Wednesday 15 August 2012

eyes for Teddy

vintage teddy gets new eyes mother of pearl button collection régi maci mackó új szemeket kap gomb gyűjtemény fellvarrva

I vaguely remember having Ziggy Stardust in mind when I did this a few years ago.

This is my childhood teddy, it's been around since I can remember. It had many crazy and dangerous adventures. When I grew out of him, my brother and then my sister played with him... he's seen a lot and some more.

His whole arm came off at some point - my mum darned it back on. He sure had to go for a spin in the washing machine, not even once.

He got buried in sawdust in the shed and was left there for a whole winter - we forgot him... Then we remembered, and when we dug him up a black beetle crawled out of his leg. In the wash he went again, then more needle&thread repairs took place.

During all this turmoil he lost an eye first, then both.

old teddy bears vintage button collection m-o-p eyes kopott macin sok antik gomb szem

My little sister fixed that problem - she stitched some red buttons on with the thread crossing in the middle. Better than being blind, she said.

This fellow must have imprinted on me when I was tiny because I just couldn't bear those red crossed eyes on him. Took those off but couldn't really stand him being blind either. I tried half of my vintage button collection on him pair by pair, but nothing looked right. Eventually I had the idea of making him bright-as-a-button eyed with precious carved mother-of-pearl buttons. In fact, my whole collection of them.

Strangely enough now he looks just right. He seems to be wearing them like medals for his lifetime achievement of being a very special first friend. And for surviving it.

old vintage teddy paws stitched régi mackó maci talpai megfoltozva

16 comments:

  1. I am so inlove with your teddy. What a delightful read. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. I'm glad you like him and enjoyed the read!

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  2. how amazing, that you still have him! he brings so many memories. :)

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    1. it is! For a few years i thought he was lost, but he turned up from the underbed storage one day :)

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  3. He's beautiful - the buttons were an inspired idea. Something so well loved deserves the absolute very best. Thank you so much for joining in!

    xo
    Claudia

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    1. Thank you Claudia! I'm so glad I stumbled on your link party - a perfect way to show my teddy off :) I'm also liking the mixture of things that get shared. What a lovely way to connect with people! Thanks for hosting!

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  4. What a loved teddy bear. Just precious.
    Balisha

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    1. Thanks Balisha!

      He went through a lot with all three of us. We had quite a lot of toys but we pretty much thrashed up and spoiled most of it (we were very 'creative' kids to say the least) so thinking about that it's a real miracle he is still around. I cherish him now :)

      PS. I really enjoyed reading your recent posts - i left such a looooong comment of the humming bird one, i hope you won't mind.

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  5. He is adorable... kind of has a pirate like button eye patch. Just right for him. :)

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    1. That's a great way to see his buttonsy makeover! He's a true adventurer for sure!

      Thanks for your comment Tracy!

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  6. He is a well loved teddy for sure.

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    1. Thank you Babajeza! Great you stopped by!

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  7. I guess he is real by now (see the Velveteen Rabbit). What a sweet guy.

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  8. Thank you Linda!
    I love the sweet little story of the velveteen rabbit - yes I reckon this bear of mine probably feels quite real even without a fairy's magic :)

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  9. What a beautiful story about your very special first friend. And a lovely tale of survival, thanks to you and your family's love. Thank you SO much for posting this, Linda. Truly.

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    1. Thank you Linda,
      I was so happy to come across your 'Favourite Thing' link party! As soon as I saw it I just knew it was the perfect spot for my ted. Thanks for hosting!

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