Friend for Lifetimes - a Rocking Horse called Prince

Goodness me, how time does fly.  It's now a week since I posted last, and it's time that situation was rectified.  So, before I get too tied up with Christmas present  buying, creating the Christmas round-robin (a difficult one this time) and sorting the Cards out in time to meet the international posting deadlines, thought I'd recount  the story of Prince, a Rocking Horse who has been a friend both to Peter (since he was a Toddler during the Second World War) and then Philippa who inherited him when she too was a small girl in the 1970's.

Prince the Rocking Horse - a frontal view

Exactly how he arrived to become Peter's friend - they "rode" for many hundreds of miles together until Peter became too big to ride him - is not clear.  Family legend says that he was made for Peter by the young soldiers of his Father's regiment (the Manchester Regiment) when both were serving in the Liverpool area during and shortly after the Liverpool Blitz.  Prince moved everywhere the family did - which was frequently at that time - but spent some of Peter's childhood in Manchester where the family eventually purchased a home  (as opposed to living in military billets).  I don't think he moved with them when Peter's Father's regimental posting to Singapore took the family there and what happened to Prince once they all returned and they went off to their respective boarding schools is also somewhat hazy, but I would surmise that he stayed with Mum (who provided the family hub after their Dad died in 1951).

While they all lived in Manchester, the story goes that Peter was loth to allow anyone else to ride him - with good reason apparently.  One day, one of his many cousins came to play and was allowed to ride him - without supervision.  Alas, said cousin decided it might be fun to see if his mane and tail came off - and before the grown-ups could stop him, sure enough he got them off.  The result was that from that time onwards until many years later, he was a Rocking Horse minus mane, tail and forelock.  However Mum was able to rescue the brown mane and tail - and it was carefully stored away until such time as the right person could be found to re-attach them.  It's a specialist business achieving such results and it was a long time before we were able to get the job done.  

My first memory of Prince was shortly after Peter and I got married in 1969 when he was living in an allotted space in Mum's bedroom - which is where I think Philippa first met him (although she was too small at that time to actually sit on him).  However, by 1973 he had taken up residence with us, and travelled wherever we happened to be.  Philippa too  (the name actually means "Lover of Horses"  in Greek we discovered after we had christened her) spent many a happy hour riding Prince everywhere in her little imaginary world.  (She did have riding lessons a few years ago under guidance from a Household Cavalry instructor - courtesy of the FANY, but after a nasty fall, has rather lost her nerve.  She is determined to get back in the saddle one day - but not quite yet!  However, her love of horses is unquestioned).

The one photograph I have of her in such mode  is not very clear and would have to be scanned into this post - and, alas, as I type this, the printer/scanner is being doctored after we suffered a bad paper jam late last week.    (I have been absolutely lost without it - never thought I could get so attached to a blinking machine!)  Also, my scanning efforts to date have not been as successful in our posts as are the digital illustrations.

Showing Prince's brackets and Stand

When we emigrated to Canada in 1975, Prince came along too - and continued to occupy Philippa until she too got too big to ride him.  I don't recall Clare riding him very much - somehow she and horses (Rocking or otherwise) have never been close and I suspect she found him a little unsteady for comfort.  After all this time, and travelling inter-contintentally his brackets had indeed got a little rocky.  Alberta's climatic conditions (dry, cold winters and similarly dry summers - interspersed with torrential downpours occasionally) together with the central heating did not do Prince's wooden frame a lot of good - because his paintwork began to flake and he also showed signs of cracking.  However, he carried on - often acting as a clothes horse when cupboards etc. were full!

Prince, side-ways on showing off his saddle and strirrups

For the next ten years, after we returned to the UK , Prince spent his time somewhere in our house - usually covered with an old unused gentleman's coat - to keep the dust off.  However, in 1998 we sold our house - as Peter became increasingly less well and moved into a small apartment where Prince could no longer be accommodated.  Philippa who had been appointed Prince's guardian by this time, was living in a small room in London, and then moved to work in Belgium, so Prince was put into storage together with our excess baggage. In 2000, we moved again - this time to a bungalow - and while he could not stay in any living space, there was room for him in the attic so Prince took up residence in a large space - which could get quite cold during the somewhat wetter winters in Lancashire, which again did his wooden frame no favours.  Still, he soldiered on until Philippa moved into a large enough flat where he could be comfortably housed.

He has been with her ever since and a couple of years ago, she managed to find a specialist Rocking Horse Restorer to put the old fella to rights. You will notice that his forelock, mane and tail are now properly attached, but this time, they are Grey. (Horses are never white as you know - unless they are the White Horses we have here in Wiltshire, which have been cut out on hillsides with Limestone soils):  they are different shades of Grey.   The Restorers confirmed that he is a "Liverpool" model, but his Brown mane was incorrect - which does, in my view, confirm the family legend referred to in the introduction:  that Prince was indeed a handmade present to Peter based on the Liverpool Rocking Horse Model - but because it was war time, the crafters used whatever material came to hand - which just happened to be Brown!

Prince in his corner in Philippa's living room

In addition, I never remember him being so White - in my recollection, he was more of a creamy yellow colour, which again confirms his original artisan origins, where they made do with what they could find at the time..

Prince now stands proudly in Philippa's living room in High Wycombe - and awaits any Little People who come to visit for lunch or to stay and who happen to be the right size and weight  to sit comfortably and safely on him.  In the interim, as an elderly gentleman (in human terms he's got to be in his 70's), he stands contentedly in his corner and watches as the days go by.

Back at Base once more: with a quick round-up before beginning again.

Going away can cause major problems - the mail build-up in one’s absence being one of them.  I had a real fight to get in the front door upon my return yesterday afternoon (mostly the unwanted marketing material, but some stuff that demanded immediate attention), but having sorted, replied and filed the correspondence, I am once more available for blogging.

Although away for 10 days this time, I did have access to a computer so have been able to keep up to date with my internet correspondence/activities, so at least that has not taken too much time.  It has been very gratifying to see how folks have been following and reading the posts here though - thanks so much.

Right:  so what happened while I was away from home?  Two things:  attending the annual Corps Day (formerly Annual Reunion) of the First Aid Nursing Yeomany(Princess Royal’s Volunteer Corps).  Philippa has been a member of the Corps for 14 years now and this year was awarded the First Aid Challenge Cup - much to her surprise and delight, and my delight and pride.

First Aid Challenge Cup, on a patchwork cushion made in FANY colours

 If I told you folks all about the FANY(PRVC), it would take far too long:  but anyone interested in knowing more can go to www.fany.org.uk and you can spend an hour or two finding out about the splendid bunch of ladies, who have now been in existence since 1907.  Believe me, it's a fascinating story:  you won’t be disappointed.

Incidentally, in 2007, before I re-started making Cuddlies, I  used to quilt.  To celebrate their Centenary, I designed and made up a quilt which the Morrell Family then presented to the Corps.  They’ve had a somewhat peripatetic existence in recent years, but have now found a permanent base in London from which to operate and it was lovely to see that the Corps have found a wall in their new HQ on which the quilt can be displayed.  After a space of 5 years, I found it somewhat surprising at first - and almost could not believe - that I’d actually produced it.

Presentation of Centenary Quilt - March 1, 2007

 (The picture is the result of a scanned photograph, so is not as clear as my normal reproductions,  but conveys the idea.  The contents included the different cap badges worn by the Corps during the 100 years service, their different uniforms during the period and some of the activities they undertake - which include languages (when Philippa was Language Officer for a time, she had 26 different language speakers at her disposal), parachuting (undertaken with French Forces, as UK do not have the necessary facilities for such activities), Horse Riding, First Aid - of course, and Communications - radio, signalling etc.)

I also did another one - which showed all the military decorations and honours awarded to members of the Corps during their 100 years. The awards came from France, Belgium, Norway, Poland, USA, as well as the UK.   A picture of that one is shown below - it’s somewhat out of focus, but the amateur photographer who took it was battling a draught in his hallway at the time.  This one was the feature of a Raffle among Corps members and other interested parties - and eventually raised nearly £900.00 ($1,438) for the Corps’ Centenary Memorial Fund.  It was won by a FANY Veteran who had the joy of carrying it back on the train from London to Norwich (in East Anglia)  It measured about 4 ft 6 ins. x 4 ft 6ins and had been framed and stretched, but not mounted behind glass!  I was told the following year that she’d never had such a short journey home, as she spent the entire time talking about the Corps and their activities the whole time!

Quilt of Honours awarded to the Corps 1907-2007

All the ribbons shown are the actual ones on which the medals and honours are mounted - and were appliqued on by machine.  Both quilts took me about 18 months in total - and quite frankly, I quilted myself out as a result!  Toys are so much quicker and easier to handle these days.  The thought of another one of these creations is so daunting that I cannot believe I'll ever do another.  Small ones I might consider, one day - but Cuddlies are so much more fun and entertaining! 

The second major activity undertaken was the sad one of laying Peter’s ashes to rest.  Originally, we had hoped not to have to do this, as both of us bequeathed our mortal remains to Medical Research.  Alas, because Peter died unexpectedly, away from home and within 5 days of having seen his doctor, he had to undergo a post mortem.  That precluded the Medical Schools accepting his cadaver, so we then had to go through the Requiem, Cremation and, finally, on November 3, his Interment.  His final resting place is in a beautiful, peaceful spot at the National Catholic Shrine to Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk and as a family, we could not be happier that he is where he now lies - at peace.  His ashes were placed in a hole dug at a spot chosen by the Shrine authorities and where we can easily locate it when we visit - as we plan to do regularly
 

The Director of the Shrine, tidying up the flower bed

We were able to do this for him because in the 1970’s, when the Chapel of Reconciliation was being originally built, Peter was very involved on the committee charged with overseeing it’s construction.  The readers of the Catholic magazine for which he was then working contributed some £30-£50,000 ($47,952-$79,919) - at this distance I cannot recall exactly how much - and the Publishers of the journal asked Peter to represent their interest.  He grew to love the place, and we’ve often visited the Shrine as a family.  It’s also not far from the sea at Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, so we would go on and get some sea air into our lungs, before returning home.  So, when we were faced with the problem of burial earlier this year, I approached the Shrine Director - who agreed by saying “it could not be a  more appropriate place”. 

Friends and Followers who would like to know more about this historic place might like to visit www.walsingham.org.uk.  It, too, is worth reading and hopefully you’ll enjoy the experience as well.

In between all this, I’ve also been toy-making - and will be posting about my efforts shortly.  But, I also finished the four Wombats for Christmas for Philippa - and here they are, just waiting to be wrapped and sent off to meet their Forever Friends soon.  They are sitting on another quilt,  I made after the other two - using up the scraps of poplin left over.  This one is now a throw on the sofa-bed in Philippa's living room.

Wearing Ribbons in the Forever Friends' favourite colours,

Be back with you all again soon.   Isobel

New Career Opportunity for a Coldham Cuddy and ex Soft Toy Clinic Patient

Hello Everyone:  Cy Bear once more being allowed to tell you some splendid news.

The picture here gives you the explanation of today’s headline. (It looks a bit crumpled - because Royal Mail treated the envelope in which it was posted a little rough:  despite Isobel's efforts, we couldn't get the letter any smoother!)  

 The photograph shows Blue Bear (who once belonged to Alan, Isobel’s son-in-law - who never played with him, because he was too old when he arrived in his home) and William White Bear - one of the first Bears Isobel ever made for our shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies.  They are shown sitting at the desk of the Director of the Journalists’ Charity - an organisation of which Peter was a Life Member, and which has helped  Peter and Isobel on several occasions in the past.  To say thank you, Isobel has given the Charity Blue Teddy and William so that they can be used as fund-raisers at future events which will take place throughout the year all over the United Kingdom (UK)- all aimed at attracting funds to look after retired journalists and their families when they face difficult circumstances.

Isobel’s cousins JohnD and RoyD took her out to lunch last week, and as they live only 10 miles away from the Journalists’ Charity HQ in Dorking, Surrey, England, UK, she asked if they would act as Couriers and give the Bears a lift there for her.  Today, we got a letter from the Director with this picture and the letter's contents were as follows:

“Dear Isobel

Our new members of staff…….   
 Many thanks and best wishes.  David (David Ilott, Director)”

How they will actually be used, we leave to the Journalists’ Charity:  but Isobel did suggest that maybe Blue Bear could feature in a year-round competition, visiting all the UK regional branches,  to find him a proper name.  Blue Bear is a bit unoriginal, isn’t it?  While William could be offered as a prize in a Raffle or Tombola at one of the important functions that get arranged by the various regions in the United Kingdom.  It will be interesting to find out sometime.  I’ll ask Isobel to see if we can be told - eventually.
 

William has attracted a lot of good attention when we’ve been to Craft  Fairs hereabouts, but, unlike our Light Brown Bears, Brown Bears like me, and Hairy Bears (now no longer available),  he has never been able to find a Forever Home, so Isobel decided something had to be done.  We can only think that being so completely White (except for his ear linings) potential Forever Friends and their families did not think he would be a PRACTICAL present for a Little Person.   I think he could, however, be a great companion to an Older Person, and be great company for them - without necessarily arguing with them!

 Blue Bear has been a patient in the Soft Toy Clinic (Etsy Listing #79124185) waiting for treatment while Isobel was busy with other  Cuddlies.  She’s treated them in the Clinic, taken templates so that she could introduce them fully into the ColdhamCuddlies family - I’m talking here about Little Sleepy Teddy (Etsy Listing #107350815), Tigger Long Legs (Etsy Listing #108763404), Loppy Lugs the Arm Puppet (who has yet to be listed - he's still waiting for a model to show how he works!) and the Kittens - but she eventually had no one else to treat in the Clinic, so she got to work on Blue Bear.  (Isobel here:  there are now three Bears lining up for renovation and rehabilitation, so the Clinic won't be empty for long!)

Remembering what happened when she treated Rusty, The Giant Bear (still the featured Patient in our Clinic listing to be found at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies (#79124185)- when she took him apart,the polystyrene ball stuffing spread all over the flat and everywhere we looked was covered with them - Isobel was careful where she took Blue Bear apart.  This time, she undid his head only down as far as his shoulders and then tipped him up with his head in a big black garbage bag and shook as many of the polystrene balls as possible into it.  Then she had to revert to dust pan and brush to brush those that stubbornly clung to each piece of the body, arms and legs - and head. She also resorted to her hand held Dust Buster vacuum cleaner, but being made of plastic, the balls all flew about inside it and it didn't  really work.   Finally, she turned Blue Bear inside out and shook him - with the result that what was left inside the Bear went everywhere on the floor of the shed where the dustbins are kept here at The Hospital of St. John!   It also spread outside the shed when the door was opened.  It looked as if we'd had a snowstorm for a while, but there was a strong wind that day, so most got dispersed!

 Next came the obligatory overnight bath and soaking to get rid of the dust which had accumulated over the years of being stored in an attic.   Once he was thoroughly dry, Blue Bear then took almost 2.2 kilos (4.4lbs) of polyester fibre stuffing to appear as he does today!   He's a big, very cuddly armful - and should make someone a great Forever Friend.

 As Isobel now doesn't have a yard brush, she had to confess her untidyness to the Site Supervisor on the Monday morning (all this action took place one Sunday morning a few weeks ago).  There wasn't a problem, but Isobel doesn't like leaving a mess anywhere!  She also didn't want to give other residents here a reason to complain!!

I’m also pleased to be able to tell you that Isobel has also completed her entry for the Royal British LegionWomen’s Section Annual Competition.  Entries have to be in by the end of October, so at the week-end she handed over Jubilee Rabbit - because 2012 has seen our Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrated all over the country - and here she is.

She's perched on the arm of one of the comfortable chairs in the living room, and is being a bit cheeky, in my view, showing off her bloomers!  The decoration on her apron, dress and collar reflect the red, white and blue that appear in the United Kingdom flag, as do her dress itself and her felt boots!

 We do have  a series of photographs showing how she was created, but we will wait to let you see them - when we know the result of the competition. She will be returned once judging is complete, and she will be listed.  Once sold, ten per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the Royal British Legion Women's Section (the usual procedure for all our UK sales).  At this stage, we think it is just for the Western Region of the UK - which means winners might go to the National level!  So, keep your fingers crossed - and we’ll tell you what happens, when we know ourselves.

Finally, talking about competitions, Isobel posted a few weeks ago (16/09/2012)  about the Go Bustards Trail Art competition which took place in Warminster, our nearest Town.  The result of that competition was that Buttons - Isobel’s preferred candidate - was indeed chosen as the Favourite.  The second prize went to Bertie Bloomer, and we’re not sure who came third.  Isobel has been told to tell you that Buttons has now gone home to roost until the Spring, when he will re-appear as the centre piece for Think Outside the Box’s exhibit in the Wylye Valley Art Trail in May 2013. ( Folks will remember that Think Outside the Box is the haberdashery outlet that Isobel gets lots of her sewing materials from.)

That’s it for tonight.  Isobel is away for a few days, so blogging will be on hold - and I'll be left to hold the fort.  But when she returns, she’ll have lots to tell you about - so until then     ..........    Good Bye.  Cy Bear.

Announcing the Arrival of Jemima Bunny, a Limited Edition (One of 2) Brown Plush Rabbit

Jemima Brown Rabbit (Etsy Listing #112432364)  has taken longer to make than many of the ColdhamCuddlies Rabbits, because her production process was interrupted by the sudden death of my dearest husband.  I’ve made several old friends, and some new Cuddlies since May, but I’ve now finally managed to complete her and am pleased to introduce her as the latest member of the ColdhamCuddlies Family.

Etsy Listing #112432364

Made with in a very soft Brown Plush fabric, similar to the other Lady Dressed Rabbits in the Shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies, Jemima measures  18“ (46 cms) from tip of ears to the soles of her feet, when lying down.  Like all my Dressed Lady Toys, Jemima is made to sit down - allowing her to look comfortable sitting on a dressing-table or a bed pillow, as well as being a cuddly armful for her Forever Best Friend.

I've found a new source for the Brown Plush Fabric.  It results in a more tactile feel and Jemima's new Best  Friend will find her a very soft, cuddly armful when they get together.  The dress is made from an unusual cotton-based fabric with a slightly elastic feature, and there is a background floral pattern which gives an embossed texture to the final product.

The various stages of Jemima’s production entailed sewing the various components separately before the sewing together could begin.
 

A calico body is first constructed, and before stuffing, is made so that she can sit comfortably.  Once stuffed, her shoes are sewn, stuffed and attached firmly to the end of each leg. Next comes the construction of her pale sea-green nylon pantaloons edged with white lace.  These are gathered and sewn in place over her shoes and at her waist.
 

Jemima’s skirt is then gathered, a ColdhamCuddlies label is attached (on the reverse side at the back seam) and then attached to the body waist line over her pantaloons.

The dress top, together with the arms - with paws attached - is arranged over the skirt at the waist .
 

Then her white muslin apron (decorated with dark blue ric-rac braiding) is sewn in place and finished off with a bow.

Her bushy white plush bob-tail is then sewn in place under the bow but firmly attached to her body (through all layers of material used in her dress to date).

Nearing completion, Jemima’s head - with ears and eyes in place is sewn onto the body and her blue collar (matching her shoes), decorated with white embroidered French Knots, is arranged and firmly sewn in place.

The final touch is the addition of her bright orange Felt Carrot, with juicy green felt leaf in just the right spot for her to nibble gently as she waits to be adopted to her Forever Home.

Please note:  the Carrot is a new, optional extra.  Without this addition, Jemima would cost USD43.40.  The Carrot itself is priced at USD4.10.

Dressed Lady Rabbits normally take me 5-7 Days to complete from cutting out the pattern pieces to achieving the final result.  All the ColdhamCuddlies are made in a smoke free environment and all meet international safety standards in terms of fillings, fabric  and other decorative features.

 Washing these toys is not a real option;  so the recommended age group for Jemima to find her Forever Friend would be from 3 years upwards. 

I no longer drive - so am dependent on public transport to reach the two local  Post Offices capable of handling Airmail Small Packets and Parcels near Heytesbury.  I access these Offices every Tuesday and Thursday or Friday each week.  Customers should bear this fact in mind if there is a deadline in their delivery requirements.

Jemima's weight means she can travel at the Standard  UK Royal Mail  Small Packet air mail postal rate, which varies according to the distance covered.  Normal delivery to the Eastern US Seaboard is anything between 5-10 Working Days and to the Western Seaboard it can take a further 7 Working Days.  It all depends on the aeroplane departure schedules!

Having finally listed Jemima, completed the Wombat Bunch Christmas order - a little ahead of schedule, the next item on the agenda will be the Royal British Legion Women's Section Competition entry - of another  Dressed Lady Rabbit.  Having already made three Calico Bodies for Lady Toys and a similar number for future Gentleman Toys, I've got the first stage done.  Tomorrow will see me cutting out pattern pieces and getting going with sewing machine (where appropriate), needles and thread and all the other associated implements. 

Be back again soon!  We've reached 220 Followers, by the way and the blog has now been viewed by over 8,500 people.  Thank you all so much for your support!  All the best.  Isobel

Catching my Breath - having survived the English Channel crossings

Well, I'm back after three wonderful days with family and their friends in Normandy and whilst I didn't see too much of the surrounding countryside - the weather gods were not being friendly, and we were surrounded by sheets of rain until the morning we left - the unfamiliar shops and beautiful cheese and wines more than made up for it.  So much so that plans are afoot for a repeat visit - but not until the official Spring time - when,hopefully, the Sun will have re-discovered where both Normandy and South West UK are situated (because it was evidently not much better here in Heytesbury while I was away with Philippa.)

The Channel was benign - especially on the outward journey:  coming back there was a bit of a swell, but as I was concentrating hard on sewing calico bodies for future dressed Lady and Gentlemen Toys for the shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies and the sensation was somewhat similar to aircraft turbulence (which has never worried me!) all's well that ends well.

Now, having caught up with all the social media tasks, read some of my favourite blogs and linked up with some of my favourite linky parties, I'm ready once more to start blogging here again, having caught my breath - and started to sample some of the cheeses purchased while I was away.  So, it's once again, somewhat of an update blog again today.

The Arts in the Park Craft Fair result was somewhat of a mixed bag.  At the moment, it looks like I have suffered a small loss - although two of my Fleece Baby Bunnies (Etsy Listing # 89020911 - a Purple/White and Pink/White one) found new Forever Homes.  Selling them did not quite cover the cost of the table on which the Cuddlies were displayed.

However, there were  two expressions of interest about possible purchases of Golf Club Head Covers - one already in stock and one using a Tiger Head based on the Tigger Long-Legs variations (Etsy Listing #108763404).

 Alas, I was not sufficiently fast on my feet to get a deposit from either potential buyer, so whilst expectant, I am not that hopeful.  Had I been a more persuasive seller, I would then have been able to claim that the event was a profitable exercise.  One lives and learns - and at least, I have been invited to attend a Primary School Christmas Bazaar in Codford, a nearby village, on December 1.  That is a direct result of my recent increased activity via Facebook, so all my social media blitzing is beginning to have some payback, it might seem.

In my last post (Now for a Miscellany Update -04/10/2012) I mentioned that ColdhamCuddlies had been selected to feature in an article in The Warminster Journal following the Slaters Barn Coffee Morning Craft Sale:  it's pleasing to tell you that apart from a photograph of the Organiser of the event, the only stall selected from that particular event was indeed our stall.  As ever, the scanner was unable to reproduce a legible copy of either picture or article, so you'll just have to take my word for it!  (Not my scanner's deficiency:  but the paper on which the publication is produced!)

The next items on the production list are the completion of the Wombat Christmas order - the two completed ones were taken home by Philippa yesterday,  (This saves me having to haul all four when I go to visit her at the end of October).

Two done:  two to go!

I have the third Wombat needing the addition of eyes, ears, nose and stuffing and the fourth still in pieces.  Then I've got to make a replacement Baby Hedgehog, as the latest one is destined for a  Forever Home in Chessington, Surrey as a First Birthday Present for a young lad who arrived in the World last December on Peter's birthday.   (So that's a very special present, as well as needing a replacement:   rumour has it one of my fellow resident neighbours has an eye on at least another one!).  I have also been asked to provide a Coyote for daughter Clare's best friend in Canada  She is expecting her first child early in December (where has this year gone?) and I've also said I'll make a dressed Rabbit for a competition entry from the Heytesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion Women's Section to the National Handicraft competition.

So I had just better close all this blogging down for now - and start sewing!  See you all soon.  Isobel

Now for a Miscellany Update

One thing I've learned as I've gone down the blogging route is that one needs to be flexible.  The best laid plans of mice and men (as happened earlier this year) have a habit of interrupting mine - and this week has been no exception, other than that this latest hiccup was a minor one!

 The modelling session for Loppy Lugs the Arm Puppet (LL) did not take place - the models' Dad, who works from home, had double-booked and it was not convenient for them to come earlier (because I had indavertently forgotten I was due at the doctor's for a minor consultation and could not be sure when the 'bus would deliver me home!)  I'm still find my way around the time-table, which seems to have a habit of changing almost at the whim of the driver!  When challenged this time, the driver rapidly got out his laminated sheet - to prove that he was actually only 5 minutes later than scheduled (whereas I had got there at least 15 minutes too early!!).

Thus, as I am now not sure when, or if,  a modelling session can be re-scheduled,  I've taken this photograph of  LL which actually shows how the extensions work as arms and legs.

I'm keen to send the Nottinghamshire-based loaned toys back home to their Toy Box with PamL, so having shown you a picture of the rejuvenated Loppy Lugs, as promised by Cy Bear in his last post, they will probably be parcelled up and sent off before the week-end.  I badly need the space, so that I can make my versions of the Arm Puppet, as well as get on with replacing some items in the Shop at www.coldhamcuddlies.etsy.com!  Perhaps by that time, I may have found other models to show the Arm Puppets working.

Next, as the title for this post implies - being a miscellany means I'm taking the opportunity to introduce two potential new members of the ColdhamCuddlies Family - Percy and Petunia Pig!

 These two were actually made by Fred Bear's Best Friend, too long ago for her to remember exactly when!  She's having a major clear out of sewing items at the moment, because of failing eyesight, and it looks as though not only will I benefit from the addition of these two, but there's going to be a whole lot of decorative odds and ends coming my way too!  The hand-over will take place at the end of October when I am due to go and stay with Fred and Best Friend, PatC.  These guys, though stuffed, do need more filling in order to stay upright - they're presently lying flat on their backs, because after this picture was taken, their legs gave way under them.  That won't be a problem to fix though, and they also came complete with patterns for trousers and dress, respectively.

This project will have to wait until I return from a few days staying with Peter's brother, MartynM in Normandy, France (which happens to also be the home of Madame Lapin and Mons Reynard - both of whom featured in posts earlier this year during which their rejuvenation treatments in the Soft Toy Clinic were described in some detail). 

That jaunt takes place this Sunday, when elder daughter, Philippa and I take the Night Ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre - returning the same way, but during the early evening, Thursday, October 11.  This will be the first time I've been to France, so it's quite exciting - or will be, once I've got off the Ferry.  As one who can suffer sea-sickness on the Serpentine (a lake in Hyde Park, London - for those who might not be familiar with this site) the prospect of 6 hours on the English Channel is daunting indeed.  Am just hoping that as I shall be lying down, hopefully lulled to sleep, I shall be OK - just keep your fingers crossed, please!  Coming back, it's only 5 hours, because of the time difference,  but we are expected to be sitting up .......hm!!  Enough said, methinks!

The final batch of photographs shows the Cuddlies Stall at last Friday's Greatest Coffee Morning in the World in aid of MacMillan Cancer.

Some official photographs were taken for submission to The Warminster Journal  and I've tonight received a note from the photographer that the picture of us she submitted has been published in this week's edition.  I shall be picking it up from our Post Office in the Village tomorrow morning.  It's quite a record appearance, actually:  items submitted to the publication can take up to 6 weeks to be mentioned!  To be in within the week must mean they are clearing the decks for stories about the upcoming Warminster Festival - which begins on Saturday for two weeks - or they have been short of suitable material!

The Coffee Morning was more productive than I had expected:  two more Bears have been booked in for renovation therapy  for later in October, with the deposit for one already in the Bank!  Black Gorilla found a new home, initially at one of the Village pubs, The Red Lion.  However, the landlord was having his own Coffee Morning for MacMillan Cancer (with the proceeds being added to the Slater's Barn event the previous day) and BG was the prize for a competition to give him a name! (I had not told him what BG had been labelled up till then)  He ended up being called Banana, and was won by the owner of Slater's Barn, who happens to have invited me to lunch just the other day!  Not sure what is going to happen to Banana, aka BG,  now!

I have also been commissioned to make a Frog for a gentleman who is anxious to give it to his sister-in-law (who is apparently "mad about Frogs" - she has at least 40 of them around her house!)  Not only that, she has friends who are equally enamoured.  So on the basis of there being a potential market for these toys, and my having confirmed that I do have a pattern for one, these too will be added to the Cuddlies Family.  (Must admit, Frogs have never featured on my radar - I just don't like them, and they cannot really be described as "cuddly", can they?  However, who am I to argue with a persistent customer - who has already paid a deposit for the estimated cost and is prepared to wait until mid-to-late November for delivery!)

By the way, the Coldham Cuddlies stall will be repeated at the Arts in the Park show this Saturday, which is one of the opening features of the Warminster Festival.  A report on that - which will also include the result of the Go Bustards competition (another recent feature in this blog) - will have to wait until I get back from France.  I just will not have the time before I leave.

Thus, there will be a short gap in sumissions here.  Do hope you will continue to read and Follow us.  We're certainly getting more views (over 8,000 at the last look) and the number of Followers has risen to 215. Thanks, as ever, for the support!

Bye for now - from both Cy Bear (who will be staying at home) and me.  Isobel

Now for the Rejuvenation of the Lop Earred Rabbit Arm Puppet

Good evening again Everyone:  Cy Bear being allowed to tell you about the treatment of the last Nottinghamshire-based Patient in the ColdhamCuddlies Soft Toy Clinic (Etsy Listing #79124185).  Isobel has been calling him Lop Eared Bunny Arm Puppet and he, too, has spent the last few decades living in PamL's Toy Box and being played with when Little People visit her.

Now in my view, that is a very  long name to repeat every time one speaks about a chap, so  I’ll call him Loppy Lugs. (Peter always used to refer to his hearing aids as his “Lugs”, and this Rabbit’s ears were certainly floppy when he arrived.  Isobel has given him some new velvety linings and although they don’t stay upright all the time, they are certainly firmer than they once were, so Loppy Lugs (or maybe even LL for a briefer reference) is how I’ll carry on referring to him for this post.

As with all the Patients in the Clinic, once he had been taken to pieces  he found himself immersed in lukewarm, soapy water and left there overnight.

The pieces had been rinsed at this point

Isobel had always intended to take a template from him, because he is the first Arm Puppet (as opposed to Hand Puppet) she has ever come across.  She feels there may be some customer interest in him when he gets listed in the shop at www.Etsy.com/shop/coldhamcuddlies.   So next morning, she hung LL up to dry out and once that result had been achieved, she drew round each piece on cardboard and cut out the pattern.  These are now in their special filing envelope and will be developed after the Craft Fairs that are coming in the next two weeks, and once Isobel has been to France for a few days at the beginning of October.

Then the sewing together began and here is a shot of the first stage - both ears put together, beside the original very faded lining used originally for LL.

 Isobel says that basically, LL is a pretty simple toy to make.  His body is a rectangular piece of material, folded over to have a front seam.  The sides have two holes cut in them at the top and bottom of the resulting fold.  These make what passes for LL’s limbs, which are basically two smaller rectangles of the same length, with one of the rectangles cut into two equal pieces.  The long, uncut one becomes his arms and the two shorter ones his legs.  The ends are then pulled through the side seam holes and sewn in.  Hopefully the pictures show this clearly.

When complete, the “arms” are looped over the playmate’s head and shoulders.

 Once the legs have had the same treatment, you can see that the legs are joined together with white elastic.

That's because these have to expand to go over the playmate’s lower body and allow sitting,  if necessary.  It is difficult to explain, which is why Isobel has decided to find a child model and photograph LL and playmate together - giving everyone an idea as to how he is made to work. (It may well be that the elastic will have to be shortened - the bit from which the length was measured had expanded and lost it's elasticity!)

It's great to be able to tell you that Isobel has been able to borrow a child from the Village.  He is actually the Best Friend of a Bear that was an earlier Patient in the Soft Toy Clinic.  The Patient was called Teddy, and Isobel just needed to give him some more stuffing - he’d been loved so much by AdamW (the Best Friend I’m talking about) that he’d got very scraggy.  Also the seam on Teddy's back had come adrift.  It only took Isobel about half an hour to mend him, so he was not a proper Patient.  

 However,  when Isobel was going to get her newspaper from the Village Shop yesterday, she met AdamW’s mother and asked if she would mind lending him.  No problems:  so the photographic session is set for Tuesday evening next week, and then we hope to write the “How To Use Loppy Lugs and Enjoy him properly” post - probably by Isobel, this time.  (Lucky encounter actually:  as getting just one model if Isobel had gone to the School might have been a problem:  lots of children might have wanted to be models, and making a choice could have been difficult!)

Isobel did find that LL had not really been sewn terribly well, and she has high standards - as you must by now realise!  So, she has neatened all the seams involved by using straight seam binding - which should mean LL can last for even longer once he returns to Nottinghamshire.

When the body was ready for attaching to the head, Isobel then had to sew the head together.  Here is LL - from different angles, and also showing LL’s neck, which is where the hand goes to manipulate his head when a Best Friend and LL get together.  

 LL now has more stuffing in his head then he had, which means there is not as much room for the hand to fit in if an adult is working LL, but Isobel hopes it will be fine as it is for when AdamW has a go during the modelling session next week.  (It's another reason for having this modelling session - so we can iron out any snags for future Arm Puppets).  As you can see, LL has a nose, but no mouth - so Isobel is going to add a mouth, which may not show up as well on LL as it does on our other toys - because, as you can see, his fur is very fluffy.

Once the head was complete, both bits of the Puppet were sewn together, and LL is now in a chair waiting for the final photos to be taken.  When he was originally introduced to you early in July, the photograph Isobel took of him was not very good -  because he is so floppy and there was no way to show him properly.  Which is the reason Isobel decided on the modelling route.  So, you’ll all have to wait until that session has taken place to see the completed Loppy Lugs!

The plan then is for Isobel to wrap up all the Nottinghamshire toys, place them in an envelope and send them home to their Toy Box.  Then, the next thing on the agenda, before Isobel begins on the Christmas commissions (6 of them so far), she is going to attend to Blue Bear - whom you may have forgotten about.   Must admit, I had:  because he’s been in another room all this time.  He’s a Big Bear - like my friend Tommy Teddy and Golden Teddy - so was sitting down in a big chair out of the way, while Isobel attended to the smaller toys' treatment.

Until the next time then:  hope you’ve enjoyed hearing about this new Friend of mine.   Cy  Bear.