Another Review at MyShelf.Com

Publisher: Search Press 
Release Date:  October 2003
ISBN: 1903975956 
Awards:  
Format Reviewed: Large Format Paperback 
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Genre: How-To Books/Making Teddy Bears 
Reviewed: 2003
Reviewer: Rachel A Hyde 
Reviewer Notes:  If you cannot find the materials locally try www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.

The Encyclopaedia of Teddy Bear Making Techniques
By Alicia Merrett & Ann Stephens 

      I've been making soft toys since I was young enough to play with them afterwards and thought I knew a thing or two about the subject. But I hadn't reckoned with Search Press's exhaustive encyclopaedias, and in here is probably all you have ever wanted to know about making yourself (or a lucky recipient) an heirloom bear--and then some. In fact, just like Betty Barnden's masterly Encyclopaedia of Cross Stitch Techniques (also reviewed on this site) I can truly say that the term "exhaustive" is woefully inadequate. Firstly, forget the idea that this is a book of patterns to trace off and make up. There are some fine patterns at the reverse of the book, it is true, but after you have thought about safety and assembled some basic equipment (and some not quite so basic) comes the chapter on design. It takes you through observing real bears in your local zoo to understanding proportions and how the different parts can be transformed into flat pattern pieces. There are chapters on cutting out, working with fur fabrics and stitching techniques, to attaching joints and stuffing, putting in the features safely and even distressing to make a bear look old (not to defraud people, I hasten to add). Then there is more on how to make miniature bears and garments, and finally a gallery. Phew!

     If you re an experienced toymaker and want to move on to makinag something that, if you can find an outlet for it, justifies a hefty price tag, then this is the book for you. A beginner would be daunted, so if this is you, go away and learn a few skills first. Normally I would look askance at any author who suggested buying expensive tools when more ordinary ones would do the job just as well, but here I confess you had better get thee hence to the nearest specialist website (several given at the back) and invest in some workshop-looking tools such as cotter keys and nut drivers. I admire the way in which all the details that normally get overlooked are dealt with in here, complete with diagrams and photographs on every page. This is a very attractive book, evocative of Reader's Digest guides, although books on this subject are seldom this in-depth; I have certainly never seen one like this before.

     I've reviewed lots of primers and own still more, but seldom have I seen one that covers so much and takes you through every step of the way. The funny thing is, I don't normally even like teddy bears very much, but now I can't wait to get down and make one! If you want a book that shows you how to do it properly, this one would be my first choice. Very highly recommended.