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fredbear Oct 7, 2008

Does it happen to others or am I at times just plain stupid. I know the center seam (Chin) is in line with the middle of the muzzle and that the sewing is as perfect as I can get it when making the head.

Sometimes I find that after stuffing the head, it starts "going out of proportion" I have tried several methods, stuffing from the back, then towards the nose area, stuffing the left side then moving to the right side, yet the odd head still goes wonky. This then throws out the eye positions, ears etc.

I also make sure that when I cut out the head, I place both side pieces on the same grain in the fabric as some fabric  can have more stretch which will result in one side having a bit more give and therefore more filler will be in that side if the side pieces are placed differently on the fabric.

The filler I use has a "rougher" texture as I find this tends to stay in place better than a soft filler.

My one German friend showed me a way which is making layers, one on top of the next, when inserting you insert from the middle and push out, this works well with the bigger bears, but anything 10" and under you space you have to work in is much smaller so not that easy.

I never seem to have this problem in the beginning, is it just that I am trying to be too perfect or plain dumb ?
Any ideas on this?

Lynette

danceswithteddybears Oct 7, 2008

Good question, Lynette
'Cause I'm in the same boat!   
My heads often twist at the chin, just a bit but enough to throw everything off.  Wonky is the perfect word for it! 
I can't help at all, but I'm hoping others can.
Laura

desertmountainbear Oct 7, 2008

Is it possible the problem is with the jointing?  If the disk is not exactly level, just off the slightest bit when you close up the head, it would make the neck just slightly off at the neck.   something to mull over

I have the same problem,  I am looking at my bear now thinking that may be my problem
Joanne

Laura Lynn Banner SponsorOct 7, 2008

This is what works for me:

1)While I am stuffing I constantly turn the head in the palm of my hand. 
2)Every so often I stop and feel the head for evenness, and check the chin seam. 
3)When I embroider the nose, I leave the neck open so I can adjust the stuffing that shifts during the embroidery process.

fredbear Oct 8, 2008

Maybe we will get some more imput. Unless this is a "bad head" year for me, I do get my bad eye days and ear days. Some days they fit perfectly others well, many a head has almost landed in the dustbin. I am sure I will be reported for abusing teddy bears .

Lynette

Tracy Oct 8, 2008

I have this problem sometimes as well......very frustrating indeed!   I feel like the problem is due to my stuffing with only my right hand......causes everything to shift one way just a little.  I try to switch off hands when stuffing, especially when doing the muzzle are.  It does seem to help keep the head 'centered', though I still feel awkward using my left....getting easier each time I do it, so maybe it's a learned skill to stuff with both hands, not just your dominate one.

fredbear Oct 9, 2008

Ok so I am not going totally mad, it can and does happen. I am reverting back to laying out the side muzzle , with the mohair all pointing in a downward direction, normally I lie the muzzle with the direction of the pile going to the sides. Perhaps ( I am going to sit and play around) this is giving me more stretch in the mohair which is distorting the head.

I think your hand that is used normally(dominant) does have a bit more strength and this could also create the lop sided head.

With the dolls I am doing, they suggest for the eyebrows that you first to the opposite one to the dominant hand, as it is easier to complete the other side.

Living and learning
Lynette

mingrul Oct 17, 2008

But Lynette I never find your bear chin off the center. i just love the bears you make    they are so adorable... cant wait to see them next month! :hug:

eteddys Oct 22, 2008

I think we all probably get our chins out of whack every now and again. :crackup:   Humans find beauty in symmetry so it's what we strive for in our creations.  But, there is no perfectly symmetrical human face and I'm sure that goes for teddies too.  We're making hand made little critters and any imperfections just make them all the more wonderful. 

Hugs,
Alison

fredbear Oct 22, 2008

I often think the odd "imperfection" is what adds character. I have purchased two bears in the past from award winning Toby winners and one is definitely out,however I was still attracted to the bear's appeal.

Ming, I am also looking forward to being in Taiwan once again, and excited about seeing the teddy bear book.

Lynette

mingrul Oct 23, 2008

well, we humans are also not perfect. have you notice ur left feet and right are not the same size or shape? Its those little imperfections that give the bear characters.

I bought a bear last time and it slowly grow me.. now i love it...

I'm looking forward also to the book Lynette... For one, the cover is great, the contents... secret! Hope you will like it...

The Rabbit Maker Oct 23, 2008

It's something I watch out for when I'm stuffing and I've put it down to doing it one sided . eg right handed. I too try and do both hands but it's not easy.

Sometimes if I'm not sure if the rabbit looks right I hold it up to the morror and look at it through the mirror. Any imperfections seem to show up more clearly.