Make a Traditional Fully Jointed Mohair Teddy Bear
110 TUTOR: Sharon Pritchard
For this course you will need some sewing experience as the bears are
all hand sewn; we do not use sewing machines. You will make a teddy bear
measuring 28 cm when sitting and 40 cm tall standing. We only use good quality
genuine mohair fabric, with soft material for the paws. The arms, legs and neck
are fully jointed allowing full movement. They are a collector's bear for
adults to enjoy.
In this course you will make the bear using a Steiff Schulte
Mohair, a traditional material used for its beautiful appearance, ease of
sewing and ability to maintain the shape of the teddy bears. This material is
used to make Steiff and Herman Bears. The bears are stuffed with a poly-fibre
stuffing specifically made for toy making. We use cotter pin joints for the
legs, arms and neck. They eyes are traditional glass eyes, and embroidered nose
and mouth. At the end of the course you will take home a beautiful collectors
bear. Please note these are not toys and should not be gifted to children under
14 yrs old.
Sharon started making bears specifically in 2007 and found
teddy bear making a comfort whilst convalescing from major surgery. She has
made bears from a few cm tall to Wilber who was 1metre tall (a graduation gift
for her goddaughter). Sharon has run a teddy bear course for, as a guest
teacher at Lechlade Craft Barn, and also teaches stained glass and pyrography.
Sharon has always enjoyed sewing and knitting - she was
taught be her aunt who was a professional needlework teacher and seamstress, so
standards had to be high!
Sharon's teaching style is relaxed and gentle, she takes
time to explain and is determined that her students end up with a bear worthy
of the maker. There is not a tight timetable, but she will ensure that the bear
is finished by the end of the course.
