I'm with Jerrilyn on the totally ridiculous, I like Carolyns idea of going to thrift store and purchasing for a pattern, or as another said, make your design and sew on a purchased bear. whatever you do please show and tell/Lillian
Watch when you buy from a foreign country. E-bay is another one. You will have to pay for the item, shipping and a customs fee (probably) I skip things listed from an international listing.
You have gotten a lot of really good advice here. I like the one of buying the two bears. Take one bear and do the embroidery on and the other bear, take it apart and make a pattern out of it. You may want to make another one later. I have taken my test embroidery and sewed the pieces together and then cut the bear pattern out of it. I sewed it together, then I had a crazy patch quilt stuffed bear. I wish that I still have it so I could show you a picture but a friend of mine has it now and she no longer lives here.
Well, should add that that is what it costs all of us in the US to mail out of the country. Have sent Christmas packages that cost $50 to Australia, Ireland the same (there is a small package first class that if the box is SMALL and the weight less than 4lbs can be used, but I went a nudge over once and paid the $50+). There are things I'd love to ship my sister but she can buy them locally for much cheaper than I can ship. I'm actually always amazed at how inexpensive other country's postal rates are - sometimes on Etsy I can see where someone not in the US can charge postage for an item that's less than those of us in the US pay to ship within the country. Allstitch's shipping within the US is basically their cost to ship - no extra add-ons (packing / handling). Some US company's also don't try too hard to ship internationally (searching for small box items and low weight) because of the extra time to fill out customs slips and such - they're not staffed for it. Someone on FB said Cubbies is a non-US company (was AUS or England) and to try searching on them within country to ask them for local suppliers.
I like the idea of buying used, if you see one, buy two, one for practice. Also what about an ITH design bear like Sue said, that's the best option yet I think. There are several on the web. Mommamcdesigns has a cute one I've had my eye on. It is $8. and comes in different sizes. There is a coupon code on her main page. Plus there are plenty of regular sew ones you can do. I had done a couple of bears 14 years ago and used plastic poker rounds to make the joints. It was a fun project to do.
I am with you,. Postage from the USA to us in Aus is really expensive. Why don't you embroider an applique heart and place name on it and then sew it to a purchased bear. Should work out OK. Lyn
Pauline have you tried Aliexpress or DHgate I have bought from both of these and had no problems or maybe even Amazon.. Hope you able to find something at a reasonable price.. Marian
Why not make an ITH Teddy and incorporate extra embroidery?
I did just that. It's a bit of a challenge to get it under the machine, but sticky stabiliser and pins work wonders. Mark your teddy to get your placement right or it will have the design at an angle - don't ask me how I know, and it was a name so it showed.
Allstitch postage is very expensive. I used to buy their WWS, but they are charging $61.00 for postage now...I don't know where to buy anymore. Hugs, Yoriko
Yoriko, I get my WWS through Marathon threads there is a website in Melbourne very reasonable costs. Not sure which part of our great land your in if in Sydney PM me and will give you address of their warehouse here..
Hi Nonna, I have made lots of teddies. It's not that difficult. Embroider your Calico or suede or maybe some fine corduroy, then cut out the pieces. You do need to use a small machine stitch, and possibly sew the seams twice. Then you can use some special 'joining' nuts and bolts for the arms and legs and neck. The limbs and head, stuffed tight,are hand stitched to the tightly stuffed body. You can 'weight' the body with special craft beads. Good luck.
Vicki thanks for sugestion was hoping to get out of it the easy pre made way... Thanks for taking the time out to help out :)
HI Polly, I'd do the same thing as what Karen and Carolyn have suggested. Go to your local Op Shop in Penrith and get a used one. Unpick the bear and use that as your test sample. Love Chris
Chris wanna come with me. Must be nearly your turn to come down. Ps i bought the candy twirl , Away this week so will hopefully start in oct. Want one for Madison for her Bday. :)
Yes, will have to come down before Christmas and bring Meg too - would love to visit that home that has all the fabric in it! I've finished the bodice today for Ophelie's dress and I'll sew it to the skirt tomorrow. Then I'll have to do Aqualina's!!!! So much sewing in this one but it's dead easy. Love Chris
Why don't you buy a used one that you like and take it apart and use the pieces to make your own pattern?
this would be very difficult. The seams are very narrow and would be a nightmare to re-sew.
Go to the thrift store they got almost and some new ones .Give it a try and let us know ok??hugs
For $58 there should be a family of bears in a selection of colors!
I purchase once from them to have it sent to Canada, it cost $57.00 .
It was more than what I bought. I never bought anything since.
I like things from the stataes to be sent by mail. It come through customs faster. They said they don't like sending by mail, that is why the price is so high.