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Country BearsI'm starting some new projects and need some plush felt or shaggy felt. I can see lots on ebay US, but nothing here in the UK. Is it called something else here, or do we just not have it?? 
Can anyone describe the fabric to me.... :pray:
Any help very much appreciated!! :hug:
Hiya!
I think I know what you are referring to. I've seen it in Hobbycraft here in the UK - do you have one near you? Its basically felt with a slight pile to it - very reasonably priced I think, and quite simple to use. If you don't have a Hobbycraft near you, and are still having problems, then let me know and I can get you some from my nearest Hobbycraft. I think I've got some at home somewhere, so I can try and find it (which might take a while!!!) and photograph it to show you if this helps? (It will have to wait until after Hugglets tomorrow though I'm afraid!).
Hope this helps.
Hugs
Samantha
x
Country BearsHi Samantha,
Oh thank you!! I do have a hobbycraft quite near me, although I'm not allowed to visit very often!! 
If you could take a picture I would be really grateful, there's no rush, I'm on holiday until next Saturday - I'm coming to Hugglets tomorrow though, I'll stop by and say hello!! :hug: Hope you have a great show!! 
It could be called 'fur felt' ...the sort hatters use to make hats with. That used to be made from rabbit fur but I think they make a synthetic one these days. Look under hatting supplies.
I tried to get it ages ago and drew a blank here...if I am thinking of the same thing you are.
I made my first bear out of plush felt. I don't know what it's called in the UK but it's as Samantha described it... your usual felt, with a slight, nearly nubby pile. It also tends to have a kind of "heather" coloration to it. Or, at least, the stuff at our local JoAnne's Fabrics does.
The kind I used was the equivalent of regular inexpensive "craft" felt, meaning that it was thin and fairly weak and tended to pull thin when put under too much pressure. I like using the pricier wool felt for bear paws and such, because it's much stronger and holds up better to the stresses of stuffing.
For certain projects, though, obviously the plush kind is a better choice.
Not sure how well you can make out texture here, but here's a pic of my first bear, made with brown plush felt. He's hideous, but remember, we're looking at FABRIC here...
Bears by JodiUMMMMMMM I go to Jo Anns and I don't remember seeing a plush felt. Is it with the other felt or on a bolt ? The craft felt can be used for projects if you iron a backing to it. I know I made clown shoes and hat before and did this to make the fabric stronger. I liked the colors so I figured out a way to use it.I will show a picture , I am sure you have seen him already but easier to show with this post for all of you out there.
Jodi Falk
Jodi... the craft felt, wool felt, and plush felt are all available on bolts at my local JoAnne's. At my store they're kept in the same area as the bolts of calico/quilting fabric, muslin, and burlap. Even though we both have the store locally, however, it's possible they carry different stock, since you're halfway across the United States from me!
You can also get craft felt in sheets at my JoAnne's.
I think any kind of felt is great for making clothes and shoes and flowers, etc, and that includes craft felt. One of my favorite doll types is the felt doll; Maggie Iacono, Lenci, whatever. It's got a great, warm texture! Adding a backing to it is just all that much better. When I made my first bear out of plush felt I was really inexperienced with sewing and it didn't even occur to me that it would stretch, so of course it didn't occur to me to back it! I would do that now and expect entirely different, more stable results.
It's just for applications where the felt is going to form a "skin" and then get stuffed hard that I've found it doesn't stand up well to the extreme pressures of that process. It seems like wool felt holds up a bit better; the bonding seems tighter or something.
Anyway, if you're looking for it, check that same section at your local JoAnne's!
Back Road BearsY'all remember the dreaded bunnies I had to make?? Those were made of plush felt. I did indeed get it at Jo Ann's. So, Clare, I'd imagine you might be able to get it at a local hobby/craft store. I have it in a creamy pale tan and a medium brown and would LOVE to get rid of some! Let me know if you are interested!
Hi Clare,
I have searched everywhere and can't find the piece of plush-felt!!
However, if you have a Hobbycraft store near you, then go to the area where they sell the normal cheap craft felt on shelves. Next to that, there is usually some cheap fur fabrics hanging up along the shelving. If you look carefully, you will find some in this area which is felt with either a slight straight pile, or a sort of looped pile (difficult to describe - they might call it a shaggy pile - not sure). They are larger pieces than the normal craft felt, which have been folded up and a label attached. Usually about £5.99 a piece. They usually have a few nice 'bear' colours in both types. I hope this helps.
Get back to me again if you need any more info!!
Hugs
Samantha
x
