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minkbears Feb 27, 2006

This rascal of a mink bear started to fall apart on me when I was almost finished.  It was 95% completed when the mink decided it was time to shred. This bear that was supposed to be my ebay auction piece "Cat Kisses and Teddy Bear Hugs". I quickly made a replacement bear in time to list my auction.

Regardless of the bad mink,  I had to finish this bear because her face was just too expressive!

From the front she looks fine but her back looks like a patchwork quilt from all of the repairs that I had to do to hold her together. There is never a dull moment when you are trying to transform an old mink stole into a teddy bear.

~ Kathy Myers

melissa Feb 27, 2006

Kathy!

That face is so beautiful - what a shame about the fur - that's why I'm afraid to tackle real fur!!  Still....you can look on the bright side - you can keep a bear without having to justify it!!

Bonnie Feb 27, 2006

Beautiful bear!   Sorry about the fur shredding! Ack.  How frustrating! But your right, her face is just too beautiful to give up on!

Eileen Feb 27, 2006

Kathy, she's precious!! 

I had a similar problem with a head gusset, and had to replace the whole dang thing. The little seams just started to open, and wouldn't stop. Now I follow Nancy Tillberg's advice, and give each pelt a good tug. More than one has come apart in my hands.

Could you shave her back down to the pelt and replace it with a LeatherWelded and ladder-stitched single piece? She's just too wonderful to give up on!

Eileen

matilda Feb 27, 2006

I'm glad you finished her! She is certainly cute!!!!

Judi Feb 27, 2006

Hi Kathy, Aa always your little minkies are an inspiration and have such personality.

I can certainly relate to the trials of working with real fur

SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorFeb 27, 2006

Gorgeous bear, Kathy . . . yep, I'm very reluctant to work with real fur.

WildThyme Feb 27, 2006

What a total bummer Kathy!!!!!  She IS adorably expressive in the face!  Any chance you can take her apart and make another body/limbs..... that little face is just too cute!

Kim Basta
Wild Thyme Originals

starlite Feb 28, 2006

Kathy she has a totally angelic face  - who would think she would give you any bother - she has such an innocent expression - I do hope you find a solution to her little problem :hug:

kbonsall Feb 28, 2006

Your bear has the sweetest face! Sorry to hear about your troubles.. I am glad I don't do real fur anymore...

patsylakebears Feb 28, 2006

Kathy the bear is so beautiful .....

Tammy Feb 28, 2006

Kathy, this bear is so adorable.  I think I'd have to use her head and make a new body for her-  ( speaking from experience of course  )  I'm having the eact same issue with a mink bear I'm making.  I think I'm ready to trash the whole thing !

Pijangibears Feb 28, 2006

Hi Kathy

She is adorable.     How bad she fell apart.
What are you using for backing?
I haven`t finish my first real fur bear yet, but I can see, what
I can expect. :pray: 

Hugs Birgitte

kathytaylor Mar 1, 2006

Her little face is just gorgeous.

DebbieD Mar 1, 2006

Yep, been there, done that...got the badge for fur falling apart at the worst possible moment ...but it never becomes any easier     With this little girl's expression, I would have hung onto her as well     

Is it possible to take the limbs and head and transfer to a new body?  I know what a nightmare it can be getting fur colours to match, but it might be the best solution for her. 

Also, did your lining shift when you were sewing up the back....or did the fur simply start disintegrating?  I STILL love working with real fur despite the hardships 

minkbears Mar 2, 2006

Update on "Bear Hugs NFS":

I surprised my sister-in-law with this bear. She has promised to give her lots of TLC and take good care of her. She is starting a wonderful new life with her by being toted all around Portland OR to be shown off to all her friends. I'm sure she is enjoying the attention.

Thanks to all for your suggestions...from now on I will give the mink pelts a firmer pull and tug. This pelt just has some good areas and some bad areas. The important thing is that this little sweetie has found a loving home.

Bear Hugs ~ Kathy

DebbieD Mar 3, 2006

Awwwwhhhhh...how nice to know she's gone off to a great home where she'll be tenderly, and fully loved 

Eileen Mar 3, 2006

Awwww. I'm glad little patchback has a loving home!

But I'm jealous!

My furs are weird that way. Some parts are ultra strong, some not. I have no idea why this should be the case within a single garment, unless bits were more exposed to light and heat than others. The shoulder seams are often split from the pressure of hangers, but the pelts there are usually ok.

Whatever is unusable I've been shaving and saving the fur for needlefelting, which I really must get to one day soon!

Eileen

minkbears Mar 7, 2006

Wow, Eileen, using the cut real fur for needle felting...I'd love to see that!

~Kathy