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Sunday 10 February 2013

The Kindness of Strangers

I had a real surprise last week - I received a phone call from a lady who asked if I was the woman mentioned in the local paper who is running Teddy Bear Making Workshops - something else I bravely (crazily?!) said I would do along side the Children's Craft Parties I told you about the other week... here....

Anyway, I said yes, and asked was she interested in joining one of the classes, but no, she had plenty of experience making teddies as she used to run similar workshops, but that sadly she couldn't sew any more due to arthritis in her hands and that she had a bunch of patterns that she no longer needed, but couldn't bear (geddit??? Sorry!) to throw out and would I like them?

Would I???

Of course I lept at this very generous offer and said I would be straight round.... well, I wasn't expecting quite as much as she had to give me...

Two FULL boxes of soft toy patterns




Vintage teddy bear making book

teddy bear pattern collections

Another vintage teddy bear creations book

I was absolutely bowled over when I arrived at this lady's house and she presented me with these two enormous boxes of patterns, supplier lists, trade magazines and journals - I was like a child in a sweet shop!!

Not only that, but she wouldn't take any money from me for them. She just wanted to help someone else trying to make it in the 'craft world'.

So I can honestly say I have really experienced the kindness of strangers and I feel so so grateful.

I know it's not a proper handmade post, but I just didn't think such a lovely gesture should go unnoticed. I am posting this over at the Handmade Monday link up but keep your eyes peeled later in the week for a more 'handmade' post! 

Have a good one xx

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36 comments:

  1. Free Spirit Designs10 February 2013 at 23:52

    Oh wow! How lovely :) She's probably as happy as you are to have passed on these precious things to someone who will use and appreciate them :)

    I look forward to seeing lots of new teddies from you now! x

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 18:13

      Thanks Natalie :-) Fingers crossed I can do her patterns justice - most haven't come with instructions, just the paper/cardboard templates! Simmi x

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  2. Cocoa & Heart10 February 2013 at 23:56

    Such a lovely story ! Hope your Teddy Bear Workshop goes well.

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  3. Anonymous11 February 2013 at 11:18

    Oh how wonderful. She must be so happy to give them to someone who will cherish them and use them like she has. There are so many lovely people in the world, it is a shame that it's the minority of nasty ones that get all of the publicity. Good luck with the workshop!

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 18:14

      I know it's so true - just goes to show by how unprepared I was for someone being so kind! Thanks, Simmi x

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  4. Unknown11 February 2013 at 15:02

    Isn't it lovely when these things happen. Good luck with your workshop. My first venture into crafts as a business was soft toy making!

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 18:15

      Thanks Celia, I hope my creations live up to her (and anyone elses!) expectations! Simmi x

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  5. Natalie Jones11 February 2013 at 15:02

    Good luck with your Teddy Workshop.

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  6. Fiddly Fingers11 February 2013 at 15:52

    Wow! How lucky were you? Hope your Teddy Bear workshop goes well. It would be lovely to see some pictures of the teddies that are made :)

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 18:17

      I know - I was SO surprised! As soon as I've got enough people signed up I'll be running the first course and will do a show and tell with how they all get on! Simmi x

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  7. Christmas Pie Crafts11 February 2013 at 16:13

    How very generous - such a lovely thing to do. Good luck with your workshop - look forward to hearing how you get on. Hope you have a good week.

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  8. Ali11 February 2013 at 17:12

    What a lovely gesture. I bet you've had a great time going through them. The teddy bear workshop sounds great. You must be so busy.
    Ali x

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 18:18

      Hey Ali, I have indeed, not been able to tear myself away from them! But she's not included instructions with most of the patterns so I'm going to have to have a good play with them to get the steps right! Simmi x

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  9. Handbags by Helen11 February 2013 at 18:40

    What a lovely story

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 18:49

      I know - as soon as I got home I wanted to write about this lovely lady :-) Simmi x

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  10. CatkinJane11 February 2013 at 18:51

    How lovely - but that's bear lovers for you!

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 21:55

      I think you might be onto something there Jane :-) Simmi x

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  11. Wendy11 February 2013 at 19:21

    It's a wonderful heart-warming story and just goes to show how nice people are. I think it definitely counts as a handmade post!!

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 21:56

      Ahhh thanks Wendy - wasn't sure if I was straying off the topic too much there! Phew :-) Simmi x

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  12. Gertie11 February 2013 at 20:12

    I bet you can't wait to start making them. Look forward to seeing the finished teddies.

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 21:56

      I am really excited - I keep dipping into the boxes in different places and getting very excited! Simmi x

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  13. Myth Illogical11 February 2013 at 20:55

    My goodness! How incredibly generous. That's a really great story Simmi- thanks for sharing, and reminding that there are some genuinely lovely people out there!

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    1. Unknown11 February 2013 at 21:57

      Thanks Jenny - it's amazing how something so simple can make you feel so positive towards people as a whole! Have a fab week, Simmi x

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  14. fatmonica11 February 2013 at 23:32

    Heart-warming!What a wonderful gesture.How kind of her to think of you.I hope you have fun with the patterns.

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    1. Unknown12 February 2013 at 08:27

      Thanks Monica :-) I'm secretly looking forward to the end of half term so my kids can get back to nursery and I have a bit of time to play!! Simmi x

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  15. Lilly's Mom12 February 2013 at 06:38

    Hi Simmi, this is a wonderful story. The patterns will continue to live on and on and you can create new bears! I wish you a great week! Pat

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    1. Unknown12 February 2013 at 08:28

      Hi Pat, thanks, it has put me in a very upbeat mood :-) Simmi x

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  16. Highland Monkey's12 February 2013 at 14:07

    Brilliant, how nice of her to pass those on to you. I bet you were walking on air all the way home.

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    1. Unknown12 February 2013 at 14:21

      I certainly was :-) It's brilliant and now hubby's said I need to transfer them into more suitable storage, so I just *have* to go through them all!! Simmi x

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  17. testing12 February 2013 at 15:04

    Wow how generous and what a lovely collection.

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  18. Anonymous12 February 2013 at 20:18

    How wonderful. People can be so kind. They have definitely found a great home and will be used well. Enjoy them :)

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  19. Stephen @ Soy of the North14 February 2013 at 22:11

    What a wonderful gift. I hope the universe brings something just as nice for that lovely lady.

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  20. Martha15 February 2013 at 23:22

    How generous of that woman! You must have been overjoyed. I bet she wanted to pass her tresures who wont waste them and will make a good use of them. you're very lucky. enjoy the new projects

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I really appreciate all comments made on the blog (it reminds me that I'm not talking to myself!) so just wanted to say thanks for adding your thoughts. Simmi x