Phew - It is Christmas Eve already and my heart is still pounding and brain still whirling ticking off orders and commissions. I just feel frustrated that I have to sleep....and I do......a lot. So many people say things like 'Ohhhhh I have to work until 2 in the morning' but I cannot do that. I have to get my sleep then work hard and continuosly during the day. It doesnt stop me dreaming though and more than a few dreams involve sewing/fairs/etc etc.

It has been an amazing year for both myself and Travel Ted and all his chums. The Sewing Quarter has been such a wonderful challenge on all levels and I have made some lovely new friends and customers.

Although live TV seemed scary it was ok really even though I am pretty sure that some of my words were rubbish hehe. So sad that it is coming to an end. I know so many people will miss it; keeping them interested and watching while they are working and I feel sad for them as well as the presenters and team who have always been great to deal with.

Next year will bring another challenge though......I have a new book to write for Search Press which is due for publication early 2021. I am also planning a few youtube instructional videos about bear and animal making. Master bearmaking workshops are also on the todo list. Please let me know if you would like to be on a mailing list for a newsletter! I have to confess that my blog is sadly neglected so that will also be addressed.

Thankyou thankyou everyone who has adopted one of my animals or bears, read my books or come to see me at the shows - it means so much to me.

This year has been the usual whirlwind of shows but I have been v ery remiss not updating my blog! I was so delighted that I was asked to appear on the Sewing Quarter TV show, and already I have been on the show three times with another four pencilled in!

The Sewing Quarter is an amazing show and great fun to be part of even though it means a very very early start in the morning! I have met some really lovely people and it is great fun. My next appearance is on the 1st July in the morning, so if you get a chance do tune in! If I make any silly mistakes (which I am sure is likely) please forgive me.....

In my book, How to Make Heirloom Bears, there is a pattern called Travel Ted. This was shown on one of the programmes and I also designed and made up a kit to make his holiday clothes. It was suggested that people send in their holiday pics showing Travel Ted enjoying the sights and this has taken off. There is even a facebook group called 'Travel Ted and Chums' for those who have adopted or made a travel ted.

I am just back from the Royal Highland Show, the latest event for myself and the bears. It is a pretty tiring four days with eary starts and late finish but we couldnt miss the occasion - it is so big and busy that it is wonderful to be a part of it all. My new highland cow was certainly a hit and sold within minutes of the show opening. A big big thanks to all those who visited and those who adopted one of my animals. It is so much appreciated and I just love to see everyone after working quietly in my studio for long periods!

Even though we had considered not doing this show again next year, we came away knowing that it will not be our last after all - even though I could hardly wake up this morning. How could we miss it?

I always enjoy the run up to Christmas more than the actual event - sparkly lights, festive music (not too much please!) and the general anticipation. This year is no exception - I know that by the time it comes I will be in an exhasusted heap after all the shows.

Country Living show has just finished - one of my favourites for the year and as usual it was a spectacular event with Christmas trees, decorations and bunting abounding everywhere. Perhaps it may be slightly early for some - everyone seems to feel that the year has zoomed in far too quickly as ever but it does have to start somewhere!

My stand was in its usual spot, filled with Hedgehogs, bears and animals and so many were adopted to be taken home; it is always a pleasure when people come along to add another one to their collection!

Some had travelled miles to choose another and they went home happily. I held a workshop each day to make a pair of Mini Merry Christmas mittens and it was a success judging by the smiles - so thankyou all of those who came along.

My next event is Hopetoun House, which starts on the 31st November for three days. That is a really pretty show which is held inside the House so you can see the beautiful rooms. It is hard to believe that I only have just over a week to prepare but I will manage!!

I have been reminded by some of my collector friends that my blog is overdue for some content! This is definitely true and my only and overused excuse is that time flies by too quickly! I seem to get busier and busier which is really really lovely but hard to keep up at times!

It has been a great year with many successful shows around the country. Just when I worry that my inspiration has disappeared, it comes back overnight and my fingers cannot work fast enough to make my ideas come true. One thing is for certain though.....I will never be able to stop creating and making my animal friends!

For the first time ever, I was not able to attend a booked show - the British bear fair at Woburn Abbey where I and many others had a great time last year. Our hot water tank sprang a leak while we were on holiday so we came back to a completely drenched king size bed and all its trimmings. Only a day away from packing the car ready for our drive down to Woburn.... The whole house was a nightmare so it felt difficult to leave it like that.

However I heard the show was a great success and I was thrilled to bits that I won five awards - two crystal and three certificates. The Stratford Teddy Bear Show came soon after and we had dried out by this time! It was a lovely show and I had chance to chat to collectors and other bear artists. We always enjoy Stratford and it is great that Katherine Hallam has ressurected this great show.

Now I have a few weeks where I can catch up on some orders and even have some spare for all the shows in the lead up to Christmas. It is just as well as I have managed to injure my achilles tendon and standing long hours at a show would not be good!

This year has been unbelievably busy......I feel I am always saying that but it is so true and I consider myself very lucky and there are some lovely collectors who like my work! January arrived and I thought that I would have a break and even get a little bored.... but no chance! My order books were full to brimming so there was no rest.

All my work for my latest book was completed by Christmas and it was a real milestone - it was hard work and a lot of soul searching to help produce what I believe to be a lovely book thanks to Search Press! My last book How to Sew Little Felt Animals' is in its 5th reprint which is amazing so I do hope that this book is popular too.

The usual shows; Winterbearfest, Knitting and Stitching, the Highland Show were all excellent although the long days at the Highland Show are getting to me. We keep thinking whether we should stop doing that one but we do meet some great people there.

The highlight has to be the new show at Woburn Abbey in June organised by Hilary Pauley. It was truly amazing and brought back some of the excitement fairs used to create. There were some great guests; Kelly Dean, R.John Wright and Ian Pout - not forgetting Alfonzo who was enjoying his last showing in the UK before travelling to a new museum in Denmark. To mark this occasion there were awards for many categories in both bear making and collecting.

The awards ceremony was held at Hilary's beautiful home at a garden party - and what a party! Everything was just perfect and the food outstanding. Even the weather managed to keep good even if there was a bit of wind which rattled the marquee from time to time which threatened to disturb Jena Pangs violin recital.

I still cant believe that I won four awards and a glass trophy (Alfonzo award). I have never seen such a lovely trophy - as heavy as a brick and beautifully engraved with a bear inside. When I recall the whole occasion it still makes me smile.