Alpaca deal with UK’s last teddy bear maker

Quality is a top priority for farmers across the dale and it’s no different for one alpaca breeder who has spent the past 18 months ensuring a new line of teddy bears is second to none.
Doug Steen and Samantha Whitehead started out with three “pet boys” back in 2008.
Since then Teesdale Alpacas has grown into a small recognised breeder with a herd of just over 40. A pack of luxury teddy bears has also now joined the team, just off the A66, near Boldron.
Teesdale Alpacas are sheared once a year and the sought after cashmere-like fibre is woven into cloth in the Scottish borders using looms dating back to the early 20th century. The alpaca cloth, which is believed to be one of nature’s best fibres, is used to create limited edition garments as part of the Teesdale Alpaca myAmelia clothing and accessory range.
The last remaining British teddy bear manufacturer, Merrythought, has now also used the luxury cloth to create handmade collectible bears.
Mr Steen said: “We are always looking for new and different things to be doing with the fabric. We were at an event a few years ago when a woman suggested it. We looked into it and we thought it looked interesting.
“Merrythought teddy bears are upmarket and are known for their quality.
“Alpaca cloth has always been a luxury item so it matches well.
“We spoke to Merrythought and asked them if they did customised small runs for people like us. They do limited edition bears for Harrods and the Olympics.
“We had to send them some samples of the cloth to do some prototypes so they could be happy the cloth worked for them.
“They have never made bears with alpaca cloth before. We only have a limited amount of cloth and the bears are quite expensive so we decided to limit it to 100. This keeps them unique too.”
The teddy bears are bean-filled and have been made using alpaca tweed which is hypoallergenic. There are 33 available in both a grey and a fawn pattern. There are also 34 available in brown.
Each bear comes numbered and is sold with an adoption certificate in a luxury presentation box. Mr Steen said: “They are articulate and their heads move too so they can be positioned.
“We are also microchipping the bears. This is to make them extra special. It will also come with an alpaca cloth scarf as well.
“People can choose the colour of the bear they want as well as the number if it is available. Some people like to have specific numbers.”
The Merrythought logo appears on the bear’s foot and the myAmelia logo and limited edition number is featured on a tag on the bottom of the bear.
Mr Steen said: “We are really pleased with the bears.
“It was quite a big investment. They are exactly what our vision of them was.
“From our point of view, everything we do is all about quality and that had to be reflected in the product.
“It is lovely seeing people fall in love with them and want to take them home. It is quite rewarding.”
Adele Travis-Jones, who lives further down the A66, was the first customer to snap up one of the bears.
She said: “I had always wanted a collectable teddy bear so when the opportunity arose to be able to own a teddy bear made by the famous Merrythought but commissioned by Teesdale Alpacas, it made the teddy very special and I just had to have one.
“I was lucky enough to adopt the first teddy and I named him Archie.
“I feel extremely privileged to have been Sam and Doug’s first customer and it was a pleasure to meet both them and their wonderful alpacas.
“They are so passionate about their alpacas and their products are just so beautiful and made with such care.”
The teddy bears cost £175 and can be purchased online at www.myamelia.co.uk.
For more information contact Mr Steen on 07976 423258.