment: this is not her usual modus operandi, but we are both a little intrigued at how things are turning out! Perhaps, she should have been as bold as we feel we are being here, earlier?</span></i></b>)</div>
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Meanwhile, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was scrolling through past conversations with customers - as she does from time to time - and was reminded of an incident just before <b>Christmas 2018</b>, when a customer asked us to make some <b>Mice Golf Club Covers</b>. Now, other than <b><i>Mickey Mouse</i></b> and his <b>Friends (<span style="color: purple;"><i>all of whom would be taboo for us to use as models, due to copyright issues</i>)</span></b>, mouse figures don't really lend themselves to becoming <b>Golf Club Covers</b> in the dimensions or pattern shapes we currently work with. So, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> did suggest the lady might like to have one of our <b><i>Panda Golf Club Covers</i></b> instead:</div>
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However, she had trouble persuading her husband (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">for whom they were originally intended as Christmas presents that year!</span></i></b>) to make up his mind (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">and during this week's contact, we discovered he'd gone ahead and got some for himself elsewhere!</span></i></b>). At that time, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> did find out that the lady was a golfer herself (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">as she'd mentioned she might be interested in the Pandas herself </span></i></b>), so she was told about the <b>Peacock</b> project. We'd never really finished that original conversation, and two<b> Christmases</b> have intervened since, so<b><i> Isobel</i></b> felt it might be worth renewing contact! The outcome of that last exchange of convos, is that she, was pleased to be contacted, and she, too, asked to be kept informed about the <b>Peacock</b>, and would like to see the final outcome!! So, fingers crossed, if the original challenger isn't interested <b><i><span style="color: purple;"> (he will be given first choice once (or if) the Peacock Golf Club cover is listed</span></i></b> ), we might still have an interested buyer on the horizon. Exciting times, eh?</div>
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To get back to the <b>Peacock</b> saga - <b><i>Isobel</i></b> found some suitable eyes in our collection of such items, and added a white felt background for this latest <b>Cuddly</b> offering's facial features.</div>
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Then she starting putting the wings in place and sewing up the different parts of the body - tummy and back. It was at this point that <b><i>Isobel</i></b> thought the original wings were out of proportion to the rest of the bird, and the new wing format was decided on. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Making brand new Cuddlies is always a longer process than they become as they are repeated!) </span></i></b></div>
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She's not sure, if the finished product may not need a little extra stuffing, because the seams here don't seem to be as neat as<b> Isobel</b> likes to end up with. However, that decision is still for the future.</div>
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This is how the<b> Peacock</b> is now looking, with feet added, tail sewn in place (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">with the final decorative circle in place on it</span></i></b>) and seen from the other side to our earlier photographs. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">We think he's still looking a little thin in the body area!</span></i></b>).</div>
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We now await the grand-putting together of the two golf club cover pieces. Current thinking is that once we've got a wider handle cover, and it slips over the wood head as easily as our other models do (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">which the original knitted version did not - too few stitches had been knitted on the needle</span></i>)</b> the top of the knitted handle cover will be gathered, to create a sort of "nest" on which the <b>Peacock</b> will be sewn. Then some elastic will be used lower down the knitted cover to create a pocket into which the golf club head can be housed - about 4-5 inches below the top : the elastic will have to be sufficiently long to easily slip over the wood head, because these covers tend to be replaced (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">and removed!</span></i></b>) fast by the players when in use. </div>
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So, there's still some way to go - but we think we're nearly there! Am hoping matters will go smoothly, as life with <b><i>Isobel</i></b> is always much better when these experiments go well!!</div>
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Until next week, then: hope everyone has a good one.</div>
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Your <b>Friend, <i>Cy Bear.</i></b></div>
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-55764071540977328422019-05-12T17:13:00.001+01:002019-05-12T22:22:54.036+01:00New Creatures in the Golf Club AreaHello again,<b> Everyone</b>: <b><i>Cy Bear </i></b>back again, and after that short week, slightly breathless! Where did those days we DID have, go?<br />
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While <b>Coldham Cuddlies</b> were off line earlier this year, following the various technical issues we suffered, as you know<b><i> Isobel's</i></b> sewing activities were not hindered. What with the <b>Clerical Bears</b>, who have kept her busy - and still do, and the four <b>Bears</b> (<b><i>Two Yellow and Two Silver Grey</i></b>) she was asked to make (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">all of whom I've posted about here in recent weeks</span></i></b>), she also was approached by a keen <b>Golfer</b> to see if she could make him a <b>Custom Order Otter Golf Club Cover</b>.<br />
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As you know,<b><i> Isobel</i></b> is always game to have a go, but is useless when it comes to creating a pattern from scratch. However, fortuitously, daughter<b><i> Clare</i></b> had come across an <b>Otter</b> pattern (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">from Pinterest</span></i></b>) a week or two earlier, and had sent it to <b><i>Isobel</i></b> - saying she thought that making an <b>Otter Toy</b> would be a great addition to the <b>Coldham Cuddlies Shop</b>...(<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies">https://www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies</a> ). We're very lucky having her nearby offering such constructive ideas! </div>
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While researching it further, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> got in touch with the original creator of the pattern to ask if she would mind us using her original as a <b>Golf Club Cover</b>, <b>"Fluffmonger"</b> is the name of the creator, and we were given the go-ahead - and asked to let the originator have photos of the finished piece, as well as us giving her credence for her pattern (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">She creates other animal patterns, and makes them as well)</span></i></b>. <br />
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This we did - as we are doing here too - when we sent the <b>Otter Golf Club Cover</b> off to our customer, <b><i>MrPH.</i></b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">He is a member of an English Golf Club - near Liverpool - and many of the members have club head covers with animals related to their surnames, which are also often their nick-names among the group of friends)</span></i></b>. Our customer's surname was <b>Holt</b>: <b>Otters </b>live in "holts", so the obvious animal head he needed for this purpose was that of an Otter: so, he'd found <b>Isobel/ColdhamCuddlies </b>on the internet, and approached us to see if we could help.<br />
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The original picture is for two stand-alone toys (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">Mother and Baby Otter)</span></i></b>: so <b><i>Isobel</i></b> decided to use the top half of the<b> Mother Toy </b>pattern, and the arms that were also included in the pattern. She also tried a new technique for stuffing the animal head part of our <b>Golf Club Covers.</b> Normally, she makes a lining for each head, and lightly stuffs the resulting space with our usual polyester fibre stuffing. However, we've had a supply of white long-pile plush fabric in our stash, which ought to be used for making polar bears or other white toys. The fabric pile is too thick for our dressed <b>Rabbit Toys</b>, the pure white colour is really impractical when it comes to long-term <b>Toy</b> usage, and it's been taking up valuable space in our store cupboard. So,<b><i> Isobel</i></b> cut out identical pattern pieces of this white plush fabric, and sewed each Brown fleece fabric to them, with the pile (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">fluffy side</span></i></b>) on the wrong side of each fleece piece. This results in a less bulky final product, and a harder-wearing inside lining to each Club Cover. We thus had a stuffed <b>Otter Head</b> ready to be attached to the knitted <b>Club Handle</b> cover which forms the rest of the<b> Golf Club Head Cover</b>. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">It's also a lot less cumbersome than the other Heads, although no one has complained about them to date</span></i></b>).<br />
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In order to make our <b>Otter Club Cover </b>more manageable (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">the flapping arms would not be an acceptable "look"</span></i></b>), <b><i>Isobel </i></b>decided he needed to have his arms actually holding something - and tried her hand at creating a fish! Now this was real experimental stuff on her part, you understand, but we were both delighted with the outcome: because the end result does actually resemble a fish!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fish being held in place with pins prior to sewing securely to the Club Cover</b></td></tr>
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This arrangement is in addition to what happens with our<b> Golf Club</b> covers to date, which have a collar where the head and handle pieces meet, and look like these:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/573989964/black-and-white-panda-bear-head">https://www.etsy.com/listing/573989964/black-and-white-panda-bear-head</a></td></tr>
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This is the kind of golf club that all these <b>Golf Club Covers</b> are intended to cover.<br />
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This one is the sample<b><i> Isobel </i></b>was given when she first made these items for sale in our <b>Shop,</b> and although the more modern examples are made with more light weight materials, they have a lot more technical features added to them - which is a very good reason that <b>Golfers</b> like to look after their clubs by giving them covers.<br />
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Golfers also like to keep their special clubs from damaging each other when they are in their golf bags being "caddied" around the golf courses during their games: and these club covers do just that as well..<br />
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Here you can see the finished <b>Otter Golf Club Cover</b> on the Golf Club <b><i>I've</i></b> shown you: and here it is when it arrived with <b><i>MrPH</i></b>:<br />
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<b>MrPH</b> was also kind enough to write to his golfing chums in the following terms - (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">this was a non-Etsy connection, as many of our Orders can be).</span></i></b><br />
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"May I introduce you to Isobel, cc’ed above, who recently hand made my “Otter” head cover for the princely sum of £15 plus delivery. Isobel is aware of the animal nickname tradition we have…. </div>
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So…..if any of you are interested in a bespoke peacock, wombat, seahorse or whatever…….Isobel may be able to help!!</div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Isobel can be contacted through - <a class="" data-auth="Verified" href="https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etsy.com%2Fuk%2Fshop%2Fcoldhamcuddlies&data=02%7C01%7C%7C130311a838504e5c416308d68c1b8a18%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636850447244675855&sdata=NNGoer7kKH67Ahk%2BHOGZLUJ0REEoMfWL%2B4hPdMb4WNE%3D&reserved=0" originalsrc="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/coldhamcuddlies" rel="noopener noreferrer" shash="EjA2tHOURw1CHYoh77rIzBiSFMn0UW7KSe5WMFN4EDSyvCbvNuymLEme7NDXCrz7+6n6eJSlpyvUih1dKKdoe2g7//IPAgGRXPKxAlvg899FDKGtch3vGroyAeyDUTanynNa138G7I30lkTK8H/ecFf2Q10a5vXiAy76LfHwIT4=" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Protected by Outlook: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/coldhamcuddlies. Click or tap to follow the link.">www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies</a><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">, and then scroll down the left side of the page to the section "Golf Club Head Covers". She can also be contacted on <a class="" data-auth="NotApplicable" href="mailto:pimstgabriel@hotmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">pimstgabriel@hotmail.com</a> if some are a bit hesitant about the "cuddlies" connection!</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This did result in one of the </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>17 fellow golfers </b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">he contacted</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> responding fairly promptly</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> (</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: purple; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>using the suggested alternative link!</i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">)</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">. Apparently his nickname is "The Peacock" (</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>or something like it</i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">), and</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i> Isobel </i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">felt that the response, although very welcome, was somewhat doubtful as to whether a </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Peacock Golf Club Cover</b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #201f1e; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> could actually be created! (</span><b style="color: #201f1e; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;"><i><span style="color: purple;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Don't tell anyone, at the time, so, too was Isobel!</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></span></i></b></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><span style="color: purple;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">However, as time has passed, and a change from the production of </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Clerical Bears</b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> began to be contemplated, </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Isobel </i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">has been cogitating. That's always a "dangerous" thing - and just recently she has started to work on a prototype</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b> Peacock Golf Club Cover</b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> (</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>without approaching the gentleman concerned!</i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">). </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0t9EjtMqcTU/XNg8DGET2iI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/5kAOxsIKKMkCBfG2jC05SwW6LlCgIYqFgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4820%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1522" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0t9EjtMqcTU/XNg8DGET2iI/AAAAAAAAI9Y/5kAOxsIKKMkCBfG2jC05SwW6LlCgIYqFgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4820%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Using the new modus operandi for creating Golf Club Covers - one semi-complete wing - centre front</b></td></tr>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If it works,</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i> Isobel</i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> will offer it to him (</span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>she kept the correspondence on file, for just this possibility)</i></b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">. If it doesn't, well there's no harm done........but watch this space! The finished product, if the Challenger doesn't want to go through with the idea, and if it's acceptable quality, will then become a new member of the </span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Coldham Cuddlies</b></span><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> family! We'll keep you updated as we go along!</span></span><br />
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">See you all again next week, everyone.</span></span></div>
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<span class="" style="border: 0px; color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="" style="border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-style: inherit;">Your Friend, </span><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></span></span></div>
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Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1044056030171719602.post-50662903682360565982019-05-05T16:52:00.003+01:002019-05-05T17:14:14.401+01:00News About Some Toys that Aren't Bears: Tigers For StartersGood afternoon <b>Everyone</b>: <b><i>Cy Bear</i></b> greeting you all again! Good to be back.<br />
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Some really popular toys (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">other than Bears!</span></i></b>)<b><i> Isobel</i></b> has made for the <b><i>COLDHAM CUDDLIES </i></b>family since <b>2010</b> are <b>Tigers.</b> Most have been in the form of <b>Hand/Arm Puppets</b>, but they have also been in the form of <b>Long Legged Tigers</b> too - they can be seen by clicking here: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/656861636/long-legged-tiger-fun-toy-presents?ref=shop_home_active_6">https://www.etsy.com/listing/656861636/long-legged-tiger-fun-toy-presents?ref=shop_home_active_6</a>.<br />
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These are based on one of our early <b>Patients</b> in the <b>Stuffed Toy Animal Hospital (</b> <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/670854959/animal-toy-hospital-dog-and-bear-toys?ref=shop_home_active_4">https://www.etsy.com/listing/670854959/animal-toy-hospital-dog-and-bear-toys?ref=shop_home_active_4</a>) whereas the <b>Arm Puppets</b> are made using a pattern provided to us when <b><i>Isobel</i></b> first "met" <b>MrSS</b> - one of our best customers, who lives in <b>Tulsa, Oklahoma</b>. <b><i> Isobel</i></b> and <b><i>He</i></b> first collaborated when he asked for some <b>Tiger Puppets</b> he was working on for a private project connected with a very popular <b>TV</b> programme in the <b>USA</b> and <b>Canada </b>(<b><i><span style="color: purple;">in the 1970's and 1980's</span></i></b>) - <b><i>"Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood"</i></b>. There were several <b>Tiger Puppets </b>in the stories, and <b><i>Isobel</i></b> was asked to make copies of three of them, and then was allowed to keep <b><i>MrSS's</i></b> pattern for future use in the <b>Shop</b>. </div>
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That has recently resulted in <b><i>Isobel</i></b> being approached to make two variations of one of the programme's popular characters, who accidentally lost his stripes! One came from a gentleman, who is a professional <b>Counsellor,</b> who thought having a<b> Puppet</b> would help him deal with some of his <b>Patients</b> and had fond memories himself of that particular television programme. We don't use the name of the character (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">we don't want to have copyright issues!</span></i></b>), but refer to the character as the "<b>Tiger Who lost his Stripes"</b>, and our <b>Buyer</b> wanted his puppet to be a <b>Tiger</b> type, but, colour-wise, looking more like one of the other characters too - so the first version was made in <b>Grey Plush</b>, and looked like this, before it was put together.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG8r_5AdHHo/XM7xkvMQdqI/AAAAAAAAI7g/mqdXK3M2abM2PdGM70cqfktv6FKqEv81ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG8r_5AdHHo/XM7xkvMQdqI/AAAAAAAAI7g/mqdXK3M2abM2PdGM70cqfktv6FKqEv81ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4423.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Until this batch of puppets came to be made, <b><i>Isobel</i></b> used to make finger guides - for the operating digits to fit into - with cardboard rolls covered with calico which were then sewn into the neck area of the puppet involved. That worked well for the smaller puppets (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/700871997/brown-plush-rabbit-glove-puppet-toy?ref=shop_home_active_6">https://www.etsy.com/listing/700871997/brown-plush-rabbit-glove-puppet-toy?ref=shop_home_active_6</a>), but with these arm length ones with their larger heads, the heads did tend to be somewhat "wobbly" to operate. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">It also meant that the finished puppets couldn't really be exposed to water, making cleaning "accidents" a problem</span></i></b>). So, she decided to make a separate fabric only, circular, opening to make a larger aperture - through which more than one finger could be fitted. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">It gets sewn in the neck opening</span></i></b>). It ended up looking like this:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6gZvEnvIWs/XM7xnC52TFI/AAAAAAAAI7g/AEbo8jVSsP0yD9ZcNOkAFVWDE-uOrUaRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1120" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R6gZvEnvIWs/XM7xnC52TFI/AAAAAAAAI7g/AEbo8jVSsP0yD9ZcNOkAFVWDE-uOrUaRgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This seems to have done the trick, and this is what the finished <b>Grey Tiger Who Lost his Stripes</b> looked like before being sent off to his <b>Forever Home</b> - with one of <b><i>Isobel's</i></b> friends holding him up to demonstrate the new arrangement. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">The lady was a valuable source of great sewing ideas, as well as providing a useful prop for such occasions!</span></i></b>)</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3pdRTwZxR8/XM7xmAFA0hI/AAAAAAAAI7g/TEbYhRHDW-k3ZDSo7jPaTtvd47NRHSv-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="718" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d3pdRTwZxR8/XM7xmAFA0hI/AAAAAAAAI7g/TEbYhRHDW-k3ZDSo7jPaTtvd47NRHSv-gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4427.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>
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- and the lower photo showing what he looked like last <b>August</b>, when he was originally made.</div>
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(<b><i>This Puppet headed to Exeter, Pennsylvania, USA)</i></b></div>
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Not having done an<b> Arm Puppet</b> for some time, and actually "up to her eyes" in the preparations for introducing <b>The Clerical Bears</b> to the <b>World, </b><i><b>Isobel</b></i><b> </b>was surprised (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">and delighted too!</span></i></b>) to get another enquiry from a lady - this time living in <b>Mississippi, USA</b>. She wanted to have a similar <b>Arm Puppet</b>, but instead of it being in grey long haired plush, she asked if it could be in a tan colour. Her partner was also a devotee of the same television programme, he had a birthday coming up within a few weeks, and she and her <b>Partner's</b> sister, felt this would be an ideal gift to celebrate the occasion. So, after locating suitable (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">fleece this time</span></i></b>) fabric for the task, and as a break from <b>The Clerical Bears, <i>Isobel</i></b> set to, used the same, new finger guide pattern as well, and very soon, <b>Tan Tiger Who Lost His Stripes</b> was winging its way to its <b>Forever Home.</b></div>
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Modelled by the same elderly friend (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">who is, alas, no longer available for this service</span></i></b>) this is what our <b>Tan Tiger</b> looked like before being wrapped up and sent off to <b>Brandon, Mississippi:</b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePYopor80uk/XM74rn5S3DI/AAAAAAAAI70/d38GzbecfvgJDTG1VVuJffhWSmK3f4LyQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="727" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePYopor80uk/XM74rn5S3DI/AAAAAAAAI70/d38GzbecfvgJDTG1VVuJffhWSmK3f4LyQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4549.JPG" width="218" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6McmlCSa5oE/XM75SPlabiI/AAAAAAAAI78/3D3jdhBSKkAYUm53DfKN2fBSQA6WjUrogCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="615" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6McmlCSa5oE/XM75SPlabiI/AAAAAAAAI78/3D3jdhBSKkAYUm53DfKN2fBSQA6WjUrogCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_4550.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>
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Showing a similar, rear view as his <b>Grey Tiger Puppet</b> friend:</div>
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The <b>Tan Tiger Puppet</b> survived the international journey, and reached his intended destination in good time for the "special occasion" for which it was intended:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sarah D added a photo of their purchase" height="320" src="https://i.etsystatic.com/iap/ac6880/1722588777/iap_640x640.1722588777_5mnvnea3.jpg?version=0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Operated by his new Forever Friend</b></td></tr>
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This is the review we got from our Buyer for this Coldham Cuddlies export: </div>
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<a class="pr-xs-1 text-gray-darker text-link-underline" href="https://www.etsy.com/people/saduncan4?ref=shop_review" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Sarah D</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "graphik webfont" , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , "roboto" , "droid sans" , "segoe ui" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Nov 5, 2018</span></div>
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<div class="pl-xs-2 pr-xs-3 pt-xs-2" data-review-content="" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 12px; padding-right: 18px; padding-top: 12px;">
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<span class="screen-reader-only" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); height: 1px; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; width: 1px;">5</span><br />
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<span class="etsy-icon stars-svg-star" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; fill: currentcolor; height: 18px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: middle; width: 18px;"><svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" viewbox="3 3 18 18" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M19.985,10.36a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.477-0.352H14.157L12.488,4.366a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.962,0l-1.67,5.642H4.5a0.5,0.5,0,0,0-.279.911L8.53,13.991l-1.5,5.328a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.741.6l4.231-2.935,4.215,2.935a0.5,0.5,0,0,0,.743-0.6l-1.484-5.328,4.306-3.074A0.5,0.5,0,0,0,19.985,10.36Z"></path></svg></span></div>
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This stripe challenged tiger is absolutely the best purchase I have ever made!! Isobel has an amazing talent and we are so grateful she has shared that gift with us. I have a VERY <span style="color: #595959;">happy Mister (Rogers for Halloween!) and several Littles who thought it was “the best thing ever!” If/when the need may arise again, I will be purchasing again!!</span></div>
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Getting reviews from buyers is something <b><i>Isobel </i></b>really appreciates - and so far, all the <b>75 reviews </b>we've received have all been the full five-stars! (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">It also helps potential Buyers when they might be considering a purchase!!!</span></i></b>) We've actually sold a lot more <b>Toys</b> since we began in <b>2010</b>, but many have been off-line so don't show up on the <b>Etsy</b> stats, and they represent about half of the actual <b>Etsy </b>- based sales <b><i>Isobel</i></b> has achieved. (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">How do we know? Well every Cuddly has a Coldham Cuddlies label sewn somewhere on it, and Isobel is well into the second batch of 500 labels!</span></i></b>) One cannot MAKE <b>Buyers</b> leave reviews, but it's a terrific boost to <b><i>Isobel</i></b>, <b><i>I </i></b>know (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">and we are sure as important for all her fellow Sellers</span></i></b>) when customers do take the time to leave a nice message like <b><i>MsSD</i></b> did on this occasion.</div>
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<b>Clerical Bear </b>orders continue to steadily flow in (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">18 just now, and counting!</span></i></b>) - and we're always willing to receive them (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">from anywhere in the world!</span></i></b>), so <b><i>I'll</i></b> finish this week's post - hoping that everyone has a good one. We've got another <b>Bank Holiday</b> this <b>Monday</b> (<b><i><span style="color: purple;">we've got 3 of them in an eight week period in 2019 - which does seem to be a lot to have so close together!!</span></i></b>) So, we've got another "short week" ahead of us,</div>
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See you all next week-end, all being well. Your <b>Friend</b>, <b><i>Cy Bear.</i></b></div>
Isobel Morrellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13562228276170917504noreply@blogger.com0