Custom-designed, Hand-knitted BEARS

About Sarah Smith

I grew up in a rural community in the Western Districts of Victoria, Australia. After graduating from the Australian Catholic University, I spend the next 15 years teaching in Secondary Schools. 18 months ago, I married and moved to Ohio, USA, to begin a new life with my husband. For anyone who has ever participated in VISA requirements, you’d understand that it takes time! So to quell boredom, I began to dabble in freelance writing, catering, and art. One thing led to another, and before I knew it, I was creating a hand-knitted BEAR as a gift for friends and family. Interest in my furry little critter exploded literally overnight. I now spend my days designing and creating customized, handcrafted BEARS I chose this particular method to create the bears because it required such simple tools. Remember, I’d moved across the globe with only two suitcases. To get started, all I needed was a pair of knitting needles, a little yarn, and I was set! The pattern I use was developed by my mother, who with God-given patience had taught me to knit in my youth. I’ve tweaked it a little, and now offer three sizes. A Mini BEAR that stands 10-12 inches tall, the MAIN LINE of BEAR which stands 18 inches tall, and a LARGE BEAR that stands 22-24 inches tall, and weighs almost 2 pounds. What makes my BEARS so unique is the fact that I can customize the color of the BEAR, the color of the garment, and even the style of the garment. I can create embroidery on the garment to match the customer’s requests. I have even had the pleasure of looking for other creative ways to embellish the BEARS. This nurtures my ‘inner artist’ as I love the challenge this presents, plus I rarely have to make two of the same type of BEAR in a row! I offer a bulk order discount too. I began doing this because it brought me great joy to learn that hundreds of my BEARS were destined for hospital wards and charities. Each BEAR is totally made by hand, and as a result no two BEARS are ever the same! Each presents with its own unique personality. View all posts by Sarah Smith