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Tips for Printing Out Patterns

Instead of printing these patterns out on regular paper, go to your local scrapbooking store and get some cardstock instead!

 

Print these patterns out on the cardstock and your patterns are ready to cut out and use!

 

Is this a pattern you will use a LOT? Buy the shrink film plastic designed for inkjet printers (if your printer is an inkjet) , print out on that film, cut out and you have instant PERMANENT pattern templates!

 

My friend Lisa of q.D.PaToOtieS has a cheaper way! She uses the clear inserts for 3 ring binders that are normally used to hold magazines, etc. You can also use the clear 3 ring binder inserts used to just separate subjects in your notebook which are a little thicker. You can find them very inexpensively at Staples or your local office supply store.

 

First, she prints the pattern out on card stock, then she puts the clear insert over top and just traces the pattern out onto the clear plastic and cut out. They last forever!!!

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Teddy Bear Making Fabric – Mohair!


Mohair What should you make your new teddy bear out of?  Most beginners will start out using plush craft fabric they can find at their local craft or fabric store.   That is fine for a few bears, but soon you will want to find a greater variety of fabrics.

One of the most common plush fabrics that teddy bear artists create their designs out of is mohair.

What is mohair?  It is a type of wool that comes from one specific type of goat – the angora goat.

 

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Better than Pins!

alligator clipsDo you have problems with your mohair fabric shifting when you use standard pins to pin your fabric together? Maybe I’m the only one… but I just could not get the fabric to stay flat together… until….

I started using alligator clips! These little beauties work wonderful for me. They don’t put any holes in your fabric either.

You can usually find these in the electrical section of your hardware store or at Radio Shack. If you have trouble finding them, ask at the front counter. Some stores have moved them behind the counter because of the popular use as “roach clips” LOL! If you still have problems finding them, you can often find them on eBay HERE.  alligator-clip