Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Waggle BearsVery cute. Looks like those blue eyes were meant just for him.
He's absolutely wonderful!!!
wow a stunner, well done xxxx
Oh Laurie! Your bear has turned out so well! Those eyes really suit him! :clap: :clap:
He's still quite a bit smaller than the smallest of my current bears, so it's lovely to see how the pattern piece has worked for this size of bear. I'm so pleased this challenge has given you the confidence to push yourself further with your design work ... I will look forward to seeing your bears taking part in future competitions!! 
YorkshireLadies I need your help because I think I have bitten off more than I can chew :redface: This is my first challenge and first attempt to design own pattern - it was coming along nicely, basic pattern drawn, fabric chosen etc BUT due to some problems at home I have got no further and I'm dreaming bears (but not in a good way!).
I really want to do this challenge, but I like to hand sew and I'm so SLOW. So this is the problem - I'm not happy with a basic design (boring!) - I really want to post a bear that I'm proud to let sit with your beautiful creations. I've decided and dreamt of an inset muzzle, I've read the other threads, I've looked at Nancy Tillbergs book AND I had a go on my last bear, but it turned out like a big blob on its face! Was going to throw it away, but thought I might make a monkey from it instead (one year 
) - am I slicing in the wrong place?
This has proven one thing to me I'm not gonna be a bear artist - too much pressure and decisions! I think I will take the slow road and stay as a bear maker Also I would like to say to all those bear artist that manage to do it with kids, animals and other commitments that I'm in total awe of you 
Hugs Ali x
:hug: Ali, my advice is that the first rule of design is to keep it as simple as possible. Make sure you've got a really good bear designed first, nicely proportioned and with a head that works well. A 'don't run before you can walk' approach really will pay off in the long run. Once you've developed a solid pattern that works without any 'messin', then you can move on a phase and work out how to develop that pattern further. If the basics are in place, tweaking your original design will be much easier.
The inset muzzle is a good place to start extending your original head pattern. Basically, where you detach the muzzle piece from the head piece will be dependent on the end look you want to achieve. For example, I slice a little higher than the line of the muzzle and curve my newly cut muzzle piece into the head pattern because I like quite full looking 'cheeks' and I like to sink the eye into the area where the seam sits, rather than have the inset muzzle sitting below the eye. You could also make a muzzle in one piece to give a different look ... I haven't played around with that, so maybe someone else can give some further advice. How you site the muzzle will also determine how much trimming you need/want to do.
I think if I was designing an inset muzzle for the very first time, I would just inset the sides of the muzzle and leave the gusset part for another design. It usually works well to have the side gusset in contrasting fabric and the head gusset in the original fabric. One step at a time ...!
The main things to remember are to choose a suitable alternative fabric for the inset muzzle, something that complements the main fabric, which can be trimmed to achieve the look you want and remember to allocate seam allowances on both the new inset muzzle piece and the head piece so they join together without detracting from the original shape and size of the overall head pattern.
Cincinnati, OhioLaurie and everyone else,
Great job! Love your finished bears!!! Each bear (and other creature) is so completely different! What a fun challenge.
Mine is done, honestly she is, just with the kittens I haven't gotten pics yet, but we are all settled into a routine now so I will post pictures TODAY, I promise
Hugs,
Krista
WoW what a stunning bear Laurie!!! You have really created and designed an amazing work of art!
Hugs,
Krista
Okay finally!! these are just some quick pics, and I am at a loss, it has been so long I have no idea how to accesorize a bear!!! Help and suggestions appreciated!
This is still un named bear, she stands 7 inches tall, I used Paula's pattern at I believe 60%, but I may be wrong...I designed her head gusset as well as the rest of her body, she is made from gorgeous Tyber plush from Sassy's bears and it is just the softest fur ever!! Five way jointed, wired arms, and steel shot in her cute little tummy, she also has hand shaded details, olivey brown hand painted eyes, and an embroidered nose which is then varnished.
Hugs,
Krista
PijangibearsOhh Krista, she is soooooo sweet.
All of the bears are sooo wonderful, you all did a great job.
I still only half way finished.
:hug:
Laurie Lou BearsYour bear has turned out gorgeous Krista.It is hard to believe that all these creations look nothing like each other yet have all had the same head piece.
Laurie :hug:
Lodve (Hrault)congratulations for everyone, yours bears are absolutely adorables and so differents :clap: :clap:
Waggle BearsVery cute, Krista.
Sunshine Coast, QLDKrista she is beautiful!! And I think she looks just fine in the nude
You could just hang a little charm or something around her neck if you really wanted something, but she does herself justice without anything at all.
I love her!!
krista - i like her naked too !
so apealing looking
cat xxx
KiddoBearsMaltilda 
and Ellen :hug: :hug: Krista they are all beautiful bears :hug:
I did finish mine when I did and its been patiently waiting for a picture ,but with 13 grandchildern around 8 grown ones.It been a little busy in this house through the week and weekends. I just haven't been able to get its picture,when I want to its tool ate to do it,but I promise you will see it sorry just can't help me I'm just thinking its just loving nerves :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Krista, your bear is lovely! I really like the proportions you've used .. the slightly large head and big ears lend the bear such cute appeal and the body shaping sits perfectly with the arms and legs. I can easily see the shape of my side head, but your overall head design is so different from mine ... and that fabric works beautifully with it. Well done! :clap: :clap:
YorkshireAww Krista your bear is adorable!
BIG THANKS to Paula, you've put me back on track. I've followed your advice and done side muzzle peices only and I cut my peices out last night so hopefully I can start sewing tonight! Might manage this challange after all - yipee!!!!!!
Hugs Ali x
Matilda Huggington-beare :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
This is a standing ovation by the way :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Wendy
Posts: 83Everyone bears are so pretty
Is it to late to join in on this event? I would love to join in 
Sorry TeddyB, the deadline for this challenge is end November and the application deadline was sometime ago.
Only a few more days to go ... I sent out over fifty challenge pieces, so let's hope a few more are completed before we close!
KiddoBears
Hi! everyone here is my head of design challenge. :doh: forgot to include her full picture
Matilda Huggington-beareWOW thats excellent Mary. I totally adore her!! :dance: :dance:
Lodve (Hrault)Wow she's wonderful!!!..... :clap: :clap: :clap:
