Rose Southey

The Bearmaking Bug Bites

My bearing journey began back in July 2001, when my then 13-year-old daughter was invited to do a bear making course in Newcastle. Being left-handed, as well as “sewingly” challenged, I grudgingly gave up an afternoon of relaxation to do the course as well, so that I would be on hand to help her. Little did I know that when the bearmaking bug bites, it bites hard and long!!! I was totally hooked, and so extremely chuffed with my bear.

I discovered Teddytech in Durban and persuaded my long-suffering husband to take me there as soon as possible. There I met Eunice Beaton and Di Sturgess and very proudly showed them my wonderful creation. Looking back, I cringe at how awful that poor bear actually was, yet those 2 ladies were so kind and encouraging. If it hadn’t been for their kind words and advice, I would never be working on my 874^th bear at the moment!

Design Courses expand my Style

I started making bears just from kits, then progressed to doing courses with Eunice and Di, to learn the finer details involved in bear making. I was then very fortunate to do a design course with Australian Bear Artist, Jennifer Laing, and an advanced course with South African Bear Artist, Janet Changfoot. Those courses gave me the confidence to experiment with patterns and I have designed a number of creatures, including a raccoon, a sheep, a fox and a ninja turtle. I now have 4 grandsons, and they believe that I can make absolutely anything their hearts desire. No pressure, hey, Gran!

Unforgettable Memories

After I gained enough experience to produce a decent looking bear (unlike the first one) a friend and I started giving bear making classes using one of my own bear designs. We really enjoyed sharing the joy and passion that comes from making your own bear. We taught many children, boys and girls, as well as a number of ladies.

Two memories from those days stand out for me.

The first was a young girl (much like my own daughter) who had never picked up a needle before. Once she finished her bear, and tied the ribbon around its neck, she exclaimed: “Nobody is going believe that I made this – I can’t believe that I made this!!” It was very hard work getting her to that point, but extremely satisfying and rewarding.

Another memorable event was when we had arranged to teach some young girls at a children’s home. We thought that only the girls would want to do the course, but some of the older boys also wanted to join in. I still have a picture in my mind of big teenage boys sitting on bean bags making pink teddy bears! Those memories are priceless.

Bears are the Best Gifts

I have sold some of my bears, but most have been given to friends and family to celebrate special birthdays. Nowadays, it is my friends’ grandchildren who are the recipients of a bear made specially for them.

At the moment I am making a set of 8 bears for a friend, using her late dad’s shirts. It is a very special project because they will mean so much to her and her family, even though I find it much harder sewing with fabric than with fur.

Aiming for 1000 bears

I am currently busy with Bear Number 874. I have kept a record of all the bears I have made, and to whom they have been given, so I know that my bears are out there, all over the world. I have every intention of carrying on... I certainly want to get to Bear Number 1000!

My thanks and gratitude go to Eunice and Di from Teddy Tech. Without their initial encouragement, advice and support, I would not have had, and been able to give, so much joy from my bear making.