Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Hello all!

I was wondering if anyone could answer a few questions for me ...

Sometimes, when I order vintage long pile (or other longer-pile fabrics), the pile lays rather flat ... because some of it is just off the bolt. I thought I heard once that some people throw theirs in the dryer for a bit, and it fluffs them back up.
Does this really work? I'm especially concerned about the vintage fabrics, because I don't want to ruin them.

Also, are there any precautions to take before dying/bleaching vintage fabric? Will it make it less strong, or make it smell funny?

And lastly, are there any good sources of matte-finish vintage long pile? I can find plenty with sparkly sheens, but matte finishes seem to be rare.

Thanks for any tips and tricks you can spare!

Hugs,
Laura

Wow .. this thread has given me new hope!
I love all the amazing improvements. And it really is fascinating how a little shading can bring so much dimension and life to a bear.

Thanks a million, guys!  :hug:

Thank you too, Alexis and Michelle!

I feel much more confident now ... we'll see how this first bear turns out!

Thank you so much, Tammy!

I can't believe I haven't seen that thread before after all the lurking I do around here.  :crackup:

Hi all. 
Laura here.

I'm ready to start producing some miniature bears.
I've stocked up on all the materials (I think?) .... mini mohair, vintage long pile, cashmere, ultra-suede, Sassy's super-ion thread and cotter pins & joints, regular "dual duty" thread, different needles, onyx beads, hemostats, tiny scissors, permanent markers, cotton batting, fray-check glue, glass pellets (for weight), aaaand ... I think that's about it.

Anyway, I've read Debbie Kesling's "How to Make Enchanted Miniature Teddy Bears," and I've already made one bear from her "Basic Jointed Bear" pattern a few years ago. It turned out well (minus the loose joints and seed beads for eyes).

I've had a few bad experiences since then. I started working on a bear made of vintage long pile, and was frustrated to find that -- when turning the head -- I could plainly see my stitches. I might not've stitched tight enough, and I was using regular Dual Duty thread. Perhaps that was too thick.
I was also frustrated a few times when the grid backing would split at the edges as I sewed (most often at tiny corners). GAAHHH!!

So, before I start on a new bear, I'm wondering if you miniature (and regular) artists out there could share some advice?
How tightly do you stitch? How do you prevent splits on the grid backing? How do you make your noses so perfect? What do you use to shade the eyes/paws/etc.? How difficult is it to create an "inset" muzzle?

And lastly .. this has nothing to do with miniatures .. but I've seen many "recycled-fur" bears, and was wondering where the fur really comes from (not the actual animal, but supplier)? I'd like to work with fur, but I don't want to support the fur industry by buying pelts from them ... or from other people who work with fur companies.

Thanks a million, and if you have any other advice, please share it!