Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

<SOB>  I put these photos up yesterday and so far noone has even looked!  Are they in the right place?

I hand sew almost everything.  The only time I gave up and used the machine was when I was sewing real fur.  When I discovered how quick it was I almost became a convert but then I lose the portability of sewing where and when I like (mostly in front of TV).  I have done one other bear on the machine (it was 42 inches) but must say I didn't enjoy the process because i still needed to hand stitch the muzzle and paw pads.  That's how I felt anyway.

Here 'tis

and another one showing the hat and basket of flowers

Stands at just under 3 inches (7cm)

I am still waiting to take a photo.  I always seem to get home after dark and I want to take the photo outdoors to show this beautiful bear off.  Tomorrow is a public holiday (no work yeah) so I will get it done then.

I thought I would start this new link for us to post our photos in as our bears arrive.  Mine came on Friday and it is absolutely The most gorgeous bear EVER.  A million thanks to Olga who has bundles of talent.  I haven't taken any photos yet but I will and then I can share the most gorgeous bear EVER with you all.

Olga:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:  :dance: 

Which category should I post the photos in?

Another way of turning them is to thread some strong thread witha good long 'tail' on it.  Tie a big knot in the end and use the thread to turn it.

Thanks Olga, glad to know he / she is in the country.  It can take mail a while to get to Alice Springs from other places in Australia so hopefully tomorrow.  I'm so excited I just can't hide it........

Mine hasn't arrived yet - should I be worried?  Perhaps i am just toooooo impatient.

Thank you all for your help.  I will look into this a lot further.

Hubby's bear is called Kenny (short for Kenworth).  This is a photo of him on a recent holiday

Noooo!  More of an elbow / wrist / knee / ankle than a shoulder / hip

I want a kind of 'hinge' joint but have absolutely no idea if they even exist.
How would they be fitted ?
Does anyone even know what I am trying to say?
I'm kind of thinking a sort of flexion / extension type joint.

Can anyone help? I don't know that I have explained this very well but if you have any idea what I am after I would appreciate any help.

I never had a bear when i was a child.  During my 20's and 30's i suffered from chronic illness and was very much alone with associated depression.  I went and bought a bear - commercial but very cuddly and it became my 'friend'.  At around the same time my friends children used to call me Clarebear (during the care bear phase) one day a friend bought me a book of bear patterns and said to me with a name like that you need to learn to make bears.  i had to learn to sew first but I have never looked back and I too have lots of bears that live in our house.  My husband also has a bear that goes in his truck with him and always comes on holidays with us.

I will have a serious think about this - I've got the ideas just need more time!

Hi Jane I have just finished making one of your bears Little Alfie and he has turned out so well.  What a shame you aren't doing bears anymore but good on you for finding another passion and making the brave decision to go there!

I read a tip the other day where you get a large black comb and cut the teeth off and use them for claws.  I am guessing you could then get a hot needle and make holes in the end for insertion.

Love love love it :crackup:

In summer I love winter the best.  In winter I love summer actually it would have to be winter as summer here seems to be getting hotter and hotter.  This last summer we went from October until March without a day under 30C and many, many days of 45C plus.  Winter here seems to last about 6 weeks and although the nights are often below zero the days are usually between 17 and 23.  OK I have convinced myself that winter wins.

Baby Fat !!!!!!!!  what about cottage cheese thighs?  then i can get rid of mine  :crackup:

What a perfect example of how fantastically some of the synthetics can be made up.  I have become a huge fan of your bears since I signed your guestbook!  This one is absolutely gorgeous - well done

I love the template plastic because apart from being durable it cuts out a step or two when tracing patterns.  I also use a skewer to mark joint placement and then I can play with the templates and a couple of brads to make sure that the joints will be in the right place.

My goodness those bears are fantastic I especially love the green one - I am off to join your mailing list now!  Whaat a generous offer too - thank you for doing this.  :hug:

I'm so excited i just can't hide it .... my bear is on it's way already!!!!!!  Thank you so much Olga  I'd better get started on yours now!!

please please don't use bleach - I tried and left it on for too long with the result that it 'ate' the mohair and I was left with the backing only!