Teasel dolls have become famous

Posted on February 15, 2006

Eaton Bray WI members welcomed their guest speaker Alison Deering, who brought along a large collection of "Haversham Hedgehogs". These were not the small round prickly nocturnal variety, but a collection of delightful small dolls made from teasel seed heads.

Alison explained how she first became interested in making the dolls. Her hobby of beekeeping takes her around many country shows and craft fairs during the summer months, and during the course of thise she saw some items made from teasels. This gave her and a friend the idea of making hedgehog dolls.

Alison's first attempt at selling the dolls at a craft fair turned out to be a complete flop. However a friend later offered to take some into their workplace to try to sell them, and this proved to be much more successful with the hedgehog dolls selling like hot cakes!

The dolls were dressed in a variety of outfits ranging from nursery rhyme characters through to a bride and groom, bridesmaids and all the wedding guests!

Haversham Hedgehogs have been in existence for 20 years and are sent all over the world. Alison now has a "production line" in her kitchen to keep up with the demand.

Eaton Bray WI President reminded the meeting that the institute's AGM will be on April 2 and there will be two committee vacancies to fill.

The sale of Pasque Christmas Bells raised £40 and this has been sent to the charity. A thank you letter has been received, and with it an invitation for members to visit the Pasque Hospice.

The next meeting is at 7.30pm on Monday March 6 at Eaton Bray Village Hall.

Source: Leighton Buzzard Observer, 14 February 2006