Well, a week later and the living room table has been officially taken over. It turns out I needed more than just a needle and thread, so after ages internet shopping, a vast horde of tailoring materials was in the post.
For my first try I ordered an all in one bear making kit. I figured this was the best course of action, I didnt want to ruin a good piece of mohair or crack glass eyes in my newbishness. The kit contained some wooly material, plastic eyes and joints, felt for the paws and the thread. So, equipped with an array of needles, pliers, scalpels and scissors, I set to work
Is that...a foot?
It took a few days and a lot of, "Noooo I did it wrong!!!" random shouting and 50,000 cups of tea, but something resembling a bear was created. The instructions that came in the kit were alright, but i did find myself having to look on the internet and in books for certain things. I named the bear "Beady" on account of his beady looking eyes. He's a bit wonky, and probably wouldnt be able to take any rough handling, but I learned an awful lot from making him, and have ordered a batch of faux fur for the next project.
Beady has his eye on you!