Arts & Culture
I Am An Artist: Exhibition at Beeston Library
I Am An Artist is the second branch of our I Am A Creator cultural programme. I Am A Creator is fun…
The Inspire Charity Knitting Challenge 2023
In 2023 - Inspire, the Miner2Major Landscape Partnership Scheme, Nottinghamshire Police, Newark and Sherwood District Council and Creative Lives supported Nottinghamshire crafters to make Brave Bears for charities working with children in times of need.
Textile designer Megan Crook designed Brave Bear knitting and crochet patterns, decorated with a special Sherwood Forest acorn motif.
The 2023 Inspire Charity Knitting Challenge has now ended - but you can still see how we made the Brave Bears!
Download our Brave Bears patterns by clicking on the PDF below:
Brave Bears Charity Knitting Patterns
Patterns for a knitted bear and a crochet bear
Project Guidelines
- Brave Bears must be handmade and meet the Brave Bears pattern specifications
- Brave Bears must be made from Stylecraft Special Chunky yarn and only stuffed with EN71-3 fire retardant toy filling
- Brave Bears must not include buttons, beads or zip attachments, which could be accidentally or forcibly removed or chewed
- Seams must be securely fastened. Should access be gained to any fibrous filling material within the teddy through a seam, this may present a choking risk if swallowed
- Seams should be tension tested to ensure they are as secure as possible. All yarn ends must be woven in to finish securely
Find Megan's helpful 'How To' videos with her tips and tricks for making Brave Bears below
Join in with us. Why not click here to find a regular craft group near you, then drop in to say hello - and get knitting!
Find a Stylecraft Special Chunky yarn stockist near you by clicking on this link: Find a Stockist | Stylecraft Yarns (stylecraft-yarns.co.uk)
There's a range of Online Leisure and Culture Courses from Learning and Skills to suit new and more experienced knitters and crocheters. Click here for a variety of creative courses.
Find crochet courses here: Courses | Inspire - Culture, Learning, Libraries (inspireculture.org.uk)
Picnic time for teddy bears!
Brave Bears: The Teddy Bears Picnic Exhibition was at Mansfield Central Library Gallery from 15 August to 27 September 2023. All the donated bears were there!
Thank you for visiting the exhibition - and celebrating knitting, crochet and the amazing generosity of Nottinghamshire crafters with us.
See the exhibition highlights by clicking here: Brave Bears: Exhibition Highlights
