Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

I've  still managed to cut the pattern pieces with slightly more than a 1/4" seam allowance!. Really should emulate the carpenters' bible, with their "measure once, twice, thrice and then cut once" philosophy.I'll put the cut pattern pieces to one side and ponder a little more on armatures etc. before I start sewing. A July birthday gives me a little breathing space.

I have a classical tutu which I need to finish and I've also promised to make a Disney Belle costume as a gift for a little girl.

There was a flurry of snow outside when I woke up at 3.30 this morning, somewhat less than the flurry of white fur flying in my sitting room, despite using a craft knife, I think it's because of cutting much smaller pieces than I'm used to, so can't see me ever hetting into miniature bear making. I am astounded and amazed at some of the beautiful creations and detail I've come across via this forum.

Thank you again for the very helpful advice.

Pat

Thank you Joanne for your kind and very helpful response.

Another question if I may? The pattern allows for a 1/2" seam allowance, but reading the very informative pages on the Edinburgh Imports website, it suggests that 1/4" seam allowance is most/more common for bear making. Would a 1/4" seam allowance be substantial enough for a bear of this size?

I used  this fur to make my daughter a fur coat and me being more used to clothing fabrics I realised (after the event) that allowing the usual 5/8" seam allowance resulted in a lot of trimming and a rather expensive waste of fabric.

Sorry if some of my questions seem to have obvious answers to the experienced bear makers, but I'd rather ask them now than make unecessary errors.

Thank you

Pat

Not sure which would be most appropriate, especially given that I'm a newbie to bear making. He's to be a gift for a 40th birthday present, so no worries about child safety.

This is the pattern as mentioned in my introduction http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220927553391? … 1497.l2649  He's approx. 10" high and looking at the pattern pieces guess he'll be about 20" in length.

If just stuffed, what would you recommend as best for the filling? Given that the head and limbs aren't separate/won't articulate, would Loc-Line work for slight variatons of positioning or would that be a bit OTT for this particular bear?

I have huge L plates where bear making is concerned, so any help and advice will be much appreciated.

Thank you

Pat

Not sure if this helps, but it's worth a try.  http://www.koolaidworld.com/en/26-shipping-upgrades

Pat

Ahh, thank you for that. saves me going down the route of trying and discarding! I've only ever previously used 'dyes' for clothing items that were either 'washed out looking' although the base fabric remained decent, or something that had outlived its fashion colour time, ( I do have a tendency to hang onto things that fit and I think suit me).

I was hoping to find an easy and successful way of colouring fur fabric whilst retaining the quality and lustre of the same. I think that's a bit of a pipe dream though.

Pat

Has anyone used Kool-Aid for dying faux fur and if so was it successful?

Pat

I have a quantity of Tissavel fur still on the frame and some remnants, it's what I would call a winter white and has a pile approximately 15 mms, I used it for making bridal wear for my daughter's wedding.
Knowing the difficulty I experienced to source this and having read this thread, if anyone is interested in purchasing some of the fabric I'd be happy to oblige.
Can't see me using it for anything other than making the replica polar bear for my friend as mentioned in my introduction.
Hope I'm not contravening any rules of the forum by offering this.
Pat