The Making of Cosmo

Goals

Before Cosmo was made we came up with a list of goals. Some of the goals were focused on the shipping and handling, and others focused on the ideals of the project. The most important ideals are below...
1. All skill levels will be represented among the group of artists.
2. Participating artists know who performs each step but vows never to disclose this information.
3. All participants shall share equal credit for the finished bear - it couldn't have been done without everyone's help..

Steps

Next came the actual steps. Bearmaking is satisfying because it involves pure creative design and couples that with technical skill. It was a challenge to divide the work into seven parts. We wanted everyone to be able to add a little of themselves into each step... A full description of Cosmo's materials and accessories are on his photo album page.

Assignment #1 Design a pattern for the manufacture of a bear that is between 10 and 16 inches (25 to 41 centimeters) in overall height. Transfer this pattern to template material and cut out template pieces. Mark nap direction on all pieces except head and gusset. Send template and specify, to next artist, amount of mohair needed to complete bear.




Assignment #2 Select and purchase your choice of mohair. Dye if desired. Select and trace pattern template onto mohair, following pattern specified nap direction. Head and gusset nap directions are your choice. Cut out mohair pattern pieces. Pass template to next artist with mohair pieces and any left over mohair. Pads will be done by next artist




Assignment #3 Choose and purchase fabric for pads. Trace pattern template onto pad fabric. Cut out pads. Trim the mohair from the tip of the nose and gusset seam allowances - this will prepare for a neatly shaved snout. Whipstitch as much of the previously cut pattern pieces together as you can. Next artist will perform permanent sewing.




Assignment #4 Sew pad fabric to mohair. Sew mohair pattern pieces together. Leave openings for stuffing. Joint arms and legs, using method of your choice. Stuff and joint the head itself. Provide mating joints for the neck to the next artist.




Assignment #5 Design face. Attach eyes of your choosing. Create nose and mouth. Complete the shaving of the muzzle. Attach ears. Joint the head to the body with provided hardware. Next artist will stuff bear.




Assignment #6 Choose body weight and effect (squishy, hard, self-standing, etc.) Stuff the body and limbs with your choice of stuffing or combination of stuffings. Close all seams. Add claw stitching if desired. Next artist will dress and/or accessorize.




Assignment #7 Keeping in mind that this bear is now quite worldly, dress and/or accessorize. Make a hangtag with name (Cosmo if it became a boy, or Gypsy if it became a girl), sew tag once through ear with strong thread. Show artists' name on hangtag as "Secret Sisters Collaboration", also list date of birth and materials of construction.

As you see, Cosmo acquired a little buddy along the way. Even Cosmo needs a teddy bear to go with him on his adventures around the globe. He rides along in Cosmo's backpack . "Buddy" was made by one of the Secret Sisters, but we'll never tell!

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