Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Mine is my tool for turning cotter pins.  Can't believe how much easier it is with the proper tool.
I had been using some pliers but the ends were too large to get the cotter pin really tight.
Since I found this tool, all joints have been successful 

Hugs
Lee Ann

From someone who used to work exclusively with mink, this has been a HUGE change.  Just want to say I am "over the moon" about these fabrics.  They are lovely, easy to sew and inspirational.  Sounds funny, but I received a piece of yellow Sassy in a swap recently, and had the BEST time pulling down all my ribbons and accessories, planning the project. 
It's like rediscovering the fun of bear making again.  And my order arrived in 3 days? Super fast. 
I want to order a big pile.....but I think I'll make up the pieces I just ordered and see which one I like best.  So far, the frosteds are my favorites. 

Hugs,
Lee Ann

Thank you Hannah
Yes, this makes alot of sense  :clap: I was pulling the ends through at the same time and knotting. I need to separate the ends a bit, and let more of the "neck" fabric "bear" :crackup:  the pressure of the tightness.
Hope I am understanding you correctly.
And doing a little eye socket work first is a great tip !

I have done 3 babies now, using this fabric...working on the 4th, for the Four Seasons Challenge.  Loving each one more than the last.  The fabric is wonderful, and so much easier to sew....

Thank you so much for answering
Regards
Lee Ann

Hi !
I have bear #3 in progress, and that looks like all I will be able to complete.
I am holding off posting the pics, because I want to pose them all together.
It has been a very fun project   

Best Regards
Lee Ann

Great tips...thank you both!
I will keep trying. Practice, practice, practice
I LOVE this fabric and the minis are so much fun to make.

Regards
Lee Ann

Hi everyone 
My wonderful swap partner Karon sent me several pieces of Sassy fabric and I have had SUCH fun working with it.  It has been a nice change, because I have been working with real fur for so long.
I am creating some little bears for the 4 seasons Challenge.

My question is, is there a trick when putting eyes on a mini when you use Sassy.  It seems to have a bit of give or "stretch" to it.  I am using the waxy string that pulls through the loop in the eye and tie in a knot below the chin, where the neck joint is.  I pull very, very tight and get the eye to sink in, but it ends up after a few minutes pulling up from under the neck and the eye sort of "eases" it's way back out a bit.  :doh:  I can't pull any tighter.

Any advice would be appreciated very much

Kind Regards
Lee Ann

Irresistable !   
He is so cute !

Lee Ann

Hi!!  Nice to see you back  Dakota is beee-yoooo-ti-ful   

That is great news !  I had such grand ideas, and sketched out 4 bears, 1 for each season.
Guess what?  still working on bear #1
:crackup:
Maybe will have to adjust - and just try to get two done.

When do we post the pics?

Best regards 
Lee Ann

Hello ~ I like the idea of rice.  Seems very natural    I have used copper BBs but always worried if they would make it through customs or not...worried about that poor little baby having his tummy opened due to suspicious content ??
The other day, I did a bunch of laundry and was gathering up the used dryer sheets to dispose of them.  Noticed they still have a faint smell, so I put them in the bag with my cotton batting.  I was thinking maybe these would work to lay a tiny piece in at the last step, to cover the filling, whatever it is, and lie directly under the seam?  Also, would give off a very faint but nice smell.

Haven't tried it yet...but it would certainly be great if those could be recycled instead of thrown away. Maybe even shred them up a bit, and add in with the cotton fiber stuffing?

Best Regards
Lee Ann

If you use cotter pins and discs, perhaps a smaller disc inside the head and a larger one inside the body?  This would give the head something to "rest on"?

Lee Ann

Hi Sue~~LOVE that last comment  :crackup:
And this bear is absolutely awesome.  I haven't worked with alpaca in so long (mostly real fur these days) but I just love what you have done.  He has a great face and wonderful colors.   

Best Regards
Lee Ann

Melisa
The kitty is wonderful. Gorgeous eyes and the face/head is just perfection.
But I am so concerned about you.
Please be careful until they diagnose what is causing such pain.  :hug:

Lee Ann

Beautiful !  Wonderful face, such great expression 

Thank you everyone  :hug: I really appreciate your kind comments

Best Regards
LeeAnn

Melisa~so sorry to hear of your injury. 
prayers for you to get well soon   :pray:

This is a lovely little panda.  Best of luck with the auction

Regards
LeeAnn

Tammy, he is wonderful.  Lovely fur combination and I love his face   

Regards

Lee Ann

Thank you Lenora 

Hello everyone !  Hope you are doing well.  This is my latest creation, a baby mink polar bear.  Thank you for taking a look.
Kind Regards

Lee Ann

I have SO many pictures like this !        Two of my cats absolutely love to cuddle like this and usually do the bread kneading treatment on each other's chests until they start snoozing.
The little one often uses the bigger one's tummy as a nice pillow.

Thanks for posting Tami !

Lee Ann

PS~ little secret....this is sort of how I came about picking my user name.  Have a photo of my two babies nose to nose in what looks like a "kiss"

I'm in as long as you don't hold me to it  :crackup:
I love the idea....It takes me so long to finish one bear....but this should be do-able by September 

Regards,
Lee Ann

Beautiful !   Very nice fur color on this one  And a precious face, as always 

Warm Regards
Lee Ann

:clap: Congratulations
Very lovely group of ladies.  Love the jewels 

Best Regards
Lee Ann

Amazing.
You must enter him in the contests.  That's not always the most important thing...but the world needs to see your work.  Absolutely stunning !

Lee Ann

I am in love    with Tatty.  I can't get enough of his story.

An idea came to mind...basically suggestions are being made to apply fabric over the bear body as a permanent fix to hold arms, legs, etc.  Would it be possible also to get a piece of distressed mohair and sew it "over" his head?  In other words, leave the existing head in place and sort of cover it with a new layer?
Then apply an antique outfit as the finishing touch.

Keep us posted with whatever you decide to do...
Regards
Lee Ann