workin with fur

" snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@o11g2000prd.googlegroups.com:

first: fur is not "bad". we're not PETA & even if we were nuts like that, you are recycling an old fur anyway.

second: rabbit fur sheds like a blizzard. that's the nature of the beast unfortunately.

is it the backing on the fur that tears easily, or is it the actual skin? if it's just the backing, i'd attach a new layer of something very lightweight. if it's the skin tearing, then i'm afraid it's past trying to work with because it will fall apart where it's stitched even if you do back it. rabbit tends not to be a sturdy fur. lee

Dear Jennifer,

Is the skin side of the fur disintegrating? If it is, it will red and grainy, and shedding dust. If this is the case, it is infected with red rot, and there is no way to fix it. Whenever you have excessive shedding of fur, that's usually what's wrong with it. You'll be wasting a lot of effort if it's infected.

If it's just shedding because the fur is rabbit, a good vacuuming should clear it up.

Mark your pattern pieces on the skin side of the fur, and cut with a single edge razor blade. Don't use scissors or cut the fur--just the skin. You don't need seam allowances, and sewing the pieces together by hand with strong thread is preferable to sewing on a machine.

Good luck.

Teri

innews: snipped-for-privacy@o11g2000prd.googlegroups.com:

ok thanks umm its the backing that tears so i will attach more backing thank you for your advice as i am very excited to make my bear...its such a pretty color i guess i can live with the sheading...i am very into recycling the people at thrift store hold back stuff for me to see before they put it out...very nice of them but oh my they had this "mink" i was all excited when they called to tell me but when i went to see it i was horrified!!!soo smelly and so old and ragged..i was like ummm no i think i will pass on that!! hehe i was waiting for the moths to fly out...have a great day and again thank you....jenpoo

oh my such good advice no the skin side that i can see is in good condition no red dust..and i just used the vacuum on it and that helped a great deal..thank you...also yesterday i did use scissors duhh and boy did the furr fly !! hehe my husband gave me a razor so i will use that from now on..also thank you about saying not to use sewing machine i was ready to throw it on..now i will hand sew it all just have to make a head a part of his coat...have a good day...jenpoo jennifers fabricated dreams...:)

Keep the fur in the fridge during sewing sessions this will help control the fly-away fur. You've already said it's not red rot, that was the other thing I would have mentioned. Other suggestions have already been made too...such as cut with a blade, not scissors. If you prefer to sew with the machine, cut the fur back to half it's current length (or maybe a little less) to eliminate bulk in the seams. This was a tip given to me because for a long time I was looking for a fur coat/stole/etc from the thrift store too. It seems everyone is wanting them to make teddy bears, and I got sick of waiting as the staff grab them before they go up for sale.

Have fun!

snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

innews: snipped-for-privacy@o11g2000prd.googlegroups.com:

innews: snipped-for-privacy@o11g2000prd.googlegroups.com:

thank you thats a great idea!! i am putting it in fridge now..