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Kris is a cutie! The mohair that you used works perfectly with this traditional design.
Becky
Lisa and Renee - you're both very kind. Thank you. 
I'm also looking forward to seeing your bear when it's finished!
Becky
I love this devil-bear! (I think I can hear him pronouncing his name with that pierced tongue... So funny!)
Becky
Definitely more than a bus ride!
For me, a dense pile is more important to scissor sculpting actual shapes than is the pile length. I'm inserting a link to my Little Liza Jane bear because I was happy with the scissor sculpting on this small bear with a not-very-long pile: http://www.teddy-talk.com/viewtopic.php?id=54604 (Note how cutting into the fur from the eyes down and leaving the sides of the muzzle rounded and longer starts to get at the shape of the muzzle in your photo - with just my usual head-gusset/snout pattern shape.)
Becky
I think you'll do just fine, Renee. Even if the resulting bear isn't exactly like the one in the photo (and it's unlikely that any of us could make an exact copy), it could be pretty wonderful!
It sounds like the pattern is meant to create an ample nose shape. It would be nice if you could make a test head in some kind of fur, just to give you the best idea. (If you were in the U.S. I'd set you up with some of my off-cut pieces. Overseas shipping costs have spoiled some things.)
Becky
Glad to see you, Lisa, and to see your lovely bears as well! Have a wonderful time at the bear fair.
Becky
Renee, I've been hoping that someone with experience with this kind of muzzle will weigh in!
I'm thinking that much of the shape you see is actually built into the pattern and accentuated by the scissor sculpting of the pile. I think you're right that you'd need to needle sculpt some deeper eye sockets, but continuing down the sides might pinch that muzzle... (Does the head gusset sort of balloon out toward the tip/nose area? Do you have a piece of fabric to make just a trial head with?)
Sorry not to have better answers, so I hope to hear from others. It's an interesting question!
Becky
Lol - Sue Ann and Christina, you might both be pushing the boundaries of what qualifies as cute, but thank you! 
Becky
Interesting indeed, and quite the needle-felting challenge (I imagine) with those brows, separate patches of colors on the face, and ridges on the muzzle. (I see that he has a colorful rear-end as well!) 
Becky
First, Christina, wow! What a project! And now I must ask - why a mandrill?
Becky
He's a perfect little traditional ted, and looks like a perfect gentleman as well. 
You do a great job with fuzzy muzzles.
Becky
