Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thanks guys. I'll check everything out, and I'll definitely let you all know how it's going!!

Hello all!

I am as brand new as you can get to this. I've been skulking around for a few months now, enjoying all the wonderful projects, but I decided to join and ask for suggestions/ help.

The story: My grandpa (Pop) died this past fall. We all miss him very, very much. We had heard about a semi-local woman who does Memory Bears and contacted her. She agreed and said she'd do it, but, well, let's say it fell through. She just stopped responding to any contact attempts. My Gram is crushed because she so wanted a bear for him.

I decided, then, that I could do it. I wanted to learn to do it. Of course, I will practice first, but here's where I need help. The bear will be made with his old work shirts, which are a button down cotton material, light blue with small vertical stripes. I'd love to incorporate the logo also. All I need, is how to get started. How do I find a pattern that would fit that material?? Do I need to put another layer of fabric underneath his shirt to make it sturdier (it's older and light because of years of washing).

Any info would be perfect. I just want to surprise her (and the rest of my family) with this. I know it'll take time and practice, but I just need to know where to get started.

Thanks again!