Susan McCay has a slightly different approach to making miniature bears. She believes that if you can hand stitch a bear, you can sew it on a machine too. Her complete line, all the way down to her one inch pocket watch size bears, are stitched on the sewing machine. To her, the biggest challenge is not the sewing, but the turning of each part inside out after sewing. Susan's bears generally range in size from 5/8 inch to 4 1/2 inches. She occasionally makes some larger mohair bears and bunnies, but they are few and far between. Her bears usually have a traveling companion. These companions open up a whole new world of creatures and include giraffes, elephants, dogs, mice, golliwogs, cats, tiggers, donkeys and rag dolls. Susan's creations are usually made from upholstery velvet, but she also makes some mohair minis and many of her smallest bears and animals are made from Ultrasuede®. Susan also makes a line of bears from "quilt print" calico cotton fabrics. The cotton tends to fray and the Ultrasuede® stretches, creating additional challenges for her, but Susan always persists and ends up with some unique and wonderful creations. Susan attends an average of six shows a year as well as making store appearances and teaching workshops. The rest of the time she spends in her studio producing her tiny creations and dreaming up new things to make. She is also involved with the Iowa Teddy Bear Maker's Guild of which she is the current president. |
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