Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hells Bells, Lady,

I couldn't do half of it today.......

Sure,  In a heart beat.  Why in 1st grade, even!  .....

Awwww  too cute....thank you for sharing the link.

silu

What an adorable pattern you designed....I agree the only thing off is the lighting therefore the color, and the fur,

but i love the alertness that you have given him in his stance and the cock of his head.  Very  very nice.

Now, don't you get discouraged....if this is an example of your work and your first pattern I believe you have a future.

But it takes time for people to get to know you and you may well loose money the first few times on ebay-as no one does know you yet.

BUT

keep posting here on a regular basis, get as many of your critters on the show and tell page here, and consider joining some other boards as well-just so you get your name and face and style out there on a regular basis.

And remember there may only be 5 regular members on here at any given time but the proof of the pudding is how many guests are online-guests can be anyone from a very shy teddy maker to a big time collector looking for the new and exciting designer.

And if the last picture is any indication, well, you are on your way.  absolutely adorable!

gollyhugs
dilu

I have been paying attention,  Have you noticed that the buyers that are there seem to be upping their prices?  I wondered if it was a subconscious move to make up for fewer buyers...?

dilu

One of the best Singer models was made in Scotland-and I keep watching for a really good price in that.

They surely knew how to make them !

di

Bobbie, have the prices gotten so bad on ebay?  I haven't looked in a couple of years.....

I had to laugh when you called dibs first!  You are so funny!  I bet that the prices on ebay will be dropping in the next 6 months-keep watching.

gollyhugs
dilu

I hope to make you feel better:  In Oregon singer Featherweights are going for 750-900 USD.

I got mine on ebay for 250 USD and have been quite happy.

On ebay in the same area as the sewing machines is a guy who will send you a basic manuel for basic fixes to the most common problems.  I highly reccomend you get it as it can be scarry dealing with a new machine. and believe it or not, most problems are things we can handle.

don't be afraid of it...its not rocket science....but if you think the electic cords are worn you should get them changed out or do it yourself.

Also don't use anything on the body or the decals can go awry, if yours has decals,  the same manuel that has taught me basic fixes also explains that the adhesive used is quite sensitive.  They didn't expect these little gems to last so long  and be so very popular, is my guess.

Congrats on getting a wonderful little machine....you'll love it when you get going on it.  And it will last you a lifetime no matter how young or old you are.

And white!  How very chic!

hugs
dilu

The nice thing about Jello is that it already ghas the acid in it so that you don't have to add vinegar.  Koolade is the same, the acid make its set a bit better than no acid....

I have tried Koolade on syntheitc bear fabrics t no avail and had to use the syntint....but it is easy to use and they have wonderful shades.

di

Well it sounds like yu guys need a little "instant gratification"

When i get boggled i quilt or play with fabric or even bake-nothing like a beautiful cheesecake or Anzac, (my favorite cookie....try them with dried pineapple-to die for) or anything....sometimes instant gratification will set you right again and get you back on the path of creativity.

symphathetically hugging

dilu

Here's what I would do,. I would get the hand crank, and then complain that it is too difficult to use, and whine and complain until its determined that you simply must have something better, and then get the next one,

i have 6 machines, I know where of i speak. :crackup:  :crackup: 

But be subtle, and smile bravely, and then massage your crank hand.....

what?  Did someone say manipulative?????  Moi?

All right

get the hand crank for a home decor piece and then get  basic  work horse electrified for sewing,

i have 2 antique Singers, one a treadle and a featherweight 1922 or 23.....

I love them.  Singers are easy to work on, even girly girls can take them apart and fix them....they just need a little love and to be kept dusted and used.....

the hand crank ones are soo cool looking......its my next wish list item,

good luck

dilu

Nan, you are too too funny......I too love koolade for dying, but I have aldso found cushings to be pretty good.....ald syn-tint from beary cheap is really strong.  i usually only use 5-7 of the minutes they say to boil.....

Try again.....

and do like Nan, take piccys for us.....

i don't have pistachio jello....would pudding work?  its instant..... :crackup:

Oh sewing machines, I love sewing machines,

I use a PFaff 7550 and 7570, but I also have a Bernina 860  or is it 864....I don't know-it has the hard red case, and my favorite is the little Singer featherweight....so sweet and so simple.....

I have never used the treadle for a bear or doll, so I can't recomend it.....

The thing is, are you sure all you will ever do is make bears?  Or is there the possibility of you expanding into costumes, dresses, curtains, quilts, whatever?

if you only want to make bears, simple is probably better.  And since the fur can be rough you probably want a mechanical and not a computerized....although if you are careful and clean and oil routinely you shouldn't have any trouble.

If you think you might like to expand your sewing skills into other areas, then you might want something post 1960 with zigzag, etc,

And zig zag can be quite helpful sewing bears where the backing is a little on the loose side.

A good way to learn about machines is to watch the ebay auctions, and read everything and when you see one you like google the name and model number.

There are a few repair men who have put on the internet their favorite machines for durability and ease of use, and even rate the machines.....that might help you as well.

i have purchased 4 machines off ebay, only one was not in good shape, and since I paid 10 dollars and the shipping was just a few hundred miles away, I am not too concerned....its a Riccar that was still made in Japan, and there are tons of parts still available, so I expect to be taking it apart and locating replacement parts soon.   

Taking your machine apart and putting back together will put you on an intimate footing with it and you will feel more confidant when you really know your machine.

i wouldn't hesitate to buy used from a local sewing shop-they usually have used models that they refurbish, you can usually get a good machine for pennies.

So decide on what your potential uses are going to be and that will help you decide how much of a machine you want, and what you want to spend.  Ebay is good for that, you can get an idea of pricing before you walk into the store by watching what is happening on ebay....

hope this was helpful.

hugs

dilu

Well bless your heart, gone are the days when we could trust strangers.

I just hope i don't get so jaded that I trust no one.....oh, wait a minute.....that already happend..... :crackup:

dilu

WOW!!!

Is this exciting or what!  Congrats to each and every one of you very talented ladies  and i'll be sure to vote too, if I can, TeddyTalk Rocks and its because of Talkers like you!

hugs
dilu

Oh Amanda,

Oh honey, life is too short and runs through our time much too quickly!

If you want to add changes and play with your pattern then do, please do.

Some of the best innovations come when we are 'goofing' around and playing with ideas

I guarantee you will never hear a dying person wish they had worked harder at the office or had less fun in their creativity.  And with the imaginations that the gals have here, why there's no telling where it will stop!

Do experiment-what's the worst that can happen?

now ask yourself, What's the best that can happen?

which outcome do you want?

hugs
dilu

Way to go Ladyfriend!  Three cheers for you and for Chrissie for having the site.

Yay  Sue Ann!

hugsnstuff
dilu

Awwww Sue,
even without ears he is adorable....Its rather a shame you have sworn off more, because you have a knack.

and you'll love working with the Sassy fabric....

gollyhugs
dilu

I think you played fair, honesty and integrity go a long way in this world, especially when there seems to be so little of it, even in the bear world.

so 2   for doing the honest thing.

dilu

So proud of you Judikins!  Well done!  

You are such a delightful Artiste

love

dilly

from the fiorst gingham screen to the wonderful piccys of your students I found it to be simply a delightful sight!  Love the pictures.....so cute having your students pictures!

hugs
dilu

Oh, and a wig seller has had me bid on one of her wig collections knowing that i wanted 5 of the afro style and then she would just send me the afros.-she got what she wanted the same amount of money for 6 or 8  wigs and I get the 5 afros.....without having to get all the other wigs.

now that one thinks about it there are so many of ways of working deals, even on ebay.

dilu

I have had sellers contact me and say that something I wanted will be put up at exactly 0900 PST with a BIN price....which gave me the oppportunity to BIN....and not have to deal with all the rest.....

hugs
and thanks for bringing it back up

dilu

well....everyone is right-so maybe the only caveat would be to see if the "check clears"?

if the money comes in and the addy is the winning addy does anything else matter?

Best wishes, oh and Congrats on selling!!!

hugs
dilu

Oh how fun for you Gemma!!!  Congrats! big time!!!~

We are so proud of you and believe you will do fantastically!  (its about time they got that invite to you!) 

Be asure you have a wonderful time too!

hugs
dilu