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furry arts discussion => fursuits, plushies, and costuming => Topic started by: cause the rat on July 20, 2013, 04:43:07 pm
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This first post will be updated with pictures or links to finished pieces.
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The making of Cause.
Human Rat hybrid.
Welcome to what’s going to be a continues, long, drawn out, full of ??? open journal of the making of my fursonal. Cause.
Human Rat hybrid.
8 part suit.
Head
Hands
Feet
Pants. legs to lower torso.
Body.
Tale
How it all comes together.
The head.
Still working his face out. Every time I think I have it I change it again. I can get a great looking front view then not be able to make the side profile work out. Shying away from the toony look as well. Taking my time with this.
Body.
Much like a long sleeve sweater separating the body from the lower torso. For me this is not an option. It has to be done this way. I realize there are a lot of problems with this. Don’t want to end up looking like a plushy that’s been cut in half. The naked Cause will be the hardest to make look right. If this proves to be impossible I’ll do without. The other three looks planned will have a shirt sewn in as part of the jacket worn. This will look right sliding over the lower torso and legs.
Hands and feet.
Hands will be white cotton gloves dyed mauve pink with fur added to the back. These will be attached to elbow length sleeves of fur.
Feet will be cotton dyed at the same time the hands are to make sure the color matches. The toes and fur will be shaped over pull over shoes.
Legs and lower torso.
Made like sweatpants. They will be held in place by both elastic and the wide velcro belt that will hold the tail in place.
What does ??? mean?
I’m an experimenter. I’m the “what if” guy. I see something and wonder if it’s been tried a different way. My first what if challenge is the fursuiter’s head. Everything from hygiene to cooling.
Hygiene. an under layer of the foam structure incased in a polyester/lycra material that can be easily separated from the head and cleaned. This would fit over a balaclava so both can be washed. Still working on this.
Heat. Hanging a cage made of sturdy plastic strips off of a baseball cap like band for the top of the head. Then creating the sides, back and face to allow for air flow. Creating holes in the top of the head’s fur to allow the hot air to escape. Doing this in a way that wont take away from the overall look or structure of the head. Still working on this.
If anyone has tried either of these ideas please let me know. Be cool to bounce ideas back and forth. Be really cool to work together to help improve the health of our fellow furrys
What this thread will be.
Everything. Every success, failure and try I make. What I’m doing, supplies I’m getting, working with or planning. What works or doesn’t work. A full documentary of what I end up with and how I got there. If your following along with materials in hand please don’t. I’m real good at “well that wasn’t a good idea”. Scrapping it and starting over. This is NOT a how to or instructions for anything. If I try something that works and is something that would help others I’ll make a separate thread for that.
When I do get finished pieces I’ll update the fist post with pictures or links to them.
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I know, these are double posts. Sorry, thought this would be better than typing in a short novel for a single post.
The four looks for Cause the Rat.
Naked.
As stated above this may not be possible with the way I have to construct this fursona.
Jazz and Blues Rat.
This will be the easiest of the three coats to make. A suit coat and shirt combo modified for Cause. Meant to be worn wile playing the guitar.
This coat is still in the planning stage. Plans as of now are to have a dark colored suit coat with slime green fur on the collar. Both arms shortened to just below elbow length and edges with the same fur. May add more to the design to pimp the look a bit more.
No materials for this body yet.
Electric Gypsy.
A Jimi Hendrix inspired coat. Not an exact replica of his famous military marching coat. But along those lines. With the addition of long fringe along the sleeves and base of the coat. Peace and Free love baby!
Materials so far.
One light colored suit coat I still need to dye a dark green.
15 yard of gold gimp. Will need more.
100 15mm brass colored studs to use as buttons
Black fake leather and studded coat.
Think Rob Halford from Judas Priest. A long style overcoat with mantle covered in studs.
Materials so far.
I've got 3000 studs coming and know I'll need more. Estimate there will be over 520 12mm pyramid studs lining the front opening of the coat alone. That's just three rows on each side from the neckline to the bottom of the coat. ( 44 inches equals two studs an inch. = 88 studs X 3 for one side. = 264. then add the second side = 528. ) Then there's around five more yards to cover! METAL GOD!
I have some material picked out. Going to first wash a chunk of it to get rid of the sizing and let it shrink. Then I'm going cover it with studs and rewash. Want to see how well it will hold together before committing. Also going to sew some of it up as fringe. Wash this as well to do the same test. If this was a heavy cotton material or suede I wouldn't be concerned. Being a polyester I'm not sure how it'll handle multiple puncturing. Would hate to have it fray apart the first time it gets worn or washed.
The coat pattern is Simplicity 2517. I contacted someone today to make this for me. She'll have to get back to me. I'll make the fringe so all she'll have to do is sew it in place when putting the sleeves together.
Notes on the back of the coat. Need to have an opening for the tail. At first I thought a hole in the right place would work. Then I thought what that would look like if I was just wearing the coat without the fursona. Not a good idea. LOL Settled on a slit from the lower back to the bottom of the coat. This will rock with or without the tale.
Decided against a Classical Cause the Rat. Imagine 200+ pounds of petroleum jelly wearing tights. Not a pretty sight...... LOL
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Choosing a different material for the fake leather coat. The material I chose has a great look but really bad properties. Tends to hold onto wrinkles and misshapes easily. Hate shopping. But I'll have to take more time and look for a polyester/lycra or spandex blend. Something that will hang well and not take to wrinkling. Glad I have a 50% off coupon.
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It's a habit of mine. I do it more often that not. Over thinking or making something overly difficult. The fursuit will be a partial. The body will be open to what ever combination of jacket/shirt I choose to wear. As much as I would have liked to always have a plushy torso it's not going to be possible. Not to make it look right with the suit coming apart at the waist .
Good news! The person I've contacted about making my fake leather coat as called back. She's a real pro. Has done work for period re enactment products and some work for TV and Movies. Kinda playing phone tag at the moment. Hopefully have more good news by Sat.
Thoughts on the head construction. I wear a hard hat at work. For those who've never worn one I'll try to explain how sit on your head. Inside the hat there's an adjustable band that is suspended from the sides of the hat by flexible plastic ribs. The band also has strips of nylon material that rest on top of your head. Your head never touches the hat. If you go to Ebay and type in hard hat you can get a better idea how all this goes together. With that said,
The idea I have to the top of the fursuit head is to do about the same thing as the hard hat. Start out with a band from a baseball cap. Attach plastic that has been bent into a C with the arch going up to the band. Then attach a crown cap made of plastic strips ( like tote plastic or something as sturdy ) to the the plastic 'C's on the band. The idea would be to have a half inch or more between you and the fur. The rest of the head would have to be constructed in a way to allow air flow to this empty chamber. Holes would also have to be put into the fur around the crown of the head to allow air flow. This may be visible in some or most suits. However if this works or proves to be a good start I think it should be considered. A fursuiter's health should take more priority that total esthetics. Besides, how many people actually pay attention to the top of your head?
If you have any ideas or knowledge of something like this please share it.
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After playing phone tag for a few days I was finally able to talk the the person who'll be making the coat for me. She's working on a large project right now so she wont be able to start on this till the end of next month. The only down side is, as of now, we can't come up with a fabric that isn't plastic and would look and drape like leather. Still tossing ideas around.
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Not an update. I'll be busy with another project that has to be shipped in three weeks. It will take half that time for the paper mache to dry. I'll have to put this on hold till then. I'll still be emailing back and forth with the person making the long coat for me. So in three weeks I'll have plenty to post! I'm STOKED! This black coat is going to ROCK!
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Just a quick update to what I've been up to.
3000 of the studs have been delivered.
1000 12mm nickel pyramid
1000 10mm nickel round
1000 6mm nickel round.
Ordered 1000 12mm nickel triangle today.
I did a mock up of the planned coat design. The amount of studs needed is phenomenal. But it's going to ROCK! And it's going to be heavy. Was talking to friends at work about it. One suggested I buy sheet metal and wear that instead. :3
I'm on the third rendition of Cause's head. Each time I'm getting closer to what I see Cause as. As soon as I get a design I'm happy with I'm slapping clay together to work out the 3D. Then on to the foam!!!! Not really able to put to much time into this now . Still working on the stuff that has to go out in a few weeks. Already know it'll be late. They know too. Sent an email today. Can't be helped. Knew it was going to almost impossible to do in that short of time.
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As stated I haven't been able to work on this as much as I'd like to. But sneaking in to work on Cause when I can. Think I have the final head design. Still working on the venting and internal structure idea. Also need to figure out how to support a full beard. That or give up the idea of having a moving jaw.
Still have a lot to do on the art that will be late. But once that's done the making of Cause will be in full swing! I'm STOKED!!
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This sounds cool! Can't wait to see it! <3
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Thanks Scarlegs! Having a blast working out the details.
Because black material isn't always as black as you'd like it to be I've ordered single yards of material. Seems the places that do sell swatches don't sell the material I need. Getting 8 to 10 oz canvas ducking. Heavier than that and you get into the dry clean only stuff. I want to be able to hose this coat down when needed.
I've bought a second suit coat from a thrift store. This one is a dark blue. Looking to use the new coat for the Hendrix takeoff jacket. Be easier than trying to hand dye the light brown one. The light brown one wont go to waste. Got plans for it as well. If I don't us it I can always re donate it to the thrift shop.
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The yard of black ducking came in. I think 10 oz is going to work! Hoping to get measured up this weekend so Chris will be able to start on the coat. Because I'm having it made it'll have all the extras I want. Plenty of pockets on the inside for a wallet, water bottles, snacks and what ever else I'll need at the time. Also going to see if I can have the mantle part, (not really sure what it's called) removable. Going to have red added to the upper part of the mantle and on the opening in the front. As well as up the sides, on the cuffs and the back slit. Speaking of the back slit, it'll be high enough for Cause's tail.
I've run into a snag with one of the choices of metal studs. There isn't enough of this size on Ebay right now for me. Been to online stores that sell them. But it'd cost a small fortune to buy them in packages. Big difference in price between buying in bulk or already in packages. Bulk is costing me between 0.012 to 0.024 a stud. Way better than 0.04 to 0.06. To give an idea of how many I need. I still need 1800 of the size I'm looking for.
I know it sounds weird talking about a coat when discussing making a fursuit. Think of this coat as the body of the character. Rock and Roll Rodent. Heavy Metal Riffin Rat!
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This thread would be better with pictures. :(
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Your right, typing face noises is boring. :D As of right now I don't have much to share. My work load has dramatically increased. (I work in a custom shop.) Hopefully by the mid of Sep I'll be going full swing on this. What I can share.
Pics of blue jean vest I did and wore years ago wile in a rock band.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3678vest02_zpsad0f4952.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3678vest02_zpsad0f4952.jpg.html)
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3675vest01_zps4535d68a.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3675vest01_zps4535d68a.jpg.html)
A preview of the patter I plan on covering the coat with.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3681coatprev01_zps4f169aa0.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3681coatprev01_zps4f169aa0.jpg.html)
What 3500 studs look like in bags. Give or take the few I used in the pattern. And the coat patter still in it's package
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3682supl01_zpscb878b3e.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3682supl01_zpscb878b3e.jpg.html)
I know, nothing to get excited about. All three coats I have planned are the body section of Cause. Legs will be like sweat pants out of fake fur. These coats as well as the body movements I've been practicing are the personality of Cause. Each one just as important to me as any full suit would be to a fursuiter.
I bought another 6300 studs. I know this sounds excessive. If you count them there are 118 studs in that roughly 8x8 inch piece of back canvas. There's over 800 studs in the back of that blue jean vest. it takes a lot of these little studs to make something look good.
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It's getting frustrating. I still haven't been able to get in tough with Chris to get the coat started. I've got the main bunch of studs off of Ebay coming in and nothing to do with them. This coat is going to take a long time to get done. I'd like to have it at least presentable by Dec. Be going to my first Con!
Got the final design for the head. I only see out of one eye so Cause will have a large faked eye patch on the left side. The eye I see out of. This will allow me to have better overall vision. I can see out of my right eye. But I fear limiting what vision I do have would put me at a real disadvantage. The shape of the head will be conical to better resemble a rat. Not going for a happy toony look. More like a toony villain. Not everyone can be a good guy. The overall size wont be much larger than my actual head. Don't plan on using a lot of foam. The top of the head will be a white cosplay wig with no foam underneath. Still looking to support all this with a band like you'd have in a base ball hat. May end up using a mask with elastic banding to help support the weight of the muzzle and bottom jaw. Hoping the ears wont be to heavy. And speaking of ears....
I'm looking to find as many how to's on making ears as I can find. Cause's ears will be a grayish pink color with no hair. The overall detailing will have to be sewn in. Plan on dyeing the material for the ears, tail and feet along with the white cotton gloves all at the same time.
This is all coming together! It's really frustrating knowing the part that's going to take the longest to make is taking the longest to get started. :)
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I like the coats! I love the last one(s)!
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For the ears, what about papermache for the base, with whatever fabric glued or covering it or paint? It'd be easier to get more detail that way.
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Thanks Scarlegs! I really want to get this coat started. I've got a full size mock up of a front panel of the coat started. I'm guessing the chest size by using measurements from a t shirt. Going to print out full size gears and cut them out. Place these on the mock up front panel to get a good overall design. Be doing that with both left and right. Want both sides to be different. This will give me a master design to work from. Plus I'll know exactly how many studs I'll need. I'll have to do the back as well.
Saloonka, paper mache is easy to work with. I work with a home made paper pulp clay. However paper mache is not a good idea. Despite the fact that it is farther away from your skin there still is the chance that sweat can seep in. And it would be impossible to clean without damage. I have seen experiments using Marine Varnish on paper mache. Keeping it completely moister free for over a year outdoors. ( in England of all places ). However for pure safety reasons I'd stay away from using it.
UPDATE!!! added to post.
Got an email from Chris! As soon as the black canvas material choice is decided ( her choice because I have NO clue ) this project will be on the way!!!!!!!! She has a few ends to finish up and then she's all MINE!!
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First off I'd like to say WOW!? How did I get so many views with absolutely nothing to show? lol
Working 12 hour days and weekends has made progress a bit slow. With all that here's what I've got so far. Again it's all typing because, other than drawings and plans, I have nothing physical to show.
The hard hat harness idea is dropped. I was hoping to use this to increase air flow within the head. Keeping the foam away from the sides and back. This would end up making a really large head. Not something I want. Still going with a baseball cap like head band with a harness instead of foam on top. If i wasn't going to use a cosplay wig I could make a skull cap out of fur to fit my head.
There are a lot of great vids out there for making movable jaws. Best advice is out there! Most say to start the opening a good three inches behind your eye. This creates a more sensitive jaw. Weather your using foam, fun foam, plastic or fiberglass. Cause has a long narrow jaw and the weight of a full beard. I'll have to experiment with different mediums to find what will work best for this and still work as a movable jaw.
Ears will also be an issue. Worried about support. This wont be a large toony head. Foam will only be used to shape the face as close to mine as possible. What foam is used on the sides will only be there as part of the over all look of the face. This leaves the area under the ears open. Thinking about making the face over material sewn together as a mask that fits my face. This mask will be held in place by elastic in the back under the cosplay wig. I'll be wearing a balaclava under all this. Want to be able to wash it.
It's been over a week now and I haven't heard from Chris. I know she's busy and has a family so I'm not going to be pain in the backside. Worth the wait. Still pullin my hair out.... :D
With all the material estimates I've ordered more studs. Got a few more orders in.
Wish I had something to show for all this. Hopefully when all my ducks are in a row this will all come together quickly. And I'll finally have pictures! :D
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YEEEESSSSSS!!!! Just got off the phone with Chris. I"ll be going over to get a duct tape double on the 12th!!!! We discussed some needed modifications, like a lot of pockets on the inside, and the over all look. Also talked about the 18 inch by half inch wide fringe. Looks like I'll have to go with black leather for the fringe. It's the only material that wont fray and hold it's shape derring wear and tare. She's also talking about internal structuring to help support the weight of all the metal that will be going onto the coat. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if this coat's total weight is over 15 pounds.
The plan so far is for her to make the outer shell of the coat. I'll do the stud work. Bring it back to her and she'll finish up the inside lining. This means this particular coat may not be finished for the F3 con in Dec. Going to have to push myself hard to get things done by then. Hoping to have the head, hands and tail done.
an experiment I tried with the studs. Wanted to find a way keep unfastened studs in place. A way to set up an area instead of one stud at a time. Found if I dip the prongs in Elmer's glue the studs stay in place wile the material is moved. This will greatly increase the finished coverage I can get done each night. Plus the small amount of white glue is easily cleaned away.
Be ordering the fur, cosplay wig, white gloves and material very soon! Finalized the head design. It's almost as simple as a real rat's head. Cone like in shape with the large fake patch over my left eye. Rally happy with it! I drew all the plans over pink and white pictures of my head. Because I wanted to make everything fit. Eyes and jaw line.
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Got the packet with the coat design and material samples delivered to where Chris works. She's not there on Sat. so she'll get them Monday. Got 7 yards of fur ordered from Fabric.com. One 28 inch white cosplay wig from Ebay on the way. Want to see the quality of this wig before buying a second one. If I need to I'll get a second 28 inch wig to fill out the head hair. If this one wig will do I'll buy a cheaper and shorter hair one to cut apart for the full beard and mustache.
Next on the list is the white cotton material for the ears feet and tail. Plus several pair of good quality white cotton gloves. These will all be dyed at the same time. Going to use a good pair of street worthy slip on shoes as the base for the feet. No fancy fury foot pads. At my age I'm more concerned about traction than I am attraction. :D
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Is it a double post if it's almost four hours apart?
5000 more studs came in today!!! 2000 12mm pyromids, 2000 10mm round and 1000 6mm round. Also pictured are 300 12mm frame studs that came in last week.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_37055000300_zps4f9bc6be.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_37055000300_zps4f9bc6be.jpg.html)
Also wanted to share a link to the white cosplay wig I'm getting from Ebay,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/28-inch-Heat-Resistant-All-Colors-Bangless-Long-Cosplay-Wigs-/181136892248?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Wigs_Extensions&var=480235893606&hash=item2a2c99a158 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/28-inch-Heat-Resistant-All-Colors-Bangless-Long-Cosplay-Wigs-/181136892248?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Wigs_Extensions&var=480235893606&hash=item2a2c99a158)
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7 yards of fur and a few more studs came in last night! Be able to get started on the partial. Got a bit more fur than I need. Was thinking of making a two piece body suit. Just in case I get tired of lugging around a 50 lb coat. The studs I have now weigh more than 7 yards of long pile fur. Talk about a full metal jacket. :D The coat has been set back a few days. Chris had a family crisis. Looks like next week.
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Still working on how to keep the furry pants up. Looking at putting in loops and using a standard belt. This will all be hidden under any shirt worn. Years ago I had a really heavy pair of canvas and leather work pants. As heavy as they were a belt held them in place. Despite the fur being slightly heavier I'm hoping a single belt will work. Suspenders are out of the question. I'm already going to have a good 30 lbs of canvas, leather and metal hanging off of my shoulders.
After a few set backs I'm finally going to get fitted for the coat tomorrow night! Be using an old flannel shirt because she's going to need my arms as well. I'm not a small guy. I'll have to finalize some drawings for the leather parts tonight so Chris will be able to finish the cuffs and sleeves.
White gloves came in! Got twelve pair. Still have to get the cotton material that will be used for the ears and tail. Was thinking of a heavier cotton for the ears and white canvas ducking for the tail. Really hoping when they all get dyed together they'll be close enough in color.
And speaking of the tail. I had read that some people have problems with the stuffing settling or bunching. To try to prevent this I'm going to quilt the batting. I'll try it first without material on one side to see if it'll hold together. If this doesn't work I'll quilt material to one side. Then roll it up as needed to stuff the tail. My rat tail will be long, thin and without fur. Don't want it to become lumpy. Also plan on having only one hem on the tail. Going to use darting to add curves. I'll try this on scrap material before committing.
Second coat in the making. This is my Jimi Hendrix inspired one. I'll be cutting up a blue suit coat I got for $4.50 and adding paisley material, gold trim, gold fringe and large brass studs for fake buttons.
here's the paisley material I'm looking at,
http://www.housefabric.com/Grand-Paisley-Jewel-P3082C2291.aspx
(http://www.housefabric.com/Grand-Paisley-Jewel-P3082C2291.aspx)
It has a horizontal repeat of 14.5 inches so the pattern is big. This is once choice out of hundreds I've looked at. Still looking so this may change. The price per yard has limited some of my choices. Can't see spending $50+ for a yard of material. No matter how cool it looks.
I've got 15 yards of this old gold gimp trim,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390586526231?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D390586526231%26_rdc%3D1 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/390586526231?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D390586526231%26_rdc%3D1)
and one hundred of these 15mm five prong studs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161099960488?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D161099960488%26_rdc%3D1
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/161099960488?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D161099960488%26_rdc%3D1)
the gold trim I'm looking at,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/271247030842?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D271247030842%26_rdc%3D1
(http://www.ebay.com/itm/271247030842?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_sacat%3D0%26_nkw%3D271247030842%26_rdc%3D1)
This will be Hedrix inspired. Not a copy of any of his coats.
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Man did I have a blast tonight! Got everything done to get the coat started. Turns out both Chris and her daughter are con goers. They both enjoy different cons and both are sellers. However neither have gone to a furry convention. They both know furries. Just never been to a furcon. Spent most of the night talking about roll playing games. Happens when you get geeks together... :D.
So here's what's happening. Chris will make a mock up half jacket to make sure the upper torso and arms are well fitted. Once that's done and all the supplies come in the coat will come together quickly. Got the 5 yards of 10 oz black canvas duck ordered. Chris's daughter will be ordering the leather. She's a professional leather worker and gets a discount from places for ordering tons of leather from them. Talk about some great looking leather works!
Now that the hardest part is started I can concentrate more on the head, hands, feet and tail. I know that's where everyone but me usually starts a fursuit. I needed to start with the body. It's going to be the hardest and take the longest to do. Worth every minute. Because the coat will be center of the character I want to portray as Cause the rat. Each coat will help portray different aspects of Cause the rat. I hope to make each one memorable and fun to be and be around.
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Going to my very first con in a few weeks. Not a furcon but still my first. Don't want to go without some part of Cause so I'm putting together a coat as fast as I can.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3721coatone_zpsa3762689.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3721coatone_zpsa3762689.jpg.html)
I have the coat, 15 yards of the gold trim and the brass studs. Going today to find a light brown fur and some gold material to use for the shoulder things. Don't know what they're called. I've got more of that gold trim coming, gold piping (rope on a flat piece of material used to sew into things) and a few yards of 12 inch and 4 inch gold fringe on the way. They should all be here by late next week. Dropped the paisley material idea. Save that for another coat.
Once home I'll start as much as I can on the suit coat. Reshape the base of the coat and cut the center seams of arms apart. Get as much of the fur trim in place and hopefully start on the gold gimp trim on the front of the jacket.
Pics to come!
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I love those kinds of coats!
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Thanks Wrangell! I've seen Hedrix style coats for sale on line. They use the cheapest stuff they can find and still want a fortune for it.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3725trims01_zpsfbc4e25d.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3725trims01_zpsfbc4e25d.jpg.html)
The first modification of the coat will be to cut one inch off of both front panels so the coat will no longer overlap or close. I'm doing this by first sewing a line up the one inch mark. Then I'll cut off the excess. This way the liner and all will stay in place. Doing this will also remove most of the curve off of each panel. I'll use the fur to fill in the rest of the 90 angle. Going to try to get the collar to stand upright and iron out the folds for the lapels. I'll fur the outside of the collar to hide the underside. Different color fabric.
Not sure what to call them so I'll call them stripes. The gold gimp cording sewn to the front of the coat. I know my sewing skills aren't up to par. Not sure if I can make the loops at the end of each stripe. Or make them even. Pictured is what I may end up doing. I may try glueing the gimp in the shape with the loop at the end. If that doesn't work what i have pictured will do.
The piping ( gold rope ) shown is only there for the picture.
The flat trim will be used on the shoulder ridge. Going to be doubled so it'll be thicker. There will be a tassel like thing at the arm end.
I'll get as much as I can done. Wont be able to finnish this until all the rest of the stuff comes in. Target finish date is the 29th.
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will this coat have epaulets?
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Wrangell, I had to look up epaulets.... :)
Yes. Thats what the wide flat trim will be a part of. It will be attached to the shoulder ridge with the fringe tassel like pad ( epaulet ) on the shoulder.
And speaking of the epaulets (thanks for the new word Wrangell :) ) just got an email from the ebay seller I'm getting the fringe from to make these things. Seems they're out of the 4 inch fringe. Sending 6 inch instead. That ROCKS! Longer fringe is like longer hair. The hairier the better! It's the 60's baby!
Going to try gluing the end loops in place on a scrap piece of material. If this works I'll make a templet. Use this to help make all the loops the same. I'll glue the gimp trim down first. Sew it in place.
Second modification. I'm going to cut the original liner out before I attach the stripes to the front of the coat. I'll add a tab along a seam on the inside so I can hand stitch the liner back into place. This way the coat will still have usable pockets on the inside. Be able to add more pockets if needed.
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(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3728stripes01_zps346c415f.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3728stripes01_zps346c415f.jpg.html)
Looks like the loops are in! These are laying flat. Will be glued to hold shape. Then sewn in place. I know the original Hendrix coat has the loops going up into the fur as well. Don't think they'll be missed. Going to have to be careful with the glue. Any overage will show up on the dark blue wool. Just wanted to add that what's shown is not glued into place.
When cutting the lining out of both front panels I made a discovery. The outside pockets were pockets that had been sewn shut. Kinda weird. I'll add a bit of material to the unseen side of each of the liner pieces so they'll fit when sewn back into place. Going to add an extra pocket in each one and make the bottom pockets deeper. Got the hem lines down both front panels and cut away the inch off both.
back to work!
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Glad it's coming along well! I have enjoyed your updates on it. :D
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Thanks Wrangell! I'm trying to hurry but not rush this. If that makes any sense.
Got one side of the stripes tacked into place. Hopefully get the other side tacked tonight. The material for the studded coat came in! Got it in the washer now. I'll get it to Chris either tomorrow or Wed. Depending on what times good for her. The cosplay wig came in today as well. WAY better than I though it would be. Very thick and a bit heavy. Gets all tangly and cool looking when I bang my head. :D The only thing I'll change is the center part. Got to get a second wig to make the facial hair. I'll take part of it and sew it in place to cover up the center part.
Stupid people tricks... Kinda got carried away on ordering the gold gimp trim. I thought I had 15 yards of it. Turns out I have 25. Knowing the 15 yards that I thought I had wouldn't be enough I ordered 20 more yards. The thought was to go ahead and get more than I need incase I mess this coat up. Or want to make another. So now I'll have 45 yards of this stuff. The front of the coat will take 13 yards 2 feet and one inch. Not sure what I'll do with the back or arms yet. I think I'll have a few yards left over.. bout a half a miles worth. :)
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Sounds like a great plan! I can't wait to see pictures! :D
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(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3738coatdaytwo_zpsaea62126.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3738coatdaytwo_zpsaea62126.jpg.html)
Wasn't able to get much done. But I will have the coat done by the opening day of Archcon.
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It's looking great! :D
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This has gotten slow going working 12 hour shifts. Now I'm on the books for Sat as well. This Hedrix inspired coat WILL be done by next Friday!!! The rest of the supplies needed came in today! In the picture there's the 6 inch and 12 inch fringe and the gold rope piping. The last of the needed things to finish this coat. The white material will be a pattern for the new liner and pockets for the inside of the coat. The stripes on both sides of the front are done. Still need to be sewn in place. Going to finalize the cuff and sleeves as well as the epaulets tonight. I'll be cutting a seam away on the sleeve to add the 12 inch fringe. Once the sleeves are cut open I'll be able to sew on the gold gimp design and fur.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3740coatsupplies_zpsffdb13ed.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3740coatsupplies_zpsffdb13ed.jpg.html)
Back to work!
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It's looking fantastic! :D You have a great taste in style!
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Ran out of tan thread. Was in the middle of sewing one of the front stripes on and no more thread. Never ran out of thread before :). Taking a break on line before heading back into town for thread and a larger memory card for the camera. Right now i'm working on the inside panels. There will be 3 large usable pockets on each side. I have 7 suit jackets. No idea what they were thinking when designing the inside pockets. Half of them I can't even get my hands in. So the new pockets will have five to six inch openings and be eight to nine inches deep. There will also be smaller pockets for things like camera batteries, memory cards, cellphone and the like. Another feature the pockets will have is no annoying square corners.
Already know i wont have time to finish the back of the coat. Got to be done for Archcon next weekend. I can always finish the back later.
Kinda boring but here's a shot of the new liner in progress. The pattern shows the deep pockets. The smaller ones will be sewn onto the front of the liner. They will be narrow for smaller things.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3745linerpockets_zpsceabbbc8.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3745linerpockets_zpsceabbbc8.jpg.html)
added this
The left, bottom and right side will be machine sewn. The top will have to be hand stitched to the original liner.
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AUGH! This is a learning experience. I really don't know how to sew. Making it up as I go. I have pockets A and C in place. Going to do pocket B and call it quits on the deep under the liner pockets. It is an improvement over what the coat originally had. I could only use two of the pockets. The other panel will have the small easy to sew contact pockets for small things. The black thread I've been using keeps breaking on me. Thread's probably 30 years old. Guess it's time to buy new. Going to be a late night. Then all day tomorrow. So much for watching football.
I'd like to be able to use this coat with Cause. Be his classic rock coat. I can always cut away the pocketless inner panel and make one with pockets. I'll have to hand sew it in place. But it would be worth it. Because you can never have to many pockets.
The two missing stripes became badly frayed before I could sew them in place. I'll retack new ones and sew them into place. I'm using a wide but tight zig zag stitch. Holds these stripes into place really well.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3749coat_zps4c3d8803.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3749coat_zps4c3d8803.jpg.html)
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The front of the coat is all done except the fur. Both new front inner linings are done. I went ahead and put pockets in both sides. Would not have been happy otherwise. Got both epaulets made. One sleeve cuff is furred. I'm either going to have to take a day off this week or ask to go home in 8 hours one day. This WILL be done and worn to Archcon this Friday! If I knew how to sew this would go a lot faster. I've learned a few tricks I'll be able to apply when making Cause's head.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3759furrycuff_zps95c11977.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3759furrycuff_zps95c11977.jpg.html)
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3752epaulets_zps9a3a6a2a.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3752epaulets_zps9a3a6a2a.jpg.html)
Next week both the studded coat AND my first fursuit head will be started! Still have to buy shoes to make the feet.
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Voice is FINISHED!!!
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3778voiceone_zps6f98b68f.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3778voiceone_zps6f98b68f.jpg.html)
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3786voiceone_zps778806de.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3786voiceone_zps778806de.jpg.html)
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_3776voiceone_zps177e4654.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_3776voiceone_zps177e4654.jpg.html)
Just in case you wanted to know what a 50 year old hippy looks like :)
This coat is hot. I had to take the liners out of the arms so I'm sweating right next to wool. Don't think it'll bother me to much this week end. I will need to get long sleeved body armer to wear with this. And speaking of wearing. I'm wearing this to work tomorrow. Then to Wal Marts! And if I decide to go east and get body armer? Yep. All the way baby! Time for this hippy to spread some love man. :D
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Got a LOT of great comments on that coat at Archon today! Worth every minute I spent sewing that thing together.
Talked to Chris at Archcon. The leather is in. She'll be able to start on Cause's flight jacket ( the studded long coat ) next week. I'll be starting Cause's head next week as well. Still looking for a way to make the bottom jaw strong enough to hold a full beard. May look around at the Halloween stuff to see if I can find a lighter weigh hair for the mustache and beard. That cosplay wig is awesome. But really heavy. If I got one to cut up it would add a lot of weight to the nose and jaw.
I'll be a fursuiter soon!
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I can tell that your a big hippie! X) I hang with a lot of old hippies with my mom in the local beer brewers club, I love them. great craftsmanship on the jacket by the way!
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Ah! The jacket looks so awesome!
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The flight coat keeps getting delayed. Really hoping it's finished by next week. Still will be a rush to get all the stud work done by Dec. I did get to see the leather the fringe, cuffs and collar will be made out of.
Started work on the head! Couldn't find wicking material so I bought a t-shirt. I'll be cutting that up to make the base for the head. The baseball cap idea works! Looking to have the least amount of foam on my head as possible. It wont be toony or large like most other fursuiter's heads. Hopefully wont be as hot either.
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Making my own head form. I bought one of those cheep styrofoam wig head things a wile back. I'm making it bigger by covering it with Crayola air dry clay. Going to do it in stages because I want a good fit between it and my head. Once done and dry I'll cut up that moisture wicking t-shirt to make the base for the head. Along with the base ball cap. Be cutting up the cap so nothing but the supportive ribs and velcro sizer are left. I'll also sew the velcro sizer in place so it wont come apart.
In all honesty the head is going to be a simple shape. Other than the one eye and both brows there wont be much in detail. Kind of like the simple conical shape of a rat's head. Figured out how the ears will come together to give me the detail they will need. Not going to go with the buck teeth of a mouse or rat. Cause is an alien hybrid. Hoping to achieve the science fiction character he's always been. Toony =0 Heavy Metal scifi =100%
Wile I'm still waiting for the flight coat to be sewn together and the head form to dry I'll be starting another coat for Cause. Be more of a long sleeve shirt turned into a lab coat. Be adding material to the shirt. Along with other things to make it different. Got plenty of scrap material around here to play with before I commit to buying more. At the rate things are moving i may be done with this before I get started on the flight coat.
Sorry there hasn't been much to show. Working mandatory 12s and getting frustrated with all the delays in the main character coat doesn't help.
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I knew the head form would crack apart. The air dry clay shrinks. But it's not the looks of the thing I'm going for. I numbered all the pieces and will glue them back onto the duck tape I wrapped the styrofoam head thing in. I tried making my first balaclava and baseball cap combo thing. The material was two tight. Easy enough to make a second one. Going to use this as the base of the head. I'll make a few more balaclavas for me to wear wile suiting. Also bought a few more things to make the rest of the suit with. Got a few yards of heavy canvas that'll be dyed the same time as the white gloves and cotton material for the ears. Got a yard of buckram. I know, overkill. But who knows. Might need more buckram in the future. Took a black magic marker to a piece of it. Had no idea that stuff would be this hard to see threw. I'm going form a scifi rock and roll rodent to one of the three blind mice. :D
Now for some news that's got me PO'd. I've contacted Chris again about the coat. Now it seems I might get it by mid Dec. ???????? The con I planned on wearing it to is the second week of Dec. I'm a fast learner. I could have learned to sew by now. Not happy. This jacket is not only part of Cause but it's the center of my cosplay. Story line and all. it's the body of my fursona. I've already bought the leather. And I really don't want to leave the fringe off the coat. But at this point I need to cut back on something to try to get this thing quicker. I'm going to email her back and dump the 18 inch fringe and leather trimming. I'll still own the leather. All $280 worth. Save it for another project. I need to do something. Need this coat by mid next month so I know it'll be finished in time. Not only will the studs have to be done but the inside liners will have to be hand sewn in.
So I don't leave this post on a sower note. I've found a faster way to do stud work. And this will help keep the coat together. I've found that I can dip the prongs of each stud into a strong adhesive. The adhesive wont stick to styrofoam so I can leave everything in place till it's set. This holds a multitude of studs in place. Way better than one or two at a time. Also using a magnetic pen I can pick up a stud by it's top side. Then use the pen to push the stud into place. No more trying to hold them by hand!
UPDATE. added to post.
After a few emails it looks like I should have the jacket by the end of November. Going to leave the leather trim and fringe off of this one. The flight jacket doesn't need it. In reality I was hoping to combine two coat ideas into one. This way I can have a more traditional heavy metal look. With gears added of corse. :)
Now that this is all settled I can plan on when to take at least one week of vacation. It's time to get busy with the rest of the body!
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Bought different fringe for the coat. It's a black 18 inch version of the stuff i used on the suit jacket. I wanted fringe and wont do without. The leather fringe would have been better. This will do for now. Went for the first fitting tonight. She's taking the time to make sure everything hangs right on this old twisted body of mine. She's also revamped the arms so there will only be one seam. It's been decided that the entire coat will have a heavy inner facing. Arms and all. Because of the total weight of the studs. I volunteered to pick up the needed webbing after work tomorrow. All 11 yards of inner facing for this thing. All this extra material should keep the studs from pulling the coat out of shape. Chris kinda cringed when i stated that I may end up studding threw some of the seams. Didn't say anything then but i may end up trying to find glue on studs just for the seams. I don't like them. But it is a better option than cutting threw the stitching.
Also started working on the head. Still trying to get the angles right for the cone shape. Also trying to find a way to keep this wig on wile headbanging. I don't want to turn my fursuit head into a missal. :D I don't know if this will be a good thing or bad. Because of the placement and size of the eyes it may be possible to see light threw the head. From one side to the other. I may also need to make a roof for the mouth. If I angle my head up and open the jaw it may be possible to see all the way to my forehead. Was thinking of buckram painted so I can still see threw it. Open the mouth to see the floor.
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Got news on the coat. Should have it by the end of this week. Wont have the leather fringe or trim. Will have 18 inch chainette fringe. A black and longer version of the fringe on the first coat. I have the last week of this month and the fist week of Dec. off. I'll be spending some time getting that coat studded up.
Started the head! Got the balaclava stitched up and working on the foam. Going to treat the wig like a strap on helmet. The wide strap will go under my chin. This will have to go under all the elastic for the moving jaw. And the jaw itself. Cause will be a talker. I don't think I'd be able to mime as a character. Still practicing body movements to help portray emotion as he speaks.
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You'll look like an admiral in that, or not :D, anyhow, huzzah for old school! Keep up the great work and the great updates!
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One delay after another. Really am trying to keep being polite about it. I'll know tomorrow if the coat will be ready for pick up Monday.
Got most of the foam done on the head. It's going to be as simple. I've had to make the left eye patch bigger than I wanted. But it will be easier for me to see. I've worn it as is with the wig on. Because the face is completely hollow and the mouth is open there's a LOT of air movement. Well without the eyes in anyway. Decided on plastic canvas for both the solid black rat eye and the studded eye patch. Did have to add a piece of foam between the eyes on the inside. Trying to keep people from being able to see in one eye and out the other. Was going to go for a moving jaw. Decided against it for the first head. I'll still be a talker.
Here's a pic with the wig on and before the eyepatch hole and lower jaw were added.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4216_3_zps876557d4.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4216_3_zps876557d4.jpg.html)
Yep, it's a modified cone. The upper jaw will be held in place by black plastic canvas. The lower jaw rests on my chin. I can make it move a bit but not well enough to mimic talking. I could actually see. But not straight ahead. So I couldn't react to someone I was supposed to be looking at.
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Thanks for the compliments The Bear Guy! The coat was inspired by the one Hendrix wore. His was a military band marching jacket. I can't help but be old school. At my age there's been a few 'schools' come and gone.
Couldn't leave it with that pic. So at 1:00 in the morning I got dressed up and took a few pics. All of em turned out as blurry as I feel right about now. :D
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4237blcauseface_zps011b75b6.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4237blcauseface_zps011b75b6.jpg.html)
Cause wearing 'Voice'.
Each coat has a different name. The studded one is Gin. But Cause calls it 'Love Works'. I'm also putting together one more trench coat called 'Build'.
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I have GIN!! The flight coat!!
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4285_zpsba51ff7c.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4285_zpsba51ff7c.jpg.html) (http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4289_zps35566d63.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4289_zps35566d63.jpg.html) (http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4291_zps8e9e725f.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4291_zps8e9e725f.jpg.html)
had to run all over creation looking for the adhesive I need to use for the studs. Figure for ever stud there's four holes. The glue will hold the material together.
OK. It's not what i really wanted. But i wanted it for the my first convention so the 18 inch black leather fringe got replaces by that stuff. It will do.
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After a two month wait and now finding out the liner isn't even started it's apparent this coat will not be ready for F3. Yes I'm PO'd. But it will be ready for the next con. Did a little bit of work on it. Really happy with the technique I'm using to get the studs in. When turning the sleeve inside out I only lost one stud.
First picture is the templets I made for the gears and how I transfer the pattern onto the material. I found Crayola pencils work the best.
URL=http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4317sleavepattern_zps6c252c49.jpg.html](http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4317sleavepattern_zps6c252c49.jpg)[/URL]
Second picture is finished pattern.
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4323Ginarm_zpsada35bc9.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4323Ginarm_zpsada35bc9.jpg.html)
Even if I get the minimal amount of studs on this to make it work it still will have to get the liner put in. Gin will be on hold till after the holidays. I have way to much to do with the head, hands and tail to worry about this one coat.
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Been thinking allot on creating traditions for this character. I have traditions and history of most of the other nations of Tapon Ru. Because the rat nation is newly created I'm still playing around with ideas.
On the coat front I'm still holding off it's completion till after the holidays. The head tail and hands I'm hoping to have done for F3 next week. Going to end up using plastic canvas for the eyes. The holes are large. The plastic will help act as structure for the head.
Bought more material. This will be for another longcoat. https://www.fabric.com/buy/0267658/diversitex-hugo-jacquard-indigo (https://www.fabric.com/buy/0267658/diversitex-hugo-jacquard-indigo) Seriously what's the chance of coming across this kind of a design? And on sale. :) The gear is the symbol of the rat nation. This rocks.
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looks nice so far. just looks a little creepy with the empty eyes :o
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Hopefully it'll remain looking creepy when it's done!
Jawset is in the oven. Because both the right eye and left eye patch will be solid black I used Krylon Fusion black to spray paint the plastic canvas. I have the face furred. I've cut the wig's elastic band apart. And i have the yarn done up for the eyebrows. mustache and beard. Both gloves are dyed gray. Not the best but will do.
Still have to make the ears, tale and add fake fur and claws to the hands.
It's not going to be pretty or the best looking fursuit head. It's my first. It's not supposed to be. :)
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Decided to go with lower jaw only. Going to remake this. Made the first one out of regular Sculply. This stuff isn't very strong on it's own. And a bit heavy. Causes the lower jaw to hang open to far. So I'm going to remake using super sculply and wire. The teeth will be strung on the wire for support. Also need to get some black vinyl for the lips.
Also decided to go with pink hands. I'll get some pink paint to dye both the hands and inner ear material. Then use the same pink to paint the nose.
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Progress
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4546cause01_zps9ca1fc62.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4546cause01_zps9ca1fc62.jpg.html)
(http://i1324.photobucket.com/albums/u617/jazzbluerat/IMG_4547cause02_zps85ff7aaf.jpg) (http://s1324.photobucket.com/user/jazzbluerat/media/IMG_4547cause02_zps85ff7aaf.jpg.html)
Still cant find a way to get ears on this head. But being an alien perhaps I can get away without them on my first head. Kinda looks like a fizzy snake. I know how i'm going to do the beard and mustache. Still have to figure out how to get material for the neck and back of the head. Perhaps after I get the wig glued and sewn on partly I'll have a better idea. i want the wig to be attached to fur so there's always a seamless line between hair and fur.
Ended up using buckram for the eyes. Easier to see threw. Only see out of one eye so better vision is important. The large eye patch lets me have a wide view. Still not able to see straight ahead. But walking with my head rocking back and forth will help.
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Looks good so far! I can't wait to see it when it's finished.
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I gotta say that looks pretty cool. What kind of base did you use for the head?
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Thanks! The base is a home made balaclava. The 'face' is a modified cone. The inside of the cone is shaved down to rest on the sides and top of my face and forehead. Wanted this be as flush with the balaclava as I could make it. The wig, not pictured, will rest on the fake fur as it covers the face of the rat. With no fake fur under the wig. The face itself is completely hollow in the inside. It's shape is held by a plate of plastic canvas that makes up the top of the mouth.
The good news is the attached wig stays in place as I head bang! The bad news is I've learned the hard way that you should not use toxic outdoor adhesives when working with foam. Wore the head for about 15 minutes yesterday. A good 24 hours after I had used the glue to attach the buckram for the eyes. Spent the next 4 hours trying not to puke my guts out.
Sooo. Cause the rat will not be ready for F3 in Branson MO. With just two days left before I leave And working 10 to 12 hours a day I wont have time to get em done.
Took a short vid headbanging as Cause.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgoKjUA-FsA&feature=youtu.be
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Talked to a very wise man who said,
" You idiot! Wait till the glue dries completely THEN put the mask on."
What do you know! He was right. I am an idiot. :)
Nothing done on the head or any of the coats Cause will wear. Only two excuses. Getting ready for Christmas and accidently ate something flavored with pork. That happened Wed. Shaking finally stopped yesterday. Ahhh Christmas parties. They are to die for.....
Material came I'll be using to modify one trench coat. Still working on fringe colors.
Gin, ( Ga-in) Cause's living flight coat will be the only fully studded coat he will have. My biggest fear would be to pull fur out of someone else's suit. All it would take is one stud to be slightly up on one side. So the flight suit will be worn for very short periods of time and parades. I'll be destuding one coat to make it safer to interact with other suiters. To me that's more important than looking good. Ya, I've tried the liquid bead thing.
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No real progress. However I have been working on Cause the rat's performance. Cause will be a story teller. A talker. The idea of using body movements to portray emotion is great. But for someone untrained it's harder than it sounds. Been wearing the unfinished head and filming myself using my computer. I have a very small set of body movements I like so far. Some I did by accident. (: I do have the advantage of being able to use my voice to help portray emotions. But don't want to rely on that. Good storytelling is a 50/50 deal. Half is the story and half is acting. I guess it's like setting up a dance routine. Each emotion has it's own set of moves. These moves have to be understood by whoever is watching. And they have to look natural. It's a challenge to be very sing song with my voice and smooth portray of emotions threw body movements. Especially for someone who naturally moves like a 2x4. The more animated the storyteller the more an audience gets into it. I want to work on this till it's automatic. To the point that even a mundane conversation with Cause will be a show. I'm kinda good at situational comedy at work. Taking what's happening or what's being said and making it funny. Hoping this will help in creating Cause the Rat's personality as well. it really is challenging and a lot of fun. The stories I plan on telling are life on Tapon Ru. Maybe a few on my travels threw different universes and wolds. The hard part for me is keeping them short enough. I need to make sure my story doesn't outlast my ability to portray it.
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The head is looking good so far. I'm really looking forward to seeing more!