Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Dear Tomi   Sometimes you can just shake it after you turn it and it will lay down. I wouldn't wet or comb, very hard curly mohair.

Kapok is used in making lifejackets!! If you could find some as surplus??

I alway put my finish seam in the front, and if you look close so does Steiff. We are in good company.  Bev

Merry Merry Christmas to all!! Wish we could really have the party.

Got mine several days ago, gladd to know I'm not always last.

Probably is a self doubt phase. But there have to be several levels of quality and I think we are all trying to improve, I always think if I ever make a bear that is perfect then I will quit because you have no where to go from there. Just price them fairly for the new collector and keep trying to improve. And soon you will have perfection.     Bear Hugs Bev

I just tie a knot like any other thread. Roll it down your finger and tighten. This isn't like fishing line.

No brand name, and I got it from spare bear parts, but they are unable to get any more at present. Waxing my own won't work unless I can find the 3 ply. My next option will probably be bead stores, sometimes they have back stock that is discontinued. Thanks to any one who can help.

Can any one help me!!!! I found a thread I really like to finish the hand sewing on my bears and now can't get it any longer. I need waxed nylon 3 ply in a natural color. It works wonderfully and doesn't cut into your fingers if you are finishing quite a few at the last minute.       

Hair Mousse works great but you can brush it out.

Don't use the vinegar until you are happy with the color and want to set it. You can always rinse or add more color to change it, but once you add the vinegar it is set and really hard to change. Some dyes say to use salt and I leave that out when dying mohair.

Now we need to plan a for real one!!

Judi Thank You. They have beautiful taxidermy eyes and I would love to use them but was afraid of what would be said about glueing them in. There is an article in Teddy Bear Review about using glue.   Thanks again   Bev

Judi then with Taxidermy eyes how do you attach them?? Glue?? I've wanted to use them but was unable to think of any way but glue??

Try any fabric store or Craft store and tell them what you want it for. Elmers is just a good craft glue.

Try trimming the seam, like you would on a collar. I use ultasuede and a very small seam allowance, and when its trimmed the seams are mitered. Hard to explain but you end up with each edge a different width.

This a great addition to the web site, now we will really know each other when we meet

I make bears from 8"s to 28"s and most of my eyes are 10" 11" 12" 13" or 14"s but it really depends, a baby bear needs larger eyes. When you get the bear head stuffed just hold the eyes up to it and you will be able to see if it works.

My theory is that if its neat then you aren't working and are not very creative!!! Thats my story and I'm sticking to it. I always work out of heaps on the floor. About once a year I put it all away and then I can't find anything, so now you have an excuse.    bear Hugs Bev

Thanks Kelly I've been looking for a chart like that for ever. Bear Hugs  Bev

The problem with backing is so old! 20 years ago I had problems with Intercals backing but not any longer. Yes Schulte is nice but Intercal has alot of very nice mohairs and much better priced. You don't have to buy in large lots to get a fair price, and they are much nicer to you at Intercal. But you should try both if you are unsure.  Bev

If you use Publisher ( or probably home publisher) You can go to lables and then print whatever you want on light weight photo paper, making sure you use the same borders and indents on both sides, then cut with paper cuter and you can design anything you want that way and not be limited to a templet.    Bev

I give them to my dentist. His hobby is fly tying, he gets some very unusual flys this way, and some of his fishing friend are astonished