Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Crikey. Huge indeed. He's gorgeous. I love the fabric. The quality of work is wonderful too. Can't wait to see him finished.

Richard
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Oh My Gosh! How many bears at one time? I'm 2 maximum, I'd be in over my head otherwise. You must be very organised?
I have to say I absolutely love, love, love the brown one on the right, gorgeous.

Richard
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Thanks Bobbie. Unfortunately due to pattern mishaps other parts have been re-cut but everything happens for a reason so we'll see what comes out. How strange (or serendipitous as you say) that you should post here today when I actually came on to PM you and say thank you for saving my life with your matress stitch post a while back. Last night I completed the best, smoothest, and un-holed ladder stitch seam I've ever done. You're a star  :lol:... so Thank you.

Richard
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Thanks for your help everyone.
Started sewing last night so will let you know how I get on.
Sue, just have to say I don't believe you're a 'beginner' that bear on your avatar is simply gorgeous!

Richard
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It's not only 7 weeks is it? Crikey... I need to get saving.
I'm on your mailing list and have to say I love your bears. What you do with faux fur impresses me as my one and only try at using this type of material is currently thrown to the back of a wardrobe  :P.
I love Banoffee and am also madly in love with your 'cat in the hat' in the previews section of your website. Hope he's still unadopted by the time I get there so I can have a real look 
Can't wait to see you and your stall there.

Richard
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Thanks everyone. I can assure you I'm calm again now 
I have just enough to recut the head pieces so I think I will do this then simply groom the fur into the right direction. Can't wait to crack on now and will most certainly show you all once I am finished.
Thanks again.

Richard
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Hey Everyone

So I'm having minor meltdown :P.
I purchased some lovely Sprase blonde Mohair (with a light yellow backing) at Hugglets in Feb and have now designed the perfect pattern for it. Pulled it out, laid the pieces in the direction of the pile and have cut it out, it's now sat eagerly awaiting the machine.
However, I read an article today which says DO NOT cut on the diagonal of the fabric and, well... this is exactly what I have done   

The pile of this fabric runs diagonally across the backing and seeing as I've always read to cut with the pile so the fur lies right this is what I have done. Is this wrong? How will this affect my bear and is there anything I can now do in construction to ease any weaknesses cutting like this may have created?
I know one reason to cut with the backing edge is to help nose stitching later but is there any other more technical reason?

In addition should you cut in line with the threads of the backing or inline with the pile? If you cut following the selvage or edge what do you then do when the pile doesn't run right?

Please tell me I've not thrown money away by making these cuts  :pray:

Thanks
Richard
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Sew What and Stuff It here in the UK definitely have some too as I saw it at a show on Monday 

Richard
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Oh I really like him. You can still tell he's one of yours too. I like that tight little scissor work on the face with the eyes close together. And gorgeous fabric.

Richard
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I've only been into bear artistry for a short while but have made so many friends already.
Judi of Christie Bears has been very patient with me, a great help and I started with one of her kits so in great gratitude to her.
Jane of Pipkins Bears also saved my life with ladder stitch and her CD workshop is brilliant.
But for pure admiration I will always say Paula of AllBear. I just absolutely love her work. Can't tell you why, but I do lol.
As a side note I would also say I love Bears upon Soar and the noses in particular just blow me away!

Oh also, Dawn is doing a great job with TBT so far and of course Nancy for her online courses. Must also be greatful to Hugglets for some fantastic shows.

Is this too many people?

Richard
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Bless you Sue.
No, I went back to look at Sassy but fell in love with a piece of dense, soft, golden Mohair so bought that instead - I'm such a sod aren't I?
But Sassy is on my list of things to order if I have some money left at the end of the month  :P, it's quite an exciting idea to play with.
Can't wait to see your pics. Hope you had a good day. Your bears really were beautiful!

Richard
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So, had a great day out at this fair.
A lovely little fair spread out over two barns/rooms with a wide variety of styles. Definitely worth a visit for any Artist Bear enthusiasts.
Sue and Vicki, was lovely to meet you both.
For anyone who hasn't seen them in person Vicki's minis are beautiful in person (the new 5 inch series are gorgeous) and Sue's work is so classically quaint. I had a real chat with Sue and indeed fell in love with one of her little mice.
Managed to take a few photos so I thought I'd pop them on here for everyone to enjoy.

Richard
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So far I've done a mix of eyes, nose, ears and nose, eyes, ears.
I always do the ears last as I change these dependent upon the look the eyes and nose create. I started doing the nose first when I read somewhere that it could help you in lining up the eyes.

Richard
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Amazing! Absolutely Amazing!

Richard
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OMG all of us on April Fools Day? 
Happy Birthday everyone.

Richard
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Sue and Vicki, I will definitely be sure to say Hi.
And will try photos but I'm also not very good. And COMPLETELY forgot about Hugglets 

Richard
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Hey Everyone

So Patchings Bear Fair is in Nottingham, England on Easter Monday, is anyone going?
Anyone exhibiting?
It's so close to me (and free) so think I'll definitely pop along for nose 
Hope to see some of you there.

Richard
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He's an absolutely fantastic first bear. A real classic, huggable, cutey!
This is definitely encouraging me to take this course.
Great job.

Richard
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Oh my GOSH! I think I'm in love... your website totally just got favourited! 
Amazing!

Richard
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Wow I can't believe she's your first design! She's beautiful. You can really see the quality of the work and I love the shaved muzzle.

Richard
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Beautiful. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I actually groaned in upset when I realised he'd already been reserved, someone is very lucky!
But then you know I'm a fan...
Please bring a big hug like him (or Caspian) to Stratford in June 

Richard
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Wow! You've captured a real expression in those eyes.

Richard
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Jenny, she is absolutely beautiful! I love that expression, you definitely got that 'rabbit thing'.
WOW!

Richard
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Wow! That's absolutely brilliant!
Great job, definitely encouraging me to join the University too 
I love that fur, such detail and sooooo cute.

Richard
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She really is gorgeous, the face is superbly sculpted.

Richard
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