Bear Tracks

So, getting back to quilt-bowls, I have decided to do some of them with a more conventional round edge, rather than the random/raggedy edge, and also add the name of the block.  I think it works ok.  I will do both from now on.  I like this version of 'Bear Tracks' because the tracks point inwards AND outwards, rather than all going outwards.

About ten years ago we went on a family road trip from New York up through New England and eventually to Boston.  We passed near stretches of the Appalachian Trail and fully expected to see real Bears hopping out of the woods onto the road in front of us ..... but, alas, no.  There were road signs telling us to watch out for them, and also for Moose .... but they didn't show either!

So the nearest I think I shall get to a bear is this disintegrating well-loved little chap.  He is as old as his owner, 22 years, (and looks every minute of it!).  I can no longer sew him up as there's nothing left to sew on to, as you can see.  His ears have disappeared.  His arms are dropping off.  His stuffing is coming out and his nose is flat.

Is he a real bear?  Well, yes of course.  He is the 'Velveteen Rabbit' of the Bear world. 

In Margery Williams' words:  "Real isn't how you are made, ...  It's a thing that happens to you.  When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real".

Still - if we ever go back to Vermont ... I want Bears!!

Have a lovely weekend.

x Cathy