The Embroidered Patchwork Bear

Newsletter 65, Summer 2007

A versatile book to enthuse and inspire the bear maker, the quilter and the embroiderer, or all three! A clear step by step guide of requirements through to full assembly. The photographs, patterns and stitch library offer enjoyable reading as well as providing useful reference material. I really enjoyed reviewing this book, although I did not achieve making one of the bears during my review it certainly appears on my 'to do' list for 2007!

Denise Bomyer, Launcester

July 2006

Mix patchwork, embroidery and bear making together and you get this heirloom quality article, a teddy to treasure. Make it as an ornament for an adult, or as a lovable companion for a child and go wild decorating it and using up some of your fabric crafter's stash of goodies.

This book pays attention lovingly to every tiny detail of this amazing project, and you need to sit down and read it through first before doing anything practical. All the patterns you need to make it are in the middle of the book and detachable, and in true Australian style the whole book is beautifully illustrated with historic vignettes, delicately colored diagrams and lush photos. It is not aimed at the coffee table market (although it will look great there), as this is 100% workbook and if you go through all the many stages you will own a bear to die for. Learn about how bears are made, work through the very clear stitch diagrams and have a go at crazy patchwork - all on one project! My favorite aspect of the book however was that you don't have to make an heirloom item for an adult but, by changing certain parts you can make the bear safe enough for a young child. I don't think that this is a book for a beginner who has had no experience of any of the fabric crafts used but it is ideal for a more experienced stitcher who is looking for a more advanced project, and as such would make a great present - if you can bear to part with it!

Issue 160, Aug 06

Arctophiles amongst you will adore this beautiful bear and will be eager to make one for your collection. He would be perfect for making as a Christening gift, but it really would be a wrench to part with him! The book could not be clearer on how to go about making the teddy from start to finish. The basic technique is crazy patchwork which uses patterned fabrics and even fancier stitches to decorate the seams. The pads of his paws and ears are even embellished with embroidered flowers.

The book begins with a full run-down of the materials and threads required along with advice on preparation and the various techniques used. Each stage is presented with close-up photographs of the area in question along with detailed instructions on how to approach the particular section. There is a pull out pattern for tracing both the fabric pieces and the designs for the freestyle embroidery.