Teviot Teddies
One bear led to lots!
I made my first teddy for a very special loved one's Christmas. Watching him evolve as I sewed his head, limbs and body, assembled him and finally crafted his unique little face was an absolute joy. I knew him inside and out!
I was bitten by the bear bug and as quickly as possible,
had the materials ready to make another. And another.
It was then I decided to use some of my favourite Scottish Borders fabrics in my bears, linking them to the place which inspires me to create.
As time went on, I started to accumulate a few furry friends in my house and thought it would be lovely to share these with others.
Scottish Borders heritage
I studied textile design in The Scottish Borders many years ago. Since then, I've had a passion for the area, the textile history and the current design, manufacture and expertise in the area.
This region of Scotland is bursting at the seams with both artistic and technical brilliance. The most innovative designs marry seamlessly with centuries old tradition to create something quite special. I am constantly inspired by the artists, crafts people, designers and makers around me.
My favourite tweeds to use in my bears are made at
Lochcarron of Scotland (Selkirk),
Johnstons of Elgin (Hawick), and
Lovat Mill - The Home of Tweed (Hawick)
You can learn more about the story of 'Tweed' at Lovat Mill
Teviot Teddies are made with traditional German mohair fabric by Steiff-Schulte & Hembold. These fabrics were used to make the very first teddy bears and are still the best mohair 'teddy fur' you can find in the world. I use heavy fibre polyester filling and a steel or glass filled linen heart to give a lovely feel when you hold or hug my bears. I use hand blown glass eyes and cotton thread to make each of their faces come to life.
I love to make my bears' paws in tweeds from the Scottish Borders to showcase the amazing textiles designed & produced where I live. I also have a love of vintage fabrics and Liberty of London prints.
All Teviot Teddies are made individually and no two bears are the same. However, if you see a 'past bear' you like, I can often make a similar bear in a design just for you.
Teviot Teddies are created as collectors items and are NOT toys. They should not be given to children under the age of 14 years.
*Teddies made for new babies are to celebrate their arrival and are not intended for children to play with.