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I think those are the squirrels we have, too. There’s something called a red-eared squirrel, but I haven’t done very extensive research on it yet. 
Becky
Ouch. My hands hurt for you, and this is why I use a cotter pin for the head joint (not sure if that would work for your big bruins or not).
I do this with the body unstuffed and still open at the back. I stick the cotter pin (sticking out after I’ve closed up the head) into the body through a small hole, then slip the inside disk and washer over the pin. I use needlenose pliers to curl the cotter pin tightly, and that does all the work of getting the joint tight - not as tight as the locknut joints for the arms and legs, but tight enough.
I enjoyed seeing your bears. 
Becky
Oh, how cute! Do you think he could be a Fechter bear (from Austria)? They made a lot of bears with down-turned front paws.
He doesn’t have the open mouth of many Fechter bears, however. He looks to be of very high quality, and the big ears and round shape make him look like a baby bear. 
Becky
Hi Ajay,
So you’ve caught the bear bug! I think Stitch has lots of character.
Becky
Welcome, Old Soul Bear! A lot of bear makers are using viscose, which might be a “vegan” fabric. Maybe your local supplier carries it?
Your first bear is adorable. Things like nose stitching and sewing the foot pads take time and practice, but as you develop your own ways of doing those things well, you also develop your signature style that makes your bears yours.
Becky
It took me to the pattern: https://www.teddy-talk.com/img/TT_Free_ … olmb_1.pdf
Becky
Hi Elma,
I haven’t done this either, but I’ve heard that weighting the feet is important along with firmly-jointed legs.
Hoping you get other tips from those who have actually made standing bears. :)
Becky
