There were about 20 pieces to this little bear man. A fun project because it was like putting together a three dimensional puzzle. Creating the face was an interesting experience - giving him personality in his slight smile and choosing just the right eyes. As soon as the eyes were in place (done last) he took on real life and sometimes I feel like he’s staring at me.
He’s about the size of a one-year-old child and his arms and legs move. Propped up carefully he’ll actually stand up. His head swivels side to side, too. Because of his little parts (eyes, arm and leg joints) he’s not a good toy for a small child, but he is a wonderful decoration and cuddler for the small child in me.
This was the “Jack” pattern from The Knitted Teddy Bear, the same pattern as “Catherine” (large bear in the middle in the picture on the left (click for large picture)), but with contrasting hands and feet. My version is definitely a boy bear, though I didn’t necessarily plan it that way. He just became a boy when I put him together. Don’t you think he looks masculine?
Made with Katia Papiro, cotton/linen blend, in colors 85810 (light brown) and 85815 (dark brown), 93yds and 20sts/4 inches. This pattern took 5 balls dark brown and less than one ball of the light brown. (I think this yarn is since discontinued (check eBay)
The Knitted Teddy Bear : Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories
Author: Sandra Polley
At first glance, all the bears in this book look too similar to justify a whole book. But on closer inspection, you’ll see that each bear has a personality all it’s own - from sweet teeny tiny bears to great big huggable teddys. Some of the designs allow for moving arms and legs, others are all yarn and stuffing, perfect for babies and little kids. Tips are included for personalizing the expression on the little guys as well as instructions for making them appear ‘old’ and ‘ready-loved’. There are patterns for clothes made to fit the various body sizes.
Read more and see sample designs from the book.
Rating: 
July 29th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
I love Mr.Bear!!!! Excellent use of the Katia! I think Mr. Bear will be very durrable in addition to his obvious cuteness!
October 24th, 2006 at 6:01 am
I LOVE IT. It is really cute. I recently discovered I like knitted toys…I always thought they looked kind of cheesy. When my son was born he got a small army of knitted toy and I can’t decide witch one I like best! ~Shirani
April 25th, 2007 at 5:13 am
I was looking at images on Google for fabric teddy bears and came across Mr Bear Face and this lovely website. A year ago I bought Sandra Polley’s book and this is the one I decided to knit so bought the wool and that is as far as I got.This wonderful bear and whoever knitted it has inspired me to start right away. Thank you.