Rebel with a Cause

My color palette for this particular project. The top is my own artwork printed by Spoonflower in black and white, and I colored it in and heat set it. The dots and stripes are made by RJR fabrics.  Aren't they fun?

I was contacted by The Quilt Show to make a bear in my signature style. Rare Bears website

RARE Science is a non- profit research organization that focuses on accelerating identification of more immediate therapeutic solutions for kids with rare disease potentially through repurposing currently approved drugs and other therapeutic approaches.

The bears will be on display at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas this fall in the Quilt Show booth

I placed the pattern just where I wanted it for the body. There were certain words and objects that I wanted to  be visible

I agonized about this project for days, because I was uncomfortable with making seams and using stuffing. I have never been good about making animals or dolls. I'd rather have the open seams on the outside, rather than turn them inside out, but I forged ahead because I made a commitment

I felt like it was quite the stuggle to even get his head made. Yes, it's a 'he.'

Arms and body. I might have wanted to plan this better and switch out the colors a bit, so they weren't the same on each side. Oh well. I am growing tired of ripping out seams. I had to hunt for my seam ripper, because I never use it.

I hand sewed his black felt nose on and then decided that he needed kinda dorky eyes. They are made with felt and hand sewn.  I love his head.

This the exact part that I messed up on. Pattern writers should have clear illustrations on what to do next. I could not figure this out to save my life. A couple of friends gave me suggestions, because they had already made their bears. Deep breaths. I forged ahead because I want to get this bear made.

He's wondering too if he will get any legs or arms

When in doubt, just change the pattern and make it right for you. My bear will be different from everyone else's. I am okay with that. Variety is the spice of life.

He's looking pretty cute!

Don't you just love the color Orange?

and he has a red zipper with aluminum teeth sewn on the back as an extra bonus.  You can see my bear on  The Quilt Show here

My bear is a Rebel with a Cause. Dedicated to my step-son (dbfs) who was diagnosed with a rare cancer this year. This became very personal to me. I kept going on this difficult project, because my son has forged ahead with his treatment like a champ. If he can do all of these really hard things, I can at least make this bear.  Love you, Dan.