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Posts: 12Not sure which would be most appropriate, especially given that I'm a newbie to bear making. He's to be a gift for a 40th birthday present, so no worries about child safety.
This is the pattern as mentioned in my introduction http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/220927553391? … 1497.l2649 He's approx. 10" high and looking at the pattern pieces guess he'll be about 20" in length.
If just stuffed, what would you recommend as best for the filling? Given that the head and limbs aren't separate/won't articulate, would Loc-Line work for slight variatons of positioning or would that be a bit OTT for this particular bear?
I have huge L plates where bear making is concerned, so any help and advice will be much appreciated.
Thank you
Pat
desertmountainbearAdorable bear! It does not appear from the picture that he will be jointed. I would use polyester stuffing I think. There are many choices, wool, pellets, wood wool. With him being on all fours you will need to have him stuffed fairly firmly especially in his legs so they do not bend where you do not want them too. For that reason I think I would not choose to put pellets in his body, they would add too much weight on his legs. If you wanted to add a little weight you could add a few bbs to each of his paws.
Wiring and lockline are both very fun, and if you feel the nerve you may want to either wire or lockline from his head to his tail along his spine. It would allow him to move his head. But doing that can be a little tricky, you need to wrap it in felt or batting and then tack it along his spine. That way it won't just be floating inside of his body.
Joanne
Posts: 12Thank you Joanne for your kind and very helpful response.
Another question if I may? The pattern allows for a 1/2" seam allowance, but reading the very informative pages on the Edinburgh Imports website, it suggests that 1/4" seam allowance is most/more common for bear making. Would a 1/4" seam allowance be substantial enough for a bear of this size?
I used this fur to make my daughter a fur coat and me being more used to clothing fabrics I realised (after the event) that allowing the usual 5/8" seam allowance resulted in a lot of trimming and a rather expensive waste of fabric.
Sorry if some of my questions seem to have obvious answers to the experienced bear makers, but I'd rather ask them now than make unecessary errors.
Thank you
Pat
desertmountainbearI use the pressure foot as my seam allowance guide, no matter what size the bear. I don't even know what size that is. But it has always worked for me.
Joanne
Most patterns call for a 1/4" seam allowance, so 1/2" sounds quite wide. (My usual seam allowance is more like 3/16".)
Becky
Posts: 12I've still managed to cut the pattern pieces with slightly more than a 1/4" seam allowance!. Really should emulate the carpenters' bible, with their "measure once, twice, thrice and then cut once" philosophy.I'll put the cut pattern pieces to one side and ponder a little more on armatures etc. before I start sewing. A July birthday gives me a little breathing space.
I have a classical tutu which I need to finish and I've also promised to make a Disney Belle costume as a gift for a little girl.
There was a flurry of snow outside when I woke up at 3.30 this morning, somewhat less than the flurry of white fur flying in my sitting room, despite using a craft knife, I think it's because of cutting much smaller pieces than I'm used to, so can't see me ever hetting into miniature bear making. I am astounded and amazed at some of the beautiful creations and detail I've come across via this forum.
Thank you again for the very helpful advice.
Pat
