Floyd and Lloyd by Fiona Sword of Balgray Bears 
Fiona Sword of Balgray Bears has designed us two superb teddies for this month's update. Although they're sewn from the same pattern, they look entirely different. One is a traditional mohair bear, with a cuddly appearance while the other looks older than his years, being cleverly aged. We hope you enjoying making them.

Click here to download the pattern templates 
You Will Need 
•	1/4 metre of mohair (short and sparse for the aged look/dense and long for a more contemporary style bear)
•	Matching strong thread
•	Polyester filling
•	Pellets/and or steel shot (optional)
•	Perle cotton for nose and claws
•	Suitable paw pad material
•	1 pair of 9mm eyes 
•	2 pairs of 44mm joints (legs)
•	3 pairs of 38mm joints (head and arms)
•	Fine tipped permanent marker pen
•	Bead headed pins
•	Small, sharp pointed scissors 
•	Large doll needle
•	Pliers
•	Teasel brush
Note: Each pattern piece has a seam allowance of 1/4". Pin each seam carefully and tack before sewing. Use long, glass headed pins and extra strong thread.
Step by step
1.	Transfer all the pattern pieces on to thin card. Remember to note all the markings, joint holes and pile direction arrows on the card. Determine the pile direction and draw light arrows on the mohair backing. Lay the pattern pieces on to the backing of the mohair and draw round each shape with a permanent pen. Cut out using sharp pointed scissors being careful not to cut the fur i.e slide along the weave and take small snips. Remember to a) reverse the pattern pieces where necessary b)mark the joint holes c) keep checking the pile direction.
2.	Trim the seam allowance before pinning the body pieces right sides together and the legs right sides together from E to F. Pin and sew the head sides right sides together from C to D and join the paw pad to the inside arm at A and B. Pin and sew the inside and outside arms right sides together, and also the ear pieces. 
3.	Sew a paw pad onto the base of the foot. Split down from the joint hole - one for the right leg and one for the left leg. Turn both the leg pieces right side out. Turn the ears right side out and carefully ladder stitch the opening. Slit from the joint hole and turn the arms right side out.
4.	Take the head gusset and carefully pin and tack, making sure to match the letters. This must be accurate or it will twist when stuffing. Turn right side out and stuff firmly and evenly. Pay particular attention to the nose area. Take a running stitch round the base of the head. Insert the joint and pull the stitch firmly. Secure with a few more stitches and knot. Bury the threads and cut. (see diagram 1)
5.	Stuff all four limbs evenly then insert the joint into the slit pulling up to the top. Carefully ladder stitch the slit. Take a double length of strong thread and pull it through the eye loop. Tie three or four good knots with the eye in the middle of the thread. Close the eye loop carefully with pliers. Place all four ends of the thread on to a long needle. Mark positions of eyes evenly with two pins. Take your time and try a few positions to achieve a suitable place. When you are certain, push the needle through the mohair, coming out near to the neck joint on the opposite side of the eye. Repeat with other eye. If they are even, split the thread into two pairs of two threads. Take a tiny stitch with one pair, then pulling both pairs tightly, tie three good knots to secure. Bury the threads in the head and cut. (see diagram 2)
6.	Place the ears on to the head with pins. Experiment a few times to create different expressions. When satisfied ladder stitch the ears to the head. Embroider the nose. Attach the limbs to the body. Stuff the body and ladder stitch the back opening. Finally, go round all the seams with a long pin and brush to free any trapped fur.
Note: To make an aged bear: Stain the finished bear and paw pads with tea. Pluck the mohair with pliers, where it would naturally wear away from being cuddled and loved.
Collectors' Notes
For more details on Balgary Bears call Fiona Sword on 01294 850 210 or visit the website www.bears-scotland.demon.co.uk