Bearmaking 101: An Ins"bear"ational Course [Hardcover]

Teddy bear devotees can tell you that each bear has its very own personality, and this is certainly evident in Carol-Lynn Rössel Waugh's Bearmaking 101. Her book, the author declares, is a realm "in which teddy bears pass through dimensional barriers between ordinary reality and imagination to take up residence in the hearts and minds of unsuspecting humans." Waugh establishes an alternate world of unique bear characters, and through this framework the bears themselves guide us on a journey of discovery, helping the author to teach us to create easy single-pattern-piece bears, multi-jointed and gusseted bears, marionette bears, hand puppet bears, and tiny teddies. She supplies superbly detailed instructions and complete patterns for the 12 projects, plus extensive coverage of basics like fabric choices, supplies, stitching tips, and jointing directions. This engaging introduction to creating wonderful teddy bears is specific enough for first-timers, yet imaginative enough to serve more experienced bear makers. --Amy Handy --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Puns aside, Rossel Waugh's introduction to the art and craft of bear making beats all previous efforts, paws down. Why? This well-respected designer of cuddly furries takes beginners step-by-step through the simplest one-pattern piece to more complicated efforts, including teddies with gusseted head, slight hump, or multijointed limbs. Each includes actual size pattern pieces, sequential color photographs, materials and supplies, and a story fantasy. In conclusion, there's a thorough, professional discussion of materials and techniques. Advice includes looking for either German or British manufactured mohair for the bear bodies (the English kind is scruffier), taking care in choosing the creature's eyes if it's to be a child's toy, and using sturdy upholstery thread in ladder stitches to close seams. Barbara Jacobs

All in color! Enjoy the adventures of a charming teddy bear family as they lead you through the enchanting process of crafting cuddly friends. As you work through the projects in this irresistible beginner's "course," you will learn skills that build upon each other. Start with a basic bean bear, and progress through making teddy bear hand puppets, jointed teddy bears, marionette teddy bears, and tiny teddies. Includes full-color photographs, patterns, technical instructions, handy tips, and adorable "true" teddy tales. Trim size: 8 1/2 x 11.

The author resides in Winthrop, ME. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.