About Knitting Teddies
You do need Adobe Acrobat Reader download it here
Note of caution: in some societies white is the colour of mourning/death so teddies with white faces may not be as welcome.
About Knitting Teddies |
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| I can't find/download the pattern |
The patterns are on the Make teddies page, knitting, crochet and American crochet You do need Adobe Acrobat Reader download it here
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| I don't understand some of the instructions. | Please tell me, you're probably not the only one and together we can improve them. If you're having difficulty with UK US and metric needle sizes visit Yarn Forward for a very clear chart. |
| How big is a teddy? | Ideally not more than 10" (26cm). After knitting the first leg measure it, if it's 3 ½ " (9cm) the finished teddy will be right size. Slipping the first stitch on every row, gives a neater edge which does not stretch when stuffing the teddy. |
| Why do my teddies arms stick up? | When picking up stitches for the arms, start no higher than half-way up the side of the jumper, don't know why but it solves the problem. |
| Can teddies be of any colour? |
Yes, feedback from Growing Care in Romania says the children like the most colourful ones best, there's a picture of some of them on the Teddy Travels page with yellow pink and green faces! Note of caution: in some societies white is the colour of mourning/death so teddies with white faces may not be as welcome. |
| I heard of teddies stuffed with old tights (pantyhose). Why is that no longer acceptable? | Standards get stricter all the time. Use only approved stuffing, look for BS1425 or BS5852; these are the standards for toys and soft furnishings. If you see BN71 that's OK too. |
| Why can't I find an address on the website to send teddies? | At any one time there are several places requiring teddies, but these change. We aim to supply the number of teddies needed when they are needed. Email if you have teddies. |
| Why shouldn't I send teddies directly to a charity? | It is easier for charities to get one consignment of checked and bagged teddies when they need them, than many small packages, which may have to be kept months before they can be sent on. |
Standards |
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| Why are there so many references to standards? | Unfortunately some people think anything will do for a child who has nothing! I believe only the best will do for a child who has no other toys . |
| I'm worried about European Standard. Can we give teddies in UK and Europe without breaking a law? | Teddies for Tragedies is a knitting pattern and you can give a teddy wherever you wish without the need for an EC mark. Legally it's ill-defined and complicated, so sometimes charities just say no - it's easier. If you follow the pattern and finishing instructions carefully, your teddy would pass the test to get an EC mark (I've had one checked with Trading Standards, only failure - NO LABEL!). |
| If the label's the only problem why can't one be added? | A label needs the contact of the maker, who guarantees they are up to EC standard. Stuffing is the problem, Teddy collectors might ask all knitters to use approved stuffing but cannot guarantee that they do so. They can't therefore be asked to take the legal responsibility. |
| Why do teddies have to be 10" | Teddies knitted with the correct weight of wool and larger than 10" are too loose. They would not pass the British Standard. Most teddies travel by air and smaller teddies mean more teddies mean more smiles. |
| My local branch/collector rejected my teddies. What can I do? | Standards for web teddies are just as strict. Collectors spend many hours correcting mistakes. Look at the tips on the Make a Teddy page. If you're still puzzled send an email and you can post a teddy to me for a critique. |
Homes for Teddies |
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| Where do teddies go? | Anywhere there is a needy child. |
| Do teddies have to go overseas? | No, we have needy children in UK too. Teddies have been given to children after one of our more frequent floods, when children may have lost all their toys. They are also given to Women's Refuges and all the emergency services. Be alert to a local situation. |
| How do teddies get to needy children? | Charities that help children are contacted and offered teddies. Some contact the website and I welcome every request. People going overseas may know of a local need and take them. These people may be friends, youngsters going on trips and gap-years or anyone doing voluntary work abroad. |
| I know of a good cause that wants lots of teddies what do I do? | Just shout, and send the details via the Contact Page and the teddies will be on their way. |
About the website |
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| The pictures on the Teddies Travels page don't open? | You probably have pop-up windows disabled on your browser. If you're using Internet Explorer, I haven't a clue. Download Firefox for a less buggy internet experience. |
| I get the wrong page when I try to print | The problem has been solved by adding a small "print page" link on the bottom left of each page. The page will print without the logo or navigation links. |
| I found a typo or other inaccuracy | Tell me PLEASE; and thanks to all who have in the past. |
| My question isn't answered? | Go to the Contact Page. all emails are answered individually though not always immediately. |
6th June 2010