Rich1988
Sunday, 28th February 2010, 10:11 PM
OK.... I'm going to try and not make this a ramble but OMG aka OH MY GOD! I am exhausted. It was the most incredible day, it's like stepping into a magical place where time and logical both cease to exist and you step out into a light of happiness (I'm rambling already aren't I?)
First of all I apologise so so so much but I didn't take a single photo. I charged my camera especially for the occasion but I got so swept in I'd been round twice before I even thought OOoppss!
The event was packed and full of excitement. And even the pre-provided maps don't give an indication as to the size of the event.
I arrived at 11.30 and some people had already sold out!
For you bear makers on here you would NOT believe the amount of mohair around. I can't type how much I bought/spent because it worries me slightly but I wouldn't be without it. I didn't even know where to start.
I got to meet Paula from AllBear and whilst I didn't pick up a bear this time (planned for Stratford tho :p) she took the time to speak to me, say Hi, she remembered me from some e-mails for another forum and was really encouraging when I showed her Blizzard who I took round with me. (Paula's key tip was to trim seam allowance for anyone who doesn't yet). Her bears by the way are beautiful in reality and so weighty. My friend Jean said at the end that she topped all who were there.
We then kept walking round and also spoke to Jane Mogford of Pipkins Bears who is local to me so took the time to ask how I was getting on and also compliment my bear. She absolutely saved me with ladder stitch and was truly friendly.
I saw some amazing craft from BearBits and had a lovely chat with a lady from Holland whose bears were wonderful. We somehow got talking about ice skating which was nice :D
Lisa of Bears on Soar was the most enthuastic person I have ever met and her bears are incredible. The noses are an impossibility and I can't begin to imagine how she does them! Again more nice compliments on blizzard so I'm all embarassed and encouraged at this point.
We did stop briefly for food before carrying on. Saw Shelley's Rabbits and nearly fell over backward with the exquisite detail and also spoke to a lovely lady over lunch who again loved Blizzard and was after adding to her collection of DoDo Bears.
Finally, I make it downstairs. A brief chat with JacQLyn Bears about their courses in Leek, Staffs and there is a giant Christie Bears sign.
Now I know Judi owns the site and is going to read this so don't think I'm just saying this to earn brownie points but Judi is one of the NICEST people I have ever met.
Worked off her feet (since 1am I'm told :p) but took so much time to say hello.
Judi bless her had prepared a head for me to show me needle sculpting (SO easy now I know how) and then handed me an unstuffed head to have a go myself; will show you how I get on. When I went back I found myself having a go with the copic airbrush system (and buying one :6086:) and Chris was handing out free old editions of Teddy Magazines to anyone who even walked past the door.
Was so good to meet you Judi, great to put a face to the name and honestly thanks so much for everything.
Infact Judi is such a good sales woman that when I said I'd spent too much she said she wouldn't show me anything else :p
I was told Lisa was there with her son but I couldn't find her. (Hi Lisa, hope you had a great day? I did a complete top to bottom search for you but think I'd missed you by this point - really sorry. Did you enjoy?)
Anyway.... an hour of reading and no doubt your getting bored so I will pull this to close.
I can't really say much more but the talent and inspiration out there is amazing. Hugglets is great for buyers and collectors alike and if you can get there, do! You won't be disappointed I promise. I would recommend saving as you'll want everything; picking Mohair in person is the best experience ever.
Right now which to design first?.... glad i have two days off :6013::6045:
Richard
x
PS. to anyone who asked or cares.... I came first in my ice skating :6013:
I'm the current male young adult British Champion in the bronze category. Have a gold medal and came 2nd out of all the girls and age groups too so was a great result for me. Family saw and are very proud too so as you can tell.... this was the most exciting and brilliant weekend EVER!
x
First of all I apologise so so so much but I didn't take a single photo. I charged my camera especially for the occasion but I got so swept in I'd been round twice before I even thought OOoppss!
The event was packed and full of excitement. And even the pre-provided maps don't give an indication as to the size of the event.
I arrived at 11.30 and some people had already sold out!
For you bear makers on here you would NOT believe the amount of mohair around. I can't type how much I bought/spent because it worries me slightly but I wouldn't be without it. I didn't even know where to start.
I got to meet Paula from AllBear and whilst I didn't pick up a bear this time (planned for Stratford tho :p) she took the time to speak to me, say Hi, she remembered me from some e-mails for another forum and was really encouraging when I showed her Blizzard who I took round with me. (Paula's key tip was to trim seam allowance for anyone who doesn't yet). Her bears by the way are beautiful in reality and so weighty. My friend Jean said at the end that she topped all who were there.
We then kept walking round and also spoke to Jane Mogford of Pipkins Bears who is local to me so took the time to ask how I was getting on and also compliment my bear. She absolutely saved me with ladder stitch and was truly friendly.
I saw some amazing craft from BearBits and had a lovely chat with a lady from Holland whose bears were wonderful. We somehow got talking about ice skating which was nice :D
Lisa of Bears on Soar was the most enthuastic person I have ever met and her bears are incredible. The noses are an impossibility and I can't begin to imagine how she does them! Again more nice compliments on blizzard so I'm all embarassed and encouraged at this point.
We did stop briefly for food before carrying on. Saw Shelley's Rabbits and nearly fell over backward with the exquisite detail and also spoke to a lovely lady over lunch who again loved Blizzard and was after adding to her collection of DoDo Bears.
Finally, I make it downstairs. A brief chat with JacQLyn Bears about their courses in Leek, Staffs and there is a giant Christie Bears sign.
Now I know Judi owns the site and is going to read this so don't think I'm just saying this to earn brownie points but Judi is one of the NICEST people I have ever met.
Worked off her feet (since 1am I'm told :p) but took so much time to say hello.
Judi bless her had prepared a head for me to show me needle sculpting (SO easy now I know how) and then handed me an unstuffed head to have a go myself; will show you how I get on. When I went back I found myself having a go with the copic airbrush system (and buying one :6086:) and Chris was handing out free old editions of Teddy Magazines to anyone who even walked past the door.
Was so good to meet you Judi, great to put a face to the name and honestly thanks so much for everything.
Infact Judi is such a good sales woman that when I said I'd spent too much she said she wouldn't show me anything else :p
I was told Lisa was there with her son but I couldn't find her. (Hi Lisa, hope you had a great day? I did a complete top to bottom search for you but think I'd missed you by this point - really sorry. Did you enjoy?)
Anyway.... an hour of reading and no doubt your getting bored so I will pull this to close.
I can't really say much more but the talent and inspiration out there is amazing. Hugglets is great for buyers and collectors alike and if you can get there, do! You won't be disappointed I promise. I would recommend saving as you'll want everything; picking Mohair in person is the best experience ever.
Right now which to design first?.... glad i have two days off :6013::6045:
Richard
x
PS. to anyone who asked or cares.... I came first in my ice skating :6013:
I'm the current male young adult British Champion in the bronze category. Have a gold medal and came 2nd out of all the girls and age groups too so was a great result for me. Family saw and are very proud too so as you can tell.... this was the most exciting and brilliant weekend EVER!
x