Three New Listings - featuring the ColdhamCuddlies Children's Footwarmer Range.

Finally, we're able to announce that all three versions - Small, Medium and Large - of our Children's Slippers have now been listed at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies.

They are currently samples of each toy featured - Small = Baby Foxes:  Medium = Leopards: and Large = Tigers.  Each pair took between 2-4 days to complete (depending on what else I had to do at the same time!)  Naturally, should orders be received, they will be attended to as quickly as possible, in the order they are received.  I'm allowing myself 3-4 weeks to complete - giving me plenty of time, hopefully, to be able to deliver faster!

First we feature the Small Baby Foxes

Etsy Listing # 156563936

These Baby Fox Headed Chestnut Plush Kids or Childrens Slippers are based on a 1983 Simplicity Pattern sent to me by LauraC while I was constructing the Golden Yellow Bunny Slippers ( Etsy Listing #152976020).     They form part of the  2013 New Product offering for inclusion into the ColdhamCuddlies Family.

They measure approximately 7 inches from toe to heel along the sole.  The sole is formed on the outside from a piece of Brown Suedette fabric, and lined on the inside with the same Chestnut Plush used to form the sides and uppers of  each Slipper.  Each slipper is constructed by sewing an outer layer of Chestnut Plush to an inner White Fleece lining.  They are then joined with seams facing and sewn together around the edges of  the brown suedette sole.  The plush lining is then added and the whole slipper turned inside out.  The upper is constructed so that the fleece lining has the seam facing the outer plush layer which is sewn together with ladder stitching.

The Fox Heads are based on a pattern for a Baby Fox, part of the Fox Family (Etsy Listing #59809283)  who already feature in the ColdhamCuddlies Shop. They are stuffed with polyester fibre, which meets all international safety standards, and the ears are lined with satin lining.  Each head is then  attached to the upper lining of the appropriate slipper,  prior to the outer plush layer of the slipper uppers being closed to the ankle, over the arch of the foot.

The Ankle of each slipper is then trimmed with Peach Velvet Ribbon, and then threaded through with elastic.  There is a gap just behind the head of each Fox where the elastic can be pulled through to make any adjustments needed for a neat fit for the Young Person.  There is also a small allowance for expansion, as well as reduction, if needed.

Next, using the same 1983 Simplicity Pattern, these Medium Sized Kids Slippers used a smaller version of the head for the  Long Legged Tigger Toy (Etsy Listing 108763404)  already in our shop and uses an Brown and Black Spotted Polyester Fabric for the outer layer.  That layer is backed with a cream fleece fabric, and the entire slipper has a blue fleece lining.  The Leopards join the Chestnut Foxes    as part of the 2013 New Cuddlies Family.  Effectively, the entire slipper consists of three layers of warm fabric for the sides and upper, and the same for the soles.  This results in a truly cosy pair of slippers for a childs' cold feet on a chilly winter day.

Etsy Listing # 156616186

As a medium sized Childrens Slipper, they measure 7-3/4 inches from toe to heel and the outer sole uses Brown Suedette fabric to form the shoe base. The inner layer of the Slipper is made with Blue Fleece Lining.  The outer and inner layers are sewn together separately, and then laid with seams facing and attached around the suedette sole.  The inside sole is lined with matching spotted fabric with its own fleece backing.

The heads are constructed separately, stuffed with polyester fibrefill meeting all international safety standards.  Plastic Eyes - with plastic safety backing - are attached prior to the heads being stuffed.  The ears are then attached and the entire head is then sewn on to the inner lining of the slipper at the upper over the arch of the foot.  The outer layers are than sewn in place enclosing the head in place.

 At the ankle, Dark Yellow Cotton Seam Binding is used to trim the slippers, with elastic threaded through to assist a comfortable fit.  There is a gap in the trimming, behind the Leopard Heads, where the elastic can be accessed should alterations to the size be required.  A small allowance has been provided for expansion or contraction - as the need arises.

Thirdly,

Etsy Listing #156629069

These Yellow and  Black Striped Tiger Headed Childrens or Kids Slippers are the final in the latest trio of toys or novelty offerings for the 2013 season.  As with  the small sized Foxy version (Etsy Listing #156563936)   and  the medium-sized Leopards heads, they too are based on a 1983 Simplicity Pattern.     I did not like the original animal heads in the Simplicity Pattern, and substituted versions of the Toys already in the ColdhamCuddlies shop (www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies).  Very grateful, though, for the patterns provided for the Kids' and Mens' versions.  I shall have to rely on my already tried and tested Ladies' template!

To qualify as a Large sized Slippers, as these Tigers are, the suedette fabric soles measure  8-1/2 inches from heel to toe.  Like the other two Kids Slipper versions, they are lined with a fleece lining - this time in Pink.   (Tigers have a femine side too!).  The inside of the sole is lined with the Tiger Striped animal print fabric which is used for the outer layer of the slipper and uppers.  They are made in exactly the same way as the other two slippers - with the outer plush fabric being sewn separately from the pink fleece lining.  The two fabrics are then laid together with the seams facing each other and both are simultaneously sewn round the sole, and the slipper is finished off with the addition of the plush fabric sewn to form the inside sole of the shoe. 

 The head is made separately, and has a pair of plastic eyes fixed backed with a plastic safety clasp.  Then it is stuffed with polyester fibre - meeting all international safety standards.  Once the ears have been attached and the facial expression embroidered using black double knitting yarn, the head is first attached to the pink lining which has been sewn with the seam facing outwards.  Once attached to the lining, the outer plush layer is fitted around the head over the foot arch and fastened firmly at the front of the ankle. 

There is an orange satin ribbon trimming around the ankle threaded through with elastic to achieve a good fit.  Sufficient elastic has been used to allow adjustments - expansion or contraction - to meet the individual's needs.  The elastic can be accessed through a gap in the orange ribbon trim at the back of the Tiger's head and the adjustments made by unpicking the seam to get the correct fit. 

This is a sample, and orders are most welcome!  Buyers should be aware that the Tigers took me between 3-4 days to complete.  However that could be affected depending on the order book situation.  If a specific deadline is required, therefore, please allow between 3-4 weeks for me to meet your needs:  I'd hate to disappoint a child by being late.  You will be notified when the item is ready for posting and/or already on its way to the intended destination.

Childrens'/Kids' Slipper Identity Parade!

For the time being, slipper production - whether it be Kids', Ladies' and/or Gentlemen's (last mentioned  have yet to be embarked upon) will cease - unless of course, orders begin to be received!  Then, of course, I shall be going into overdrive!

Later today, I intend to get working with my trusty "Quic 'Unpic" on Pooh Bear, the first patient in the queue for treatment - as described in Cy Bear's last post here.  In between, I hope to finish a very exciting book, one of the "set books" for Assignment 2 of the Children's Writing Course.  The books for Assignment 1 have been returned to the local library, and I await delivery of two that were out on loan  when I put in my request last Friday. 

 Am really enjoying reading Childrens' literature again - so far, I've managed to keep my eyes open to the end of whatever book I am reading at any one time!  That hasn't happened with much adult stuff in recent times, so I'm wondering if it is ME - or the adult offerings?  Perhaps we should leave things at that!!!

Assignment 1 from my point of view is now "in waiting" mode.  I had to critique one of the set books "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe", by C.S. Lewis - which I vividly recall reading to my two girls when they were at the bedtime story reading stage in the 1970's in Canada.  Great to re-establish contact again!  Then I had to write something for an imaginary child reader - aged 7-ish.  Cy Bear featured - as I hope he will  to continue to do as the Course proceeds - and  the Tutor's comments etc are awaited!

Good bye for the time being.   Lovely to be back blogging with you - do intend to do more, once the Patient therapies begin!  Cy Bear can't have it all the way - especially as he is going to be so involved helping me in the Writing Course!   He'll start to think he's indispensable!!  Isobel

Cuddlies Slippers - the final installment!

Good evening once again Everyone! 

 Cy Bear signing in for the final post about the Cuddlies Slippers - at least for the time being.  Hope you're not getting bored with the whole idea - because from what I can see of Isobel, they are definitely THE NEXT THING as far as ColdhamCuddlies and their www.etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies site is concerned!

In one of my latest conversations with you, I mentioned that Isobel had got two custom orders for slippers from KatherineV our next-door neighbour here in Heytesbury.  This time, it was for some UK Ladies Size 7 Slippers for her other daughter.  Isobel was told that they did not need to have quite as much material for this version, and that she was quite happy for us to provide another set of Rabbits, or any other animal we fancied.  However she did add that this daughter was a person who "turned herself out well" and was "conscious" of her appearance, so Isobel decided to make some Panda Bear Slippers, and trim them with black and white checked ribbon.  She also thought the bow should be somewhat smaller, and provide a neater finish.

So here are the Panda Bear Slippers at various points in their appearance on the ColdhamCuddlies stage.

The heads were made first - using our existing Panda Bear pattern, and cutting the seams so that the finished head was slightly smaller than those appearing on our full-sized Panda Bear (Etsy Listing #55269914).   They are very much smaller than the one used for our Golf Club Head Cover featuring a Panda (Etsy Listing #1072411362), not to mention our Panda Bear Glove Puppets (Etsy Listing   #91356474).

This is the insole base we use to build the slipper.  It is actually a "memory" insole and somewhat thicker than some other insoles available in relevant Warminster outlets.  But there is a choice of sizes on the one base, and Isobel cuts out the size she needs for the slipper she is working on.  These need to have the water resistant covering tacked on before the sides of the slippers are attached.

We decided to take the photographs in a different location this time.  These were set on the sideboard in the dining area of the flat, with the silver salver presented to Isobel when she retired from being a District Commissioner for the Canadian Girls Guides in 1986.  That event took place when Peter and Isobel decided to return to the UK (after 12 years of trying to get back - because the Alberta winters were becoming too hard for the family to handle)  In the event it was another year before that actually happened.  However, as we then moved to another part of Edmonton shortly after the presentation, the outcome was the same!

The slippers are lined with white fleece fabric (used originally to make the White Fleece Baby Rabbits featured under Etsy Listing #89020911).  At that time we also made other Baby Bunnies in Purple, Pink and Blue Fleece, some with White Fleece chests and others all self colour.  They've proved very popular when Isobel has taken them to Craft Fairs and Bazaars - because they are just the right price (and size) for Little People to buy for themselves when they attend these events.

That brings me to the end of the Ladies Slipper Saga:  we've now got two sample pairs of Childrens Slippers ready for listing,  They are the Small and Medium-sized versions and feature Foxes and a new animal Cuddly Friend, a Leopard (complete with lots of spots).  The Large Kids' size is next on the production programme, and then there will be a break in Slipper production for a while.

Here's a preview:

The Foxes are made in the Small Kids' size:  the Leopards are Medium sized.  They can of course be inter-changeable.  I'm just curious to know who is going to appear to represent the Large Childrens' size!
Believe me, I'm the last one to know what happens in the world of ColdhamCuddlies!

We have three Bear Patients awaiting treatment in the Stuffed Animal Restoration Clinic (Esty Listing #79124185) and we've decided that their needs require attention before any more Slippers are produced.  Isobel has not been neglecting them, but has been having trouble in acquiring fabric to match one Bear, who is a Winnie the Pooh look-alike (called - what else - Pooh Bear!)  However, earlier this week, she was finally able to find the type of Poodle Fur fabric from which Pooh Bear was originally crafted - even though it was definitely not a colour match!  Yesterday, at the weekly Produce Stall Sale in the Village Church, she was able to show PennyAB (agent on behalf of her two sons in the matter of the Bears' restoration) and was given the go ahead for the suggested therapy for Pooh.

His friend is made of similar  fur, but does not need as much treatment.  He's a Brown Bear (known as such) and a few years younger than Pooh Bear.  They will doubtless feature in future posts, and I hope I'll be able to tell you about what happens to them, myself.

Here's an introductory view of the Clinic Patients shortly after they arrived a few weeks ago.  Bernard Bear (in the centre of the picture)  is still waiting for his Forever Friend to decide exactly how much treatment he wants Bernard to undergo.  Certainly, like the other two, he will need two new eyes.  Why is it I wonder that my Bear Friends' Forever Friends seem to "attack" their right eyes?  All three of these new Friends require that therapy - and they come from two different families!  Because they would look odd with different eyes, they will all three need to have two brand new eyes put in for starters.

Isobel has just told me that these will feature in a post quite soon, but until then, I'll close for tonight.  Good Night - and I do hope you all have a great week!  We've been told to expect a heatwave for a few days - so, with my Beaver Lamb fur, I'm keeping as still as possible sitting on Isobel's bed which is in the shady part of the flat, most of the time.

Be back with you all soon!  Cy Bear.

Cuddlies Slippers - the next stages

Goodness me, just how the time does fly!!  Here is Cy Bear again , almost a week since I was telling you about how the Cuddlies Slippers  have come to be produced.

Here are the three components of the slippers - body, head and ears ready to be put together and made into the final product.

Once the head was sewn on, Isobel fixed the ribbon trim (a satin ribbon), which she then threaded elastic through, and hoped that that would help to keep the head sitting up, without flopping around.  In the event, LauraC did report some problems with both of them.  Please - remember, they were experimental in the first place - but Laura is such a whizz with the needle herself, she was able to correct the floppiness and they now look proper!

Here is the final slipper, with the bow tied up.  The bow covers  the place where the elastic has been sewn together.   Isobel left sufficient for LauraC to adjust the elastic to suit her own individual requirements.  This is something we've done for all the subsequent slippers that Isobel has made -

beginning with the Light Brown Rabbit Slippers (an English Ladies'  Size 6) - for our next door neighbour, KatherineV.  She has a little dog called Widget (a Boston Terrier) that Isobel looks after during the day whenever KatherineV is away for any length of time.  Widget did stay all day and night  with us when the arrangement first started, but lately, Isobel has been taking her back at night - so that the cat, who also lives next door, has some company at night.

 

But I digress:  here is another picture of one Light Brown Rabbit Slipper.  They have already been given to their intended recipient (one of KatherineV's daughters).  The only thing is that KatherineV's little grand daughter likes them so much that she seems to have taken them over.  She goes to bed with them on her pillow each night, apparently, and insists on wearing them as soon as she comes home from school.  They have to be tied on round the foot to make sure she doesn't fall in them, (she is only 8 years old!)  Think Isobel will have to get a move on with making some of the Children's Slippers she's planning on doing, so that the Little Person can have her own footwear, and thus allow Mum to get a look in!

Now this post has gone on long enough - so I'll close for tonight and get Isobel to do her usual thing about telling everyone who needs to know that this post has been published!    But before I go, the Small Kids Slipper sample has actually been finished:  she's done one of the Medium-sized pair, and is working on the second.  When all three are done, she will make the decision as to whether she will list them in the shop on Etsy  (www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies) as individual units (Small Kids' Slipper, Medium-Sized Slipper and so on) or as Kids Slipper, S.M.L. on one site.  Which would you think would be best, I wonder?

Meanwhile, Good Night everyone - until the next post, which will happen in between Isobel's endeavours with the Children's Slippers.  Cy Bear.