Hello!

I'm so excited about starting my first project! I'm new to bear making and it's something I've wanted to do for such a long time. I'm in search of a sewing machine but I don't know if I need a special one that can handle mohair or just a simple sewing machine. Which ones do you recommend?

Also I'm a dog lover but I cannot find any kind of online seminars/classes to learn how to make them. Do you know where I can find more information about dog making?

Thank you very much!

Most sewing machines can handle mohair. I use a Singer I purchased almost 15 years ago. A number of artists are using a Singer featherweight. They were made in the 40's and 50's. I use a big needle, usually a 16 in my machine and upholstery type thread, like Mastex.
I make mohair dogs. I started with a purchased pattern many years ago and then designed my own as I learned what features looked best. I have a free basic pattern for a small dog on my blog http://dogpatchcritters.blogspot.com/.
Sometimes I use a book about drawing dogs to help in designing a pattern. Lisa Pay designs some nice dog patterns. You can usually find some on sale on ebay.

I have a Janome 1600p which only goes forwards and backwards. I used an old Newhome for years which was great but I needed to have a more robust machine as the old one was getting a bit temperamental.

I have a Bernina that I bought in 82 before I was making bears. It is a work horse and will take anything I throw at it.
Years ago, I was told to look for a machine that has the motor on the outside because all that mohair inside the machine would shorten the life of the machine.
Unless you plan to do lots of bears I would start with a simple machine. All you need is one that goes forward and backward. Most machines will handle mohair. I would look around for a used machine. I personally feel they were built to last with metal parts and many modern machines are all plastic. I know one artist buys the cheapest machine wal-mart offers, uses it till it dies and then buys another.
Just go to a store and try them all out. See what feels good to you.
Donna

Thank you so much for all your recommendations! I'll buy my sewing machine this weekend! How exciting!

We are excited for you. Make sure you post photos of your creations.

Hi, Lisa Pay creates wonderful dogs indeed. Pictures of her creations can be found on her website: http://www.pedigreesroyal.com
Besides on e-Bay Lisa's dogs patterns are available via Lisa herself or via the pattern section on the Edinburgh Imports site: http://www.edinburghimports.com/shopping/patternsByArtist.asp?artist=Lisa+Pay

Did you buy your new sewing machine this weekend? Have fun with it! Good luck and do post pics of your creations.

Yes I did! I bought it on-line. I bought a refurbished brother machine and it will arrive in 4-5 business days. I can't wait!!

Sorry fearsomerose I have never made one on a machine. I do the little 1 to 5 inch bears by hand. But I want to welcome you to the group and I am looking forward to seeing your bears. Have fun.

I finally have a featherweight and made my first bear on it last weekend. Some different from my Viking! I LOVE both machines but the Singer Featherweight is SO simple and QUIET!!! And it's small and so darn cute!!!

Getting any kind of new/refurb'd machine is exciting!!!

I have a Viking and a vintage Singer from the 40s. I love them BOTH! Good luck making your dog!

Years ago before I made bears, I bought a used Bernina 910...what a WISE choice!! A work horse with a 10 year guarantee that transfered over to me. It's not one of those fancy-smanshe ones that's computerized, but it does the trick for me!
hugs,
Leeann Krikau
Busser Bears