The bears were made last summer - I'd seen similar ones on a patchwork website and thought I'd try it out. I love the pattern because you don't have to sew the head onto the body by hand - you machine sew it onto the body and stuff it all in one piece. However...if you look closely you will see that only one bear has a satin stitch nose. I had so much trouble doing that one that I gave up with the rest :-( . Well, I never said handsewing was my forte! I'm going to donate them to my son's school fete next month as they've sat in a basket in the sewing room all this time without a home. (Actually, they sat there for months as UFOs without button eyes or ribbon round their necks.)
To all of you who have left comments on my blog - thank you - they've really encouraged me.
7 comments:
Poor little bears - how are they supposed to smell? -joking apart they're lovely - I have a harlequin bear in my sewing room that we bought one time when we held a Blue Peter Bring and Buy Sale - he's a bit like a beany but velour and all different colours - I've claimed him because he's patchwork so fits in with my sewing room rather than getting lost amongst the multitude in DD2's bedroom
Morning Fiona, love the bears..you have no idea how big a SMILE I have on my face *VBS*. I have that same EXACT pattern and have used it for years and years. It makes such adorable bears. I've used old wool for some, and bits of tattered quilt for others. I usually cut a fabric nose from thelittle nose pattern they give you, and buttonhole it in place. Mine have button eyes also, and I've found old lace makes a great collar, as does an old dresden plate quilt block(one that didn't get appliqued down) I've also used old handkerchiefs and tied thema round like a shawl, and then added a button to the knot.
I'll have to go get Pearl and take her picture...she's the only one I kept. Her name is Pearl, because her collar(hanky) is monogrammed with a P. She is made from a very small patchwork vest I found at Ragstock on year. Someone had cut up a quilt to make the vest, so I didn't feel bad at all, cutting the vest into a bear. I'd NEVER cut up an old quilt that could still be displayed in some way. If the quilt pieces and bits come to me in scrap form I don't mind using them.
Really great donation to your son's school....just wonderful!!!
I love your bears, Fiona, they are so so cute, I never tried to make one but this pattern sounds really good... do you mind sharing the link to the website? I might try to make one as well :o)
I will now go to Finn's page to see if she posted the photo of Pearl...
Take care
Fiona, I like the bears, I have never sewn one but have crocheted some in the past. Everyone needs two things in life a good teddy and a raggedy ann. I looked through your blog and like your work. Interesting about the allotment. They have what they call community gardens here in Portland but I don't know if the have a fee attached. We have a very big back yard with ample garden space.
Oh Fiona, I love the bears! I've never reallt gotten into sewing things other than quilts but I think even I could probably do those, especially since the heads are attached right along with the body!! Your colors are perfect and make them all feel so happy!!
I had to tell you that I loved your allotment pictures so much that I am using the second one with the row of doors as my computer background!! So when I turn off the programs I see your lovely picture with all the plants and gardens!! It reminds me that there is an outside with flowers and plants, which I miss sometimes licing in a second story condo!
The bears are so adorable !! I have also a great pattern now I see yours I would love to make one by myself :-)
Wonderful bears! I love to make bears. You can try marking the nose with chalk or an erasable marker and then use a long doll making needle to embroider the nose with-in the lines. I have 2 bears I have to put noses on - so I understand! They are sweet!
Cheers!
Evelyn
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