Computers? Great - when they work!

Well, hopefully, normal service here at ColdhamCuddlies will be resuming from here on in, because it's been far from that in the last couple of weeks.

 As everyone knows, who kindly follows us here on www.ColdhamCuddliescalling.blogspot.com, there have been some teething troubles with my new computer that have had to be dealt with.  Somehow, we've had trojans visit us (got rid of), then the computer began to slow down - and Hewlett Packard  Support guys, after trying to sort me out, decided that the best way to cope was for me to reset the whole she-bang back to the "Factory Default" position.  This was carried out, and for a day or two things went OK.  Then, all of a sudden, we went back to the two screen option - with everything being done twice (don't ask ME - even the techies had no explanation) and it was back to the Factory Default option  This time though, it only took about three hours (despite the double versions) to reset - the first time around, it had taken five and a half hours to complete the clean-up.

So, about the middle of last week,  off we went for the third time, in as many weeks (I've had this machine operating since the middle of March, and I should think I've been trouble free for about four weeks, not all at once!).

Now I'm a very obedient person when I'm on my computer, and when my technical support (a.k.a. Hewlett Packard) indicates to me that there are updates that need to be loaded, I automatically click on the button and carry on with my job.  Isn't that what one is supposed to do?  Well, this is what I did and all went well for a while.  Then the computer began to go slower and slower - and when I checked on the Technical Support site, there was evidence that there were lots more updates to load on, so I switched everything off - having completed what I needed to do (checking all my emails, Etsy teams sites), sewing some replacements Owls and Wombats and renewing them in the shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies) when I don't always switch the computer off.

Next morning, there were still some updates needed to be brought in, so I gaily switched on  and I was happily typing away when this time I got a telephone call - from Microsoft, themselves allegedly.  Despite my surprise, because I didn't think  Microsoft did that sort of thing, I was persuaded to allow them to show me that this time not only had my software been "COMPROMISED" - a word I'm becoming familiar with, I have to say!! - but so, too had my HARDWARE.  Now, that is a Hewlett Packard responsibility -  in my book anyway, so someone (or something) wasn't operating as it should have been.  Anyway, these fellows suggested they could clean both bits up for me, and if I'd like them to look after me (after all these weeks - I'm ready to have my hand held, believe you me) - for a fee, of course.  Now I'd just been persuaded to subscribe for a special three year warranty with Hewlett Packard, combined with  two years "security" with Norton before all the re-setting lark began.

Given that existing care package was obviously insufficient for my needs, I complied with the new suggestion - now have  "unlimited technical support for over 100 software applications, peripherals and devices 24/7/365 availability to tech support via phone and remote access".  (I only have two computers:  no ipads, ipods, kindles or what have you for little old me).  The package is  for Two Years plus a 2 Year Support Plan.  They did offer me one for 10 years, but as I said, at my age, 4 years at a time is quite sufficient for the time being!!!  But, I was by this time so desperate that I decided to go with the new guys - and boy has it worked for me.  Not only do they stop me clicking on the wrong sites, they also transferred all my pictures from my old computer to this one - because, of course they'd all been wiped during the various resets, hadn't they?

  Also if I find trojans trying to get back on (as they did earlier this evening) I can ring a UK telephone number (for free - ringing Hewlett Packard costs 5 pence/minute and then no service!!)) and someone takes over my computer after a bit of a conversation, and 20 minutes later the invading trojan (with some advertisements I can well do without!!!!) is wiped off and I am able to get back here - with none of the said advertisements invading the space at the top of this blog and trying to get me to do things I don't want to.  Now such surveillance may not be for everyone:  but for me, this is the way forward!

Now, I'm engaging in a battle to get my payments back from Hewlett Packard and Norton - wish me luck!!  So, even if these guys who are holding my hand are indeed a "scam" (suggested by Hewlett Packard when I began my fight for refunds earlier today) the service I've already received beats anything that has been available to me in ALL the years I've been surfing the net - from Hewlett Packard or Microsoft for that matter.  As far as I am concerned, it's money well spent.  I'm keeping them, I can tell you.  It means I can concentrate on important things - like making new slippers, blogging here - and, even, swotting up on childrens' literature while undertaking the distance learning course I'm about to start!

Yup, the ten-unit course is sitting on my filing cabinet and I've today sent off my personal data (a.k.a. my life story!) to the Academy of Childrens' Writers to find me a Tutor from their stock - some of them with publications under their belt already.  The course is certainly interesting - and definitely challenging, if only because I tend to drop off to sleep within minutes when trying to read these days.  Which is why I've taken to making toys instead!!  Will have to read in a less comfortable chair, maybe:  and I'm hoping because most of the reading I have to do is childrens' literature, it may be more stimulating that some material available for the grown-ups!

Right, have just tried to load some photos on here, and Blogger is not playing ball.  It's getting late here, and I need my beauty sleep, so this time around, you'll have to read my news - without any illustrations.  I'll get on to my new best friends tomorrow, once I've done some things like joining the local library (so I can borrow the books I need to read for my writing course) and get some typing ribbons for my electronic portable typewriter which will come into it's own in this respect, I suspect (it already has!!), not to mention the erasing tapes that such a machine needs!

Life is busy, hopefully less frustrating - and it's good to be back blogging here again.

Cheers for now.  All the best.  Isobel

Coldham Cuddlies have made it into a Peruvian blog!

Cy Bear opening this dispatch with the news that a fellow Etsian - a member of one of the Etsy Teams Isobel frequents from time to time - issued an open invitation to anyone who would like to be featured on his blog.  Isobel responded earlier this week, and today, we are delighted to say that

Gino Escate from GyGante - based in Lima, Peru - has kindly featured us in his latest post at depa202.blogspot.com/2013/06/etsy-shop-coldham-cuddlies.html.  Although its all in Spanish and Isobel is not as conversant with the language as she once was (in the 1950's - she did an Evening Course at what was then called the Norwich City College & Art School - where she also learned to type and do Shorthand!) she was able to get the gist of what is being said - and is very grateful for the promo.  Do hope that EVERYONE will not only visit the blog, but also Gino's shop where he features some beautiful photographs and products he's made from all sort of different objects.  He's very talented - so Isobel tells me.

We do hope lots of Spanish-speaking folk will not only read Gino's blog, but also visit us here and look around our shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies.  Hasta la vista!  (I hope that is an appropriate Spanish greeting?)

Isobel has now just about finished the third pair of furry slippers she has recently been commissioned to make, and here are one or two pictures to follow on from those we included in our last post, when we spoke about the Brown Rabbit Slippers with their mauve satin ribbon trimming.

Sitting on the dining room sideboard 

The Panda Slippers from the rear.

(The salver in the background is one that was given to Isobel when she ceased being a  Girl Guide District Commissioner while they were living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.)

These Panda Slippers will be listed in our Shop sometime tomorrow, once they have had some elastic threaded through the ribbon trimming.  They are destined for MrsKV's other daughter (you will recall we told you that together with the Brown Rabbit Slippers, they were going as "fun birthday presents" for her two daughters).

 They won't be delivered for another ten days, as MrsKV is away.  Isobel is looking after the family dog - a Boston Terrior called Widget.  She spends the day with us, and then goes back for the night - to keep the family feline - called Ariosto - company.  They only live next door, so it's not a problem - and keeps Isobel company during the day time:  not to mention giving her some more welcome exercise too!

As also promised in our last post, Isobel will do a blog shortly showing how all three models were made - and you will see how they have developed from the Golden Rabbit Slippers we started with, to the latest version.  Isobel is not quite satisfied that they the finished article - but they are all wearable, and she's developed a routine in making them.  These last two only took  two afternoons to complete - from cutting out to finished product (except for the elastic, of course!).  Plans are afoot to repeat all three - plus introducing several other animal models, some of which have yet to feature as proper Cuddlies! - to have available for sale in time for the Christmas season, when slippers are apparently often required as gifts.  Special requests can always be handled in the meantime!!!!

Before the bodies were made as slippers, they featured in our last post

I'm also delighted to be able to tell you that Isobel thinks she's almost got the new computer going at full blast.  She's been in communication with the outside world using it in the last two days,  but has so far not been able to figure out how to load the printer that goes with our computers- nor the camera.  Also, she's got to figure out how to transfer all the pictures that are on this machine which we are using to post this update on to the new one (1,189 at the last count!).  Most of them were once on the new Sleekbook (we're using a Compaq Presario at the moment!) but due to all the virus problems Isobel has been having, she was told by the Hewlett Packard technical support team who have been helping her sort out the mess, to " Reset the computer back to its factory default position".  This has had to be one twice, but yesterday, Isobel was able to get it back sufficiently to be able to use it a bit.

Now as you know, I'm just a Bear made in Beaver Lamb, so all this does not mean a thing to me - I'm just hoping that it will all work out so that Isobel will stop being so frustrated with the darn thing, and we can get back to our normal equable selves!

Right this has now gone on long enough, so I'll end this dispatch!  It's been good to chat again - and, don't forget:  visit Gino's blog and shop and see just what he gets up to!

Good night, and God Bless  Cy Bear

Olly the Owlet has returned to the Family + plus a new Chum.

Olly Owlet, Etsy Listing # 107123292

Hello Everyone:  CyBear returning to the blogging fray!  It's good to be back, what with all the hiccups Isobel has been having with the computer and her connections (whatever they may - or may not, as in this case - be.)

We thought you'd like to see some up-to-date pictures of Olly Owlet, a smaller version of Ben Barn Owl (Etsy Listing 99686556).   Both versions have been popular members of the ColdhamCuddlies Family, and it's been a while since Olly was in the shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies.  That is because Isobel has not had time to replace him since he first disappeared - some months ago, what with one thing and another.

Yesterday was a bright, sunny day - when these were taken...

She's had the time recently because of the computer hiccups and the latest broadband disconnection.  It has meant that she got the time to actually sit down and make some toys!  Between you and me, she does spend an awful lot of time on the computer, when she doesn't seem to be doing that much (at least to a Bear like me!)  However, the broadband connection is due to be put right later this coming week - hopefully.  Meanwhile,she's operating on something called Wi-Fi to which her ISP connected her yesterday so she could continue blogging, trying to sell the Cuddlies on Etsy and all the other things she's getting involved in.

So, not only has she been able to make two more Ollys - and they've been renewed - but she's now making two more Ben Barn Owls - since both of the latest Twins have now found Forever Homes in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  The first one went early in May, but when HeatherB realised he was one of a Twin, she asked for the second one to join him.  Twin One (she'd earlier picked Twin Two out from an Owl Picture Parade!) left us at the end of last week, so should be well on his way to Edmonton and we hope to have pictures of them all together again, soon.

.......as well as a very windy one!

Another thing that has been occupying Isobel, when she's not been on the computer - is her latest line in ColdhamCuddlies products.  After the first experimental Golden Yellow Furry Slippers (Etsy Listing #152976020 - featured in our last post), we've now got a pair of Brown Rabbit Furry Slippers which have been specially ordered by one our neighbourhood friends here in Heytesbury.  MrsKV saw the Yellow fellows, and decided they would make ideal "joke" birthday presents for her two daughters later this year.

These have purple fleece linings - and won't be listed:  YET!

 So, the Brown ones were started while Isobel was in Normandy recently - and finished last week, and the next pair are waiting for the black plush fur to arrive from one of  our plush fabric suppliers.  Once that arrives, Owls will be temporarily cast aside (unless they've already been completed), and the second part of the custom order will be fulfilled.

They do have eyes - it's just that they so furry, you can't see them!

This time, rather than Rabbits - and to illustrate that any of the heads of any of us Cuddlies can be used - they are going to be Panda Furry Slippers.

These will have a black coat, white fleece lining and a black check ribbon  trim

We've decided to do a future post in which we show how the slippers are constructed.  It will be incorporating all three pairs, which are still currently experimental, as Isobel is making changes in their format as she goes along.  Slippers are going to become permanent Cuddlies in future, because (a) Isobel enjoys making them, and (b)  there seems to be definite interest in them - both locally and on Etsy as well, but until a permanent pattern emerges, Isobel thinks that tutorial can wait a while.  In addition, the two patterns that LauraC ( for whom the Golden Yellow Rabbit Slippers were ordered) sent to Isobel arrived yesterday, and will undoubtedly be used to create the final slipper product(s).  They will fit Children, Ladies AND Gentlemen!

Meanwhile, here is the rear view of Olly Owlet and Chum.

They did manage to stay upright - eventually!

 Good to be back with you again:  - until the next time!  Cy Bear.

Made to Fit - Personalized - Novelty - Golden Yellow Furry Rabbit Slippers - Custom Order for Laura Curtin of EightBoardsFarm

Etsy Listing #152976020

These Novelty Plush Fur Slippers form part of the 2013 New Product Offer from the Coldham Cuddlies, and were listed in  at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies earlier this afternoon.

They are the result of  a meeting, via the Etsy Activity site earlier this year, when Laura Curtin  mentioned how she much would love some Golden Yellow Furry Rabbit Slippers and asked if I could possibly make them for her.

 (Laura and I have become firm friends since we first met (I think she followed me on Etsy, or it might have been the other way around!  Think the relationship can best be described as a fine example of how Etsy works when crafters get together and exchange ideas and views.  Laura has provided me with invaluable advice on how to tag, categorise and otherwise try to highlight the Cuddlies.  I've yet to put ALL her advice into practice with ALL the other Cuddlies.  It's on the "To Do" List!)

Now, I'm not usually capable of producing anything without a pattern:  however, my older daughter (whose memory is considerably better than mine) reminded me that in the early 1970's I made Felt Slippers for almost the entire family for Christmas presents - and having jogged my memory, she was also able to tell me how I did them!  (She used to sit and watch me doing them, and passed me the bits as I needed them - if memory serves.  See I'm quite good, once I remember!)

Thus emboldened, between us Laura and I have managed to produce a pair of  Foot Warmers, capable of taking socks if required, that fit her specific requirements (American Man's Size 10).  She wanted them over the ankles to the lower shin bone, whereas future models will reach below the ankle bone - with the same room for socks.  The specially requested Golden Yellow Plush Rabbit Slippers have been delivered, fit her well and even have their own names!

Jonty and Alistair - but I don't know which is which!

They consist of an insole to which an outer plush covering is lined with a  waterproof  fabric complete with its own black fleece inner layer.  Both fabrics are then sewn to the insole.  There is a plush covering of the insole, hiding the seams - in this case, it is made with the Golden Yellow plush.  (Please note, I have limited supplies of waterproof material;   I am currently seeking a long-term supplier for this, or a similar material).  There are plenty of various coloured fleeces with which to produce other models.

The plush and lining are sewn separately and fitted together so the seams do not show - either on the inside or outside of the slipper.  Animal heads - not necessarily restricted to Rabbits (they can be selected from any of the Toys available in the ColdhamCuddlies Shop) and the colours in which they are made can also be individually selected. Once the head is attached, each slipper is finished off with a satin ribbon edging with half inch elastic threaded through the ribbon.  The bow on each slipper conceals the elastic fastening - which is sewn in such a way to allow for adjustment - be it expansion or reduction, thus allowing for individual ankle conditions.

There are already 2 further Custom Orders in production - which will be listed when completed  One is for another Rabbit (in brown plush with a mauve lining and matching edging):  the other is for a Panda slipper - in black and white, with a white fleece lining.

To meet the Made to Fit offer, when ordering, the following information will be required:

(1)  Your normal shoe size.
 (2) If possible, a drawing of each foot - to accommodate individual shapes!
(3) Measurement of each foot from Toe to Ankle OVER the instep arch.
(4) Width of foot from side to side, OVER instep arch.
(5) Ankle circumference at top edge of slipper - to accommodate any possible swelling involved.

Armed with this information, it should be possible for me to meet your specific needs!

Slippers can be made for Children, Ladies and Men - once all the above information is provided for each person.

Prices are as follows:

Men's Slippers Size L-XXL                    USD61.40 per pair

Special Fittings (All)                               USD84.40 per pair

Ladies Slippers (all sizes)                       USD46.00 per pair

Childrens' Slippers (all sizes)                  USD34.99 per pair - all sizes.  Small ones can be as difficult to sew as  the larger ones!

Cy Bear's Farewell before they left for Florida

There will be a further post in which I describe how I made these particular models - and the two Custom Orders  mentioned earlier.  However, it will have to wait until the second pair are completed - hopefully in the next day or so.  During the process of our conversations while these two were produced and feedback received, Laura discovered patterns for Men's and Childrens Slippers, which she has kindly purchased for me and they are on their way here. It should, therefore, not be beyond my wit to alter these variations in order to meet future Ladies' orders.   These three experimental versions can really be described as "seat of one's pants" efforts. (I refused to accept payment for making these guys - except for charging the postage to get them to Florida - just in case they did not work.  The patterns are her way of repaying me I guess!)

All the best to you everyone:  it's so good to be back blogging once more.  Isobel