Polar Bear Workshop November 2026

This workshop is a two-day weekend workshop. It will run from 9.00am - 4.30pm each day. It is not residential but there are plenty of lovely places to stay locally. Please note that as with my other bear workshops, you must have basic sewing machine and hand sewing skills.

Join me for this very special workshop in the village of Lindfield, West Sussex. The format of this workshop is slightly different to my regular bear making workshops so please read through the details below.

As this is a weekend workshop, I'm leaving my home studio (to spare my family!) and we will instead be working in the 'The Old Library' at the King Edward Hall in Lindfield, West Sussex. I hope the weekend will make this more accessible for those of you who can't attend weekday workshops.

There will be six spaces instead of four - everyone will have their own full sized workspace and a complete set of tools to use during the workshop plus the use of an electric sewing machine (you're welcome to bring your own if you prefer). 

All materials will be provided for you to make your own majestic polar bear! The bears will be made from ivory Steiff-Schulte mohair, and stuffed entirely with high quality wool fibre, which is easier to work with than traditional wood wool, and makes for a very cuddly bear. You can choose from traditional cotter-pin joints and glass eyes, or plastic safety joints and plastic safety eyes if you would like to make your polar bear to gift to to a younger person at Christmas! You will have the option to weight your bear's tummy with either steel pellets, or plastic 'beanie pellets' which we will secure into calico pouches.

Usually my workshops don't cover 'shading', but for this beautiful polar bear you will have the option to add subtle shading in the ears and around the eyes and muzzle area. 

I have created this polar bear pattern specifically for this workshop - it is designed to have something of the 'authentic' polar bear style, with it's longer neck and body. If you have previously attended a workshop with me, this will be a completely new pattern for you to take home and enjoy.

The finished bear is larger than my other workshop bears, standing tall at 35cms.

All participants will take home a free copy of my bear sewing guide, which also includes my 'Tully' bear pattern. You will of course be able to take home your polar bear sewing template along with a printed addition with guidance specific to making the Polar Bear.

Location and lunch plans

Lindfield is a beautiful village, with a few accommodation options if you need an overnight stay - feel free to message me if you'd like any suggestions. There are several free car parks in the village, and local residential roads are unrestricted. The workshop does not include lunch. You may either bring lunch with you each day, or we can order a lunch delivery from The Black Duck in Lindfield. This will require pre-payment a week before the workshop.

We will have access to a kitchen next to the Library where we can make hot drinks, and I will supply an abundance of home-baked treats as usual!

This will be the second Polar Bear workshop - last year was a great success! If you have any questions at all please email me: jenny@wintersden.co.uk