A men's polo to a Teddy Bear, no for real!

[jiliandee]

So this has got to be the project I'm most proud of.

My close friend asked me if I could make a teddy bear out of his dad's (whom passed just a few months ago) shirt for his soon to be 1st nephew (his sister is a month behind me) So I jumped at the opportunity. I guess this was his dad's favorite shirt. I felt so pressured just given the situation, if I made a wrong cut it wasn't like I could start over, eek!

I have never made a teddy bear before the closest I've come is my monsters but they aren't as complex. It literally took me 45 mins just to get myself to even cut the shirt. I was so nervous :P

I did use this free online teddy bear pattern (Click Here (http://funkyfriendsfactory.com/MembersArea/toy-making-information/teddy-bear-making-tips/free-teddy-bear-pattern.aspx), I most def didn't just whip up a pattern) but it's for a 9" bear so I had to make the pattern pieces bigger, and I haven't gone to school for designing so I was so nervous that the pieces weren't going to match up.

Anyways, here his his dad's shirt:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs117.snc1/4974_97993386911_508261911_1934004_246195_n.jpg


And here is the end results:
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs117.snc1/4974_97993406911_508261911_1934005_2898264_n.jpg
It sits 15" tall so it's pretty big, and I probably am a master at ladder stitching now haha

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs097.snc1/4974_97993371911_508261911_1934003_6245836_n.jpg
Close up of it's face. I choose felt eyes instead of buttons only to make it infant safe. I took fabric paint painted on glare lines and its mouth.


I can't tell you how relieved I am that it turned out normal looking. It's something that I know will be in the family for a long time.

[raggamuffyn]

I wanna huggieee ; )

[ladyjanewriter]

Aw, I'm teary-eyed.

And he's all smiley. He looks like such a Good Pal already.

Good Job! You're a brave soul, I'd be scared, too!

[Dartagnan]

You did a magnificent job! The bear is absolutely adorable. You should be very proud.

[Bimbo]

wow amazing job!

[Addie_Marie]

Aww, he's so cute. & that is such a sweet idea; it's definitely something the family will treasure forever.

[Vikki32]

what a meaningful idea. that is so touching and that teddy looks soo warm and huggable. you are talented indeed!

[jiliandee]

Thanks guys! It really was nerve racking. Now I wouldn't be scared because I've done one but having the most important teddy bear I'll ever make be my first one eek ha. You guys should try to make one, I just edited and posted the link to the pattern and I'm going to put up a tutorial.

[Blamo]

Awww so cute

[Brandy]

beary cute

[makaalohilohi]

it's adorable!

[Khaos]

Amazing job!

[Byrdee]

wow. thats good idea fora memorial