It's in the Details

Sometimes it is easy to overlook the details that go into creating something, so today I thought I would share some of the details of past teddy bear costumes I have made. I have a large collection of buttons, ribbons, rick rack, blanket binding, lace, beads, cast off jewelry pieces and fabrics.

Sometimes when I start a teddy or other critter, I lay out all the coordinating fabric and other things I think might match and decide what to use, but most often I just add pieces as I go along. I have a general idea of how I want everything to look, and my sketch is my base, but sometimes things go way off from what I originally planned. I don't stop until things look just right to me. It might entail adding a piece of ribbon or a flower or another bead here or there. In the end things usually fall into place.

I hand knitted the sweater, the dress was a vintage dress, to which I added some detailing. It still looked kind of unfinished, so I made the little necklace to go around her neck, and it seemed just right.

This is a very special bear, she now lives in France. I freehand drew on her and them colored the flowers with colored pencils and fabric crayons. I then placed this great bow around her neck, but it still seemed like she needed a little something. I dug through my buttons and came up with this great button to add to her bow. I think she turned out fabulous!

I use lots of recycled denim jeans in my work and sometimes I try to use the worn parts to my advantage, such as the leg of this teddy. I purposely cut the pattern on the worn part, to give the teddy a well loved look.

I found this trim in a box of junk that I bought at a flea market. I used it on a light lilac dress, which I washed and rolled to look old. I added the beads and it turned out just the way I wanted.

An all red themed teddy seemed like a wonderful idea, but I found that all the reds kind of blended, so I decided to add a big crocheted flower of a different shade just for contrast and interest.

When I finished sewing this little dress, I thought it needed an extra touch, so I put french knots around the neck edge.

I loved this material the moment I saw it and just knew that it had to be paired with the green ribbon. I love to hand stitch the trim and seams so that the stitches show. I think it gives it the personal hand made look that I love. I found the little striped ribbon rose in the fabric store and it was the perfect final touch.

This circular crochet top for this dress took some planning. It looked a little plain when finished, so I sewed beads around the top. The final touch was to weave the green ribbon through the bodice. It was worth the extra effort.

A patchwork heart to hang from their paw

Sometimes a little applique can make a big difference!

Have a GREAT DAY!