New projects in the pipeline.

Hello Everyone!

Cy Bear back again, with apologies for absence last week-end.  However, you were warned that this might happen, so I'm not feeling as bad about it as I once would have done!

The family celebrations for Isobel's Grandson's 2nd Birthday and Baptism were fantastic - by report. Naturally, being a Beaver Lamb Bear, with duties to perform on the Coldham Cuddlies front, I do not get included in these events!  However, it did mean that not much sewing got done the previous week, so there was not much to write about either.

This week has not been that much better - but towards the end of it, Isobel did manage to begin new projects - largely as a result of two enquiries received during the week via our Shop  (www.etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES).  One is for an actual order for one of our recently produced Baby Monkeys:

One of the three pictured above will be travelling shortly to Buckfastleigh, Devon, UK shortly.  We're not sure which one - yet.  Isobel, when acknowledging the order, enquired whether our Customer would like to choose, or leave the selection to Isobel.  (We're doing this blog before checking if there has been a response, but in order to ensure no delays for sending the order from us this week, we decided to take a photograph - just in case the answer was in the affirmative).

The other enquiry is still just that - but as many Custom Orders begin in this way (but don't always finish with a firm order), we thought we'd tell you how we do these things - just in case anyone out there reading this post might be interested enough to follow through and maybe offer a Cuddly a new home as a result!!

MrAF (the Enquirer) wrote asking if we might be able to make a Rabbit Head small enough to go on a clip which could then be fixed to a shoe.   He phrased the question like this:

Are you able to make the head part as shoe clips at all even if made smaller so they are secure. I want the head to look like Peter Rabbit from the Beatrix Potter books let me know if possible. 

The example he used was this one:

Now, as you know, Isobel is not much good without a specific pattern to work with, but it's obvious to anyone that the Rabbit Head on these Slippers would not be much good.  Also, using too small a pattern for a plush version like these Grey Rabbit Slippers might not be as successful as if they were made with fleece fabric, so she sent MrAF a link to these guys:

At the same time, she offered to experiment to see if it would be possible. (Her thinking is that by cutting the existing pattern a little smaller all round, together with the resulting seams, the head might not be too big for the final clip connection - especially where the ears are concerned.).   Current thinking involves cutting the pattern under the arms in an effort to create something resembling the photo sent back by MrAF , when he agreed that our Blue and White Baby Bunnies look promising, and providing a picture showing the colour he'd like.  

The pic sent to us by our Enquirer

Isobel responded by saying the her arthritic fingers might  not cope with trying to make such small clothing, but she'd like to experiment - not only to see if it would be possible, but also to be able to give MrAF an idea of the final cost involved.  The experiment has been sanctioned and we'e been given an idea of when the product is required (20th August, 2016).   

So, while Isobel continues with her next mobile project - using a mixture of  Blue Fleece Baby Rabbits this time around.  This means using the Baby Rabbits pictured above (and making some Dark Blue and White Baby Rabbits - shown here waiting to be stuffed)

Two versions of our proposed Dark Blue and White Baby Fleece Rabbits 

she's been cogitating the way forward for our Rabbit Head barettes (or hair slides as we know them in the UK).  Two of the hair clips shown on the card in this picture is one possible solution.  At least it's going to be attempted once the Rabbit Nursery Mobile is completed.  Isobel has cut out enough Dark Blue and White Rabbits so that they can not only be used for the new Mobile, but there will sufficient to list them as another member of the Coldham Cuddlies family (and get us nearer to the 100 Cuddlies target) at the same time.  (We're currently at 96!!). 

I'll end this now folks, so that Isobel can get down to brass tacks as soon as possible.  At least it's keeping her busy and out of mischief!!  See you next week - if Isobel can spare the time.  I'll try to make sure she does.

Your Friend, Cy Bear.

PS: Before I go - while editing this week's post Isobel has unwittingly found the solution to a problem that has eluded her to date - getting photographs that she has transferred from another site to remain in the centre of our post!  Hopefully, it will result in our future publications looking a whole lot tidier!!

Coldham Cuddlies Piglets in Production - latest bulletin

Well folks, yet another week has flown by, and here's your Friend, Cy Bear, to share the latest news from the Coldham Cuddlies World.

Isobel is getting on well with the introduction of the new sets of  Piglet Twins, but before going any further, I thought you'd like to know that AJ , the Orange Dragon arrived safely at his Forever Home and his new look would seem to be satisfactory as far as MsLA is concerned.  We received this message to confirm his safe arrival.

"Artist agreed to make alterations to existing plush. It arrived today. It looks so much better and sturdier.  Artist has excellent comms and does excellent work.  Highly recommended".

This equated to a Five Star Review via the Etsy System, for which Isobel is duly grateful - and it's been added to the other 54 similar reviews we've been given for Cuddlies who have found their Forever Homes or Toy Animals (mostly Bears) that have been treated in the Stuffed Toy Animal Restoration Clinic since we started operating in 2010. 

 (https://www.etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES/reviews?r).

Once AJ had left us on Monday morning last week, Isobel got down to the business of sewing and dressing the new Piglet Twins.  Four are now almost complete and will join those that were pictured at the end of last week's post.

You'll notice that the White Boy Piglet still needs his shoes attaching - and gives some indication of the height difference between the Piglets that have been "shod", and the one still going "bare trottered" ( if there is such a word!).  One shoe is ready to be sewn on and other is still in the process of construction.

As for the original Pink and White Piglet Twins, a cursory search for them among the Toy Store has so far resulted in Isobel not being able to locate them!  So, there is going to be a more detailed search undertaken early next week, so that the White and Pink Piglets can be separately listed - along the lines I outlined last week in my post here.  If not, some more White Piglets will need to be made, so that we can have three different colour schemes offered for each Piglet variety!  Then Isobel will return to the production of Nursery Mobiles - so she's got a busy schedule ahead of her. 

However, this week is likely to find Isobel engaged on family matters for some of the time she would be sewing - because her GrandsonE celebrates both his 2nd birthday on Friday, followed on Saturday by his Baptism at St. Barnabas Cathedral, Nottingham.  That important ceremony in a Little Person's life is going to be followed by a terrific party at Clare and Alan's home to which up to 120+ were invited. To date, over 100 have said they will be present -,but not all will be at both the Saturday events,   

These activities may therefore also impinge on whether or not a post will happen next week!  YOU ARE WARNED.

In the meantime, mid-week,  Isobel received an enquiry about whether or not she would be prepared to have another - more challenging - attempt at treating an existing toy for someone different;  a Customer who turned out to have a connection  to AJ the Dragon.  The Customer wanted this 8 ft Squid

turned into a Horse-like structure looking something like this, with mane and tail and horn too, if possible!!

The fabric from the Squid would be used - and keeping his eyes, mouth and the letter R.   

The horse pattern is one that is available for download from an Etsy.com shop, and is offered with permission for anyone to use it, provided attribution is given to the source Etsy Shop. Naturally that attribution would have been given had the need occurred.   (There were actually three patterns suggested by our Customer, who was prepared to buy the one Isobel felt she could do the best job with.  The other two had patterns for manes, tails and horns - you all know how useless Isobel is without a pattern!).  In the event, although Isobel was up for the challenge, the Customer changed her mind because she discovered  the Squid to be stuffed with Lavender for some reason or another. (That's a FIRST for us in the time we'd been Toy Animal Restorers!),  

Isobel had suggested that an 8ft fully stuffed Squid could cause immense logistical problems for either Royal Mail, or any another Courier, to handle with ease.  As a solution, she asked if the Customer would de-stuff the Squid - as that way it would not take up as much space.  Also the amount of stuffing (Kapok or otherwise) might pose a problem, or two, of its own for us here - since our rubbish collection arrangements could become somewhat overloaded!!  When the raw Lavender was discovered. our Customer decided the effort wasn't worth it, and Isobel - though disappointed at not being able to have a go - also agreed to abandon the idea.

 (Bless her, the Customer offered to pay Isobel for "wasting her time":  needless to say, the offer was declined.  Not much time was involved, and really it's a part and parcel of the toy-making/replacement/restoration business.  You win some..... and you lose some!)

Meanwhile, we both wonder what might turn up on the Coldham Cuddlies front next week - apart that is from finishing off our Dressed Piglets, followed by the business of listing them in our Shop (www.etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES) and getting on with the Nursery Mobiles. 

Looking forward to the next time we meet - until then, have a good week (or two, as the case may be!).

Your friend.  Cy Bear.

  

Toy Dragon Therapy - Coldham Style

Hello there Everyone:  Cy Bear back again and delighted to be so.

This post is being prepared somewhat later than usual because Isobel was out at the Parish Barbecue held every year to celebrate the Feast of St. Barnabas, the patron of the Nottingham Catholic Cathedral, which is the family church.  The Barbecue is held on the nearest Sunday to that Feast Day, and this year it was slightly marred by heavy rain, but it didn't dampen anyone's spirits.

Then Isobel had to arrange the departure of my temporary friend, AJ, the Orange Dragon.  His treatment has been successfully completed - but did take her longer than she expected, because she found him quite difficult to wrestle when doing his arms.  However, the "battle" was successfully achieved yesterday evening, and he was wrapped in the plastic bag he came in and placed in the cardboard carton in which he travelled to meet us.

This is what AJ looked like upon arrival.  His arms were very floppy and Isobel had been asked to try to make them look more like his legs if possible.  More stuffing seemed to be at the root of AJ's unhappy condition, so as we needed a re-supply, more was ordered from our suppliers of this material - F. Aldous Ltd, who are based in Manchester and are the source of  everything seemingly needed by crafters, no matter their particular project. To date,  we've only purchased polyester fibre for our toys stuffing, and some rug wool last year when Isobel was asked to complete a latch hook rug on behalf of her fellow residents.  We'd actually not heard of F. Aldous before, but thanks to the internet, Isobel discovered that they've been in business since 1886.  The required polyester fibre duly arrived on Monday, June 6 - as I told you in my chat with you last week, and Isobel got down to dealing with AJ.  (That was, after she'd completed existing piglet oriented work - of which more anon!)

First of all, we removed the black sock-like things on his feet, which showed Isobel how she could get the legs firmed up. (She had checked with MsLA, our customer, that she didn't really mind them going).  By making a small hole in the existing seam at the end of each leg, she

removed some of the existing stuffing (up to the elbow of each leg).  The existing stuffing was found to be kapok filling, and since it looked to be in good condition, Isobel left well alone and added some of our own polyester fibre so that the legs could be firmer and enable AJ to sit more upright. 

Under other circumstances, existing kapok used in older toys than AJ looks is taken out all together:  but AJ doesn't look to be that old -  that is compared with some of the nearly 100 year old Bears who have been treated in our Stuffed Toy Animal Restoration Clinic 

- https://www.etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES?ref=hdr_shop_menu&section_id=10242697 

From the angle of this picture, Isobel noticed that the arms did seem to have similar elbow shapes to those in the legs, so she decided to emphasise these when redoing the arms.  You can also see that AJ's head is a little "wonky" and it became obvious as she was undoing each arm that the shoulders too needed some strengthening as well.  So, not only did the arms come off, 

but Isobel wielded her Quic-Unpic tool and made holes in the shoulders on each side of the body and stuffed more polyester fibre in among the existing kapok, making the shoulders and neck a lot firmer.  AJ's head did not require any more attention than that - he just needed a firmer platform on which it could sit more upright.

Then came the job of attacking each arm. Once the kapok had been removed from the top of each arm, the existence of the elbow became very much obvious, so extra polyester stuffing was inserted in and around the elbow area and each arm was then attached to the body, once the upper arms had been firmed up with extra polyester as well.  Isobel sewed the back of each arm on - first matching the arms' seams to those at the shoulder and under arm area of the body.

The first arm, when finished looked like this -

You can see that the result presently is that the arm looks as though it's sticking in the air going nowhere in particular.   However, as time goes on, it is usual for polyester fibre to "settle", so Isobel feels that the arms will lower themselves, and end up resting on the tops of each of AJ's thighs.  (This process could be helped by the angle at which AJ is lying inside the cardboard carton too!)

Here is AJ with both arms and neck complete. (I think he looks as though he's welcoming everyone to come and be hugged now!)    Isobel had wondered whether his tail and mane might needed extra attention, but now that he can sit more proud, decided to leave well alone, so he can "shake" them if and when it is appropriate. (It was also easier to fit him into his carton that way as well!) 

Here am I performing my traditional role as Coldham Cuddlies Mascot of saying "Goodbye" to all the Patients who pass through our Stuffed Toy Animal Restoration Clinic.   You can see just how small I look beside him!!  He's even bigger than Colin the Giant Koala!

By the way, the cream tip of AJ's mane, with its red ribbon appears behind my left ear - and that's part of his tail, together with it's red ribbon behind us both on the left of the picture!!

 I'm expecting that Isobel will be back on the Nursery Mobile production line this week, so watch this space.  In the interim, she's dressed two of the extra Pink Piglets she made when constructing the Piglet Mobile earlier this month. (Please see the earlier comment!)  They're going to form part of a new Piglet offer - by joining the Pink Piglets dressed in Green garments already in our Shop under a new Listing - leaving the existing White Fleece Piglets dressed in black and white gear under the existing one.  Since she's in the Piglet mode, they may get joined by some more White Fleece Piglets, dressed in another colour than the black and white our existing Twins are shown in the Shop.  The new Piglets have been dressed in Blue garments - and we'll show them in a future post here.

Until the next time then:  meanwhile have a great week everyone!  

Your Friend, Cy Bear.

Some More Piglets have arrived in the Coldham Cuddlies Shop

Good afternoon Everyone! 

Cy Bear once again wishing everyone a really good afternoon.

As ever, we've been busy this week, so I'll get weaving here straight away.  Isobel has cut out, sewn and now finished our third Nursery Mobile.  It's just been listed in our Toy Shop (www.etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES) and here are some shots used to illustrate it on the Etsy.com site.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/398835753/piglet-mobile-pink-piglet-nursery-mobile?ref=shop_home_active_1

These were taken last night under electric light, so Isobel decided to take some others this afternoon, after her lunch, just to provide another "look".  Again, as some of last week's photos of our Polar Bear Mobile show, they were taken outside and therefore not necessarily in a "normal" situation for what is essentially an indoor object - but, we're talking toys, and imagination here, so why not?

Back ground being buildings and garden surrounding our home

Having now got three Nursery Mobile offerings in the Shop, Isobel is breaking off the production line for a day or two, so she can concentrate on AJ the Orange Dragon - presently languishing in her bedroom as a Patient in our Soft Animal Toy Restoration Clinic.  She's ordered a re-supply of polyester fibre - due to be delivered sometime on Monday (6th June) and she's planning on finding out what it will cost for AJ to travel to the Isle of Wight - where his Forever Home is located.

She's going to get prices from the courier delivering the polyester fibre tomorrow, as well as an estimate from the courier we used to send Colin the Giant Koala.         (I  last wrote about him in this post - http://coldhamcuddliescalling.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/third-time-lucky-for-colin-koala.html - ).

A side view of AJ when he arrived.

She received an email notification that their carriage rates had recently been increased, so she's just making sure.

An additional reason for doing this is because AJ the Dragon has similar dimensions to Colin (the Koala), so it makes sense to get a price comparison for AJ's onward journey.  There's going to be a refund due to MsLA,  our Customer - and as you may recall, we like to over-estimate our Patient therapies' costs, so this can happen where feasible.  Isobel wants to make sure she gets a good price for AJ's travel arrangements.  She may well also check the price of Royal Mail's Parcel Force too - which is the way he arrived here a couple of week's ago.  That way, a proper price comparison can happen!

The parcel from Romo Fabrics that I mentioned in last week's post also arrived - as promised - early last week, and turned out to be off-cuts of the Laughing Owl fabric we were planning on buying from the factory.

Mommy Hedgehog

Baby Hedgehog

There's enough for a couple of Baby and Mommy Hedgehogs, so we can postpone ordering more from Romo Fabrics for a month or two - even though, we need to replace Daddy and a Baby or two soon.

That's it for this week, everyone.  We've got what feels like summer today - and already, I gather folks are saying it's HOT.  They've all be complaining that it was too cold!  Humans never seem to be satisfied!

See you all soon - and here's wishing you all a wonderful week - wherever you are reading this!

Your friend, Cy Bear.

Introducing some more new Coldham Cuddlies Toys - and some updates from last week's post too

Good afternoon everyone - Cy Bear returning to do his bit for the Blog this week-end.

Isobel has been busy, busy all week - when she hasn't been shopping (on her own, or being ferried by Clare and GrandsonE) - making yet another Nursery Mobile for the Shop - www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES (in case you had forgotten).

https://www.etsy.com/listing/397964269

This time, they feature Polar Bears hanging from a polystyrene circular frame encased in yellow polyester satin ribbon.  The Bears are attached to the frame by green and white check polyester cotton 3mm wide ribbons, each with a knot between Bear and Frame (to allow for any adjustments to height of the former when they eventually find their Forever Homes).

Isobel actually took some photographs of the latest Cuddlies yesterday afternoon - but it was getting late and the light was beginning to fade.  So, even though Nursery Mobiles do not usually appear in a woodland setting, she decided to take advantage of some sunshine today, and took these, which have also been used in our Shop Listing, (see above reference)  which was published in the last hour or two.  These have the Nursery Mobile strung from a branch of a cedar tree in the gardens surrounding our Apartment Complex, and the Polar Bears are sitting on one of the strategically located wood garden benches on which the residents are encouraged to sit!!

Here are individual photographs of all 4 Bears, who would not keep still - because there was a slight breeze blowing at the time the pictures where taken.

It's a pleasure for me to welcome a new Patient to the Stuffed Animal Toy Restoration Clinic - ( https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/79124185).   He arrived, as announced, on Tuesday, last week and we were told by MsLA that his name is AJ.  He's currently sitting in the Lloyd Loom Chair in Isobel's bedroom, and together with the large cardboard box he came in, is taking up a large part of that room.

AJ has had his preliminary diagnosis and his proposed treatment agreed.  The plan is for this to begin the week beginning 6th June, 2016 - because Isobel has still got some more mobile preparation/sewing planned, and she wants to get them on the way before AJ has his therapy.  It basically requires a lot of stuffing, and his neck and legs have got somewhat "squishy".  The result is that they're not holding him up very satisfactorily.  His arms are likely to get similar treatment, and he has a mane and a tail, which might benefit from some stitching in place.  Doubtless, the therapy will form the basis of a future post here!  (Our supply of Polyester stuffing is running low too, so Isobel will be getting some more after the Bank Holiday.  One can never tell just how much more stuffing a large animal toy like AJ will actually use when we are doing the treatment - and we're going to need plenty more so Isobel and her "To Do" List can be re-united, and the work completed!)

Then on Saturday, Isobel was delighted to pick up an email from the PR Officer from Romo Fabrics Limited - from whence the Laughing Owl faux fur fabric was purchased to make our current Hedgehog Family.

Apparently, the firm is having a spring clean of their stocks, and have come across some "small pieces" of faux fur which they wondered if  Isobel would like!  Unfortunately, the message was not seen by Isobel until Saturday morning, by which time the firm had closed for the May Bank Holiday week-end.  So, we will have to wait until Tuesday before communications between Isobel and the PR Office can begin.

We discovered when we made the acqaintance of Romo Fabrics last year, that much of the faux fur fabric we'd been using for our Cuddlies to date had actually originated from the firm.  You may recall that we'd been getting a regular twice-yearly supply from a soft furnishing factory in Frome, Somerset, when we lived in Wiltshire and Romo Fabrics had been their long-time supplier!  Small world isn't it?  It's a much more convenient arrangement now - as Isobel now lives a mere 7-10 minutes away by 'bus, instead of having to rely on friends (or having to drive when she and Peter had their car).  That journey used to involve a 24 mile round trip each time!!

We're hoping to be able to combine the delivery of these items, with a re-supply of the Laughing Owl faux fur fabric.  We've only got enough in stock here for a couple more Parent Hedgehogs (or three Baby Hedgehogs) before our initial supply run out.  Isobel had some difficulties in transporting the initial roll of fabric on the local 'buses.  Whilst quite possible, and better done when the vehicle is not too crowded, if the firm's delivery van can do the job for her, it would obviously be a better option all round.  A 60" width fabric fixed around a heavy cardboard roll is not the most easy object to get in and out of - and sit down with - in a public vehicle!!

We'll keep you posted as to what happens - never you fear.  Meanwhile, as many of our Followers, like us, are enjoying a long week-end (with Memorial Day celebrations in the United States of America in particular), I'll end by sending good wishes to everyone having an extra day's holiday this week.

Have a good week Everybody - when it starts on Tuesday.  Your friend, Cy Bear.

Updates on last week's post: plus the long-promised pictures around Newark Town Centre

Hello Everybody - Cy Bear just calling in, with updates on the items I shared with you last week.


The Grey Plush Ladies' Slippers left us for Port Glasgow, Scotland (not Edinburgh, Scotland as I inadvertently told you last week) on Wednesday late morning.  We've learned that the Macaw Parrot pattern is en route to us from Denver, Colorado.  Finally, Isobel has completed the creation of three more Monkeys - pictured below - which still need to be listed in our Shop (www.Etsy.com/shop/COLDHAMCUDDLIES).

Isobel nipped out after she'd had lunch this afternoon - just in case the sunshine disappeared totally for the day. Now that the weather is turning warmer she'll be taking outdoor photographs of our Cuddlies as she makes them and this one (together with others that will be used when the Monkey Toys are listed) will be in our Shop later this evening, if she has time - or sometime tomorrow.  (These little guys are made with a slightly lighter colour plush - and, because there's not much of it in store, I think these fellow will be listed as being Limited Editions).

Oh, before I go - we're expecting a New Patient in our Coldham Cuddlies Animal Toy Restoration Clinic.  Isobel was contacted by a MsLA - based somewhere in the UK - who wants us to work on the hind legs of a Horse Toy, measuring 5ft x 1ft 8".  His travel to us has been booked by Royal Mail Parcel Force - beginning Monday (May 23), he's travelling Express Post and should therefore be with us sometime before mid-day on Tuesday, May 24th.  In the meantime, Isobel has got to figure out how we'll fit our Patient in - but if we could manage Count Rusty de Benj (Philippa's Giant Teddy Bear who was a Patient in 2013 or 2014 - I can't quite remember as I type this) - I expect we'll be somehow coping!   I'll keep you posted! Now Isobel will take over to tell you more about her visit a few weeks ago to Newark Town Centre, which took place after she, Clare and GrandsonE had visited the ruins of Newark Castle (about which we posted three week's ago (see our post dated 8th May, 2016).

Greetings everyone.  Sorry for the delay in posting these pictures, but what with one thing and another, life is becoming pleasantly hectic once more.  Long may it continue.

Newark is an historic Town situated just off the main A1 London-Edinburgh road and you can find out a lot about it if you Google it, or go to Wikipaedia and "read all about it" there.  So there's not much point in my giving you a precis here.  Just to repeat what I said in my previous post, though - it's about six miles north of where Peter and I lived with our girls for 12 years after we returned to the UK after spending 12 years in Western Canada.  I now live just over one hour's drive (when the traffic allows!) from the Town, and the day we visited was one of the Market Days which takes place in the Town Centre.  

The Town Centre, with its Market Place is reached by several different streets and this is one of them.  For pretty obvious reasons, when the Market is in situ, it's a pedestrian free locataion!

The ancient Town Hall building forms the backdrop for part of the Tuesday Market - on the day we visited.

Another view of the Market Place, with the historical buildings currently occupied by shops and other businesses in the Town.  The building on the immediate right of this photograph just happens to be the one in which my personal Bank is located, and immediately between that building and its neighbour, you can catch a glimpse of St. Mary's Parish Church.  Yes, the cobbled streets are still in evidence (although a somewhat modern take on the originals).  Still, murder to walk on when wet or icy, and uncomfortable when dry.  But, it does add to the historical authenticity of the place!!!

The magnificent Church Tower and Steeple is at the other end of the buildings shown in the previous photograph.

Many of the original buildings in the Town remain occupied, and this one is a particularly good example of the ancient architecture of the Town - although, alas, the business which once used it is now no longer extant.  However, it does give you a view of the history of the Town.
Do hope you've enjoyed this short visit - and once again, I apologise for the delay in letting you complete the viewing of this lovely local town in Middle England.
See you all next week - I just wonder what on earth will be happening during the coming days this time!!  Have a good one everyone.
Isobel

A Cuddly finds a Forever Home: a pair of Slippers get made - oh, and an Enquiry about Goats

Hello Everybody!  Cy Bear being allowed back for a short while again this week!
Basically, we've had quite a lot of action on the Cuddlies front(s) this week, and I can tell you about some of them before Isobel returns with the promised photographs of Newark Town Centre - as she mentioned in last week's post. First of all, Isobel had to commence work on a pair of Grey Rabbit Head Novelty Slippers - having found the correct size our Customer required.  She therefore used one of the stored set of insoles which form the basis of every adult slipper we offer, and cut out the plastic backed fabric required to begin the process.

Then during the evenings this week, she set about cutting out and sewing the sides and top of the slippers, so that they now look like this:

The slipper on the left of the picture has had the elastic threaded through the ribbon trim, while the other one awaits that addition.  Isobel will then cut out the Rabbit Heads and ears, and once they've been sewn, they will attached in front of the knotted ribbons and the bows tied.  We are hoping that they will be en route to Edinburgh, Scotland by mid-week, this week.   Then one of Isobel's cousins rang her on Tuesday to say that she was going into Hospital to have a major operation on Saturday of this last week, for which she had been on a waiting list for over two years.  Isobel and MrsJC had been talking about a Coldham Cuddly to help her in her recovery, because we had got the impression that her name was reaching the top of "the waiting list".  The summons came somewhat quicker than anticipated so the conversation ended by MrsJC saying that she didn't think there would be time for a Cuddly to reach her before she needed it.   Well, Isobel rose to the challenge, without disagreeing with MrsJC, and actually managed to wrap and send off our Fox in a Green Dress the next day (Wednesday).  Using the Royal Mail Special Delivery service, which guarantees delivery before 1300 the day after dispatch, 

But she didn't get ready for her journey without our traditional farewell ceremony taking place.  Here is a photograph of our Fox Cuddly, with me giving her a bit of a hug before she left us for her Forever Home.  MrsJC rang us on Thursday evening to say that she had arrived safely, she was over the moon with her and would it be OK if she paid us when she got home.  Naturally, we agreed and we now await news of how MrsJC has got on with her latest brush with the UK National Health Service.  (MrsJC told us that already our Fox has a name - Freda, after a friend of MrsJC's Mother.  Incidentally, that Lady is 98 and looking forward to getting her Card from the Queen in two year's time!).  

Our Fox in a Green Dress is a Limited Edition version of our Cuddly Foxes.  There's enough fabric left to make just one more - so yet another item to the "To Make List" has been added!

Then on Thursday we received an enquiry via the Etsy Custom Request system asking if Isobel could make between 5-10 Small Goats.  (He gave us a unit price he waslooking for and asked for one about the size of a hand.  Which would be about the same dimensions as our Baby Rabbits, and new Monkeys).   The Enquirer is a Film Maker, and wanted the Goats as a gift for the backers of his film and we got the impression that it might lead to a need for many more Goats down the road.   Now, initially, Isobel was quite excited - even though we don't currently have a Goat Pattern.  Thanks to Google and Etsy.com, that's not now a problem, and when initially starting the research, we found just how complicated Goats could be to make up as a Cuddly Toy.   Isobel is really not geared to make multiple orders - and we've got a lot of replacement sewing on her books to do, as well as several new Cuddlies she wants to make.  So, Isobel wrote back to the gentleman, saying how flattered she was that he felt we could meet his needs, but that her target market was more for the one-off, small order customer and she regretfully said "No Thanks" - but did add, she hoped he would bear Coldham Cuddlies in mind if he, his family and friends, or his film colleagues were in need of a special present or two!!  We wait in eager anticipation.........! Then, on the same day, we were asked by a fellow team member from the FriendsRUs Team on Etsy.com. (https://www.etsy.com/teams/24793/etsy-friendsrus ) if we might be able to make a Parrot for a friend of hers who lives in the UK.  Now, yet again, we didn't have a pattern for a Parrot (Isobel did a rapid check through our Library of Toy Patterns), but she did find this one when she put "Parrot Toys" into the Etsy Search box. Well, after seeing this, Isobel sent an estimate to her Team Mate friend.  It's a bit difficult to actually give a firm price on these occasions, and the figure Isobel quoted was a "bit pricey" for our Friend, especially as she was already sending something to the intended recipient from her own Etsy Shop  - https://www.etsy.com/shop/chachachic.  However, Isobel likes the pattern so much, she's ordered it - and it's on the way (from Denver, Co,)!  So, even though our Team Friend wasn't interested this time around, she has said she'd like to see the "finished article", and suggested that we might use more than just these two colours of Blue and Yellow.  Isobel agrees, and is looking forward to adding this Macaw to the ever-growing To Make List for the Coldham Cuddlies.  She also said that there are a lot of "Parrot lovers" around - so who knows what might occur once a Coldham Macaw arrives in the Family!  She has a point!!  When made, the Seller requests that we attribute the pattern to her Shop - which we are more than happy to do - and has said that there's not problem in Isobel making a Cuddlies version in different colours.  Thus, when the Coldham Macaw is introduced, the description will contain the following - copyright 2014, Jennie Taylor Artful Zeal

Now we both agree that this post is long enough - without the Newark Town photographs.  So Isobel will be back with those - and any other news bulletins that may occur - next week.  It would appear that the time Isobel spends "playing around" on the computer on Etsy, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter might just be beginning to pay off.  We'll keep you posted - naturally.! So, until next week - hope it's a good one for all of you.  Your Friend:  Cy Bear

PS:  The Parrot pic stubbornly refused to be placed in the centre of this post - hence it appears to be on the left side of the page at this draft stage.  That could change, when the bulletin is published. Isobel just doesn't understand all this internet stuff, apparently.  (Meanwhile, it's completely mysterious to me!!)