Experience level: Beginner-Intermediate (must know how to use a sewing machine and keep it maintained during sewing); ages 18+
Learn to complete a plush bear with a bowtie at Sew a Plush Bear on Friday throughSunday, February 5-7 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Studio.
Led by instructor Rhoda Crawford, the three days will be broken into the following tasks:
Day 1:
• Cut out pattern
• Trace templates onto fabric
• Begin cutting out pattern pieces
Day 2:
• Complete cutting of pattern pieces
• Cut eyes and nose from felt
• Begin pinning and sewing bear head and body
Day 3:
• Complete sewing remainder of bear
• Hand sew the felt eyes and nose
• Sew bow-tie
• Stuff and hand sew to close the back of bear
• Attach the bow tie
$125/person*. Register here. Registration closes January 29 or when capacity is reached. All sales are final.
*Students should bring:
For the Main Bear Body:
-1/2 yd (18 x 43.5 inches) flannel or cotton
-8 x 81/4 inch for ears and paws (contrasting to main body)
For the bow-tie:
-1 piece 2″ x 14″ (tie around neck)
-2 pieces 4 1/2″ x 16.5″ (for the bow itself)
-1 piece 2″ x 2 1/2″ (for the knot)
-Hand sewing needle
Sewing Supplies:
-Sewing Machine (A limited number of machines are available to rent on a first come, first serve basis.)
-Thread
-Fabric marker
-Needle to hand stitch the eyes, nose and back of the bear to close it
-Sewing Scissors
-Pins or clips
-Seam ripper
If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate, please email Olivia at owarren@illinois.edu.
By attending, you consent to your image being used in Allerton marketing, social media and publications. Please alert the photographer or videographer if you do not want your image taken.
About the instructor:
Rhoda started quilting in 2020, and could not force herself to throw out the leftover scraps of beautiful fabrics. She knew she’d do ‘something’ with the scraps at some point. Four years later, with her background in art, she used the scraps to create her first abstract fabric collage. She also began creating custom teddy bears to pair with baby quilts she made.
About the Farms
The Farms: An Allerton Folk School, offers classes, workshops, and gatherings focusing on art, outdoor education, science, storytelling, and wellness. All experiences value hands-on, experiential teaching and learning, and are facilitated by and for the members of the community.
