The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Fun with Fabric => Dolls and Toys => Topic started by: Iminei on July 03, 2022, 10:36:14 AM
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This is the Official Bear Sewalong Thread ....
Over to you @sewminds @Celia @Tamnymore .... Its all yours!
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Ok here we go
I am answering your post on here @Diane i have lots of info on miniature bears and yes I would recommend doing by hand and great for taking away with you.
These are 2 of my miniatures the panda was from a kit bought in Holland by a friend of mine.
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I am in I am not sure what bear I will make but will route through my Teddy bear stash for something interesting.
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Ok I’m definitely in although I won’t be starting him until I’m on holiday in September.
This is what I’ve just bought, he’s mohair 6.5” tall and jointed
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Woohooo, thanks Iminei and thank you ladies for joining me!!! 0_0
I started a Faux fur teddy bear(months ago) and had to carefully iron some interfacing on to every piece because the backing was so stretchy. So from one newb to another, I suggest either a mohair piece, or good viscose or tiny teddy fur before going Faux. most of the ones I mention have more of a woven backing than a knit backing.
A newb mistake with the faux fur was to leave the hair on the 'seam' sections. I have read since starting the first one that you should carefully trim long hair to make seaming easier. :embarrassed: Lesson learned. I wouldn't imagine that would be an issue on the miniature bear fabric.
My kit should be here within a few days, so I'll post a pic of my goodies when they arrive. 0_0
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@Celia Oh my word! Panda is so tiny! Good job. :thumb:
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@Diane, Oh would you look at that face! Love your choice, he's going to be brilliant!
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@Diane, Oh would you look at that face! Love your choice, he's going to be brilliant!
@sewminds I know :loveit: that's what caught my attention.
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Ok here we go
I am answering your post on here @Diane i have lots of info on miniature bears and yes I would recommend doing by hand and great for taking away with you.
These are 2 of my miniatures the panda was from a kit bought in Holland by a friend of mine.
@Celia There's just something really appealing about a miniature bear, they are so tiny.
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Where can I get kits from, UK only?
I can't see properly, unlike the rest of you lightsiders...don't know what interfacing is a tv
I'd need something very simple and not too small.
I've already talked myself out of it :laughing:
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Ok I’m in, if I can find a kit…
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@Lowena @Cazlyn
here's two ladies from the UK selling kits.
Essential bears (https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/EssentialBears?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=945642927§ion_id=6722833) and Noble Fabric (https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/noblefabric?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=254527603§ion_id=10032578)
Tell me if I need to change the links..I might need to be signed out when I copy them..not sure.
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@sewminds the links are good, I’m off shopping… 🙃
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@Celia Just an FYI if you do sell your Orphans, I spied this up the top of Essential Bears Etsy page....
PLEASE NOTE: Posting to Germany. Due to the new packaging regulations that have been imposed effective from 01/07/2022, we will no longer be sending parcels to Germany. Sorry to have to take this step but it is too expensive for our small business to pay the annual licence as well as deal with the paperwork involved.
I have no idea what that is and whether it relates to business only or individuals as well, but something to look into. Also, for some European countries you need to put somewhere on/in the packaging 'not for children under 14(?), collectable only. I'll try to locate where I read that.
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@Cazlyn Ooo exciting!!! Do share when you've chosen. 0_0
eta..I adore Charley from Essential bears... One day...
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I can only get prices in Australian dollars whatever I do
Aha I've found Alice's Bear Shop in Lyme Regis. Their kits seem lovely but the bears a bit small??? Can't you get teddy sized bears....ie. Over 30_cms tall??
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Just ordered this https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/wilf-kit-p190 hope it’ll be ok, he looks very cute 🥰
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@Lowena..oh blast. okay. no matter how hard i try I can't get it to change.
Go to Etsy UK, then search for Essential Bears and Noble Fabric. These are the shop namaes.
When the page comes up for them, select Kits from the menu on the left.
@Diane are you able to put the UK links in to help out? ...pretty please with sugar on top. :*
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@Cazlyn :loveit: oh be still my beating heart. how adorbs!
@Lowena pretty sure you can, I'll have a look for you.
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For softies stuffing, I get these pillows (https://www.kmart.com.au/product/2-pack-polyester-pillows-42127611/).
You should be able to find something similar without breaking the bank.
For heft(if you want it), you can always use a small pebble from the garden.
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@Lowena Here you go. There's this one (https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/grace-kit-p35) from the same store Cazlyn just used. 15.5" (39cm) when standing.
or
Honey (https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/honey-kit-p376), she's 10" (25cm)
eta there are a couple of big ones just under the patterns section from bearbasics.
I'm sure if you spoke to them they'd put a kit together for you. Wouldn't hurt to ask.
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Thank you so much
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@Lowena..oh blast. okay. no matter how hard i try I can't get it to change.
Go to Etsy UK, then search for Essential Bears and Noble Fabric. These are the shop namaes.
When the page comes up for them, select Kits from the menu on the left.
@Diane are you able to put the UK links in to help out? ...pretty please with sugar on top. :*
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing
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Just ordered this https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/wilf-kit-p190 hope it’ll be ok, he looks very cute 🥰
That's a lovely looking bear :loveit:
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I have to say that I love bears and am a little bit tempted. I've never used a kit but, if I go for it I might need to as I gave away my fur fabric on the last declutter. Tiny bears are top choice, I reckon. I usually knit them.
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Ahh.. @Flobear tiny bears are fine for you lightsiders who are used to sewing tricky,fiddly things but as a mere darksider I have to have something substantial to work with :laughing:
That'll be David then !!! :laughing: Imi xxx
He wishes :P :laughing:
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I am an avid watcher of Repair Shop and of course the Teddy Bear Ladies often have a teddy to mend/restore. These ladies often take the bear totally apart, and wash the fabric carefully and then line all the pieces with some toning thin felt to give the original some strength and body - by the way they mostly sew everything by hand, and they have a special long tool that they use for the stuffing, they manage to get the stuffing in and then use this tool and give it a twist to make it firmer.
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Unless something is very large, I would always sew fur fabric by hand. I have to tack it within an inch of its life to stop it moving under the sewing machine so it's quicker to backstitch and not bother to machine.
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I have a few bears that I haven't got around to doing. I'll join in
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@Diane thanks for that.
Hope it helps everyone your side. Looks like I'm forever destined to see the Aussie Etsy site, even if I sign out. No doubt it can be changed in settings but knowing me I'd stuff it up completely and delete my account or something.
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@Flobear I can't get over how cheap the kits are for you all over your side and bonus with the bearbasic ones you get the weighting material included. Maybe it's just as well we pay more..it will take me longer to accrue them. It will 'hopefully' make me finish one before buying the next one.
@Elnnina that would be interesting to watch. We don't have that show down here.
@CraftyIrish Oh wonderful! Which one do you think you'll make up??????
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@sewminds I have the fox by funky friends factory. I think ill do that.
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@CraftyIrish Perfect! Of course I'm going to big note here... do you know, Pauline lives just 'over the hill' so to speak..aka, a town or two over from here in Tassie. LOL, no never met but thought you might like that superfluous info. ;)
She has some super cute patterns for the wee ones.
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@sewminds that is so cool. I love her patterns they are so easy to follow.
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Did you see her latest ones? Mango the Meerkat and Winsome the wolf?
For the last few patterns, she's done her testing differently which gives everyone who really wants a shot at testing, the opportunity to do so. Which is fair in the overall picture.
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Yeah I follow her on Instagram so see all the updates. But didn't know she changed her testing rules, I did try to be a tester once but had no luck.
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@Diane thanks for that.
Hope it helps everyone your side. Looks like I'm forever destined to see the Aussie Etsy site, even if I sign out. No doubt it can be changed in settings but knowing me I'd stuff it up completely and delete my account or something.
@sewminds its easy to change, go to settings/preferences and then you can change the currency and if you scroll to the bottom of the page you can change your region then save
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Yeah I follow her on Instagram so see all the updates. But didn't know she changed her testing rules, I did try to be a tester once but had no luck.
Keep an eye open for when she's nearing the end of designing a new one...she mentions these things on her blog.
What happens now is she gives you a link to go to to purchase the pattern, you have so many days to finish making it, report issues and send her FO pics when done. When you do all that, she will then send you a pattern of choice from her store.
I've been too tied up with all the knit things, espesh with the 1st Grandie makes, so have not joined in as of yet.
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Ahhh, that explains it. Well you guys should all be able to view Etsy in your Pounds then which is the aim.
@Lowena Did you manage to find one suitable?
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I went to the charity this morning and obviously someone had decluttered (or died) and there were loads of Teddy bear making books for Sale ... At least ten!
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I do think the popularity of making bears has declined here, lots of people tried it and are now de stashing. I have quite a lot of extra joints if anyone needs them please just ask, I will also sort put the mohair soon but at the moment it is in the attic.
Here are a couple more of my teddies
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Well, you're a lot of wicked temptresses especially @sewminds with those links :devil: :devil: :devil:
I have just order a miniature bear kit and I'm saying nothing else for the time being :lipsrsealed:
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@Iminei ooo I hope you went through them and grabbed a few. I was very fortunate to find an old mag that still had all the pattern pages intact in a secondhand bookstore. That's where the pattern for the bear I'm halfway through is from.
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@Flobear :angel: :angel: :angel: 0_0
can't wait to see!!!! Which store? I'm alllllll excitabubbled for you!!!
It would be so easy to get carried away and order one of everything(mind you it wouldn't take long for the bank to be maxxed out which would stop that) but I do love window shopping and saving to my faves for 'down the track'.
I'm starting with the kits because it gives me the harder to come by things, espesh the fabric/joints/eyes(none local) and I can get to learn which types of good material I like working with and the one that can get overlooked, the right hair length for size of bear so I can make informed choices when purchasing online. eta.... oh and how much fabric needed for different sized bears.
Knowing my luck, when I get to know the fabrics I like they'll be superceded. :rolleyes:
I'm jumping up and down every time I hear a van today. A tracker message came through that my kit is onboard for delivery!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
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I've been so on tenterhooks all day that I've finally given myself a wee migraine niggle...about to sort that out as soon as I hit post...okay had it already...
It's here!!! I had to ring the shop to sort out a few differences in supplies..oh and to get the name of the fabric for future reference and... :embarrassed: which way the grain runs. :[ Hey, in my defence, it's a short felted and I get a smooth direction down the narrow face of cut as well as a smooth direction down the wide face. Heh... so she'll send that info through tomorrow hopefully...I sent her a pic.
I traced the pattern onto some of that clear template sheet so I still have the orig. It does say to cut out and glue to cardboard but at the price of the pattern alone, I wanted something with a bit more longevity.
I thought my Gutterman thread would be enough but it looks like I also need either upholstery thread and synthetic sinew.
Question, if I can get the upholstery thread at the end of the road, would that be okay to use for attaching the glass eyes as well?
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@sewminds, it was Essential Bears. There were about 5 that I would love to have had and eventually got it down to 2 then just had to choose.
For now it's Secret Bear ;)
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Grain???! :faints: you've lost me already.....
Still pondering whether to join in :thinking:
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Just stroke the fur and make sure it all goes the same way, preferably down! Apart from ears which go up.
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@Flobear lol..that's not fair! :laugh:
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Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
I just had a peek at Essential Bears and one is now winging its way to me.
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I have always used guiterman thread for sewing my bears and I use their heavy duty or topstitch thread for the glass eyes. Most of my bears are made in Schulte Mohair if that helps.
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@Ploshkin :dance: :dance: :dance: :D Happy dance goin on Downunder!!! Now we just need to convince Lowena! :devil:
Can't wait to see which one you chose!
@Celia..now that does sound promising. I'm pretty sure they have the stronger Gutterman in the sewing shop. I can always get the synth sinew on the next kit order instead of doubling up on postage.
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Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
I just had a peek at Essential Bears and one is now winging its way to me.
Mmm who started all this :laughing:
My bear kit arrived this morning :loveit:
@Celia Would the Gutermann sew all thread be okay for stitching the bear together?
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My problems are these.....
Unlike the rest of you, I am not a proper sewer. I can only sew straight lines on cotton fabric as I only make Darkside items.
I doubt I could cope with fur :faints: curves :faints: and tiny :faints: ( the bears all seem to be miniature...why?? )
I'll do more research and get back to you in a bit :grouphug:
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@Lowena You could join in with a darkside bear or two (or more).
https://www.lovelyjubblyfabrics.co.uk/ourshop/prod_6537718-Elizabeth-Hartman-Bjorn-Bear-Bears-Quilt-Pattern.html
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Now THAT is just your thing @Lowena and that shop is relatively near me (Wimbourne)
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@Diane yes that is fine for sewing the bears but not strong enough for the glass eye insertion.
@Lowena here is a bigger bear I made him out of old tee shirts, he is about 12 inches if I remember rightly. I have made bigger.
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@Lowena
These are ones without the joint kits, just sew limbs direct.
What about this style bear (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brJL69L48FQ&t=44s) by Lisa Pay? the clothing here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMf6Wj8Yvrs)
If you click on the 'more' it shows you what materials you need and the pdf is there to print out the pattern. She has a wonderful amount of free patterns to try. Very generous.
orrr, try one by Funky Friends (https://www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Bear). or her panda (https://www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Panda)
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I wonder if @Ploshkin and I have chosen the same bear. It wouldn't be the first time we'd come up with the same idea at a distance.
Please Miss, Wimborne Road is at the north end of Bournemouth, if anyone should ever want to go there. I used to travel down it every day for hundreds of years to work. Unless I went the other way :D
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The t shirt bear was made from this pattern
https://alicesbearshop.co.uk/products/download-memory-bear-making-pattern-and-instructions-pauly-bear-29cm-when-made.
He has buttons as joints.
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I don't understand pdfs and can't print anything off. Our printer is used exclusively by Mr L for scanning things. I only have my Amazon fire tablet :embarrassed:
I'm having a good look around :thumb:
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Also available as a written pattern https://alicesbearshop.co.uk/products/button-jointed-memory-bear-pattern-and-instruction-booklet-pauly-bear-29cm-when-made
@Lowena There are also kits on the same site
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@Lowena The other one in addition to what Celia just linked is the booklet for the unjointed memory bear from the same place. Patch with your fabrics to your hearts content. here (https://alicesbearshop.co.uk/products/unjointed-memory-bear-sewing-pattern-and-instructions-a5-booklet-love-bug-30cm-12-when-made)
Just make sure you browse the correct pattern page. They have a page for 'paper' and a different page for pdf's.
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I must stop petting the hair... and cut it out already!
Rightyo..need to go to the chemist which I forgot yesterday, grab some ham and fingers crossed the stronger thread.
To say I have a big grin on my face is an understatement. 0_0
(https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/greatminds/863725398/Dufus_kit_medium2.jpg)
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Do we need a Mascot (or two) for this thread ???
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Absolutely and aren't they the cat's meow in their fancy batik fabrics! :love:
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Extra strong thread ... buttonhole thread ?
I have two reels of J Brook and Bros patent Glacé thread, one black and one white inherited from my mum ... lovely old reels and v v v strong
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Great Adverts too if you google it.
(https://bpldcassets.blob.core.windows.net/derivatives/images/commonwealth:5h73z771k/image_access_800.jpg)
(https://bpldcassets.blob.core.windows.net/derivatives/images/commonwealth:5h73zf082/image_access_800.jpg)
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@Iminei Yup. For my teddy, the extra strong is Upholstery thread but I was also told the thick Gutermann(finally spelt correctly)top st embroidery(?)...30m on the small spool/100%poly, is a suitable strength as well as something called Jeans stitch(which I did grab because great colour match). The stronger thread is used for gathering around the neck hole and the shaping of facial features(if your chosen style of bear warrants it). I'll also use it for the eyes because I know I won't get the sinew or anything else until this one is made.... which I understand because I do tend to go overboard when doing a new hobby. :\
So I have the normal Gutermann for sewing and the thicker one.
eta.. as an FYI for all.. I was contemplating using the dental floss for the eyes.. I'd heard of that being used years ago...but when I was inquiring about the sinew and what else I could use, I was told that they've found out the floss starts breaking down after about 10 years..so I don't want that to happen.
eta. The thread you have I know zip about. It's more than likely suitable but I think the main thing is for it to match the backing fabric so the shaping sts aren't obvious, you could possibly hide the eye anchors if you made them down near the nape of the neck. It's really going to depend on style of bear and fabric... and remember, I'm learning this too(methinks I've taken a dive off the deep end) so @Celia might be the best one for good solid experience info.
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so i don't break copyright..this is what I did today...
(https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/greatminds/863905167/dufus_stars1_medium2.jpg)
No I haven't taken to it yet with the ✂✂✂.. finished tracing it all out when the daylight faded. I'll fussy cut tomorrow... and I mean fussy cut from the aspect of I placed the templates darn close because it looks like i might be able to get another bear out of this piece so will have to cut vewy vewy carefuwy. It will definitely be a smaller bear but it helps take the sting out of the kit cost. 0_0
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Is everyone still waiting for kits to arrive?
@Celia I have a question that I'm hoping you can answer. In my kit, I received a piece of ultra suede..which is the right side of this stuff? Is it the smooooooth side or the slightly fuzzy side?
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I cut out all my pieces yesterday for my fox and have started to sew it today.
pics (https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYdBPvJmB67X9Duo6)
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@CraftyIrish great progress! Gosh, you'll be finished before I get mine cut out!
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Good going @CraftyIrish :thumb:
Mine hasn't even arrived yet though the email says it could be today. Probbly best not, I have a lot of gardening to do.
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Mine did arrive today. I was aware it was described a miniature but good grief, miniature is very, very small! I will be hand sewing it, I think the ears would disappear under my machine foot.
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Nearly all done just need to give him a nose, stuff him and close him up.
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Is everyone still waiting for kits to arrive?
@Celia I have a question that I'm hoping you can answer. In my kit, I received a piece of ultra suede..which is the right side of this stuff? Is it the smooooooth side or the slightly fuzzy side?
It doesn’t matter it is which side you like, quite a lot of ultra suede is fuzzy on both sides so I would probably use the fuzzy as I think it looks nicer @sewminds sorry I missed your question earlier.
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@Flobear, did it come, did it come? Talk about keeping us in suspenders as to which you chose!!!(you might accidentally see two messages, I'd put your name to the wrong response so there's really only one. ;) )
@Ploshkin
yes these minis seem quite small which is why I aimed for the bigger but not massive size. Do we get to see a before shot???? 0_0
CRIKEY! @CraftyIrish I'm just having a coffee break before I cut out the other pieces. I'm only half way. :laugh:
You are a speed demon! :vintage:
@Celia ...oh thank you for clearing that up. I was going to be pouty faced if you said the smooth side had to be facing out, I'm quite partial to the wee fuzz.
I'm very happy so far with my new bear only scissors. They're the Fiskars Easy action micro tips.No.5 I really do like the fact that I don't have to slip my fingers and thumbs into holes. The only negative(apart from these not seeming to have the titanium finish as per adv.) is that there's no cover for the tips. I'll have to see what I can fashion from bits n bobs lying around. They do have a full life time warranty. Does anyone else have this brand? I'm just curious how long the sharpness lasts for?
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I've not got theeasy action scissors (yet) but I've had Fiskars shears and embroidery scissors and they are both still sharp after many years of use.
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Oooo @Ploshkin Thank you, that's great news!
All parts finally cut out and just in time too, the light is quickly going. I could've started earlier, but I woke up in the chair in front of the telly and I needed to go lie down properly to get the kinks out. :laugh: ANother few hours lost but what the hey...I needed it.
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No bear delivery yet @sewminds :(
I notice that @Ploshkin is also keeping schtum about the identity of her little furry friend ;)
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I know, you ladies just aren't playing fair! It's meant to be a sew along not hide n seek! :laugh: :laugh:
eta @Cazlyn is also keeping quiet...hmmmm
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@Flobear started it. I'll give you a clue later :)
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My goodness you will all be finished before I get started, I must catch-up
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@Celia don't rush on my account.. I'll be using :thread: not :sew:...well it does say 2022 bear sewalong... 5 and a bit months might be enough... just... :laughing:
eta@Ploshkin oh you tease!
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I may order a kit now. I done mine to fast.
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.My goodness you will all be finished before I get started,
Don't worry @Celia I'm likely to be doing a fair bit of just looking and contemplating before I pick up a pair of scissors.
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@Ploshkin Just double check whether the pattern includes seam allowance or not. Like you I was a scaredy cat and messaged the designer to be sure. Then it took me hours to lay it out and trace and today took me a couple of hours to cut out. Fortunately my fabric is a short felted so a bit sparse anyway so I didn't damage the hairs too much.
I know some trim the seams but I might skip this bit. Need to mull it over.... might try the ears first.
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I may order a kit now. I done mine to fast.
YESSSSSSSS :dance:
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I'm starting to suspect that you're on commission @sewminds ;)
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I wasn’t going to start my bear but …… he was calling for me to put him together :laughing: I’ve sewn the three head pieces together and I’ve just done the legs. Very fiddly job
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Long haired Bear ??? Not my cup of tea ... like with the Mei, Im a lover of shorthaired breeds ...
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I'm starting to suspect that you're on commission @sewminds ;)
It had crossed my mind too ... C'mon @sewminds Fess up! :devil:
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Long haired Bear ??? Not my cup of tea ... like with the Mei, Im a lover of shorthaired breeds ...
Well I like it
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Definitely looks too complicated and fiddly for me
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Here is a preview [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
and while I was on my shopping spree this fell into my basket too :) (used copy but looks brand new [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
One reason I was drawn to it is that this picture of the author's mother's teddy was in the book. It is identical to mine which I will be posting about on another thread.
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All of my bear pieces have now been sewn, tomorrow I’ll start the construction and the joint pieces :scream:
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Mine still hasn't arrived :boohoo:
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@Flobear @Iminei :laughing: Noonoonooooo, I might be on a mission but definitely not a commission! :laughing:
Does the saying 'having kittens' ring any bells for anyone?
Oh my. Nope. The expense of 'mohair', and after seeing the price tag of Alpaca I'll probably be worse if I ever use that, it took me hours to lay things out to conserve fabric, then I slept on the idea of being ready after marking things out...and then the next day I just told myself, it's fabric. No doubt I will do this with every piece that comes before me.
No. Definitely all about conserve, I had plenty of extra to fall back on if I did forget to flip a part, but the bonus is I have enough left over to probably make a 6" or 7" bear orrr, possibly 2 mini bears of about 4".
I only had 100 Aussie dollars to buy my b'day prezzie and that went on the kit, plus another pattern I'd like to do eventually,(just so I could see the materials required as no kit adv. for it and no info on the pattern page) and a set of 3 long doll needles. The scissors were deemed a tool by the OH so they were a bonus.
If all kits are that generous with fabric overage, I might be able to get a little family together more quickly than I envisaged. :dance:
Oh and nooooo, not mentioning here about the excess so that's our secret. :lipsrsealed: mohair :ninja: :ninja: :laughing:
Good grief! :scream: I was sure you'd have yours by now being sent from within the UK! Do you have a tracker?
@Ploshkin hmmm, still teasing I see...lol. Looking forward to reading about your bear in the other thread.
@Diane Oooo Yeti legs!!! Looking fabulous! :thumb: Ahahaaa, I just read all parts ready for joining..so fast!
@CraftyIrish Hang on...did I miss a finished glam shot?
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Today's progress.... not a lot and there you have it. :D
I had to get back into the swing of the test knit, only a week to finish but I was determined to do something, so I sewed the head darts and whip stitched the head pieces together so it's ready for sewing properly.
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My bear is making slow progress, I haven’t stuffed his body yet, next step is to sew up the seam on both arms.
I must say i've enjoyed having an armchair project, will have to look for something else to do that i haven't done before when i've finished this bear.
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@sewminds
New link to pics (https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYdBPvJmB67X9Duo6)
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@Diane He's looking wonderful! Can't wait for the reveal.. the eyes hold the soul..(face too but trying to be deep)...
@CraftyIrish Oh absolutely gorgeous! You would go well with testing for Pauline! You make sure you enter your pic for the monthly draw.
Which would be your fave designs to make by Funky Friends? Or are you like me...very rarely do you make the same pattern twice?
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@sewminds I love the Elephant pattern but your right. I don't like to make the same thing over and over it's boring.
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I can't go any further with my bear, i have one washer missing from the kit :( The lady on Etsy promptly sent me out some more and was quite apologetic. I did check all the washers that we have in the garage but the hole was too big in the middle.
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Oh that’s a shame I hate it when a kit has a problem, if you don’t get it let me know the size and I will probably have one I can send you.
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Annoying but I'm glad it's been sorted quickly for you. With the speed you received your kit, you shouldn't have to wait too long.
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@CraftyIrish yeah it's the same with knitting. I am going against the norm with DD wanting a couple of cloaks the same as I made the Grandie for her playmates. I'm hoping using different colourways will be enough to keep my interest. It's a worry... and she wants them this Winter. :rolleyes: I'm not a machine and it would've been so handy if she sent the yarn over a month ago when first organised. Under pressure!
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At last! I think it arrived yesterday and we didn't check the post box.
Here's a hint ;)
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Can't believe how tiny it is :o
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OMG 😲 :faints: I'm definitely not good enough to join in :cry:
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No-one has to make a miniature bear @Lowena. If I'd thought it through, I wouldn't have gone for something quite so wee :[
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If I'd thought it through, I wouldn't have gone for something quite so wee :[
@Flobear I agree, your bear looks the same size as mine and he was well fiddly to put together. The sewing was easy but it's the turning that takes the time along with the jointing :faints:
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Did you use backstitch @Diane ?
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I’m not taking part but I’m enjoying following everyone’s adventures.
@Flobear I can’t believe it either! I hope that fabric doesn’t fray much.
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People use fraycheck or a soluble stabiliser on the edges before cutting out.
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Handy to know @Ploshkin . I'm sure that wouldn't have occurred to me.
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@Flobear CRIKEY! :scream: That is one seriously by the skin of your teeth amount of fabric! Did they trace the templates or did you have to fluke placement?
Oh and thanks for the wonderful hint...not! :laughing: :laughing:
@Lowena Pleeeease don't go tiny! It's meant to be a fun process, not a teeth gnasher! I'm not doing tiny and your idea of 30cm or more is a good one, mine is about 9.5" and small enough for now. I'd suggest a short pile whether mohair or not. I'm going to be making a journal to keep track of fabrics for future reference. The one I'm using is called a short felted mohair which isn't a bad starter material. Now see, you've just made me realise I don't know the colour. Something else to ask the lass.
@Ploshkin I'm not Diane..obviously.. but I'm whip stitching my edges together and then using the back st, I've read that's pretty strong. Where we're to leave the opening for stuffing, I don't have fraycheck so I'll probably go across these sections with a blanket st to try to add strength when closing.
I don't have forceps for turning so I'll probably do what I do on amigs, use the back end of a suitable crochet hook or the end of a chopstick. Just something that won't puncture the fabric. When stuffing, quite often I just use tweezers to place the stuffing in the small diameter areas.
@SeamBean Hi! I read you don't have your machine... umm hello... have you heard of :thread: ? 0_0. C'monnnnn join in! It's how I'm sewing so I'll be here for awhile and can keep you company. I'm planning on doing anothery after this one and I know a couple are sorting out their next one as well.
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Did you use backstitch @Diane ?
@Flobear I did use backstitch :thumb:
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I think I'd be inclined to try a stabiliser on a scrap first ( if its possible to find a scrap!) Because I know that fraycheck goes quite stiff and might make it difficult to hand sew.
@Diane did you have any ptoblem with fraying?
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@Diane did you have any ptoblem with fraying?
@Ploshkin No troubles at all with fraying, it stitched really nicely and felt very secure using the back stitch
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I usually whip stitch the smaller bears together and then backstitch, I do fraycheck the edges on the openings but only the openings, I just do just the very edge so there is no problem with sewing after.
I sorted through my stash of teddy bear bits and found 2 part completed bears, problem is I don’t know who they are so they might need a bit of thought to complete. :thinking: I also have started another little pink miniature.
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@sewminds alas the pleasures of hand sewing are forbidden to me at the moment. I’m only just recovering from injuring my hands after too much embroidering. I shall live vicariously for now!
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@SeamBean ooo that sounds ouchy. :( In the fingers/hand itself or in the wrist?
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As they say, "Just as well you're not paid by the hour!" :laughing: :laughing:
(https://images4-g.ravelrycache.com/uploads/greatminds/864732835/Dufus1_small2.jpg)
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I have sorted out some of my bearmaking bits, I have a large, heavy bag of mohair fabric which I had put out before you know what and the world shut down, someone who makes bears and kits was going to have all of it, now I have lost touch with them.
Is anyone here likely to want any, I would love to get rid of the whole bag full but I would consider measuring and posting pictures if anyone might like some, it would not be expensive but postage adds up.
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I am thinking that I need to make a larger bear, say 6 to 8 ins tall before I tackle teeny tiny teddy. I've never made a proper jointed one and I'd like to do that on a bigger scale first.
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@sewminds Both! No idea what it is. I’ve never been diagnosed with anything despite seeing 7 (!!!!!) different doctors who were utterly uninterested. One session with a good physiotherapist and three simple exercises and it’s on its way to healing after three years! It’s such an enormous relief to get back to the things I love but I’m taking it slow.
@Flobear I think you’re on the right track with that. I made a large one some years ago from a kit and it was quite challenging enough. Do you have a pattern picked out?
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No pattern chosen yet. I reckon I need a whole kit and have had a quick google so far. Some scary prices
:faints:
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@Celia Sooo when did you say you were moving to Downunder? :D :angel:
Are you sure you want to move it all on?
Maybe @Flobear could afford a bit for a bigger bear this way while hopefully reducing cost?
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@SeamBean Sounds promising with this physio. I hope it continues to improve daily for you and you can get back into things sooner than later. I'd be lost without doing some form of craft work.
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I’ve finished my bear :)
I don't like the stupid nose that came with it :rolleyes: I'm going to take it off tomorrow and darn one instead, i'm sure i have some black wool.
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He's gorgeous! I agree with you about the nose - he looks like the sort of bear who should have a darned one.
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I too agree about the nose
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I think it's a ridiculous shape and far too big, he'll get a lovely darned nose tomorrow.
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@sewminds Thanks for setting this "Bear sewalong" nice to do something different for a change :thumb:
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Lovely bear, @Diane - but that nose!! Why did they supply that one? Look forward to seeing him with a sensible nose!
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He is lovely but I agree an embroidered nose would be better. This is what I usually use https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/dmc-black-pearl-cotton-thread-on-a-ball-size-8-80m-310/6404231003.html if you don’t find you have anything.
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@Celia Sooo when did you say you were moving to Downunder? :D :angel:
Are you sure you want to move it all on?
Wish I could get it to you, there is too much for me to use
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@Diane Oh heavens, does seem a tad excessive :o. Mind you I have seen a couple of designers that have gone for these noses as a signature style but on this wee chap I too think it's a bit big. It's moments like these you wonder whether the seam needed to be added to every piece or whether the printout was actually made to the right scale.(talking about the provided size when they made the kit)
you are so welcome for the different along! Iminei actually set it up for us but yes, always fun to step outside of the 'usual'.
Would you make another one but a different pattern?
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@Celia, woke in the chair again, need to go horizontal for a few to get the kinks out then I'll send a pm.
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He’s so cute, @Diane . I look forward to seeing his new nose.
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@Cazlyn Heyho...has the gorgeous Wilf arrived yet? 0_0
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Hey @sewminds yes he has but he’s still sitting in his box feeling flat at the moment 🙃. We’re going away for a few days over the weekend so I’m going to take him with me and hope to get started. Will report back x
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@Cazlyn :laughing: :laughing: Good one. Have a wonderful few days! Time away sounds divine.....le sigh....
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My massive progress for the day...two tiny ears.... it's still progress. :thumb:
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Is it a comedy nose for use at parties ??? Or is he undercover and its a disguise?
Did it come with a set of glasses ???
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@Iminei Why don't you just say you don't like the bear :rolleyes:
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I still haven't bought my kit ... are you sewing by hand :thread: or machine :sew: ?
Is hand sewn strong enough?
I love your bear @Diane ( nose excepted) as I dislike hairless things......( men included :laughing: )
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@Iminei Why don't you just say you don't like the bear
The bear is adorable and I bow to the skill needed to put it together, but the nose ... well maybe it was made for another sized bear ??
Cant wait to see him/her? with his beautiful stitched by you nose .. it will make him even more special to you.
Pics please when bear is out of recovery from his rhinoplasty!
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@Lowena You seem to really want to make a teddy. If you are unsure about tackling a jointed one you are very welcome to borrow this pattern. I'm happy to post it to you. It's a gorgeous little teddy (about 7 - 8" tall from memory) and I have made it many times though not recently. I've never dressed it. It's straightforward to make and the instructions are very good. I'm sure there is someone here who could provide you with a bit of fur fabric.
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That would be wonderful if you could @Ploshkin obviously I would pay but it looks just the thing to get me going.
The fabric is not a problem if I know what to buy :thumb:
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@Lowena You seem to really want to make a teddy. If you are unsure about tackling a jointed one you are very welcome to borrow this pattern. I'm happy to post it to you. It's a gorgeous little teddy (about 7 - 8" tall from memory) and I have made it many times though not recently. I've never dressed it. It's straightforward to make and the instructions are very good. I'm sure there is someone here who could provide you with a bit of fur fabric.
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That little fellow looks just like my childhood bear. What a cutie!
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PM me your address @Lowena and I will put it in the post.
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You're a star 🌟
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@Ploshkin awww, what a gem! :hug:
Absolutely loving the way you're all getting into this. Pretty spesh. xo
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All done, I’m not faffing around with it anymore. It's still a bit bigger than i would have liked, but i had already trimmed the hair away to accommodate the other nose, anyhow it looks better than that plastic looking thing. I won't be making another, one's enough
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But he’s so cute, @Diane . Don’t you think he’d like a friend? ;)
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But he’s so cute, @Diane . Don’t you think he’d like a friend? ;)
No more, one’s enough, it was quite fiddly being so small.
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He looks like a Koala - very sweet.
How big / small is he?
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I thought that too .. Whatever he is hes a baby and going to grow into his fur ... just gorgeous!
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He looks like a Koala - very sweet.
How big / small is he?
He's 6" tall, i think he looks like a koala as well
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:love: He is absolutely adorable! He needs a BIG mate now so he can sit high on his friends shoulders to guide them where they're traveling to.
Stellar job @Diane , thanks for joining in! :star: :perfect10: If you do make a big mate ... I'll still be here! 😅
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DH saw him last night and said “he’s so cute, are you going to make another one”. I don’t plan to do another but if I happen to come across a larger one that appealed to me then I might.
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@Diane you mean like this guy? 😍 Look here (https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/alfie-kit-p231), he's 10". Grace is bigger again at 15". I just want to say that unfortunately I don't have any affiliation with this website..wish I did! 0_0
You know, I'd still probably make his nose half the height but that's just personal preference. I'm debating whether to leave the face and ears to last. I tend to do that on amigs. When you have the body as a whole, sometimes it's easier to see the character the creature wants to be by moving facial/head features around until you're happy with it.
(https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/pub/media/catalog/product/cache/0477a3ee68031dc9774d63959e472a7b/p/r/prodzoomimg177_1.jpg)
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I never put a face on a creature until the last possible moment. It's so important to have exactly the right expression of eyes, nose and mouth. And I'm definitely not a fan of those overly large plastic noses. I used to make noses out of small scraps of leather unless the toy was particularly small.
Still trying to find a 6 to 8 inch bear kit. Don't fancy mohair and there are a lot of those. Might just have to bite the bullet and start on Teeny Tiny Bear. Will be seeing @Plosh tomorrow so will consult :D
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@Flobear Yep, my guy just has ears pinned and for the eyes, I'm just using the pins with a black plastic head just to get the feel of 'bear'. I'll be sewing limbs and body next and attaching those first. He's still minus nose etc and I haven't dared take to him yet with scissors or shading materials.
I've probably done the wrong thing by already inserting the neck joint into the head(I was going to wait but I kind of got carried away in the moment...) Hopefully I won't have too much trouble dodging components with the sewing needle.
I say, saw the price of your 3 pack doll needles over there.. 1 and a bit British pound... sheesh..I just had to pay $12.50 Aussie for mine. :boohoo:
eta and speaking of plastic noses, you really have to be super lucky for it to suit your exact bear. Everyone uses different seam sizes and everyone stuffs things differently. If you have a selection at hand and can try a few different ones to find the best match, bonus, but at this stage, I'd prefer to sew it.
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@Diane he’s lovely! I think his nose gives him good character and definitely makes him look like a baby!
One of the bears I made back in the mists of time used embroidery over several layers of felt built up to give it some extra dimension. I really liked that as you got the bulk of plastic but with more flexibility to make it your own.
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@Diane you mean like this guy? 😍 Look here (https://www.bearbasics.co.uk/alfie-kit-p231), he's 10". Grace is bigger again at 15".
@sewminds You are a naughty influence on here :laughing: I'm bad enough on my own buying things without coming on here and have you lovely peeps enticing me to buy things :devil:
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@Diane your little chap is adorable now with his new nose.
How about making a fabric bear or cat https://www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/pussy-cat-sewing-pattern out of your quilting cottons
I admit to having the cat pattern but have never made it. :laughing:
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@Diane who me???? :angel:
I admit it's been a welcome distraction these past 24 hours.
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@Celia Funny you should bring up 'patchwork' style cuddles. After we'd all had our fill in here, I was going to suggest this very thing. Beauties of course from Funky Friends but I love a few by Lisa Pay as well. These (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGcd1lR-8kQ&list=PLk4lS6PkAhg0AryJXG_raZxXZEMUoZmJ_) are her patchwork ones which I reckon even I could do. In the scroll bar on the right, you can see the patchwork patterns that we could all choose from. I think the kitty and dog ones are fun(heads attached by a button).
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Ooh I have just had a quick look and I do rather like the ones you have linked :thinking: :thinking: now what do I do.
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I've also just sat here and watched the video, i quite like the cat so i've saved the pattern in my google drive.
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@Celia make a whole litter! :meow: :woof: :meow: :woof: :meow: :woof:
Ooo wonderful @Diane. You could have fun with fabric..moggy, tabby, calico, tux, or tiger, leopard etc etc.
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Ooh, ooh, how to make a 'duck swooned'* :laughing: Don't you just love subtitles!
After a brief discussion with sister Plosh I have decided to bite the bullet and get started on Teeny Tiny Teddy. Not right this moment, I've only just had breakfast!
*dachshund for those who haven't looked at the link to Lisa Pay's creations.
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I have a new arrival ...
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Please meet James who has come to stay courtesy of @his very creative mum who has taken pity on old clumsy clogs here
Isnt he wonderful?
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Here is a link for a free teddy pattern, maybe not the sort a lot of you are looking for but looks fun
https://www.funkyfriendsfactory.com/blog/faq/
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@Iminei Oh you lucky duck! Isn't James so handsome with his tipped fur. Women pay a fortune for those! :laughing:
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Ooh, ooh, how to make a 'duck swooned'* :laughing: Don't you just love subtitles!
(https://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/images/smilies/046.gif) (https://www.gemologyonline.com/Forum/phpBB2/images/smilies/043.gif)
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Of course @Imi I can’t comment :laughing:
Here are his friends this morning the larger one in front of the special guest is the newest member of the family
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oh my goodness, look at em all!!! Huggy huggy huggy! 0_0
LOL, I thought you were downsizing.
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It hadn't been my intention to start on the bear just yet but I felt I couldn't leave @Flobear on her own in the miniature travails. So I found my tiny pair of embroidery scissors (with big finger holes) and have cut mine out. I was concentrating so hard I think I was holding my breath and I didn't dare cough or sneeze or I might have never seen the ears again! I have put all the cut out bits into a container while I mull over how to do a 2mm seam :o
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@Ploshkin YAY!!! :dance:
2mm seam, how? Very very carefully! Fray check?..or whatever it's called. I might look into getting some of this myself.
I will mention something I noticed the other day...you might all know this already being big time sewers... but when using my fancy new clips for holding the fabric pieces together, instead of pinning, I noticed some lines on the clear side. After a quick measure, I was so delighted to realise that the first line is at 5mm and the second line is at 1/4" AND, the wee dots(indents/bumps for grabbing the fabric) are handy for needle insertion points and keeping sts equal...oh AND, you can slide off the plastic when doing the backstitch and keep inserting at the same level from the back without physically turning the piece and looking. So when clipping the pieces together, I just lined up the 5mm line with the edge of the fabric to use that as my seam guide as per pattern.
Does that all make sense?
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That makes perfect sense @sewminds I'm off to look at my clips now! I have some but only really use them for quilt binding or thins hat are too thick for a pin.
Every day is a school day :)
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I will mention something I noticed the other day...you might all know this already being big time sewers... but when using my fancy new clips for holding the fabric pieces together, instead of pinning, I noticed some lines on the clear side. After a quick measure, I was so delighted to realise that the first line is at 5mm and the second line is at 1/4" AND, the wee dots(indents/bumps for grabbing the fabric) are handy for needle insertion points and keeping sts equal..
Does that all make sense?
@sewminds How on earth did you spot that? I've just checked my clips and i've never noticed that before, i've been using them for years :laughing:
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I use the clips almost exclusively as I worry about my cat and pins, the first time she saw my glass headed -ins she tried biting them
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@Ploshkin If it helps then it's a good school day. 0_0
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@Diane Well, you know.. it was just one of those things.. ye know... "hang on a minute, these marks all look identical ...I wonder... ???" :thinking: AHA!!! It's good when something can be of benefit...intentional or not!
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I will mention something I noticed the other day...you might all know this already being big time sewers... but when using my fancy new clips for holding the fabric pieces together, instead of pinning, I noticed some lines on the clear side. After a quick measure, I was so delighted to realise that the first line is at 5mm and the second line is at 1/4" AND, the wee dots(indents/bumps for grabbing the fabric) are handy for needle insertion points and keeping sts equal...oh AND, you can slide off the plastic when doing the backstitch and keep inserting at the same level from the back without physically turning the piece and looking. So when clipping the pieces together, I just lined up the 5mm line with the edge of the fabric to use that as my seam guide as per pattern.
Can you explain that all again @sewminds please? I got lost in the 2nd part ... Ive seen the lines (on the flat clear bit ?? ... My clips are usually humped coloured bit up)
I received a tin of clips from @Sara-S as part of my Secret Santa one year and they've been a revelation for me!
I use them when holding the binding in place during the finishing stitching ... No longer do I catch my fingers on a pin at the 11th hour bleeding on a previously untarnished quilt! and every time I use them I send a prayer of thanks across the Pond to SaraS.
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Oh my word ... Who is that handsome chap?? in front of that Gloriously Gorgeous girl!!!
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@Iminei :scream: again? LOL, from which bit .... if you're not pulling my leg.
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He is my latest make to join my bears, he doesn’t have a name yet. @Iminei
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@Iminei oh I see what you mean. Yes, handy for hand sewing the bears. The pattern I'm using uses 5mm seams so I'm clipping the fabric with the clear side facing me.
Now, if I was on the sewing machine, I'd still be using the clips, would still line up the 5mm mark with the edge of fabric and then when the item was placed down(coloured side of clips facing me), it would help me to eyeball the 5mm line as well while sewing... the same if it were the 1/4" mark.
I know there are lines on the plate and some seams can line up with the edge of a foot on a machine but I don't get the light reflection interfering with the edge of the plastic. It's a bit hard to miss. 0_0
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@Celia , she really has striking eyes! What's her name?
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My cats name is Missy @sewminds but she is more often known as Missy Pickles as she is just that :laughing:
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@Celia , Missy is adorable. :loveit: Her eyes are quite mesmerising.
I did forget to say I'm loving all the different personalities you've captured in your wee bears.
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:bye: You people do realize what a terrible evil bunch you are, don't you? There I was, taking a quick little peek on what you can see without signing in, as one does on occasion and
I got suckered in and I noticed this thread. This was a day or two after it started. Well. I found books, many, on bears at resellers and two on miniature bears are due to arrive- today! :VV: whee. Lovely place, Thriftbooks, free shipping with a $15 order so I needed (haha) to add a book on watercolor painting.
Hmm. You lot don't know that my mom was a "professional" bear maker back in the day and did restoration on very old bears. I might have one bear she made, they sold fast. I know I have hardware, noses, glass eyes, joints etc for bigger bears but heaven knows where. The fur fabric alas all went shortly after she did. ;)
As a little tip, my late friend Celia was an extraordinary cloth doll maker, including lots of very small dolls. She taught me a nice trick I'll share. If any of you do really small bears or dolls from regular fabrics or very low pile, like ultra suede, you can machine sew any mirrored parts by transferring half the pattern pieces to part of the fabric, placing two layers faced together and sewing them BEFORE you cut them out. A single hole needle plate is helpful if you are really close to any fabric edges, otherwise a regular zigzag plate is fine. Only hand sew what you have to hand sew unless you really like doing it.
I'm not sure how much I'll accomplish but I do have books to look at.
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Great to see that you have been tempted by the bears @Renegade Sewist. Looking forward to seeing what develops :thumb:
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@Renegade Sewist Welcome to the fuzzy side! 0_0 You're so lucky to have found a bundle of bear books! I'll be forever kicking myself for only getting the one at the second hand store(they did have more at the time, now none) but boy o boy, there's a wealth of patterns available via the net. Do be careful though and read the description. A lot of the patterns by Russian designers are template only, no actual construction info if you're a newbie.
Yes, I read that about sewing the small components before cutting out on the fabric dolls. It looks very handy on the teeny tiny...I'd need to get some tubes to help with turning out. I've gathered some pretty fabrics to make one of my girls a wee fabric fairy for Christmas. (yes my lot are all adults but you're never too old for bears, fairies and ma made)
This falls into the eyes bigger than stomach category....
Can't wait to see what you choose to make, we..or should I say I will still be here.. I'm choking on the dust these ladies are kicking up while they're zooming past. :laughing: :laughing:
Oh, and I was chatting to a bear maker/designer about hand sewn versus machine for bears and if she reckons it's okay to use a machine, I will stop beating myself up over the right way and wrong way.. or should I say the perceived right way of making furry hugs. She had to move from hand to machine to try to keep up with orders. I don't want that pressure though.
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Hellooo @Renegade Sewist how lovely to hear from you.
I have actually been sewing my miniature bear, definitely by hand. I did get a bit quicker after I changed to a darker thread because the one I was using was such a good match I couldn't see the stitches.
So far I have done a body, 2 arms and a leg. It has been challenging. After stitching the body I decided to make the holes on all the pieces for the joint pins and put a thread marker through so that I didn't have to struggle doing it from the inside when all the pieces had been turned out.
The leg, or rather the foot, nearly defeated me. Sewing in the foot pad was the closest thing to impossible I have ever done. I did do it and it looked dreadful so I took it out again. So, I turned the leg right side out and ran a gathering thread round the bottom of the foot. Then I stuffed the foot, pulled the gathers up a bit and stitched the foot pad on with buttonhole stitch ( having first cut off the seam allowance). It looks okay. One down, one to go.
I'm getting there but this is most definitely the only miniature bear I will ever make!
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@Renegade Sewist what a great tip! I make lots of small things and that tip could make a real difference.
Looking forward to seeing what you make!
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Am I mad or what?
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These are the ears I have just finished for the miniature teddy!
You would have thought that, having grown up with @Flobear , I would have learnt not to go along with any of her crazy schemes, but no, I haven't.
I have sewn together all of the body parts, thankyou @Celia for the whipstitch + backstitch advice, it helped enormously. I think I will have a breather (of several months) before attempting the joints and stuffing.
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Looking good @Ploshkin can’t wait to see the finished item :loveit:
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Er, sorry @sisofmine , MY crazy schemes >:) I do think that @sewminds must shoulder most of the blame for this one.
Those teeny weeny ears are too cute for words :loveit:
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@Ploshkin <3 Lookin goooood!!!! 0_0
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@Flobear Guilty as charged! :*
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Am I mad or what?
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Yup!
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Yes @Plosh
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Ladies... I'm on phone. Can't get on by computer after :drink: update. Can't even get an email through to webmaster keeps being undeliverable. Just thought to try phone which is obviously fine. Will have to get OH to have a look later tonight.
Keep those bears coming! :dance:
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And I lost the phone connection right after the previous post. Let's see how long this connection lasts.
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Jumping on to say not a lot of progress. Beside myself trying to find a removalist that won't charge the world to get some family items to me. I'm running out of time. :boohoo: I did have 3 months and then a couple of days later I was told I only had a few weeks. To say I'm distracted is an understatement.
Have sewn the body together next will be the limbs.
Hope everyone is still plugging away!
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@Renegade Sewist here ye go... not a great deal of progress but it's something...
(https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/greatminds/866824208/Dufus2_small2.jpg)
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Yesterday I marked all the joints and cut out 4 leg pieces. Then my pegboard from IKEA arrived which I just had to install :[
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@Flobear but of course, it's a new thingy! 0_0
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Feast your eyes boys - this is the first and definitely the last miniature bear that you will see come out of my sewing room!
It was, apart from DH's jacket, the most challenging thing I have sewn simply because of its size. He's 3 1/2" tall when standing. I know he's got a crooked nose and mouth but I love him to bits. I didn't use the red, felt jacket because I thought the felt was too thick and stiff. I will find something better for his neck, it is just a piece of organza ribbon that I had. It has actually made me want to make another bear but a more sensible size.
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He's gorgeous! :love: If you give them straight noses and mouths they have no character.
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Fab U Lous @Ploshkin. :perfect10:
And your old Teddy is looking good for his age :loveit:
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Oh! He is just divine !!!!
Well done! and those eyes are 1mm .... just saying kudos to the girl that can see sew 1mm beads!
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I couldn't get a needle through the beads - one pung off onto the floor and I found it!
I ended up picking each one up in a haemostat, locating the hole with the assistance of an LED head torch and magnifying glass and threading a piece of linen thread through (fine but stiffish and strong). I had the bead captive then and threaded the 2 thread ends in a needle which I put through to the base of the head and knotted them.
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The instructions for mine claim that the eye beads are 2mm but they very definitely aren't. Mind you. I'm a long way off eye positioning!
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@Ploshkin , he is absolutely gorgeous! <3
Well done for persevering! :perfect10:
Jessie
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@Ploshkin, did you do anything different with his eyes in the end or simply use the beads?
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@Flobear I just used the beads but i coloured the thread black where it went through the bead and they looked better.
They probably are bigger than 1mm but they certainly aren't 2mm.
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@Ploshkin Oh my word!!!! He is totally adorable and look at that character you've captured!
You have totally rocked the 'tiny'... bravo! :loveit: :thumb:
eta..gotta ask because those arm seams are superb...hand or machine sewn?
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All hand sewn @sewminds A 2mm seam on shifty fabric would have been a nightmare with a machine.
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He is lovely @Ploshkin well done, can’t wait to see his big brother ;)
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All hand sewn @sewminds A 2mm seam on shifty fabric would have been a nightmare with a machine.
Woman, you have skillz!
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Ok a part done picky….. no legs yet or nose or mouth :thinking: :thinking:
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Ooof, way too fiddly for me, but they all look fantastic! :loveit:
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I can't put the eyes, nose and mouth on until the end.
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Looking fab @Celia ! The face will reveal when it's meant to! 0_0
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@Ploshkin your bear is beautiful well done.
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@Celia very cute.
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@Ploshkin i usually do the eyes before the head is attached as I find it easier, sometimes I do the whole face but not always
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Oh my Word!
I met @Ploshkin's little bear this morning. Cuter than a cute thing on World Cuteness Day. He looked even smaller then I expected and was finished to perfection. What a clever sis I have!
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I might need to do what someone else has done. Change up the thread colour a bit...I'm going crosseyed trying to see the sts from the front. :embarrassed:
One leg sewn but still soleless.
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I have sewn round the body. That's all so far!
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Update.
I now have enough bits :)
For scale, each ear is sitting on a Polo mint though in fact, two will fit on one mint!
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I have actually fixed all the joints but am having a rest from the mental exhaustion :faints:
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Update.
I have actually fixed all the joints but am having a rest from the mental exhaustion :faints:
I'll join you! :faints: :faints: hey 2 ears equals two faints!
Mine is on hold at the moment, I hope in a couple of days i can move forward again. I'm doing mindless stockinette because of what's happening privately. If I put it into print, maybe I'll miraculously be able to actually talk to my mother at least via phone. I feel my sister is blocking everything. Too many tears here to see fine hand sewing.
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@sewminds :hug:.
I got the two wonderful books. Found some suitable fabric in sample books I have. Then realized that the patterns included seam allowances. The ears are smaller than my fingernails. :faints:
Maybe in the winter when I hunker in and turn on lots of lights. :thinking:
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Finished at last!
She's got rather long neck and ribbon looked a bit silly so she has a temporary bandana. The original pattern has 'angel wings' but wingèd teddy-bears are totally not my thing. I chose her because I liked the colour.
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She's elegant! 0_0 :thumb:
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Well done for finishing her, maybe a little waistcoat and scarf will help with the neck, it is a trick I have used
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@Flobear oh how wonderful! Is she a pale green?
I'm impressed with you all going for the teeny tiny!!! :perfect10:
Methinks if I ever see a pattern of a tiny that I absolutely love, I'll be taking the pattern to the library and increasing the size! ;)
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Shes gorgeous
and, I suspect, a cool golden colour @sewminds (Shows what I know ... slinks off)
Love the bandana, how about an accompanying bindle??? :laughing:
Only kidding, shes far too elegant to be homeless. You are all very clever! :perfect10:
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She is a pale green, in fact the same colour as the ripening greengages on my little tree!
Naturally, being one of a kind - I won't be making any more that small - she'll be known as FloBear.
I like the scarf and waistcoat idea, @Celia :thumb:
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Lovely bear @Flobear she looks very posh :)
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Well done, I knew you could do it. I know just how challenging every stitch was! She looks very sweet, actually not green at all on my screen.
Has it given you an urge to do another, bigger one?
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@Iminei I took a guess(knowing how much I have trouble capturing certain colours) but, I did just do a recap through the thread and noticed the shot with all of Flobears bits on the green board. I reckon that might be close to the mark.
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Yes @Ploshkin , I would very much like to make a bigger one - not huge, say up 8 ins -ish.
As I said, I think your pattern shape is nicer than mine though the ones in your book are probably the way to go.
eta, I think she does look a bit haughty in the pic. but that's partly because the pile on one side of her face is a bit squashed - it came like that.
Note for @Plosh - I used slightly bigger beads for the eyes not the seed beads as provided.
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@Flobear I read the comments, then looked back to see the colour, and thought maybe it doesn't look green cos it's sitting on a pink cushion - then I realised that cushion wasn't a cushion, it's your hand :S How small?? :o :faints:
Wish I could hand sew that neatly!
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Another thing, I notice a lot of these bears have very long arms - is that a current trend or a nod back to very old bears?
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I think it's a nod back to the original bear designs, they always have long arms, don't they?
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Yes. My teddy is 1950s vintage and doesn't have long arms but I have seen older bears in museums which do.
I've just had a google and found that after the war, because of shortages of materials, bears were made with flatter faces and muzzles and shorter limbs.
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Not the update that everyone is expecting but @Celia made my day this past week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
I have been spoilt rotten!!! Checkit what arrived and definitely put a smile on my face.
(https://images4-f.ravelrycache.com/uploads/greatminds/871358198/Mohair_gift_small2.jpg)
Two gorgeous, delicious pieces of yumminess!!!!!
The tan is like a shorthair/sparse(?) straight pile of about 9mm and the cream/off white is a delicious long pile of about 20mm.
Thank you :hug: thank you :* thank you! :hug: :* :hug:
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Wow @ :angel: you're a Superstar! All the way to Australia!!
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I thought this thread needed reviving!
At lunch with a long time friend a couple of months ago the subject of teddy bears came up. She said that she had never had one. Everyone should have a teddy so I thought I would right a wrong and I resolved to make one for her for the next time we meet.
That looks likely to be in the next couple of weeks so I have made a start.
I am using the smallest pattern from Sue Quinn's book. Oddly, she gives no idea of the finished size but I think it will be between 6" - 7"
I got a piece of mohair / alpaca fabric from E Bay which was labelled Mohair Bear Supplies. It's got a 9mm pile which is a bit longer than I wanted - I was thinking 5 - 6mm, but I could only find much longer or much shorter pile. Anything in between was out of stock wherever I looked.
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This particular pattern is for a thread jointed bear but as I had done cotter pin joints on my teeny tiny bear they held no fear for me so I am doing pin joints. Likewise, I am giving him paw pads and foot pads from ultrasuede.
I'm hand sewing and so far I have done the arms, legs and body. I managed to put the joint pins into the arms and legs as I turned the pieces the right way out so I don't have to fish around in a small space trying to find the spot. He's going to be quite a hairy bear but I think it will look ok.
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That such a great idea and looks as if it will be a lovely bear. I still have loads of teddy bear fabric so if you are looking for anything just ask. I would love it to get used
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@Ploshkin he’s going to be lovely. I’m still making mine but it’s a slow process 🙃. We’re away next week so I’ll take him with me and see if I can make some headway.
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Ooh, Celia. I may want to take you up on that. Hoping to see Plosh's bear before it goes to her friend as it looks a nice pattern.
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@Flobear please do if you tell me what sort of thing you want I will look to see what I have and photograph them for you. I have too many pieces to photograph them all. :loveit:
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@Ploshkin thanks for the revive!
i have been awol for personal reasons, now the last part of that is a waiting game..just had some Grandie hugs and came home with a dose of something that she had..so I have everything crossed it's not the C word. Just felt good enough to go today and get a proper test done. Speaking of which..down here, they're now also including Infl A and B.
Haven't had much concentration these past couple of months but it was enough to do the two capes and beanies, plus a proper mummy and me beanie set.
Now maybe it's back to bear time. Yours looks adorable and you're right, everyone deserves a bear no matter their age. Can't wait to see your bear in all his magnificence.
just and FYI, I knit my son one when he was in his mid 20's and he's rapt with him.
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Nooooo....
I'm meeting my friend for lunch on Tuesday. My bear is all stuffed and jointed with just the face to do. As I pulled the second eye through, the metal loop came away from the glass bit! I only had one 6mm pair. I've got some 8mm but they are too big. I've ordered some more 6mm eyes and I'm hoping they will be here by Tuesday morning though our postman seems to come at all sorts of silly times now, even quite well on into the afternoon. In the meantime, I will do the nose and mouth and will keep my fingers crossed but I'm not optimistic. :(
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@Ploshkin whip up a tiny little eye patch and a vague story about his time in the war, hush hush business and he doesn't like to talk about it anyway.
Our one eyed cat is adorable. I imagine a little bear would be too. (Tux doesn't wear an eye patch but he would look marvelous in one.)
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@Ploshkin everything crossed you get them in time(but I do like Renegade Sewist's suggestion :thumb: )
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Go on ... Make him a :ninja:
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Well, my dilemma has been resolved because my friend is coughing, sneezing and wheezing so lunch is postponed :)
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Poor friend, but it certainly worked out for you!
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Is friend's bear finished and ready to go (or maybe gone) @Ploshkin? Or have you been too busy knitting a puppy to train up as a sheepdog?
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Well, after the eye breakage I ordered some and when they came they were 4mm not 6mm so, I ordered some more. The bear now has eyes and I just need to do the nose and mouth. My friend has had really bad bronchitis and is finally getting over it. So, lunch is now planned for early next week. I must get the nose and mouth done.
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I've been looking at the bear for weeks now baulking at the thought of doing the nose. After one attempt at embroidering I gave up because I was only going to get in a tizz. I had cut out a nose from ultrasuede and pinned it on to get an idea of size and position so I stitched that on instead. He has a bit of a serious expression.
I really used fur with too long a pile which made things a bit difficult especially as the pile smoothed diagonally. The ears looked a mess so I trimmed the pile down (which is how an animal's ears are in real life) and they look much better, possibly could have been a bit bigger. I did a small amount of pile trimming round the eyes too. Lunch with my friend is tomorrow.
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He's lovely and I bet his new owner will be thrilled.
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@Flobear He looks super :perfect10:
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Lovely bear!
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Bear is adorable, hopefully he gets a lovely cuddle when you hand him over!
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@Flobear He looks super :perfect10:
@Ploshkin made the bear -
Though I hope to make one that size in due course :D
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@Ploshkin made the bear -
Though I hope to make one that size in due course :D
Doh :faints: This is what happens when you are super tired :laughing:
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We do look fairly alike, when we were young, people sometimes thought we were twins ;)
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Your bear is so cute @Ploshkin. I would be thrilled if that had been made for me.
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Gorgeous, I want one :love:
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Aw, he's very cute :loveit:
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He's a lovely cuddly bear.
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Handsome bear. He's lovely.
Sandra.
xxx
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He is great I am sure she will love him.
You have encouraged me to look at my part made Teddy s too.