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.