Mrs Duttons Workshops

Bear and bunny making workshops in Ilkley are busy, interactive and fun. If this is your first bear with Jacqueline’s Bears then we recommend that you start by making Milo or Nico. These bears are made using multi-directional mohair and therefore very forgiving for the beginner bear maker.

Once you have mastered a beginner bear, we invite you to join us again for another bear making workshop where you can make Roxy. Jacqueline has designed Roxy and Rubin with the intermediate bear maker in mind. Up your bear making skills using directional mohair. We’ve got you hooked? Then come for another workshop and make a One Of A Kind bear. Choose from a selection of mohair and ultra-suede to create your own unique bear. Only you will have a bear quite like this one.

Once you have explored Jacqueline’s Bramble Wood collection of bears and established some solid bear making skills and techniques we invite you to further explore. Why not try a Clover Copse Bear? Clover Copse Bears are small bruins. Much smaller than Bramble Wood or Foxglove Forest bears. But don’t be deceived; they are packed with character and attitude. With glass beads in their tummies they have substance and weigh more than thought on first appearance. They range in size from 15cm to 17 cm when standing.

Or maybe you would like to make a Bunny. A bunny such as Buntin below. Buntin is one of Jacqueline’s Dandelion Dune Bunnies. Dandelion Dune Bunnies are bouncy, boisterous and fun. They love to hang out with the Bramble Wood Bears as they are of a similar size and can consequently share waistcoats. 

Although Jacqueline’s workshops are mixed ability and may have a variety of bears and bunnies in attendance, they do follow a schedule. At-be-this is very much dependant on the specific requirements of the group and individual students.

Day 1 you’ll be cutting out your bear fabrics and getting started with stitching the body, limbs and head. Each type of mohair and bear or bunny design offer progressive challenges to improve your skills and technique. Jacqueline will navigate you through all the stitches and tricky elements of the bear or bunny you are making.

Day 2 is about facial features. Stuffing, moulding and cotter pin joints. Each bear and bunny will have a unique personality. Even bears and bunnies made with the same mohair will look different. This is partly due to your hand stitching of seams and your moulding when stuffing. It’s also to do with the exact position of eyes, ears and snout or nose embroidery. Every bear and bunny is adorable.

Ilkley is a historical spa town in West Yorkshire not far from Leeds. The train and bus stations are within walking distance from the workroom and there are good links from the surrounding area. Paid parking can be found just behind the workroom and there is free parking on the other side of the river, just a short walk from the workroom.

The urn is always on so teas and coffee is readily available throughout the day. You are very welcome to bring your own lunch. Alternatively, there are oodles of places just meters from the workroom to purchase a quick bite. The river Wharfe is 5 mins away with fabulous walkways on both sides if you fancy a stroll at lunchtime or in the early evening.

There are fabulous shopping opportunities and great restaurants in Ilkley. Some groups meet by pre arrangement for dinner on the 1st evening of this 2-day workshop. Especially if participants have come from further afield and are staying over in Ilkley for the workshop. Or folks have been to previous workshops and plan to meet up at additional workshops.

Jacqueline runs 2-day, mixed ability, small group bear & bunny making workshops, in various venues, at scheduled times throughout the year. Do come and join us!