Teddy Bears Picnic

The last Saturday for 2016!  

Who is gathering today I wonder?

The Red Bow Brigade were seen sitting on the windowsill earlier today, but it appears Elfrid has misplaced his bow, that will not do.

Later on they are  spotted waiting patiently on the settee...why are they so well behaved I wonder?

A ha!  Her Ladyship Miss Alison is on the other side... she is THE ONE IN CHARGE!  

She is also waiting for the arrival of her friend Grace Buderim 

Ladies who lunch...

Quite stern ladies...not much gets past them!

Enjoying their 'picnic'!

Teddy Bears Picnic

Looking back through my 2011 photos I came across some photographs of two teddies I made.

The first was an unusual pattern in that it had no head gusset, so just two pieces sewn together so it gives him a slight 'odd' look.

The pattern was given away on a blog I follow.

The fabric used was from an old wool coat that used to belong to my husband's grandmother.

Another teddy that I made that year was 'Moonlight'

He too was made from up-cycled clothing, this time a kind of dressing gown/house coat that also belonged to my husband's grandmother.

I have more handmade teddies somewhere - I used to make a lot of soft toys 'in another life' when I lived in New Zealand when my older son was a baby.  But they must be tucked away in the deepest darkest recesses of the loft somewhere.  They will show up sometime next year as I endeavour to clear and sort said loft!

Teddy Bears Picnic

Yes it is the Teddy Bears Picnic today!

This week I am going to share this lovely bear that has been with me for a number of years now.  I found this lovely hand crafted bear in a local charity shop.

This lovely bear winds up and then plays The Teddy Bears Picnic. Just perfect for today!

The words to this were written by Jimmy Kennedy in 1932 and the music is by John W. Bratton in 1907.

If you go down to the woods today

You're sure of a big surprise.

If you go down to the woods today

You'd better go in disguise.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was

Will gather there for certain, because

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Ev'ry teddy bear who's been good

Is sure of a treat today.

There's lots of marvellous things to eat

And wonderful games to play.

Beneath the trees where nobody sees

They'll hide and seek as long as they please

Cause that's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.

If you go down to the woods today

You'd better not go alone.

It's lovely down in the woods today

But safer to stay at home.

For ev'ry bear that ever there was

Will gather there for certain, because

Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Picnic time for teddy bears

The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today

Watch them, catch them unawares

And see them picnic on their holiday.

See them gaily gad about

They love to play and shout;

They never have any care;

At six o'clock their mummies and daddies,

Will take them home to bed,

Because they're tired little teddy bears.

It is one our favourite pieces in the clarinet choir I used to play in as it features the contra alto clarinet and we all take a teddy along so that they can 'join in'. Yes it helps to be a bit mad!

Teddy Bears Picnic

I thought it might be fun to introduce the Teddy Bears that live here at Rose Cottage.  I have had teddy bears since I was a baby and still have my childhood panda, Peter, although he is a little worse for wear!  On Saturday's I am going to post some teddy bear pictures and write a little about them.

These are some of the small teddies that live here.  These keep us company in the dining room and live in this little 'cubby hole' in the dresser/wall unit.

Come on guys, face the front!

There that is better.

These four are the newest teddies and they have been here for only the last year I guess.

From left to right: Knitty, Honey, Valentine and Fuzz.  The are made by a Sasha friend, Lesley Shaw.

'Puzzle' is a Bramber Bear and came to me second hand via Evilbay.  He has been here about three years now I think. 

Bobby the puppy is also a 'Bramber Bear' and has been here about four years.

Little Jay is also a Bramber Bear and arrived in 2013.  

A little Hermann bear, currently with no name.

Lucille is another Bramber bear, and she just loves the outdoors.  She was given to me by a friend at the 2013 Sasha Festival I went to in the USA

Another little 'no name' bear.  

Both these two above have been here a number of years.

Rupert was a Wedding Anniversary present and was given to me by my husband in 2009.  He is a 'Vintage Magpie' creation and was made by a lady whose blog I used to follow.

This lovely teddy was my Nan's and is simply known as 'Nan's Ted'  He is very special.  I have no idea how old he is, or what make, but I believe he has mohair (?) fur and wood wool stuffing.

I have a big fondness for pandas, probably as my first ever teddy was one, and so have quite a few.

This is 'Mussel' and he was adopted at the Hatfield Craft Fair in 2002.

If anyone else wants to join in sharing their Teddy Bears, then let me know and I will see if I can work out how to set up one of those 'linky doo dah' things.  

Bedroom!

Peggy Sue has been in the garden this morning, it was a bright morning and she felt like some fresh air, but it was pretty damp outside so she didn't wander far.

'Come in Peggy Sue'  She hears Little Owen calling to her and she goes inside.

He has a surprise for her...

I've got my bedroom back Little Owen!  Peggy Sue tells her faithful companion.

I will have to reorganise it again... but that should be fun as I rediscover all my treasures.

Now this can go over here...

Peggy Sue places the family portrait on her bedside table for now.

She rummages around in the trunk.

Now what do we have in here?  

This sorting out things is exhausting work!  She tells Little Owen.

It's not so bad, he tells her.  Just do a little at a time.

Autumn Leaves

Peggy Sue enjoys an afternoon walk with Little Owen through the Autumn leaves...

She has spent the morning going through her Autumn and Winter clothes and found something more suitable to wear for the cooler weather.

Although the morning was very wet with rain, by this afternoon the rain had cleared up enough for her to enjoy some fresh air with her best friend and companion.

Peggy Sue's quote for the day.

A bit of competition going on?

The sun is shining brightly and Wren is outside again

this time wearing another new sweater knitted last night

She likes to walk on the balancing beam.

A little later on in the morning Peggy Sue can be heard chatting to Little Owen

Seems like she is on a mission.

All the while telling Little Owen something...

If SHE can do it SO CAN I!  Peggy Sue tells Little Owen.

Never one to be out done, Peggy Sue shows Little Owen how she too can walk along the balance beam.

Hayden meets Peggy Sue

Peggy Sue comes across a strange little girl....

Hey there who are you?  She asks.

I'm Hayden.  I've come to stay for a week.  The girl replies.

But what ARE you? Where are you from?  Peggy Sue asks?  You don't look like me....and you don't look like Henry or Stevie.

I am a Makie.  Hayden explains.  I come from the Makie Lab. in London.  

Oh, I came from the USA originally.  Peggy Sue tells Hayden.

Peggy Sue kneels down.

Pleased to meet you she says.

Very pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Peggy Sue.  Hayden says as she shakes Peggy Sue's hand.

A short while later, Little Owen has joined them as Hayden explains how she came about.

There was much description

and demonstration.

I am not sure Peggy Sue quite understands  the process...she looks to Little Owen who looks equally bemused....

In the end she just can't quite help herself and bursts out laughing.

Hayden joins in, seeing that it must be hard for Peggy Sue to understand 'Modern Technology'  in fact she admits she doesn't really understand any of the 'ologies'  

Peggy Sue decides to show Hayden some of her moves...

They end up dancing together

having a great old time.

Hayden is thrilled, she thinks they are going to have some fun together this week.