Okay, here he is - my first attempt at a jointed, vintage-style, floppy bear. Actually, this is my first attempt at any sort of sewn critter. I made Waldorf dolls for years, I have knitted critters of all kinds for years, but just recently have found myself enamored of the vintage-style mohair bears so many bear artisans craft. As usual, for me, I have jumped fully into this new-to-me craft. It's been both frustrating and incredibly fun. It's so nice to be challenged by something again - something that I think I can definitely improve upon!
This bear is far from perfect. I couldn't wait another moment to try my hand at a bear, so I went to a thrift store and picked up a top end man's wool overcoat. He's crafted from that and it was actually pretty cool - very easy to work with, very beautiful fabric, and resulted in a more antique looking bear. For reasons known only to the wee devil who lives on my right shoulder, I chose to ignore the pattern instructions and I set the arms too high. :( They just looked too low on the pattern, but now I can see why that placement would work. I used plastic safety joints and there is no breaking those apart. However, I have since reopened the arms, removed some of the stuffing, reclosed the arms and used the buttons off the overcoat to create faux "joints" and the arms look so much nicer! I still think he needs a red muffler!
I've also removed the ears and gotten some direct technique assistance from the creator of this free pattern over at teddy-talk.com on how best to place them.
He also needs more embroidery on his upside-down triangle nose.
More pictures soon!
Now to begin with the mohair!!!!
