Mohair Fun!

I unpacked my Intercal box and took a deep breath.

I drew my own pattern so it would fit on a 12x12 piece of mohair. As most of y'all know, mohair can be quite pricey. I decided to do a small bear so it would fit on a square foot of mohair. I had to rework the pattern a couple times to get it on there but it finally fit. I bought pre-crimped eyes as I had heard the horror stories of glass eyes breaking when pulled through the head. I thought I would spend a couple bucks more and get the best eyes.

I have to tell you I really dragged my feet on this bear. Since this was a new venture and I was teaching myself how to make this bear with help from everybody at Teddy Talk, I had a lot of anxiety about it. I had this idea in my head about how I wanted this bear to turn out and I was on uncharted territory. After about a week, I turned out this little guy...

Everything about this bear was a learning curve for me. I stopped at ever juncture and referenced each particular skill at Teddy Talk or a book I have about repairing old teddies. And while I learned a LOT, I have a lot more to learn. I didn't skimp or cheat on this bear. I followed the proper rules and etiquette for making a good quality, jointed teddy bear. Even if I had to unstuff the head three times, I wanted it done right.

Even photographing this bear was different than shooting my felted bears. There is so much more depth to this bear, who I named "BooBoo." But it's really hard to see in the photo. I took the photo in evening sun after a rainstorm and will not do that next time.

I used a technique for sewing in the eyes that I really liked. However, after a couple days of looking at her I decided I didn't care for the space between the eyes. It was a bit too wide.

When I pushed on the eye, it came loose! ACK!!! So I pulled on the other eye and it did the same darn thing! What tha? So I researched another technique and used a different thread and re-seated both eyes closer together and much deeper in the head. Which of course I don't have a photo. But it looks much better and gave more character to BooBoo.

I am already drawing a new pattern to fit on a bigger hunk of mohair. I want to make changes to my bear as there are some things I don't like. But we all have to start somewhere. I really enjoyed making a jointed, stuffed, mohair bear and have plans to make many more. I spent an hour and a half last night combing the mohair inventory at Intercal. It's like walking into a candy store! Yum! MOHAIR IN ALL COLORS!!!!!!!!!!

By the way, I listed Mama Margarita on ebay. She will be offered for sale through this Friday. Click on my ebay link in the upper left to take a peek.

Comments

[Michelle]

What a beautiful bear! I love it!

[shelley davis]

I think that your bear turned out wonderful! How did you know what size eyes to buy? That seems to be the thing stopping me from ordering the great eyes. I am just beginning as well, so I was very pleased to see that you are doing some sewn bears as well as your beautiful felted ones.
I always learn so much from your blog. You do a great job on it.
Oh....what size did your little bear finally turn out?
Sweetest regards,
Shelley

[Veronica]

Great job on your first mohair Jen!!
You will notice all sorts of things new, different and sometimes NOT exciting about making mohair bears...but mostly it is wonderful. Each time you stuff or re-stuff a head...you can get a different shape ..depending on how you arrange the stuffing and how you hold it in your hands too.

Colours of a rainbow and then some....don't forget any of the lovely mohairs in whites or pale colours too, and then have a blast dying any of them .....use Kool-Aid or regular dyes or even fruits and veggies...herbs... leaves, etc...

((note to Shelley))..... the best way I have found to decide on eye sizes is to buy some Test eyes ...or Tru Eyes...or you could even make your own if you are inventive. They usually come 4 or 6 different sizes to a set. Little black eyes on the ends of short pins. It is simple then to check which size and also to play with placement of eyes to get your fav look without having to resort to stitching in each eye over and over til you get it right.

[Veronica]

Great job on your first mohair Jen!!
You will notice all sorts of things new, different and sometimes NOT exciting about making mohair bears...but mostly it is wonderful. Each time you stuff or re-stuff a head...you can get a different shape ..depending on how you arrange the stuffing and how you hold it in your hands too.

Colours of a rainbow and then some....don't forget any of the lovely mohairs in whites or pale colours too, and then have a blast dying any of them .....use Kool-Aid or regular dyes or even fruits and veggies...herbs... leaves, etc...

((note to Shelley))..... the best way I have found to decide on eye sizes is to buy some Test eyes ...or Tru Eyes...or you could even make your own if you are inventive. They usually come 4 or 6 different sizes to a set. Little black eyes on the ends of short pins. It is simple then to check which size and also to play with placement of eyes to get your fav look without having to resort to stitching in each eye over and over til you get it right.

[Shelley Noble]

Awww, Booboo's just delightful, Jen. Congratulations for trying something new like this. I can already imagine wonderful things you'll make with these new sumptuous materials. AND I LOVE the after storm lighting you got! I'm going to try for that on my film set!

[Laura Lynn]

Jennifer Boo Boo turned out wonderfully!! Now you have another addiction :)

[nimbleknot]

Thanks everyone! You're right, it will be a new addiction. It took me over an hour to find my next piece of mohair...so many choices! I am almost done with another feltie so I must get it photographed since it's halloween inspired.