Christmas 2016 gets ever closer......

Hello Everyone once again!

Cy Bear at your service - with the latest Coldham Cuddlies activities from this week to tell you about.

As the title indicates, Christmas and its attendant traditions in Isobel's family is bearing down upon her.  I've been told the "overseas cards" have all been sent - and now the UK and local ones need to be attended to.  That is scheduled to begin sometime this coming week. 

However, there are more Cuddlies' departures to tell you about too - beginning with:

This shows both the Snowy Owl Slippers, destined for MrPD of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, as they were being photographed prior to their departure on Wednesday of  last week.  (I did tell you a little about one of them last week!)   Once the required shots had been taken from all appropriate angles (to be used when Isobel lists them in our Shop - www.COLDHAMCUDDLIES.etsy.com), the farewell photographs were taken before I oversaw the wrapping and packaging of the items prior to their departure.

Then it was a question of cutting out some Grey and White Plush fabric in order to create three new Baby Rabbits to add to our overall Baby Bunny collection.  One of them is destined to join the Blue and White Baby Rabbit we featured at the start of our post last week, and I'm pleased to be able to tell you that both the Baby Toys are now wrapped up and ready to be sent off tomorrow, Monday December 11, to our good friend, MrsSS from Port Washington, NY, U.S.A.  (She has already been a Cuddly purchaser - in the form of one of our Hedgehogs, around about this time last year.).  These Rabbits, we understand, are destined as Stocking Stuffers for her Grandsons, one of whom only arrived in the World in October this year.  Here's a photo of the travelling Grey and White Baby Rabbit - atop Isobel's computer last evening, prior to his being wrapped up ready for the journey:

He was joined, before the farewell photograph ceremony took place in Isobel's bedroom, by his Blue and White Fleece travel companion: (despite the size difference, they are both made from the same vintage Rabbit Toy Pattern:  it's the different fabrics used that results in the size differentials!)

And here they both are, before the wrapping process began:

It's always good to know that Cuddlies are beginning their journeys to foreign parts, but it is also a little sad to see them leave us here in the UK.   But that's what COLDHAMCUDDLIES is all about, I suppose.

Just as Isobel was completing all the Baby Bunny packing - when she went to the computer to complete the delivery note to accompany the two Toys - she saw we had received another order, this time from a Buyer in Cary, North Carolina, U.S.A - and this time for a Tiger Golf Club Cover.  (If all goes well, they too should be en route to the US Eastern Seaboard in time for Christmas.)  We think we'll have to refuse any orders that come in after Wednesday, December 13 - because even with the International Signed For and Tracker package they travel with (which allegedly arrives at destinations within 5 Working Days of dispatch, ALL OVER THE WORLD), we won't be able to guarantee a firm Christmas Day Delivery after that date.)

We've sent this photograph to the customer, while we wait for all the payment procedures to be completed. 

(Because the order came in over the week-end, the monies won't get sent to Isobel's UK Bank account until Monday).  Isobel needs to know which of the three specimen Tiger Golf Club Covers shown here, and in stock, our customer would like us to send.  

The decision will be conveyed next week, hopefully - although be warned, it might be subject to a delay, because Isobel is invited to an Advent Party for the St. Barnabas Cathedral Parish Choir, with whom Clare is a regular Cantor at the 1000 Mass each Sunday.  It's being held at Clare and Alan's home up the road from our flat.  These affairs can go on sometime - so it may not be practical for a post to be created in the regular Sunday afternoon slot we try to write in each week.  YOU ARE WARNED!

With that, I'll close this week's bulletin.  See you sometime soon - as and when we can fit a news bulletin in!! 

Your Friend, Cy Bear.

Good News on Arrivals and new Departures

Hello once again, Everyone - from Cy Bear!


It's been a busy week:  two orders received, both of which need some sewing to be done on Isobel's part.  The first one is almost completed:  the second one, from MrsSS - who is a returning Cuddlies supporter - is for two Baby Rabbits, one of our Dark Blue and White Fleece Bunnies, and the other a Grey and White Plush Baby Bunny.  We've not got any of the latter in stock, so it's going to mean Isobel making some and getting one off as soon as possible after the first order is completed. (With the last guaranteed date for Christmas deliveries overseas being 10th December, Isobel has got to get her sewing fingers going, methinks!)

The Bunny on the left is the one destined for MrsSS.

Following an unexpected, but much appreciated, order from MrPD, based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that we received on Sunday evening last week, Isobel has been busy making some new Owl Slippers.  Our customer requested that his pair be made in White Faux Fur, so on Monday Isobel got to work - during the weekly get-together of the craft-inclined Residents of Old Chapel Close (named "The Busy Bees") - and cut out the pattern for the pair of Owl Slippers (we're calling them the Snowy Owls for the purposes of them being listed in our shop (www.COLDHAMCUDDLIES.etsy.com).

This is the first slipper which is all but completed.  The elastic has yet to be threaded through the blue double satin ribbon trim around the ankles (MrPD was offered Dark Blue, Green or Brown - to match Owls' eyes and beak.  As you see, he chose the Navy Blue).  Isobel is just waiting to hear the exact measurements MrPD needs us to cut the elastic to fit.

The photo above is what the second slipper is currently looking like.  The head is ready to be lightly stuffed, and once the side-lining has been sewn all round the slipper, it will be turned inside out, so that the insole (lying beside the slipper in this photo) can be attached.

Remaining pieces of 2nd Snowy Owl Slipper 

Then the sides will be sewn to the upper and the whole slipper turned inside out.  The outer layer of the slipper will then be sewn to the insole,  The ribbon will then be attached around the ankle, after which the head will be attached - and hopefully, it will look a bit like this.

Then both slippers will have the elastic fitted through the ribbon trim and the pair of slippers will be ready to be packed and readied for dispatch to Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe.  We think that's likely to be Wednesday of this week.  Meanwhile, here is another shot of the almost-done Slipper.

Now, Isobel has got to eat a bit of humble pie - at least that's what she says!  After being highly sceptical about UK Parcel Force's ability to be able to deliver the Canadian Christmas Parcel in the 5 Working Days from dispatch claimed - or anywhere near that timetable, we got an excited message from MrsAS, Isobel's niece in British Columbia, Canada, to say that it did arrive on Wednesday of this week.  As the parcel was dispatched on the Wednesday afternoon of the previous week, it only took 1 extra Working Day to get to its eventual destination, so given the distances involved and the remoteness of the location, that's really not too bad.

However, it would appear that it didn't entirely escape some adventures en route:

This is was what happened - and the damage would appear to have been deliberate (perhaps a Customs Officer just making sure that what was on the label was indeed true?)

However there was another picture that accompanied it - which showed that the top of the parcel did survive intact!  So, perhaps it was just as well that Isobel did have so many knots in the string when she was tying up the package!!

It does give some indication of the treatment meted out to our packages when we entrust them to the international postal authorities!  (Isobel did debate with herself if she should put "FRAGILE" labels all over the package - which is what happens when actual toys are posted everywhere - but decided that because they were Slippers, this should not be necessary!  Given the treatment shown, she's now not so sure!).

So, the final installment of this saga will now have to wait until later this month - as the message from Isobel's niece indicates.

"Thank goodness it's soft items!!! But yayayay. It got here!!! James had to go to town today so he picked it up!! Now the anticipation waiting till xmas! Lol. Probably open them xmas eve with p.j.'s!! . Thank you so much auntie!!! "

I've got to tell you, that Isobel and I are almost as excited to hear what the intended recipients think of their presents too!  I believe it's been arranged that photographs will be provided - so, although we may not blog over Christmas Day and Boxing Day, you can be sure that some, if not all, will be shared in the coming weeks. MrsAS also told Isobel in a subsequent message, that her older daughter (aged 10, I think) asked if Isobel could come for Christmas!  When told that we live in the UK, she understood that it was not likely to happen! Very nice to have the invitation though.  (Isobel here:  my travelling days over such distances are well and truly over, too!)

That's all folks for this week.  Hope you're all well, and that you've not had too much cold weather wherever it is that you're reading this post.  We've had some pretty sharp, wintry weather but I've been told it's not going to be as cold this coming week.

Until the next time then.  Have a great week everybody.

Moving on then - Two Cuddlies find New Homes

Hello there Everyone - another week has flown by, it's getting ever closer to Christmas (and Isobel still hasn't started her Christmas cards - although the annual letter to Family and Friends has just been drafted).  

Two Cuddlies have been sold this week - which is terrific news for us all - hence the "moving on" in the title to this post!

The first Cuddly with a new home in the offing, is one of our Yellow Plush "Treasure" Baby Bunnies.  MsMcN who enquired about it last Sunday evening was given the choice of our new Shop inhabitants in that category - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/249743397/yellow-plush-baby-rabbits-treasure?ref=shop_home_active_2:

With or without a ribbon round their necks, and both with white plush chests. OR

All self-colour, but still with the option of having ribbons sewn around their necks - and the ribbons don't have to be white.  MMcN was given the choice of pale green- as used in our Fox Baby Mobile, seen here - https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/468608508/small-fox-baby-mobile-fox-baby-mobile?ref=shop_home_active_2

 with the suggested ribbon being sat on by the Baby Fox in the centre front of this picture.

or any other pastel colour ribbon of her choice.  The eventual choice was the White Chested Baby Treasure Bunny with it's white ribbon already in place.  So, as he was in stock, and once the payment had reached Isobel's local Bank Account in the UK (mid-week), the Baby Treasure Bunny was wrapped in chemical free tissue, then bubble wrapped and put into a polythene postage bag, duly addressed to MsMcN who lives in Auchtermuchty, Cupar, Scotland. But not before our usual farewell ceremony had taken place.

(These Yellow Plush Baby Rabbit Toys have the "Treasure" label added - because that is what Philippa called her first Rabbit Toy.  Her late Grandmother often used to call her "Treasure", so she decided to call her first Toy "Treasure" too!  The colour was an accident - Isobel happened to have a piece of yellow plush, as well as some white plush, to hand when the first model was made way back in the 1970's!!) 

Then, on Monday evening, Isobel was contacted by a gentleman, MrJF wanting to know exactly which colour he should choose if he wanted to order Winston Wombat, our Three Way Bed Adornment Cuddly.  (Etsy's Purchasing System can be somewhat confusing - to both the Seller and Purchaser, sometimes!!!  After an exchange of convos, a choice was made and the order received).   

Both now need replacing!

The Wombat on the left, the only one in stock, was then prepared for his journey - this time not as far North in the UK as our Yellow Treasure Bunny - just to the City of Lancaster, in Lancashire.  Again, once the monetary transactions had been satisfactorily completed, this version of Winston Wombat was duly wrapped in tissue paper, but not the bubblewrap.  MrJF had told Isobel that Winston was going to be a birthday present for his wife, later this coming week, so we offered to wrap him in suitable wrapping paper. Normally, we charge extra (£2.50/parcel) for this service, but because of our Shipping Policy of over-estimating and then being able to send a refund, this charge was well covered, so there was no further payment required in this case.   (Wrapping Winston Wombat in both bubble wrap AND birthday paper was felt to be "over-kill" - and does affect the overall package weight as well!)

Alas, I wasn't able to get to Isobel quickly enough to have our usual Farewell Ceremony - but I'm including the photograph of our last Winston Wombat who did have an official send off, when he travelled to a new home in September this year, again within the UK- (Brighton to be exact).  It would have looked pretty much the same way, anyway!

In addition, because the order was placed after Isobel had created the following announcement on our Shop About Page, MrJF was due a  Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales discount of 20% - since Winston's cost is over £25.00 - and he hadn't claimed it when ordering the Cuddly.  

For everyone's information, this is the announcement, 

BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY SPECIAL OFFER
Special Coupon FESTIVEHOLIDAYS2016 available until 31.12.2016 - on all items over £25.00 each.

In conjunction with CELEBRATION TIMES TEAM SHOPS -

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SweetchildJewelry
and 
https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CallunaMuse = 30% sale-visit Shops for details

We're hoping, with this fabulous offering, we'll get some more chances to find new Forever Homes for our Cuddlies, while also enhancing our Team Friends' offerings simultaneously.

This is something of an experiment for us - we're wondering if a Three-Shop Discount Offer will have more appeal than the same three Shops doing it individually! Watch this space!!!!

Oh, before I go - the Canadian Christmas Parcel was duly sent off on Tuesday afternoon.  Isobel had hoped to get it off on Monday, but the weather was simply awful all day and there seemed to be little point in getting the parcel wet before it started.  One of our friendly residents gave Isobel a lift into Kirkby in Ashfield Town Centre to the Post Office - and once she'd got her breath back after paying the travel fee (almost double what she'd thought it would be!) she was able to send the travel ticket number (a.k.a. Tracker Number) and notified, NieceAS in British Columbia, Canada that the package was en route.  Isobel was first told that the package would only take 2 Working Days to travel the many thousands of miles between Nottinghamshire and it's eventual destination.  (We think the Clerk was trying to encourage Isobel after the shock to her system!!!)

 A couple of days later, when posting this week's travellers off to their new homes, the Post Office Manager gave a slightly more realistic time table - of 5 Working Days!!  With experience of postal services on the other side of the Atlantic, Isobel will believe THAT when it happens!  The 5 Working Days will be up this coming Monday - and NieceAS has told Isobel she won't be travelling the 40 kms down the road to the Post Box until at least the 1st of December  thus giving the parcel a little bit more time to get there and be picked up by it's intended Recipient(s)!!.  (The Post Box location is also 8 hours behind the UK in time!!)

Until next week, then - here's your Friend, Cy Bear signing off.

Canadian Christmas Parcel is ready for The Off

Hello there Everyone - Cy Bear back again, albeit a day late.   (Isobel here - sorry about that:  but because I'd been active on one of the newer social media sites I'm using to try to beef up sales of our Toys, somehow items I'd selected and used for that purpose found themselves posted to the blog here as well!  I spent most of Sunday afternoon (normally used for writing the blog) trying to clear the items).  Managed to do it in the clear light of day today - and here we all are once more!) Now it's back to me, Cy Bear again!!   Finally, after what seemed a long time, Isobel managed to find time to wrap up all the Novelty Slippers we've been posting about recently , but not before gathering them all together on her bed.

At this point, we suddenly discovered, Isobel had omitted to include the White Bob Tail on Canadian Dad's Slippers.  These were rapidly added, so that they now look like this:

Then, I insisted on having our traditional farewell pictures taken with me before they all got wrapped and ready for their journey.

In case the family see these pictures before Christmas - don't think they'll have the link, but one never knows - I'm not going to say any more about who is destined to get which slippers.  So that there is some element of surprise left for Christmas Day itself.

That ceremony having been satisfactorily completed, I sat on the Toy Store (aka  in the family as "The Body Bag") and watched as Isobel laid out the wrapping materials.

Two and a half hours later, with all slippers (and the special present for the youngest member of the family) first wrapped in tissue paper- with slipper toes stuffed with some tissue paper to hold their shape - and then in suitable Christmas paper, they all looked like this:

By this time, Isobel was pretty tired - she didn't begin until she'd done all the usual chores for the Shop on the Etsy.com site - so the parcels were all put into a cardboard box we had handy (which used to hold the large roll of bubblewrap most Cuddlies are parcelled up in prior to their journeys to meet their Forever Friends).

The next day, having gone into our Town Centre, Isobel returned with 3 rolls of Brown Paper (we only actually needed one in the end - but, one can always use Brown Paper, and often don't have it handy when needed!) and the cardboard box was cut open and folded over to create a shell into which all the presents were fitted - nice and snugly!  The Box was then well cello-taped to hold its shape and double length of string tied around it. (Isobel really missed Peter's help here - he had the knack of knowing exactly how long the string needed to be to achieve the final result!).  The parcel is now well and truly tied up - but somewhat "littered", if that is the right expression, with knots hither and yon.

It now looks like this - and is due to be taken down to the Kirkby Main Post Office tomorrow and sent on its way.  It weighed exactly 6 lbs when put on the bathroom scales - which in metric terms, according to our computer - is 2.72 kilos!  We now wait to learn just how much it's going to cost - but what ever that may be, when one considers the distance between Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire and 150 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada as well as the number of intended recipients (8) and the fact that it is going by Tracked Air Mail, it's hopefully going to result in everyone having warm, toasty feet this winter.  Isobel was told by her niece that the first snow has well and truly arrived!! Just to give you an idea of the size of the parcel, and also to show you that I can stand (provided I've got something to lean against!) here's this last picture of the Canadian Christmas Parcel.

Before I go, though, thought you might also like to see this photo Isobel took the night after the Super Moon last week.  She was in our kitchen getting ready to cook her evening meal, and for once, the sky was almost really clear.  She did her usual trick of holding the camera up and clicking - and this was the result, seen through the glass!!

Until next week, then - hope that everyone in the U.S.A. and wherever else you celebrated Thanksgiving at the week-end, had a good one.   Your friend, Cy Bear.

Canadian Christmas Parcel still being prepared

Greetings everyone!  
Cy Bear is taking a well-deserved rest this week - largely because the Canadian Christmas parcel is still not complete - although the slippers that formed the subject of last week's blog are now ready for dispatch.

Sideways view of the Grey Rabbit Slippers

Full face view of the new Novelty Slippers

Before sending the entire package off, I decided to quickly check how the other slippers had fared while stored in the Cuddlies cupboard, and was not happy with the way one of the larger slippers had been constructed.  I therefore exercised my prerogative - available to all handmade Toy Makers and Crafters alike  - of changing the final look,  As a result, I'm now halfway through the new look for our Owl Slippers (the largest available in our Novelty Slipper collection).  Looking at it, with the benefit of constructing several later models, the ankle position did not meet my current production standards; nor was I entirely happy with the way the Owl Heads had been attached to the finished slippers. One new version is now done:  the second one is in the process of being deconstructed and hopefully it will be done by the middle of next week.  I'm hoping to have the package ready to be sent to British Columbia by the end of the week, if not the start of the week beginning 21st November.  
I've found myself busy with offline activities this week, which has also curtailed my plans for our Toy Shop (www,COLDHAMCUDDLIES.Etsy.com), but when possible I've been re-tagging and re-pricing - to take advantage of upcoming Sales Days (Black Friday and Cyber Monday to name but two - look out for announcements about these!) - which has all meant lack of time to finish the Christmas present plans.  So, to round off this blog, here are a few photos (which were promised for such week-ends as this!) taken while I was away during September - visiting family and friends while being driven around by daughter, Philippa.
The next few photos show the view to be seen while walking around the locality of my cousin's home on the outskirts of Paignton, Devon.  They are of parts of Torbay and taken during the late afternoon of the day we arrived, having driven down from Buckinghamshire.

The Town of Paignton, looking westwards - with Cornwall on the other side of the furthest headland

Looking the other way, towards Torquay and eastwards up the English Channel

Pathways used by the "locals" to exercise themselves, and their dogs.  What a view, eh?

Many of the gardens we passed have very healthy looking palm  trees in them!

Torbay, and the south west coast of the UK, is often referred to as the "English Riveria"- due to the prevalence of warm westerly breezes (sometimes, a.k.a."storm force" gales) which pick up the warm temperatures of The Gulf Stream and contribute to a more Mediterranean climate than can be found elsewhere in the UK!  Hence the presence of such exotic fauna!!   (While we were in the area, we had lovely bright sunny, calm days, so I can't confirm that description of the winds myself!).
Think that is enough for this week's post - so I'll close.  Until next week, here's hoping everyone has a happy week and all that you wish yourselves
All the best.  Isobel.

Canadian Family Christmas Parcel Nears Completion.

Hello Everyone.  Cy Bear back again, with the latest news on this project of ours.

At the beginning of this week, we received confirmation that our Panda and  Polar Bear Slippers, sent the week before to Italy, arrived safely. The news was conveyed in a message received via the Etsy convo system from SnraCF - who said:

"Package arrived safely this morning. The slippers are amazing! I am sure the girls will get lots of use from them. Can't wait for Christmas💕💕💕
Thanks so much for the quick response to my needs and super fast delivery! As soon as Etsy let's me I will leave feedback."

One of the Panda Slippers being discussed

The plan then was for production of the last pair of Slippers (destined for Isobel's nephew-by-marriage, named Canadian Dad (C) for the purposes of this blog) to be completed by the end of this week.  We showed photos of the initial stages of the first slipper in last week's post.   

Alas,  circumstances beyond our control intervened - also known as an attempted hacking attack on the Cuddlies Bank Account  on Monday - and Isobel's attention did get diverted elsewhere. However, thanks to the efficient Fraud, and attendant card-producing departments of our Bank, by the end of the week, we had returned to "normal".  However, Isobel's enjoyment (and therefore speedy sewing skills) did suffer somewhat as a result.
Some sewing did take place - as can be seen by the following photographs:

The final photo in last week's post showed CD's Slipper ready to have the poodle faux fur insole attached.  This shows it in place.

The slipper now required to be turned inside out (shown above) - and the next stages of the slipper production process to be started.  This meant that the outer layer of the Slipper (the Grey Plush) had to be sewn all the way around to the leatherette side of the insole, and then the ribbon trim attached all the way round the ankle area.  (Isobel had by this time found out the exact measurement needed for CD's ankles, so that the necessary elastic can be cut to fit, once the ribbon trim is completed). 

We decided that we'd do a black satin ribbon trim for this pair of  Slippers and this is the first one done.  It was joined last evening by the second one, so the pair now require the elastic to be threaded through - and the Rabbit Heads to be attached.  The heads have been sewn together, with the ears, and now need to be turned right side out and have the stuffing and facial features sewn on them.
We're hoping that next week, we'll be able to show you the finished pair destined for CD, together with all the Slippers being prepared for their journey to British Columbia.  Isobel wants to get them on their way as early as possible - so we can miss the usual Christmas parcel rush, at both ends of the journey,  We've yet to decide which method of travel they will take - Royal Mail international parcel service or by another international courier.  That decision will be dependent on two things: ease of pick-up at the other end, together with the best, most economic method of travel!!
Meanwhile, Isobel has found a stash of Christmas wrapping paper which can be used for each pair of slippers - to which she will have to add appropriate Christmas parcel labels.  It's getting quite exciting to watch from my daily spot on Isobel's bed.  When the items have been packed, and sent - there will be quite a gap in the corner of the bedroom where they are currently stored!
You'll know more next week.  See you all then.
Your Friend, Cy Bear.

Canadian Christmas Presents under construction.

Hello there Everyone:
Cy Bear calling in.  We're just a little behind schedule this afternoon - because Isobel forgot to include a lunch date fixed for her immediately after attending St. Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham  for Mass earlier this morning.  Today, also, something called "Putting the Clocks Back" occurred in the UK, which meant that Isobel had an extra hour in bed this morning - something that always seems to throw everything out of kilter I've discovered to my cost!!  (The clocks don't have to "go back" for that to happen, by the way!) Anyway, she's begun to catch us up, and I'm delighted to be able to confirm that the Panda and Polar Bear Slippers destined for Italy and SnraCF's grand daughters for Christmas were safely posted on Tuesday morning.   Before they left, the usual "Farewell Ceremony" took place, with me supervising the packaging of the items:

This was the two pairs of slippers together after the second Panda Slipper was completed, and prior to their being packed, first in chemical free tissue paper, and then together in bubble-wrap. Finally the package was put into a Royal Mail plastic envelope and taken by Isobel to the local Post Office in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, where they were sent via First Class Airmail Tracker Service.  We've yet to hear that they're arrived safely, but parcels to Italy can take up to 10 days to arrive.  SnraCF lives not far from a long time family friend (who has given lots of Cuddlies their Forever Homes in the past) and they've taken that long to get to their intended destinations.

Newest Novelty Slippers prior to departure

Once this project was safely completed, Isobel then checked our Slipper supplies to see how many were likely to fit the measurements of her Great Nephews in British Columbia, Canada - which I did mention  (in last week's post) would be the next job on our agenda.  It gives me great pleasure to be able to tell you that all of the boys, and their younger sister, Mum and Dad can all be accommodated!  (The ladies and Dad have been added to the intended Christmas parcel by Isobel, as she didn't want them to feel left out)  Actually, Dad is going to need his own, because he shares the same measurements with one of the Boys, and we only had one example of each Slipper in stock.  (Over the coming weeks, Isobel will be replacing these items - but meanwhile, it does mean we have a bit of space in our Cuddlies stores to accommodate some of our newer items!).  In the event of orders being received for any or all of them in the interim, we allow sufficient space between receipt of order and dispatch dates for Isobel to be able to make them up in due time.  So, Isobel has now begun work on a pair of Dark Grey Rabbit Slippers for Canadian Dad (CD) - and she's got as far as this to date:

The leatherette under sole has been attached to the insole (which has been cut out to the dimensions required for (CD)) and the back of the slipper is almost attached to the sole of the slipper.  

So far, this has taken Isobel an evening to get to this stage. (Cutting out all the bits and pieces needed for two slippers took another evening).   The first slipper should be ready by end of the day on Monday, and the second one will be started on Tuesday.  So - given no unexpected hiccups, these Rabbit Slippers will be ready to be packed for Canada by the end of this week.  Isobel decided to make CD some Rabbit Slippers, because the measurements received for Canadian Mum (CM) happen to match a pair of Brown Rabbit Slippers too, but the trim is in a colour more suitable for a lady.  So, we thought it would be nice for the Parents to have similar, but not the same Slipper for their Christmas 2016 Present.  Everyone else is getting a different Head on their Slipper Present - (CM reported that she didn't think the Boys would mind either way - to have a Headless Slipper or not.  Because they all think it's "cool" to be getting Handmade Slippers from their Great Aunt this year!!)  We'll try not to let them down!

On the front left of the last picture, you can see the cream poodle faux fur lining which will be sewn in over the insole, once the top of the slipper has been attached in the same way as the back of the slipper.  The lining of the upper has been tacked together to await that development.  Then the whole thing will be turned inside out and the side seams sewn together - lining to lining and the Silver Fox Plush (the name of the fabric) pieces on each side of the slipper. (That way no seams appear).   Then, Isobel intends to sew black satin ribbon around the ankles - finishing off with threading it all with elastic - and, then the first of the last Christmas Slipper will be complete.

We'll keep you posted of developments - as and when.  Meanwhile, here's wishing you all a good week, whatever you are planning on doing - and may all those plans come to fruition. See you all next week. 

Your Friend - Cy Bear.

Slipper Production continuing - in full spate!

Good afternoon Everyone!

Another week has gone by, and it's time once again for me, Cy Bear, to update you on what's been happening in the Coldham Cuddlies World.

As the title for this post indicates, the Baby Slippers we told you about last week are well under way. with the White Polar Bear Slippers now completed.

The Polar Bears were joined on Friday evening by the first of the pair of  Panda Bear Slippers ordered at the same time by SnraCF - and Isobel sent her the photo above to update her on the order's progress.  The second slipper is well under way, and we're hoping to get that completed by the end of  Sunday evening.

The basic slipper is complete, and production of the second head is under way.  It needs the black eye patches and plastic eyes to be attached, the black plush ears as well,  and then the pink ribbon sewn on and the elastic threaded through.

All being well, we're hoping that both the Italy-bound Slippers will be en route early next week, well in time for Christmas - which is when SnraCF plans on giving them to her Granddaughters E and A.

Then, it's checking the measurements we've received for the Isobel's great-nephews to see how many new pairs of slippers need to be produced - once we've checked our existing stocks to see if, perchance, we may have some already made that could fit the bill.  At the same time, we'll be checking to see if the intended recipients want to have them with animal heads on

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/162884385/owl-novelty-slippers-brown-fleck-faux?ref=shop_home_active_6

or for them to be just conservatively plain and simple!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/158936304/unisex-novelty-slippers-badger-stripe?ref=shop_home_active_1

Then, it will be all systems go to see that they're off in time to reach the Williams Lake area of British Columbia, Canada in time for Christmas.

To make sure that we don't run out of the insoles - which form the base of the feet for the bigger slippers (for ladies and gentlemen) - while in nearby Sutton in Ashfield, our next door town yesterday, Isobel stocked up with a new supply of these vital slipper parts. They're made with "memory-foam" and have the different foot sizes printed on one side of each foot template.  Please see below:

We get ten pairs at a time, so that we've always got some in stock - and this is the second time that a stock up has been required since we began making slippers in 2012 (and the first since we arrived in Nottinghamshire). 

Isobel cuts out the pattern size required, and then starts the construction process.  Because we're not sure if the sizes given here are for American or European foot sizes, Isobel is going to cut the Boys' slippers to the measurements (from heel to toe) given us by their Mother, MrsAS- Isobel's niece.  That's the way, we went with SnraCF's grand daughters' slippers, and they should allow room for growth, because as all prudent grandmothers do, she allowed for such eventualities when she provided the vital statistics for the slippers shown above.  (All our Slippers, so far, have fitted their intended owners to date I hasten to add!!)

(As you may recall, being a Beaver Lamb Bear, I always include a lady's - or come to that, a gentleman's - title before their initials when referring to them in a blog post here.  I've also never met MrsAS, so it's another reason for a well brought up Bear to do so here!)

In between times, during the week, Isobel was taken by daughter Clare, together with GrandsonE, to the Our Lady's Shrine at Walsingham - where Peter's ashes are interred.  It's almost four years since that happened, and the family have tried to get there at least once a year to pay their respects. Normally it rains, and the Shrine (pronounced a Basilica by Pope Francis last December we discovered when they got there - because of it's importance in the life and history of British Catholics) is located very close to the East Anglian coast of North Norfolk. (That's the round bit on the right side of a map of Great Britain - for those who might not know where Norfolk is in the UK). It's thus always windy there, and Wednesday morning was no different.  However everything was accomplished in comfortably cool conditions, and the travellers returned home safely, with the driver (Clare) having done a 222 mile round trip in 7.5 hours, with a short break for a picnic lunch in between.

I'll end this post for this week, with a photo of the Chapel of  Reconciliation (a major focal point of the Basilica) with surrounding trees in all their full autumnal glory.  (In the 1970's, Peter was on the Committee charged with the building of this central feature of  the National Shrine - which is why the authorities at Walsingham were agreeable for his remains to rest there)

You can just see the back of  Clare and GrandsonE - on the right of the photo.

Do have a very good week, everyone.  See you all next week - with the latest from the Slipper Department, and whatever occurs in the days to come.

Your Friend, Cy Bear.