Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Melisa
He is awesome.  I love the tiny size.  True, you don't realize how small until you see the 2nd pic.  The detail is incredible !!

Regards
Lee Ann

Hi !
I have made bears in the past that were "string jointed".  This means all body parts were sewn, stuffed, and stitched closed.  Then, they were attached by running thread through body to the arm, through the arm to the outside, and back again, repeating the process to attach the opposing arm.

If you go back and forth repeatedly in the same place, the joints could move.

You could attach them this way, going through only once and they would be less move-able.

Not sure what material you are using, but ladder stitches are a good option too, and can be hidden under fur.  For example, on the head, you would just sew it at the neck to the top of the body going completely around using the ladder stitch.

I hope this might be helpful

Regards,
Lee Ann

Hi everyone -
Sue - the sticky back tape and the Sulky Sticky product will adhere to the back side of your fur without glue. (self stick )  When working with real fur you'll want to keep the back or "leather" side as clean and dry as possible.  And, you wouldn't come near it with an iron :)

I'm so sorry about the loss of your kitty.  I have three myself...they're my kids.

Good luck...I'd love to hear how your project comes along.

And I am really excited about trying the Sulky Sticky product myself! The sticky back tape works quite nicely, however, it didn't seem to stay put as well on some of the older, vintage furs I used.

Take care
Lee Ann

Hi everyone -
Sue - the sticky back tape and the Sulky Sticky product will adhere to the back side of your fur without glue. (self stick )  When working with real fur you'll want to keep the back or "leather" side as clean and dry as possible.  And, you wouldn't come near it with an iron :)

I'm so sorry about the loss of your kitty.  I have three myself...they're my kids.

Good luck...I'd love to hear how your project comes along.

And I am really excited about trying the Sulky Sticky product myself! The sticky back tape works quite nicely, however, it didn't seem to stay put as well on some of the older, vintage furs I used.

Take care
Lee Ann

Hello everyone
I have also used copper BBs.  They come in a carton and are not very expensive.

Kindest Regards
Lee Ann

Hi everyone!  I've been reading the "real fur" topic and there is such great advice on everything from fur preparation to cutting to lining and stitching.  It is so wonderful to be in a forum where we can share ideas and experience.

I thought I 'd start this topic specific to lining and share a method I have been using recently.  Since my bears are on the small size, at times I felt "all thumbs" when trying to glue the muslin pieces to the back of the bear pattern pieces, after they were cut.

I wanted a clean dry method to use and experimented with a sticky back basting tape that comes on a roll.  I buy the extra wide tape because my bears are small and this usually covers the entire pattern piece.  I want it to stick to the entire pattern piece to protect not only the edges but where the joints are going to be pushed through.

I cut the tape a bit longer than I need, pull of the backing, and affix the tape, sticky side down to the leather.  If two pieces are needed to cover the pattern piece, I overlap them slightly. 

I then use the handle of my awl like a roller and press the tape firmly to the leather and trim around the edges of the pattern piece.

This method won't work for larger bears but is great for the small ones.  The only drawback is I feel the leather working needle get a bit gummy on the point from pushing through the tape while hand stitching the bear.  I just wipe it off with my fingers or a cloth periodically.

This product is in the general sewing supplies area where basting and iron on products are found.

If anyone wants to try - I'll get the exact product name for you.

I work primarily with mink, and yes, it is challenging but the finished bears are worth the effort.

Take care all
Regards
Lee Ann
(2catkiss)