Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Project 52 - Miniature Bear Making - #2

Always Reverse the Template

When making a tiny bear, it's easy to imagine that the footpads, ears, etcetera have a symmetrical shape and that you don't need to flip the templates to cut the reverse pattern pieces.  Not true!  
The smaller the bear is, the more important accuracy becomes.  On a big bear you wouldn't even notice a one millimeter deviation. On a tiny bear template it makes a big difference.

Here I am showing the templates in yellow, and reverses in blue. 

Do you see how I reversed the templates to use up a square of fabric for the layout?
Most people would have done two paws with two footpads underneath.
 Or this. All the pieces in a line.
 Laying out the pattern pieces in a square will allow the most economical use of fabric.  Not that we aren't already working with tiny pieces of fabric here, but the hoarder in me wants to save every scrap :-)

This is my book page for week two.
And here's a peek at my latest Angus.  He's already making friends with some of the unusual characters who live in the studio.
Once I started, I could not resist finishing the teddy bear.  I made him from Loubear's fabric Lisa colour 5.  The mohair has a 3.5mm pile and is crushed, ideal for a slightly worn look in small teddies.
That's it for today, dear teddy bear makers.  Another mini bear technique coming this Thursday.

In this miniature bear making series, we are using the Angus pattern, which you will find in my Etsy Shop, and on the Tin Soldiers Website.
I have made a few page templates if you would like to copy mine, but it could also be fun to make your own.  Every week, you will find printable templates for Project 52 HERE .

What is your favourite fabric for making mini bear footpads?  I would love to hear from you!  Leave a comment on this post.


   

2 comments:

  1. I learned (self taught) with ultra-suede but now I like using to good quality wool felt, and it's much easier to work with.

    Loving this class.

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    1. I also started out using ultra-suede, Joyce. These days I prefer felt and other upholstery fabrics. There are so many fabrics available now that don't fray or tear when you make tiny stitches, and some fabrics hold colour much better than ultrasuede when you do shading. Experimenting is fun!

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