Sewing Teddy Bears

Teacher: Riina Tomberg

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Riina Tomberg was born in Tallinn, Estonia, living in Saaremaa, Kuressaare. She graduated from Estonian State Art Institute (Estonian Academy of Arts) as a textile designer in 1981, Master degree in Estonian Academy of Arts folk art department in 2004. Riina participated in expeditions to Finno-Ugric people by the Estonian State Art Institute and Estonian National Museum in 1978-1986. Riina has participated in many national and international exhibitions of textile art since 1980.

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Since 1992, she has had a textile studio and knitting workshop Ruut & Triip OÜ in Kuressaare. Since 2000, Riina has been a lecturer in the UT Viljandi Culture Academy Estonian Native Crafts programme. Riina is the author of a book 'Vatt, Troi, Vamsa - Knitted Jackets from West Estonian Islands', published in 2006. She has conducted various workshops on Estonian traditional knitwear. Riina describes her work as follows: "The inspiration for me lies in the traditional way of life, doing things with your own hands for yourself and the closest people around you. You would like to protect them not only from bad weather, but from anything bad that could come across. I would like to use that kind of thinking in my work, even in modern design."

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Until the 1930s, the toy animals and dolls made on farms were self-drafted. Later, more universal patterns were spread through magazines and newspapers. Toys imitating people, animals and birds were made, and these were often decorated with embroidery. Toys and dolls were traditionally created from whatever material was available to the maker. In the old days, coarse flax fibre, rags, newspapers and other things easily available were often used to stuff toys.

In this course, participants will sew a teddy bear with cotton or wool fabrics and stuff it with wool. The bear is appr. 40 cm high. The materials will be provided, but participants can bring along some special fabrics of their own. Small buttons will be used to make the eyes and the nose will be embroidered or also made of a small button. The patterns to cut the toy will be provided and sewing machines will be used for making the bear.

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The course is suitable for participants with prior experience in sewing.