Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Thank you very much Becky!
I'll look into viscose. I've also read great things about tissavel.
I sure hope I develop a style bcs now I find most bears adorable! So much inspiration here!

Hi everyone!
I am very new to making teddys so I'm miles away from calling myself a pro. But I like to work towards a goal. I haven't been able to find free teddy bear competitions around me which is sad because I don't want to pay a fee as a beginner.  And even though I'm not expecting to win in any way, I'd like to participate , to give my new hobby a more serious framework or at least create self motivation.
Can anyone help? I don't know any bear makers in real life so I'd appreciate any advice. Where does one start?
Thanks in advance?

Thanks to both of you!
To be honest I purposely didn't put much effort into the nose. I saw some bears online which just had a couple of threads hanging there , to look as though they had heavy wear and tear.
I am talking about the dark part now. In general the entire snout or face turned out asymmetrical...I might have overstretched one side, I'm not sure.im clueless as to why the identical sides ended up different. .. And he actually doesn't have a mouth ...is that a must? Of course you are right about the eating part!
Thanks for your advice, hopefully I'll find more time to practice soon:)

beautiful!

They're cute, congratulations on your success

Oh, he is amazing!! I just made my very first bear so this is absolutely inspiring to me!

Hi bear lovers!
I am happy to be here and hopefully learn a lot. I love vintage looking worn and torn character bears. I attempted making my own the other day.
I would be very grateful if you could give me some constructive criticism. This was my first bear and it only cost me the price of the fusible lining. I used cheap synthetic plush from an old pet toy (a tunnel my cat didn't like). I am still looking for vegan alternatives to Mohair. I heavily altered a pattern I found online, so it's kind of an original design (I'm weird like that for a beginner ;)...)
I thought sewing the soles was very tricky...then again I didn't have I instructions and might have done it wrong. Also the nose turned out crooked bcs for some reason, as I was sewing, one side of the face suddenly was longer than the other.
Furthermore, I have come to the conclusion that distressing doesn't work very well with synthetic fur.
I also made the discs in the limbs myself by cutting out plastic circles and using wire and buttons for the joints. It seems they are not tight enough so I'll try not to be cheap and buy some proper supplies next time :).
What do you think ? (Sorry the photo quality isn't the best) .I need some encouragement:)
Thank you!
The old soul