Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hi Daphne
If you go here you will see the scissors for cutting rag quilts http://www.thecalicocat.com/notions-scissors.htm
They are spring loaded with cushioned grip handles. They are well worth the cost!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Fran
Beware of e-mails from Paypal as well asking you to update etc as these are also fraud. Neither e-bay or paypal ever send out e-mails asking for your personal information When you receive these requests forward them to spoof@e-bay .com and e-bay will get back to you
Hugs
Gail

Hi Shelli
Michelle Lamb periodically does as you are suggesting above. I have usually found that by the time I get her e-mail and get to the site the bear is sold. Not sure you can adjust for all the time changes worldwide to make it equitable. I do a lot of commission work and do not take a deposit mainly because I have their fur coat in my possession!!!! If you happened to get a lot of commissions it would seriously curtail your creativity and put a huge demand on your time  and also contribute to possibly enormous stress. If you were able to get enough commissions you would have a steady source of income that might be more reliable than what you have now and you would have a better idea of what your income would be. Hopefully for the rest of us you would still have time to put the odd bear up on e-bay!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Daphne
I use the electric scissors for quilting only especially when doing my own chenille. I can't imagine using them to cut the mohair as they are bulky and I don't think you would have the same control. The same goes for ragging quilts etc Are you using the spring loaded Fiskar scissors to cut out your bears? They would be a better investment. On the topic of scissors there are also special scissors for cutting the seams to make them raggy.
Hugs
Gail

Max- so glad to hear he was rescued and that the breeder was turned in
Gail

Hi Pipa
I would go with white as well and although I like the sound of the holly etc it will make the bear a Christmas one and not one that say you could remove the clothes and dress differently the rest of the year-just a thought!!! You could also use the same fabric for the footpads and paw pads as you used to make the bear and for a change remove all of the fur from the backing from the mid section of the pad to the bottom and then embroider claws on the plucked section. Looking forward to a picture when she's done
Hugs
Gail

Hi Hayley
Is your Featherweight a 222 or 221 model? The real ones are the 221 in the black case If it is a 221 there is a supplier in Illinois USA that supplies all the parts The belt is $6.50 plus S&H The web site is www.jslyle.com and the e-mail is jslyle@adams.net. If it is the 222 then I would ask him about the belt anyway. Hope this helps you
Hugs
Gail :dance:

Hi Shantell
I have a babylock machine and sew all my bears with polyester thread but I also shorten the stitch length a little.( eliminates sewing seams twice ) You do not need to use upholstery thread so go back to your new machine and be sure to clean the lint out of it on a regular basis
Hugs
Gail

Thanks Neysa. I have signed up for your e-mail notifications
Hugs
Gail

Absolutely spectacular!!!! You really should consider entering him in the Toby and Golden Teddy and any other awards that are out there!!!! You are the best and most creative person I know of.
Hugs
Gail

Hi Neysa
Can you tell me how the above is done without breaking needles? Will you have all of your needle felting supplies at Schaumburg with you, as well as the plastic eyes etc?
Hugs
Gail

Hi Deb
I found the Prisma colours I needed at Michaels. Do you have one near you?
Hugs
Gail

Hi
Rotraud's book is only available from her and she does have a web site so you could contact her that way
Hugs
Gail

When making realistic bears the nap going forward gives you a male looking bear and the nap going back give you a female looking bear
Hugs
Gail

Definitely not!!!I just keep my fingers crossed that Revenue Canada doesn't decide to audit me!!! I have always paid all monies owing but my expenses far exceed my income from this business ( if that is what you can call it!!!!)
Hugs
Gail
I am quite sure Mary Holstad makes a living from her teddy bear business- in fact I read where her husband gave up his day time job to manage her business. She of the $3000.00 plus dogs on e-bay!!!! I must admit they are to die for and I would love to own one- only in my dreams- sigh
Hugs
Gail

Hi Rikki
Thanks for your help. I too would like to try these eyes
Hugs
Gail

Hi Neysa
I couldn't find the eyes on your site anywhere. Where do I look? Will you be at the Schaumburg show and will you have neddle felting supplies with you including the wire armatures?
Hugs
Gail

Hi Ginnie
I am currently taking Judi Paul's online needle felting course and she recommends the Prismacoloured permanent markers. You can also use the copic markers but they are thicker and wetter so you might have to use the blender to feather the colours. I am sure Judi could add more to this
Gail

Hi Jane
You can purchase French velour from Dear Bears located right next to you in Richmond BC The url is www.dear-bears.com. Happy shopping!!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Marie
Is the glue you are looking for Magnatac and not magnetic?
Hugs
Gail

Hi Hayley
It sounds like they want you to have an exclusive design just for their magazine. If this is the case then you would likely have to give them sole rights to the pattern. I would want them to mention that the pattern is copyrighted and is for personal use only and not to be photocopied or bears made from the pattern were not to be sold. You might want to ask her a few questions before you sign on the dotted line. It would of course be free advertising for you and might in the long run bring you more sales
Hugs
Gail

Can anyone tell me how to insert lokline into the neck of a bear?
Thanks for your help
Hugs
Gail :hug:

Hi All
To dress or not to dress- that is the question??? I personally do not like to dress natural fur bears as it is a shame to cover up the luxurious fur. My other bears I will often dress but usually in antique or vintage baby dresses or jackets, bonnets, doll clothes etc. This though depends on what mohair I have used and the effect I want to create. I did have a collector tell me at one show that she always looks for panties under a dressed bear- go figure!!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Rikki
Are you selling these mice? It sure wouldn't upset me to have a mouse like this in the house!!!
Hugs
Gail

Hi Carrie
Absolutely breathtaking!! I bought a felting kit from you about a year ago and it is still in the package- so little time in a day!!! You really should give serious thought to entering the Toby and Golden Teddy awards
Hugs
Gail