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Country BearsI often make bears from fabrics other than mohair - not faux fur (yet!), but upholstery fabrics or velvets etc, they never seem to get as much interest as mohair ones though and yet the same amount of work (often more if it's a challenging fabric!!) goes into the creation. I like the different textures of other fabrics and like to try them, I'd like to know your thoughts about this, would it put you off as a collector? 
near ColognePersonally, I think it is very appealing to see a bear made out of a very different Fabric. For example, my very first bear was made out of a pink fabric with little blue flowers on it - just because I wanted to try out if I could make a bear at that time but didn't want to buy other materials for it. I haven't done something like this again yet, because most of my fabrics are of one color without a motive on them, but I will probably try it again soon if I find some cute fabric...^^
DENBY BEARS
I too make bears from other fabrics other than mohair. I use upolstry fabric a lot and they still sell at shows, of course the money is less also. But I like to try different things. Right now I am making a bear out of a pair of my grandsons fatigue pants from the Marines. This is at his request, I will try and post when finished.(if i can) LOL. I also want to make a bear from a pair of jeans. I want to do a lot of things, but the time is of the essence. Working full time kinda makes bear making hit or miss. But I am getting faster at it.
hugs Pat 
near ColognePat,
the idea of making a bear out of a pair of jeans is interesting... I hadn't thought of this, although I have some old jeans here, I think the natural texture of a jeans would fit a teddy bear very well... Would you mind if I tried it out?
PennsylvaniaI think most people's conception of a Teddy Bear is "cute and furry." A Bear that goes too far outside that concept might not be as well received.
However, it all depends on the Bear. If the Bear's fabric fits his or her personality then most people won't think it matters.
We have several Bears who are made from velor or upholstery-type fabrics. One Bear is made from soft, velvety, short pile fabric and his body is filled with stuffing like comes in a bean bag chair. His face is stuffed with traditional polyester fluff, though.) He is one of the Bears who sits on the sofa and watches TV with us.
That's him sitting on the far left end of the sofa, right in front of the latch hook pillow.
So, when you come down to the bottom line, it's not just about what kind of fabric the Bear is made from but what's more important is whether the Bear's personality fits the kind of fabric he's made from.
Past Time BearsI've made many bears/friends from different fabrics and they've gotten a bit of attention because they're NOT mohair. I just like to experiment with different ideas.
DENBY BEARS I remember all those bears Sue Ann, and they are fabulous. I think a bear can be made of many colors and fabrics.
thanx for sharing.
DENBY BEARSfallenrose, you can make a jean bear, thats ok with me. It should be a good type of fabric to make one. I will get to mine one of these days, after my fatigue bear gots to work on the 4 seasons bear. 
near CologneOh..yeah, the 4 seasons bear - I wanted to participate in this challenge, too.. Gosh, I have too much plans! lol
FenBeary FolkHi Clare, I am just using a whole series of non-mohair fabrics, I adore them, slightly different to use but like Us Bear says you have to choose the right fabric for the right bear 
Sue Ann, love them
Hi Clare
It's just a personal thing, but I prefer bears made with mohair, alpaca or silk. I also like some faux furs, if they are nice and soft. I guess it is something about the decadent luxury. Looking at my fairly ample collection of bears, almost all are made from natural plush fabrics. I certainly admire many artist creations made from non-traditional materials, but at the end of the day I want to cuddle up with a furry ted. The great thing about artist bears is that there are so many different types and styles, and collectors with such varying tastes.
Just within my own circle of friends and families, I have found a surprising number are allergic to mohair, alpaca or synthetic plush. Wouldn't it be sad if they couldn't find a bear made from something different and non-allergenic!
Hugs
Sue
Little Bear GuyI like to mix and match fabrics, I have one bear that is mohair but it has an inset belly made from pink snake skin and the mohair is a very soft pink. I think mixing them is very interesting as well as you get the best of both worlds for those people who like a cuddly fuzzy bear, I like different textures so just try what you like and see how it goes.
big hugs
Shane
Dances With Teddy Bears
I love working with different materials. I'm making one out of a screen print fabric right now. And Clarence here was made from an old army blanket. I find it fun to experiment.
PS They do sell, just not for mohair bear prices.
Country BearsOh wow you guys those bears are fabulous!! That's done it, I'm going to make some!! Thank you so much, I always appreciate your help....xxx :hug:
Chaska, MinnesotaI made a beautiful bear out of a vintage chanel bedspread. You have to line them with a good quality muslin which makes it easier to handle. Trends come and go. I bet down the road people will want something different and you will have your cloth bears in vogue again.
aRTy BearsThanks everyone for showing bears out of other Fabrics. It's something I would never have thought to do, but I'm definitely inspired!
It must be much harder to hide knots etc. though!?
Richard
x
FenBeary Folk
It can make very inspiring and gorgeous bears.................you have to have neat stitches LOLOL 
I use mostly faux fur or real recycled fur these days, but I have made bears out of other materials. I made leather bears, crazy quilt elephants and frogs (using velvets, velveteens), and a few of my first bears were made from a coat that was camel hair. It had a very, very short pile, but it had such a nice vintage appeal to it. I wish I had some pictures to show you - of course, I took pictures, but that was before digital. I'll have to scan them one day!
