A block party of bears by Debora Hoffmann

William the Cub

William's pattern was designed on a tragic day: September 11, 2001. As Debora watched the horror unfold on TV, she created a pattern for an antique-style bear. William the Cub's initials are the same as the World Trade Center's. His fur is sparse Schulte mohair and his pawpads are wool felt. In fact, because the airplanes were grounded after the attacks, Debora borrowed the felt from a fellow bear artist, Denise Purrington, who lived nearby at the time.

William and Chocoli

Wanting William to look aged, Debora simulated moth holes in his pawpads, and wore away patches of fur to give him a loved appearance. His left ear has been worn down to make it look like a child used it as a handle, as children are wont to do! Wills also has some shading for just the right touch of "old." His eyes are antique shoe buttons from Grandma's button box, and his "badge" also comes from that box. This sweet little bear is one of a kind, and he lives happily in Florida with Michelle.