Teddy Bear fur ????

[Lynn K.]

One of our members in the Ukraine sent me a pattern for a precious bear...it's almost impossible to find a low pile [ 1/4"] fabric to make him. I DON'T want Minkie,terry, fleece, velvet or corduroy. I've found the right stuff but....it comes from Australia! I know teddy bears can be made from just about any fabrics, including old clothes....not knits or stretchy fabrics [ for the obvious reasons].....if I can't find a proper "bear" fabric then that'll be my last resort.
Are there any bear makers out there that can offer some help ??? Best to all, Nancygail

[Margo C.]

Maybe ultra suede would work?

[Margo C.]

Thanks Margo but....I really want a low pile furry look-a-like fabric. Nancygail, still in hopes !!!!

[Margo C.]

have you thought about using velvet?

[Margo C.]

Maybe you could try regular fake fur from the fabric store and give it a hair cut with some old hair clippers? Would that work?
-Tina

[Lotti D.]

i buy my mohair fabrics (teddy bear fur) here in switzerland (mostly from german and australian manufacturers) at a shop that specializes in dolls and teddy bears - she also repairs dolls & bears, and sells not only the making supplies but also the finished products from artists from all over the world.

the bear mohair fabrics come in all kinds of colours and fur-lengths - but they are expensive

by googling teddy bear supplies usa i've found a few suppliers in the states:
http://www.crscraft.com/
http://www.edinburghimports.com/

this site gives you more information on the different types of mohair furs available (why use which type):
http://www.suite101.com/content/guid...or-fur-a145657

the mohair is so much nicer to work with than the fake stuff - mostly because the fake stuff stretches way tooooooooo much
and the feel of the- mohair is just sooooooo fabulous - although i am totally allergic to wool, i can work with the mohair fabrics
the fake fur is generally not so nice - although there are some very good fakes available too - positives are: much cheaper, washable - the mohair is washable too - but generally these bears are made with the metal/pressed card/pressed wood joints - which makes proper washing rather impossible

good luck

[Lotti D.]

Ohhhhh Lotti.....You made my day ! I spent SOOOO much time Googling & didn't find those sites [obviously]. My pattern is from the Ukrane, the problem solver is in Switzerland & the fur is right here in the USA !!!! Isn't the Quilt Show forum the best ????? My thanks to all who shared their thoughts. My best, Nancygail

[Lotti D.]

i'm glad i could help
have fun with your bear, they are addictive :lol: :lol: :lol:

i made a bunch a few years ago - had to stop (as all other crafts) because of my hands - but as my joints are now mobile again (low-carb diet has helped more than anything else), i hope to do another bear or two in time - at the moment the quilting is taking first place. :lol:

i'm attaching my buddy george and a few of his pals - as you can see, i'm purely amateur but they are great fun to make and it is fabulous to see their personality "grow" - of course i talk to them every step of the way - that's how poor george ended up with being named george - being a small little fellow (less than 5 inches standing up) - he is completely hand-sewn - not a machine stitch - and especially when working on the heads they have a habit of biting (every time i prick myself hard) - and oh did george ever bite - can't tell you why a george should be someone who bites and does not do as i want - but that's just how it happened... :wink:

he then became my best buddy and has been travelling the worl with me - joining me on all overseas business trips he's been to australia, singapore, malaysia, the usa, all over europe, argentina and last year even beijing... (that's why he wear's a tie - so he can go on business trips and sit on my laptop looking after things at the big medical shows i go to - needless to say, he has friends all over). this is an old picture of george - being such a well travelled bear he's also taken quite a beating - but that's the life of a well loved bear isn't it :wink:

[Margo C.]

OHMYGOSH!! Lotti they are ADORABLE!!!

[Margo C.]

I used to make collectible teddy bears and bought from Edinburgh Imports almost exclusivley. They have a wonderful selection of mohair and alpaca and it is worth the extra money to work with these fabrics. Please show us your project when you are done!
Cindy

[Margo C.]

Oh, what beautiful bears. Now I want to put bearmaking on my todo list!!! :roll: :lol: Sandi in FL

[Deborah W.]

Lotti--your bears are adorable. I love teddy bears and have a few. My favourite is the one my aunt made me from my grandfather's coat that he wore when he drove his team of horses into town to sell hay! Thanks for sharing your special friends.