Off in the wrong direction

Yes, I know I am supposed to be making critters for upcoming shows. It is not the time to work on a prototype of a new pattern. But the idea for the new creation was banging around in my head and it refused to go away til I did something about it, So, last night was spent drawing out the pattern. Today it was cut out from a scrap up upholstery material. Now to sew it together, maybe tweak it a bit....then see if I can get back to what I should be doing.

Indecisive

The idea for this creation started to take shape a couple of months ago. There is even a rough sketch somewhere.  If it turns out as I see it in my head it will be my preview critter for the Teddies Worldwide Friends of Teddy show in July. Having gathered several accessories, I am now committed to making it. Here is where I have run into trouble. The preliminary pattern has been drawn up and I have become very indecisive. Should I make the legs longer? the head bigger? Is the short mohair the right choice or should it be made with the slightly longer denser mohair? I think I am having trouble deciding because this critter is a little more involved than usual for me. Challenging ourselves is what artists should do....right? I'm not the only one that goes through this...am I?

Boy! I think that is the most question marks I have every used in a post. Since I can't reveal the creation until the show preview I put a photo of a sunflower from our backyard. Sunflowers always brighten the day!

Back on Track

I think everything is finally back to, at least, almost normal. Still getting used to windows 7 on the new computer but I have all of my regular programs back. The website has had some updating but needs a few more tweaks. Actually, I have finished 4 critters, 3 cats and a dog. The dog is a primitive style and I have been experimenting with painting on mohair to give it an aged look.
That's what I wanted this post to be about ...trying new patterns and techniques. After working with mohair and making my own patterns for 18 years I am finally feeling confident enough to try new things. They don't always turn out the way they are supposed to on the first try but it's a learning process. While drawing up the dress pattern for the new dog, I realized how easy it was. I used to refer to books and other patterns to figure out how to get the look I envisioned. I don't usually toot my own horn but I'm kind of proud of myself.
Well, I will be at the Greater Orlando Doll show in Maitland, FL on May 5. Coming in July, the Friends of Teddy online show at Teddies Worldwide. The creations will be critters other than Teddies. Stay tuned...

Bear Fanny Pack Pattern

It has been suggested that I post the instuctions for turning a purchased fanny or belt pack into a bear or critter pack. These make great gifts, especially to Teddy Bear collectors and children.

The link for the pattern is on my website links page.

Materials:
12” x 12” piece mohair (smaller if just doing head & arms—I think it looks like the bear is climbing out of the fanny pack this way)
Pair of eyes – your choice (use safety eyes if for a child)
Set of 10 joint discs & hardware (6 if only making head & arms)
Matching paw pad material
Purchased fanny pack


Sew head & arms as if making a regular bear. Leg-leave top open for jointing. Put disc & bolt (I use glue method) into head. Stitch around opening and pull tight leaving bolt sticking out.
Measure to the middle of the top of the fanny pack and mark. Measure about 2” on either side of center mark and mark. Using awl poke holes at the marks and joint head & arms just like jointing to a regular body.
If adding the legs, stuff them to the top. I left a small opening in the back seam to add more stuffing if needed. Gather the top just like the head. Put your disc w/glued bolt in the top, gather and leave bolt sticking out. Make 2 marks on the bottom of the fanny pack equal distance from the center. Pole a hole with your awl and attach just like the head.
You can find the pattern on my website links page, but any bear pattern for an 8” – 12” bear will work. The legs just need to altered.
You can use different ears for a dog, cat, or bunnie.