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Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 25, 2006

I said I'd post a pic next time I did some clipping and sewing using alligator clips, so here's a photo example, as promised.

I use a special foot on my machine so that I don't have to remove the clips as I sew. 

Hope this helps illustrate the point better!

Judi Jan 26, 2006

Alligator clips are great.  I have been using them for 6 years.  They are a must-have especially when working with real fur as pins don't work well through leather.

Even with hand sewing, these clips hold the peices together beautifully...better than pins...and no pokes!

Great pictures Shelli.

Judi Jan 26, 2006

ps... I clip them to my shirt or belt loop when I am doing hand sewing .....soooo......make sure you remove them from your clothes before running to the store for milk.  They look awefully funny on your clothes.....

thumperantiques Jan 26, 2006

Wow Shelli, that's cool - I've never thought of using them, I just baste everything before I sew.
                                                Hugs,

                                                Brenda

Sandi.S. Jan 26, 2006

Thanks so much for the pics, Shelli!

patsylakebears Jan 27, 2006

Thank you Shelli ... clear pics and easy to follow

kbonsall Jan 27, 2006

Shelli, you are so helpful! Look at all those hungry little alligators! (Daphne, I am just kidding this time - I got plenty of sleep now !!! tee hee!)

Daphne Jan 27, 2006

Shelli,
Once again you've come to the rescue of those of us who are 'word picture' impaired!!! Your photos are oh so helpful!!!

Ha, Kim, when I saw the pictures I thought "Look at all those little alligators!!" You've gotten into my head, Kim!!!!

Hugs,
Daphne

kbonsall Jan 27, 2006

MUUUHAAAHAAHAAA! (that was my evil laugh!!) HA HA

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorJan 27, 2006

Shelli, Once again you've come to the rescue of those of us who are 'word picture' impaired!!! Your photos are oh so helpful!!!

I'm glad to be of help.  And especially to you, Daphne; I pull out your "perfect bow tying" instructions just about every single week.  For reasons I don't entirely understand, I can't remember them for the life of me.  But even today I was tying a bow on the head of WUZZY, my newest bear... and out came Daphne's bow-tying instructions, pictures and all!

Thanks to ALL who post photos and explanations here.  I learn something every day; really I do!

:hug:

Cleathero Creations Jan 27, 2006

I used to use paperclips but I think it's time for a change. 

Daphne Feb 4, 2006

So, hubby, who came home early, sick as a dog today, stopped at Home Depot on his way to buy me alligator clips!!! Is that not the sweetest thing??? (No man is ever to sick to go to a home improventment store!) Now I have my very own!!!! Guess that means I better get busy on another bear!!  :dance:

Shelli - glad the bow tying instructions help. You'll remember them soon enough!

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 4, 2006

Awwwwwwwww... what a sweetheart.  Lucky you!

Eileen Feb 4, 2006

Shelli,

Is that a zipper foot on your machine? What a great idea! Thanks!

I've been removing the alligator clips as I come to them, but your way is much better--and the sewing line is visible, which has got to help!

Eileen

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 4, 2006

Ayup, zipper foot.  I hate removing pins/clips as I sew so this was the obvious solution.  It doesn't hold the fabric down quite as firmly, for obvious reasons; it's half as wide as a regular foot.  But it works just fine; no problems to date.  Have fun!

beary_clairey Feb 5, 2006

Shelli,

Another Pearl of bear making wisdom !!! 2 ideas that are fabulous. I'm now going to go and but a load of alligator clips and find my zipper foot!!!

Daphne & Kim you guys are CRAZY!!! But you do make me giggle. I love Kims evil laugh !!! I'm laughing away to myself and now I look crazy !!!

Hugs

Claire

Daphne Feb 5, 2006

Shelli..... Is that Wuzzy by any chance... in the demo pics above???

Winney Feb 5, 2006

Great photos Shelli...It looks like you are sewing a 1/4" seam ? it looks cumbersome to me but gotta try it.
NOT basting sure would save a lot of time...Winney

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 5, 2006

Daph... yup, that's WUZZY. Good eye!

Winney... yup, 1/4" seam.  I've never basted my bears as I just prefer to avoid handsewing at much as possible.  Not because I hate it, but because I worry it won't keep tight.

MerBear Feb 6, 2006

I only hand sew my bears but have been using the clips for several years. Makes it so much easier - from minis to larger bears.

Marion

Pijangibears Feb 7, 2006

Hi Shelli

Why don`t you write a book. You have so many great techniqui`s. I will be the first to buy your book.

Hugs Birgitte  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

Shelli Retired Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 7, 2006

Well, Birgitte, what a very nice thing to say!  I have come up with a few tips and tricks I might be bold enough to call "mine," but the truth is that most everything I share here is from somewhere else... or was born when I put one idea I heard somewhere else, with another idea I heard yet another place, from yet another person... so I don't know that putting my name on such a thing is fair or right.

However, I have been toying around with the idea of someday doing a book which features a number of well known and respected bearmakers, talking about their tips & techniques, and compiling them in all one spot.

Thanks for making me smile tonight!

:hug:

sheilaleigh Feb 7, 2006

Alligator clips!! 

Shelli, what a great idea!  Just today I was trying to figure out what to use to hold my mini pieces together.  I hand sew all my bears together so a straight pin is too big and bulky when trying to pin mini bear pieces together.  So I tack with thread in a few places, but sometimes I just want to start sewing and not bother with tacking.

Tomorrow I'm going shopping to find some alligator clips!!

hugs,
Sheila 

beary_clairey Feb 7, 2006

Oooooh - could someone tell me how to do the perfect bow??

Is there a perfect way of tying it too ???

Hugs

Claire

fredbear Feb 7, 2006

Ok, what are alligator clips normally used for please ???? so that I can try and trace some here in South Africa
and Daphne can you please point us in the direction of bow tying ?

Lynette