Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

Shelli, using a backing fabric on an applique piece will turn the raw edge under. This is sometimes done in applique quilts. Didn't occur to me to use this on a bear. Great idea! Thanks. I'm working on a panda also and will give this a try.

Sabine

Hi Amanda!
The most unusual stuffings I have used are kapok and foam rubber. Not very unusual I am afraid. Kapok compacts very well and is great for minis and muzzles, but the fibres become easily airborne and I have read that one can become allergic to it. I made toys as a teenager and foam rubber in small irregular pieces was cheap. I don't recommend it, because you can't stuff hard and the pieces can be felt through the fabric, well at least that's how I remember it, but I was young and inexperienced then.

Hugs

Sabine

Dilu, thanks for the compliment on Barney (my avatar). He was one of my first patterns and everybody who sees my bears seems to like him best, strange No wonder you haven't  met me, it is my first day. I just registered after the Edinburgh board turned so quiet. Found you guys This board is really fun and I have talked more than I ever did on the other one.
I asked my bank about having a separate account for internet purchases and they said that is a good idea OR use paypal. So they regard paypal as very safe. I do however use a separate account at a different bank for all internet purchases including paypal. Its an account with longer credit time (payment due 30-60 days after purchase) then my usual card. That way I can complain before I am actually being charged.

Hugs

Sabine

Hi! As an international ebay buyer (of supplies, not bears so far) I'd like to deliver some input with another perspective. Don't get me wrong, I realize how difficult it is for you to avoid bad buyers and that you can lose a lot of money, but from my point of view it seems the advantage is on the seller's side. You should be able to wait until you got the payment in your pocket before sending the item off, while the buyer has to pay in advance which is quite a leap of faith. There are lots of fraudulent or otherwise bad sellers on ebay and the internet. To me paypal offers some protection against losing money if the item never turns up. I live in Sweden where bear making is all but unknown and hardly any supplies can be found. So I buy most of my stuff on ebay or from the international supply shops. I avoid all ebay sellers who do not accept paypal and usually also those who don't take credit cards through paypal. I can do bank transfers worldwide without cost (great bank eh?), but ebay  discourages that because there is no insurance if the item gets lost (is never sent). Checks are almost unknown here and cost an arm and a leg for international payments so that´s out of the question. My card works as debit card at home, but abroad it turns into a credit card. I am not sure if there is a debit system for international payments at all. As to verifying my paypal account, I did that and there was a small fee deducted from my bank account, I entered a verno. into paypal etc. and my card is verified. However, European banks never ever confirm the address of a cardholder. That's just the way it is and out of my control. So my address is unconfirmed on paypal. I've never had a problem with that and now my feedback record is high enough and on 100% to reassure any seller.
Just my personal view for you to think about when you decide on safety measures, which may turn into restrictions for buyers and in the end your business. I hope, I am not offending anyone.

Hugs

Sabine

Makes perfect sense Tammy, thanks. You looked at my website, the first outside my circle of family and friends. Its only a few weeks old and I made it in German so my parents can understand it. I live in Sweden while they are still at home in Germany. I mean to make an English site, but bear making is more fun And yes, 'Muster' is German for pattern, followed by the designer's name. I have used many commercial patterns, but also made a few of  my own (like my avatar bear Barney). I'm not selling, just a hobby.

Hugs

Sabine

Of course Winney, why didn't I think of that? Must be my cold (in the middle of summer, sigh) that's giving me a mushy brain. Need to blame something LOL. Thanks!

Sabine

Thanks Tammy! I just got supplies for making armatures and now it is all clear how to do it. Just one question. What kind of tape lasts as long as the bear will (hopefully) last? The regular clear office tape comes off after months or a few years.

Sabine

Hi everybody!
I just discovered this forum after the other one went rather quiet and I am trying to catch up on discussions. The one-piece inset muzzle seems like a great idea, but what about fur direction? Wouldn't the nap go downwards on one side and upwards on the other? Perhaps you are only doing it with very short fabrics which have almost no direction?

Hugs

Sabine