Custom Bears


	In the spring of 1999, Arnie decided it was time to make new friends. To achieve his new goal, we signed up for classes to learn how to make teddy bears.


	Making a bear is hard work! We decided to use a pattern from Grub & Rustle and very soft curly mohair to make Pudgie Bear. After marking the pattern on the fur, Arnie helped me carefully cut out the pieces. It's trickier than it looks – you can't cut fur like regular fabric or you'll end up with a bear with bald spots!

Once the bear is cut out, it has to be carefully pieced together. Again, you need to be careful with the fur or you're going to get a weirdly tufted bear.

Arnie helps to pin each piece before we baste it. Every piece of our bears is hand-basted and machine sewn. It takes more time, but we think it's worth it.


	Almost done… stuffing the head is critical. If it's not stuffed well, you'll end up with a face that only a mother could love… And we wanted to be sure that everyone loves Pudgie Bear.

We've made many more bears since… There's Alice the polar bear, who lives with my sister Michele. There's Bluebeary who lives with my niece Amy. Pinkie (aka Coffee) has turned into a glamour girl since moving to London with Alona. There's Claire, who's studying nursing with Megan. The Christmas tree ornament Teddy Bear Head (Edith, of course!) who went to New York with Jillian. Then there are Rosalie, lovely with her purple fur and coordinating velvet evening dress and hat; Victoria, prim in her little flannel dress; and Albert, Victoria's brother. And more in process – including a girlfriend for Pudgie and a Bumble-bear. Photos to come…




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	Email Larry