This is a photo of Harry. He is one of my larger bear creations (at 12in tall he's a giant in comparison with my other bears).
I can't take all the credit for Harry as he is made from a pattern by the wonderful Ted Menten. This American bear designer's distinctive muzzle design is unmistakable even when given a "Silent Companions" nose. I love the sculptural quality of Ted's teds: the unique personality of each bear expressed vividly through expression and clothing.
Harry was a lovely bear to make once I'd found the perfect fabric: a tipped 8mm mohair in a warm brown. He has taken on a lovely expression. He reminds me of a toddler who has done something wrong; the turned in toes, slightly tilted head and rather worried expression all add to this impression. He needed some sort of clothing so, as I was experimenting with crochet at the time, a hat and scarf seemed a good start.
They seem to suit him so now he permanently looks like he's going out to play in the snow...
I love the original "Teddy Bear Studio" book (sadly now out of print, as far as I can see) and it has taught me a great deal about bear making. So a huge thank you to Ted Menten for all the inspiration!
