Large bears, small bears, furry bears and even bears who play cricket and rugby in their SA squad kit.
Beautiful, hand crafted teddy bears are Carol du Plooy’s specialty.
But to Carol these are not just toys, each bear has a name, date of birth and its own place in her heart.
This talented Darnall resident started collecting bears in 2000 and soon her home was overflowing with the furry creatures in all shapes and sizes.
“The bears were expensive to buy and like any hobby, you just cannot stop,” said Carol.
As a talented seamstress she soon realised that she could take her hobby to the next level by turning from collector to creator.
“I went for lessons with a woman in Boksburg and from there I have been able to develop my craft to my own taste. I have made a lot of unusual bears with unusual characteristics.”
A basic bear takes about “a day and a bit” to complete.
“When I lived in Johannesburg I had access to no shortage of affordable patterns and materials to mix and match. But when my husband and I moved to Darnall in 2005 I was shocked at the cost of materials in KZN and this limits what I am able to make.”
Carol began sewing at age 11 and found that the skill came easily.
“I picked it up by watching my mother, I just had a natural knack for it.”
Her first project was to make herself a bikini using her sister’s old bra.
As an adult Carol ran a thriving business making cushions, bed spreads and duvets for markets.
Retired now, Carol’s fingers are hardly ever short of a thimble as she turns her hands to countless crafts.
“When it comes to crafts, name it and I can do it.”
Now a member of the local Women’s Institute, Carol has won numerous prizes for her handiwork.
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