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All Bear Jan 20, 2006

I wasn't sure whether to introduce this thread here, or in 'General Discussion', but I guess a cosy corner here will do nicely.

I was wondering if anyone is currently experimenting with something new to their work, a design, or a technique and if they'd care to share their progress ... good and bad!

This afternoon I thought I'd take the plunge and begin a new design as I'm feeling in the mood for a little creativity!  I'm hoping to create a laughing panda bear, complete with stitched in eye patches.  I've made great big pandas before and I've made little pandas before, so I thought for a change I'd work with my favourite 20" size and create a nice huggable armful of panda bear.  This will be my first laughing panda bear!

So far I've worked out my design on card, cut it out and I'm just about to transfer it to the fabric ... I'll let you know how I go!

What's everyone else up to?

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 20, 2006

Ooh, interesting topic! 

I'm currently working on my first ever pieced-head panda patterns; I'm making two at a time, and they will be mirrors of one another.  It's the first time I've done THAT, too!

Also, I spent last night practicing a new method for painting eyes that I hope will give them even more realism and depth. 

And I have, in my head, a total re-do of body proportions that I hope to sketch out and prototype within two weeks.

More on all of these things, if success befalls, later...

kbonsall Jan 20, 2006

OOH! Good topic! I am working on a pattern with bent arms which was what my recent mohair bear is (Linus).  I am also sketching out bears for anime bears which I would like to start experimenting with!  I have so many ideas and so many sketches in mind!!!  I think I will finish on this weekend and pop it on here… at least I will do the head as that is the main focus of an anime bear…

I also am thinking of branching into puppies   I have started a pattern months ago but I haven’t done anything other than make the pattern and cut it out… I am trying to make a Pomeranian and will let you all know how it goes

I also am working with a fellow TTer on improving my toes and sculpting a bit more

I am very determined for 2006~~~

Deb Jan 20, 2006

I'm working on a pattern where jammies will be actually loose fitting at the ankle and wrist.

shantell Jan 20, 2006

I'm still trying to figure out my own look.  I seem to always have something floating around in my head but often don't know how to get from point A to point B without going the long scenic route 

melissa Jan 20, 2006

I'm trying to work out a new rabbit pattern.  He has to fit into a special container and so getting the proportions and size just right may be a challenge.

I'm also trying to work out the patterns for some mini companions for my bears.

Bonnie Jan 20, 2006

It's pretty much all new for me!!  I'm still just practicing all the stuff I've learned about here and in books. I'm also just trying to come up with my own original patterns that work and that I like. I have sooo many ideas in my head but I feel like I need to get a good foundation down first.

vkallum Jan 20, 2006

I haven't been doing anything earth shatteringly exciting but I have been working on some patterns for smaller bears 10-12 inches and I've finally suceeded in making a 10" bear that actually looks like a bear - Lord knows it's taken me long enough.  Thanks to all the tips on enlarging and reducing patterns I finally managed it!
Thanks girls!

Gail Jan 21, 2006

I am presently working on a racoon with needle felted features on his face and feet. Will post a picture when he ( Rascal ) is finished
Hugs
Gail

patsylakebears Jan 21, 2006

I am trying to design an open mouth bear .... my first attempt isn't what I am looking for ... also needlefelting the muzzles on the bears I am enjoying that ...

DebbieD Jan 21, 2006

I've got so many ideas running around right now, my hands can't keep up    But I'm working on a new claw idea that I'll hopefully have posted soon, and I have my first center seam bear awaiting his eyeballs.    Other than that...I have a backburner idea for a little girlie bear to fit into the cutest little blue fleecey coat I bought, so that will take some designing.  And even further on the backburner is yet another design, very exaggerated muzzle and feet, with bent legs.     So all in good time 

LynBlair Jan 21, 2006

I'm using patterns to make muslins of bear heads to get an idea of what different pattern shapes look like when made up and stuffed.  It's mostly just research for designing my own bear patterns.  I really love the look of a rounded head, so I'm leaning more in that direction. 

Hugs from the Teddy lab,
Lyn

jenny Jan 21, 2006

I have about 12 bears for a fair 'on the go' at the moment...with only 4 weeks to go....aaaaaagh!!!... I have just redesigned the leg and body of my bigger bears and am making both a squirrel and a cat pattern but am frustrated that I can't do them all at the same time. I have just designed a kilt for a Scottish bear and have to make a bridal bear ( bear is done, dress is not!!)which I agreed to make despite my reservations about naff looking bridal bears...but so far this 'bride' cool!!! I bought a lot of mohair used for dolls hair so this one is to have mad hair extensions....

That's what I'm up to..

matilda Jan 21, 2006

I'm going small in my designs this year. I'm also doing critters. I'm letting my felting needle find its own way in what the critter will be. So far Very successful. I think this is a good way for me to work.  I'm also using just about every technique that has been discussed here on TT.  Quite an inivative year for me I think. Yeah! for 2006
I'm also selling my bears and critters this year. For the First time. 

Matilda

Gail Jan 21, 2006

Here is Rascal for all  the world to see!!!
Hugs
Gail

Gail Jan 21, 2006

Sorry don't know how to get two pictures in one posting- rascal full length
Hugs
Gail

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 21, 2006

Cuuuuuuuute, Gail!

Daphne Jan 21, 2006

Making heads of muslin.... how smart!
I'm trying to figure out how to make an old fashioned bear.... that inverted triangular shaped head.... haven't gotten far beyond paper and pencil. I'll go drag out the muslin! This is such a stretch for me as my bears aren't THAT traditional, normally. I want this guy to be old and almost folky looking. Long skinny limbs, etc. Hmmmmm........ talk about thinking out of the box. I'd really like it to be a two piece head.

I'm open to suggestions!

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 22, 2006

Well, I don't have much news in the way of different designs, but I am doing something I haven't done in 5-6 years . . . something I vowed I'd NEVER do again.  And that's make a bear out of 'real' fur.  Cutting and hand sewing that pelt is a killer for my hands, BUT - in this particular case, I'm determined to do it.  As a lot of you already know, my mother is in the end stages of Alzheimer's Disease.  She has a very pretty mink cape or stole (whatever) that neither my sister nor I want . . . nor do our daughters.  My sister is a 5 year breast cancer survivor and I'm going to make her a bear from Mother's cape for her birthday - March 20th.  Wish me luck.  I've started already and remember quite well why I never wanted to use fur again.  Oh well.      

Daphne Jan 22, 2006

Sue Ann,

You have my empathy!! You are very brave. Your reasons for making this special bear will see you through. We're here when you need to vent!

:hug:  Daphne

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 22, 2006

Sue Ann, that's the best reason I've ever heard for struggling through the trials of real fur bearmaking.  I'm sure it will be beautiful; I hope you'll share the finished bear here when you're through.  And I know for certain your sister will feel entirely blessed to have it.

Gail... that's gotta be my favorite piece of yours, ever!  What a great nose.  Did you use clay?  So cute!

Gail Jan 22, 2006

Yes Shelli the nose is polymer clay and the face and paw pads are needlefelted
Hugs
Gail

DebbieD Jan 22, 2006

Gail he's adorable!!!   :hug:

SueAnn...I know you can do it!  You've got such a worthy cause to be reaching for, so I'm sure the end bear will be gorgeous.  If you get stumped, give a holler...I'm sure one of us can help  :hug:

bearsbybeesley Jan 22, 2006

You guys! I hate making new patterns but at the same time it can be quite exciting. I have a terrible habit of free hand drawing on the fabric. I hate that I do this because all of our bears look so different. I don't know, one day I will get smart (or maybe less lazy) and draw a pattern on a cutout. The only pattern we have done on a cutout is Nanug! I am an idiot for this because we have had quite a few designs that we have liked and it is not always easy to duplicate! It boils down to lazyness and I have never done a mock up on a pattern!

Many Hugs Louise

Deb Jan 22, 2006

I'm also selling my bears and critters this year. For the First time.

'bout time.