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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
I'm glad it was helpful! ( a good idea even if not my own)
We always enjoy seeing photos of finished bears or works-in-progress! There's a size limit when you upload photos here, but just post in Technical Help if you run into any problems.
Becky
Welcome to Teddy Talk, Lindsey! 
What pops into my mind is the Steiff Hot Water Bottle bear. The opening has a nice velvet-lined pocket inside (space for the water bottle) and is laced up (like an ice skate). I like the look and it does the job.
https://www.google.com/search?q=steiff+ … yVhiMWM%3A
Becky
I do the same as Sue Ann, but as I'm closing up with the ladder stitch, and that opening is getting smaller and smaller, I'm still adding bits of stuffing as needed to get the firmness and shape that I want. (I found out early on that if I simply stuffed and then closed the seam, I'd end up with too-soft shoulders or uneven firmness on the two sides.)
Becky
I like Ulmo as well, and I agree - those embroidered noses are difficult! They take a lot of practice.
I don't think we can answer whether the bear is sellable or not. (He looks like a nice bear for a child, but did you use plastic safety joints and other features that make him safe for children?) There are many factors, but if someone wants to buy him, he's probably sellable. 
Becky
He does have the Hermann look with that short-pile muzzle, but since he's rod-jointed and not made of mohair, I'm going to go with 1940s - 1950s carnival bear. (The excelsior stuffing makes me go a bit earlier in age than EJ's guess.)
There were many makers, as she mentions, but only one family that still wanted to take him home and care for him. Enjoy you charming bear!
Becky
That's a shame - either pay for Priority, or wait ages for first class. I didn't know this about Alaska. (I guess the model car instructions stayed where they were... Wow.)
If you are thinking about the Intercal fabrics, I'd say to contact Johnna and ask her about shipping options. She has always been helpful to me when I've gotten in touch.
Becky
Welcome, Kraken! Sue Ann did give you great advice. Like her, I find it much easier to work with mohair, and it's durable, wonderful, natural fabric with a lot of interesting variations (though not the ultra softness of a faux fur).
I just want to ask about shipping to Alaska by USPS. Their postage calculator makes the cost look comparable to sending most anywhere in the US. Does it cost more in actuality?
Becky
I like her this way. For bears, the ears are often near (or sitting across) the head seams, but some people put them higher or lower on the head (or farther forward or back). Hoppy is a rabbit, though, and I think it's nice for the ears to hang down.
Becky
She's a beautiful rabbit-girl, Cosette! You make your bears with love, and it shows. 
Becky
Are you planning to use a pattern, at least for your first bear? Any pattern (or kit, which can be a good choice for a beginner) should specify the joint sizes (or will actually include the joints in the case if a kit).
Welcome to the bearmaking addiction!
Becky
I really love this little sheep. The fuzzy mohair works very well as his wool, and his face is adorable.
Becky
I love a good mystery... 
Your bear initially reminded me of the Dutch Van Gelden bears, and I'm still not sure he's made of mohair, but if you're sure, I think I found his brother here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/235094898/ … _active_19 The seller identifies this little bear as German, but the arms are so very short! Now I'm siding with Sue Ann and thinking the bear is probably English, and possibly from a lesser known maker.
Regarding the unusual stuffing situation, during wartime shortages, bearmakers would use "sub" stuffing such as cut-up foam, which could have disintegrated over time. Anyway, he's a cutie and was a nice gift!
Becky
Well-done! I agree that the Judi Lynn pattern looks like a winner.
Be sure to show us the big kitty when you're done!
Becky
What a great (big) cat!
I'm going to go ahead and say that this is the kind of design you'll need to work out for yourself. You could start with some simpler soft-toy patterns (many free ones online) or look at the Craftsy site for a cat pattern. Then it would be a matter of tweaking until you get what you're after. Good luck!
Becky
Such a sweet face, and such beautiful shading on the legs and tail! Really lovely
Becky
