Teddy’s Wheels

For quite some time now I have wanted to make a little car with a teddy bear sitting comfortably inside. After several attempts I finally created something I am happy with.

This cute little bear with overalls and scarf is 7inches (18 cms) and is knitted in DK yarn on 3.25mm needles. The Car which is 15cms (6 inches) in length is knitted on 4mm. needles using two strands of DK yarn held and knitted together to give it a sturdy shape. If you don’t want to fiddle about with using the two strands of yarn, any chunky yarn (12ply) can be used.

All the pieces are knitted flat on two needles and pieces sewn together.

You can embellish the front of the car with buttons for headlights etc.

The little bear fits snuggly into the car…..

All ready for a test drive.

Of course once you have made one, they can become addictive. It would make an ideal first car toy for baby or a decorative piece for the nursery.

The pattern is a 21 page PDF document giving row by row instructions and plenty of images to help with construction and is available on Etsy and Ravelry

Girls Night In !

Nothing cuter than teddy bears in bed and with this knitting pattern you can create a few so your little one can arrange sleepovers with them!

Tessa Bear stands at 8 inches (21 cms) and is knitted in DK yarn on 3.25mm needles.

She has her own dress and cardigan and nightdress, which are all removable and knitted in 4ply on 3mm needles.

She comes with her own comfy bed knitted in DK in one piece with a double moss stitch pattern for the top cover. Her pillow and top cover have a lacy edging.

During lockdown I knitted lots of these teddies, they are an excellent project for using up yarn from your stash.

You can have so much fun pairing up colours, which I always find the enjoyable part.

All pieces are knitted flat on two needles and sewn together.

The pattern is a 25 page PDF document giving row by row instructions and plenty of images to help with construction. It is available from Ravelry and Etsy

Happy knitting everybody

A knitted Vintage Teddy Bear

I’m back to creating teddy bears again.

Tommy Bear

This is my first attempt at designing a bear. I actually started him back in November but after a few false starts and a bit of frogging I managed to finish him in March. To refine the pattern I knitted him a brother and sister with identical style cardigans.

Danny Bear

Annie Bear

I wanted to create a classic vintage style bear reminiscent of the old Steiff bears. Didn’t quite achieve that but I was pleased with the way they turned out. I would love them to become one of those bears you hold onto forever and pass on to a new generation.

To creat a vintage look I knitted the bear in reverse stocking stitch. Think I made the arms a tad too long but it does make them very huggable. They are in a seated position and measure 12 inches from the tips of their ears, and have a 15 inch chest after stuffing.

The little cardigan is in garter stitch with little teddy bear buttons and would actually fit a premature or newborn baby.

Need to tweak the pattern a bit before I write it up, hoping to have it available soon as a PDF download.

Another Knitted Teddy

Well I don’t think you can have enough teddies in a collection and I do love making them. Took a break over the last few days fron making some baby jackets and created Daisy May

She is a blue-eyed bear measuring 12 inches and dressed in her best.

I used the same pattern that I used to knit the Hannah and Joey bears last month, but used a chunky yarn and knitted her on 5mm needles. It’s amazing just how much bigger she came out. The pink  Daisy dress and  blue shoes are also a chunky yarn and knitted up very quickly.  So the littles bears now have a big sister!

The Knitted Teddy

I’ve spent most of April creating a selection of different Teddy Bears, and what a joy that has been. No nursery or childs bedroom would be complete without them which makes it hard to believe the Teddy Bear only dates from the early twentieth century. Although teddies can be made in a variety of different materials from faux fur to plush luxury fabrics there is something  appealing about the knitted teddy. So homely, endearing and full of character.

The first bear I completed was Molly bear, she was hard work, especially as her clothes were knitted  in 4ply (seemed to take forever to knit up) but I was pleased with the result. She stands at 18 inches with floppy leg joints so she can sit in any position. She’s dressed (clothes are removable) in stripey polo neck jumper, lilac shorts and little white ankle socks and pink shoes with a stripey bow.

Next to be completed was Joey Bear.

He’s a small bear standing at 8 inches. Quick to knit up as his body including the shoes are knitted in one piece and he comes dressed in some baggy overalls ready for play.

After knitting Joey had to knit a girl teddy to keep him company, so Hannah bear was created using the same pattern

Both teddies and clothes are knitted in DK with white ankle socks knitted in for Hannah.  The dress was fun to do, it is an eyelet pattern in yellow yarn with green trim to match her shoes, so she looks like she is in her Sunday best.

I love the way these little bears take on a character all of their own despite being knitted up from the same pattern, something that doesn’t happen with the commercially mass produced bear. Well maybe I’m just prejudiced here!

 

Last bear to be finished was Matty bear, yes these bears are named after my grown up children.

Matty is a very different type of bear, based on a Classic Teddy design he measures in at 14 inches. He is knitted in a chunky merino yarn in toffee and cream which is lovely and soft, making him a very cuddly bear and a  smart one in his waistcoat.

It has been a busy few weeks, just hope they become toys to treasure. Shall give my hands a rest for a few days and plan what to do in May!