Knitting for UK charity: Teddies for Tragedies

I've just finished knitting my first Teddies for Tragedies bear. He'll be given to a child who needs comfort or something to love. Each bear is knitted to the same basic pattern so that no bear is 'better' than any other - as the website says:

"Don't deviate from the pattern, all teddies are different but none should be superior (no skirts or hats, stripes are OK in moderation, especially if you're using up duller colours). Think of it this way - we all want our teddy to be the best but do we want the child who doesn't get our teddy to be disappointed?"

The legs, body and head are knitted in one long piece (see below) and the arms are knitted onto this main piece. This is fairly quick to knit up - just follow the instructions carefully so the bears are well-made, safe and durable - you can send a sample bear to be checked for suitability if you're unsure. You'll also need to run up a simple drawing bag for the bear to live in - again, follow the instructions.

I've made a Teddies for Tragedies group on Flickr to collect photos of finished bears, and hopefully of the bears with their new owners!

* SONG OF THE DAY: Roachford - Cuddly Toy *

Comments

[Oxy]

These little bears are lovely, I am quite inspired!
Sometimes the simplest things really mean so much!!

[Sue Forshaw]

Hi Kristen, I've just seen the photo of your teddy on your webpage. Would you mind if I use it on the front of a leaflet I want to distribute from my wool shop. I've been asked to help with a campaign from HM Prison in Leicester. Children who come to the prison to visit dads/brothers/uncles/granddads,can find the experience daunting. They want to have the teddies to give to the children to play with while in the visits hall, and then take home with them. It is such a lovely photo. I'd be very grateful.

[Bus Stop]

Sue - I'd be happy for you to use my photo on your leaflet - it sounds like a really worthwhile campaign.
I hope you get lots of support from local knitters!

[Sandra]

I would like to knit some bears but do not know where to send them could you help please?

[Bus Stop]

Hello Sandra - the Teddies for Tragedies website (http://www.teddiesfortragedies.org.uk/) has details of who you can contact to find out where to send your bears. They co-ordinate things so they know where the bears are most needed at any given time. Best wishes, Kristen :)

[Cardsforfun0]

Hi, I have sent several email to the contact at teddies for tragedies but not got a response and my teddies are beginning to pile up can anybody advise how else I can get them to the charity or if you know of another charity that could use them?

[Bus Stop]

Hi Cardsforfun0, I have heard that these bears are welcomed by ambulance crew and police officers, who may encounter distressed youngsters for whom a bear is comforting. They may also be welcome on children's wards at your local hospital, and in the visitors' area of your local prison - they can make visiting a loved one in an intimidating environment a bit less scary. They could even calm down a youngest who is reluctantly visiting the dentist!
You could also contact the charity Kids Company, who work with kids living in UK below the poverty line. Often these kids don't have anything to call their own, and a teddy may be a very welcome gift.
I hope something here is useful! Best wishes, Kristen

[valerie]

Hi Bus Stop I am English lived in the US for about 40 yrs your life sounds a lot like mine.Love your comments about the teddys love to hear from you.Valerie

[Bus Stop]

Thanks Valerie! Best wishes, Kristen