I'll do almost anything for family, so when my SIL requested a couple of teddy bears to pass along to her grandchildren in memory of her mother, it had to happen!
SIL also wondered if I could make a little something to preserve her mother's name embroidered in the lining . . . who would say no to that??? In fact, it sounded like fun!
Visions of upcycling upholstery and home décor samples I'd rescued danced in my brain!
The first step was to disassemble the coat. Out came the lining, pockets, shoulder pads, and so forth.
The bottom was double-lined. I think it was to ensure the coat would drape well and slip back into place as its (wearer? occupant?) moved around. Clever.
Seams were opened and the sleeves and collar removed.
Once the fur was flat I could trace the pattern pieces onto the leather and cut them out.
One bear - an "exploded" view.
Two "exploded" bears. They are similar, but not identical.
I lined the bears with muslin to keep the leather from being overly stressed when stitched. Wouldn't want to create perforated, tear-away seams!
I used locking doll joints in the neck, shoulders and hips so the bears can be moved and repositioned.
I also used safety noses and eyes that lock into place. A stitched nose is beautiful, but doesn't work very well on leather. That whole perforation, tear-away thing, ya know?
To preserve the fur, I did the bare (bear? haha) minimum of facial trimming. I also left some springy whiskers by their noses for character.
Oh, and the embroidered lining?
It became the genesis of a crazy patch cushion . . .
. . . with fur on the back.
Nice and plump!
The cushion is about 16 inches square. Here, you can see that the bears are sizable, too.
Bye, guys! Have a good trip home!
The box - and everything in it - made the trip in good shape, and my SIL is now sporting a big, happy smile!
Linking up with:
Monday Making @ Love Laugh Quilt
Try, Learn, & Grow!
Carole
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| Vintage coat - the "before" shot FreshofftheFrame.com |
SIL also wondered if I could make a little something to preserve her mother's name embroidered in the lining . . . who would say no to that??? In fact, it sounded like fun!
Visions of upcycling upholstery and home décor samples I'd rescued danced in my brain!
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
The first step was to disassemble the coat. Out came the lining, pockets, shoulder pads, and so forth.
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
The bottom was double-lined. I think it was to ensure the coat would drape well and slip back into place as its (wearer? occupant?) moved around. Clever.
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
Seams were opened and the sleeves and collar removed.
 |
| Just enough for a couple of bears! FreshofftheFrame.com |
Once the fur was flat I could trace the pattern pieces onto the leather and cut them out.
 |
| Snippy, snip - use the tip to avoid cutting the fur FreshofftheFrame.com |
One bear - an "exploded" view.
 |
| Reminded me of hieroglyphics for some reason FreshofftheFrame.com |
Two "exploded" bears. They are similar, but not identical.
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
I lined the bears with muslin to keep the leather from being overly stressed when stitched. Wouldn't want to create perforated, tear-away seams!
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
I used locking doll joints in the neck, shoulders and hips so the bears can be moved and repositioned.
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
I also used safety noses and eyes that lock into place. A stitched nose is beautiful, but doesn't work very well on leather. That whole perforation, tear-away thing, ya know?
 |
| FreshofftheFrame.com |
To preserve the fur, I did the bare (bear? haha) minimum of facial trimming. I also left some springy whiskers by their noses for character.
 |
| Fun whiskers FreshofftheFrame.com |
Oh, and the embroidered lining?
It became the genesis of a crazy patch cushion . . .
 |
| Collaged and fancy-stitched on this side FreshofftheFrame.com |
. . . with fur on the back.
 |
| Pieced the scraps for this side FreshofftheFrame.com |
Nice and plump!
 |
| Something from nothing! FreshofftheFrame.com |
The cushion is about 16 inches square. Here, you can see that the bears are sizable, too.
 |
| Paw pads = upcycled clothing FreshofftheFrame.com |
Bye, guys! Have a good trip home!
 |
| Test fit - they were plastic-wrapped and packed snugly for shipping FreshofftheFrame.com |
The box - and everything in it - made the trip in good shape, and my SIL is now sporting a big, happy smile!
Linking up with:
Monday Making @ Love Laugh Quilt
Try, Learn, & Grow!
Carole
Awesome 👏😍😍😍
ReplyDeleteWow. Those look terrific!
ReplyDeleteWow, what treasures. You did an amazing job and they are likely to be soft, cuddly, and enjoyed for years and years!
ReplyDeleteGreat job! Tackling such small pieces of fur in a feat in my opinion, and they all turned out so neat and cosy.
ReplyDeleteThose bears are beyond precious!! How cute, and what a wonderful way to have a memory.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great treasure you've created, Carole! You have skills, lady! And what a special way to repurpose a keepsake.
ReplyDeleteSo amazing and special! Fur coats are no longer in fashion, yet the materials if cared for properly will last another 50 years in these treasures.
ReplyDeleteThose are the cutest, sweetest bears I have seen. The pillow is an extra special touch. What treasures.
ReplyDeleteWOW!!! I don't know if I could work on that project myself, but you made the cutest projects out of that coat! What an heirloom! xoxo
ReplyDeleteThat is so incredibly special. SIL will be blown away!
ReplyDelete