Banner Sponsors

Clarebear Jan 24, 2009

I have some absolutely gorgeous white mohair on a black background and (obviously) I want to make a polar bear out of it.  I am very new to designing ( have done 3 designs) and I so desperately want to get this right.  I have been studying pictures etc of real polar bears and need advice with the following - how do  you elongate the head?  How do you get that smallish roundish snout?  and LEGS!  Where do I begin?  I even feel adventurous enough to use multi joints if I need to but want as much advice as possible first.  Thanking you all in anticipation  :hug:

tuppies teddies Jan 24, 2009

I am so hopeless at describing what i do.

Basically I add a small tube shaped piece of fur between the head and the body.
Instead of gathering the neck edge and body neck opening I cut 4 circles of fabric (fur ) to sew into these openings.
The joint discs should fit quite close to these circles when attaching to the body.

So, head--tube of fur----then body.

Can anyone help me to explain all this as I am probably confusing Clare heaps..

puca bears Jan 26, 2009

Hi Clare
first off - consult the TT library - there's heaps of useful info on jointing etc........
I have to say, from personal experience, there is No easy way of just arriving at a new pattern/style of bear - last year's "outside of your comfort zone" TT Challenge got me going on trying to create a more realistic polar bear, and boy was it hard at first - the proportions seemed all WRONG. I can't tell you how many bear bits I made out of cotton fabric, just to test ideas/designs - a matter of trial and error.
Have a look at the Ebearz universtiy - lots of courses, including bear design, and maybe google Rotraud Illisch - for info on her books on all aspect of bear making/design.
I'm sure others will come up with suggestions for you.....and GOOD LUCK
huggies
Maria

Bramblewoodbears Jan 26, 2009

I agree, there is not easy way...I think it is mostly trial and error...you just keep tweaking the adjusting the pattern until you get it the way you want it....go to the goodwill or salvation army and get some cheap faux fur coats and use them to experiment with your pattern until you get it how you want it.  And have fun!!!
:hug:
Tomi

Jaina Jan 26, 2009

Hi.
I recently made a realistic bear, I have to say, if you want to cheat, Nancy Tillberg's 101 bears to make has a superb realistic bear pattern in it.

I also have Rotraud Illisch's book "A Bear of my own" and that has loads of tips and info on how to design realistic bears.