Linda Willetts

Click here to see Linda's collection of bears.

It was at one of my first visits to a large Teddy Bear Event that I was first drawn towards Linda Willett’s creations ‘Hoblins’. With their wistful ‘take me home’ expression, distinctive bellies and weighty feel they definitely had the ability to speak to me!

It took a couple of visits to these events before I managed to pluck up the courage to approach Linda and ask if she would make some little ‘Hoblins’ especially for ‘Party Bears’. I needn’t have worried as Linda was only too pleased to make me two wonderful little creations, called Jack & Jill.

Linda has been making bears since 1998. She lives near Lytham-St-Annes in Lancashire where she hand-sews most of her bears. Generally the ‘Hoblins’ are dressed in specially commissioned knitted outfits made of 2 ply wool and cashmere.

Linda makes mainly ‘one off’ ‘Hoblins’ in mohair. They are small bears between 4 – 7 inches, they have wobble head joints, and steel shot and glass beads in their tummies, hands and feet. Linda has the help and support of her husband Mike, who assembles the ‘Hoblins’ joints.

I am sure you will agree that the ‘Hoblins’ are truly charming little creatures!

Click here to see Linda's collection of bears.

To read our other Artist Profiles, click here: • Susie James • June Kendall • Christine Pike • Samantha Potter