Hi.  I am new here.  Found you guys while searching on the web.  I have found so much information here.  Thanks.  I have spent a couple of days reading all kinds of posts and looking for puppet patterns (followed many links from this site).  Anyway, I think I have it narrowed down to 2 patterns.  Just wondering what people here have worked with and what they recommend.  I have some sewing abilities (average, not advanced) but I have never built a puppet before.  I definetely want to make 3 and possible more after christmas.  We will be using them to perform to a small group of about 30 kids ages 4-8 yrs.  I am new to puppetry so I don't have advanced skills in using the puppets either.  My 6 yr. and 8 yr old kids will also be using these puppets at times. 

I will be using materials (foam and fleece or other recommended fabric - any suggestions?) that I can purchase at a fabric store.  Part of the reason I am making my puppets is the cost of shipping pre-mades to Canada, it is almost as much as the puppet!  I have a small budget and I don't want to pay shipping fees each time I have saved enought for a new puppet.  Right now I would love to be able to make 3 puppets (pattern included) for under $130.  Is that even possible?

With that background what pattern would you recommend?  I am looking at the rotondo puppet with fleece covering ($75) at project puppet or the puppet pattern at churchpuppets.com ($40 ish)  Has anyone worked with both?  I am waiting to hear reviews from those who received the churchpuppet.com pattern to try out. 

Love to hear your thoughts. 

Barb

I noticed right now the anti-pill fleece is really cheap at the chains like Joannes. I think it's because after Halloween they get in all the new winter fabrics so they are unloading their inventory now. I picked up like 8 yards of fleece the other day for ~30$ which is a steal at least for my NY standards where everything is usually priced sky high!!

If you want to use furs, wait ~3-4 more weeks. They bring them all for Halloween and the leftovers will go for 1/2 price once the costume making season is complete! I've already got my local Joannes to put things in the back for me because I constantly beg them with no shame.

I think 130$ is plenty to build 3, depending how creative/motivated you are moving eyes / eyebrows / etc. are all a possibility too. You'll just have to learn all the madness involved in making triggers and whatnot.

Hope this helps some, or at least keeps you motivated!!

-Steve

I have used both patterns and I believe you have made two very good choices. Project puppet and Church Puppets are patterns from members here at Puppets and Stuff.
If you are working with a budget of $130 you will have to allow for materials. As Steve said many polar or anti-pill fleeces are on sale right at the moment and things will go on sale after halloween. You may have to compromise with cheaper building materials until your budget allows for upgrades. With that in mind I would not spend more than half your budget on a pattern leaving the other half for materials and supplies. This should allow you enough both ways.

Billy D.

I really look for sales at the local chain fabric store and can usually build a puppet for about $20.00 worth of supplies (These are not fur covered puppets - fur is usually more costly).  So for materials cost of $60 - $70 US dollars and the cost of the pattern you have a budge of $110 - 130 dollars depending on which pattern you pick.

BTW - Welcome to Puppets and Stuff.  We love pictures so be sure to post so when you get your puppets built.

Jon

Puppetbubba:

I haven't tried the church puppets pattern, but I suspect that our own dear Helen may be the author of it, so some of the other folks here on this site have tried it. 

I have tried Project Puppet patterns and I highly recommend them.  The simple series puppets come out smaller in size are are good for small hands.  A large man's hand might find it a bit small.  I like this size and I have a small to medium sized woman's hand with long fingers.  The Forma series look more professional but are also a little harder to build.  My kids find them too heavy to play with for any length of time.  The construction techniques are nice to know if you plan to take this up as a hobbie or profession.  All the patterns that Pasha Romanowski has designed have wonderful shape.  He's my puppet hero.

As a beginner, I'd recommend the glorified sock puppet or simple series patterns.  They are cheaper and designed with beginners in mind.  I use these patterns with a little modification to make them a little more professional.  I'd be happy to tell you the changes I make if you would like to know.  The changes are also posted on Project Puppet gallery picture comments under Linus (Melonhead pattern) and Tip and Spark the Butterfly puppets (Roly pattern).  I also glue the upper foam skull to the upper mouth plate so it doesn't shift.

Sure you can make that budget easily.  A simple series pattern cost $25 and comes via internet download (nice and quick).  I'm thinking you could make 10 or more puppets for $130.  I can make a puppet for as cheap as $3 with that pattern if I buy stuff on sale.  These puppets go together pretty quick once you get the hang of it.  For good results, put the eyes on last of all taking time to note how they look before committing yourself by glueing them down.

Welcome to P&S!

About materials:
Antipill fleece and 1/2 inch foam from your local fabric store would be a great way to start.  Foam core for the mouthplate and a gluegun and glue sticks complete your main supplies.  Once you are hooked on puppet building you can try Antron fleece which is REALLY nice, but it costs more.

i LOVE the patterns from Project Puppets.  I like them because they look very professional and are very easy to understand.  I have not tried or heard of the other one that you mentioned.

Welcome to Project Puppet!

To focus on your question for patterns, I haven't worked with the church puppet pattern but it does seem as straightfoward and better suited to a beginning puppet builder.
The Rotondo is a great pattern and I think the most versatile from the Forma Series of project puppet, however they are much more difficult in construction. I would recommend buying it, but save it for when you're skills have improved. From Project Puppet I'd definitely recommend the Roly Pattern however for starting out with. Plus its downloadable so that saves money! I haven't worked with it, but again, its the most versatile of the PP patterns and easier to work with since its meant for beginners. You should talk to PuppetLady though as she's made some simple changes which can make a better puppet! [And I think she owns all the PP patterns!!]

But a $130 budget is more than enough for a pattern and 3 puppets! Be sure to post some pictures once your done so we can check them out!

Thank you so much for all the replies.  I never even thought about halloween and material sales.  What great advice.  You are all getting me so excited.  I am glad to hear my budget will get me what I need.  I am going to hit the fabric store next week to see what prices are like and if there are any sales, and then again after halloween for some fur and fun stuff like that.  We don't have Joanne's up here in Canada, just Fabricland and Fanny's Fabric (actually I haven't seen a Fanny's for awhile so they may have closed down).  Walmart has a fabric section.  Has anyone ever found antipill fleece there?

why don't you look on the website of Jon http://bashfulpuppet.blogspot.com/ 
He has a few pattern links on his website for free
and look to his great puppets he is making........................
did you saw this topic??
http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,3396.0.html