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For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Inner CreaturesI'm a beginner when it come to teddy bears.
I'd like to know which is the best type of fabric for them.
I'm planning on some short hair teddy bears.
Don't want to use fur.
Is there a great place online in the US to get them?
Plum Cottage BearsWhat size bears do you want to make? There is special fabric for miniature bears, for example. I make bears of about 12 to 17 inches, so I use longer mohair than would be used for miniature bears.
Inner CreaturesI want to make between 6 and 12 inches.
Plum Cottage BearsThen I would suggest you use mohair, as opposed to the short pile fabric made for miniature bears. TT's sponsor, Intercal, has a wide selection of mohair on their website.
Past Time BearsShahar, when you say you don't want to use fur, do you mean fur with the pelt from animals that have been killed? Mohair is fur that has been sheared from the angora goat and the animal is not killed. It comes in many different lengths - some is short. There is also a synthetic fur that doesn't involve animals at all. We can give you some suggestions if we know exactly what you mean by 'no fur'.
Inner CreaturesSuAnn
I don't want to use real fur because as far as I know, it is different to deal with. I'm fine if the animal is not killed. I don't want long hair
Inner CreaturesThank you Plum Cottage Bears!
Definitely check out Intercal, and don't hesitate to contact them (i.e. Johnna) for advice about which quality (style) of mohair to use. There is also a 1/4" alpaca, so that would be another short-pile option (maybe 1/2" pile or shorter if you don't want long?): http://www.intercaltg.com/special/2.html
Becky
Intercal has lots of great fabrics for bear making, plenty of colours to choose from too, if you don't want to dye just yet. Another thing I love about buying thru Intercal is that you can get small pieces at good prices, you don't have to buy metres at a time, and you can buy lots of types of fur to experiment with. This is important as the fur you make a bear in can drastically change the finished look of the bear.
They also carry pretty much every supply you'll need ( eyes, joints etc) and Johnna is always so helpful and efficient!
Inner CreaturesThank you Karenaus. You are right, for me it is time to experiment a bit.
Chaska, Minnesotathe best thing about Intercal is that you can do one stop shopping. meaning, you can buy your fur, eyes, ultra suede, etc.... I love mohair. As mentioned, the animal does not die for the fur is sheared. You can make bears out of any material. You can use vintage chanelle beadspreads, clothing with intersting trim or print, vintage fabric, Victorian lap robes, denim, etc....All of this you can buy on ebay or thrift stores. If you use these materials, make sure you line each bear piece with a good quality muslin. if your new to bear making there are a few of books you can learn more about the bear making craft and resourses to buy supplies. They are:
http://www.amazon.com/Menten-Teddy-Stud … Ted+Menten
http://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Making-Teddy … ear+making
