I got a tip on an on-line store that sells some unusual fabrics that I think could be handy for puppeteers. It would also be a source for costume character builders.  Most of their fabrics are geared toward sports wear.  They have close celled foams and neoprene. They even sell fleece although I don't know how it would compare to the "Antron" from Georgia Stage. They do sell sample sets so it might be worth getting some. They have the mesh that I mentioned to Neal when he asked about building a Big Bird.  This mesh is used on body charecters with like a 1/4 foam between them to create bodies that have some form yet still breath.  I've even seen it used as the upper body of a "jump suite" when you needed fur legs for something. Check out the site, you might see something you have been looking for!

http://www.seattlefabrics.com/products.html

Ok I am going to reply to my own post.   I should have scrolled down on the page I posted!  They also carry Hardware.  You know all those cool clips and toggels you see on back packs and such and think, "Wow I could use that on a puppet!.",  they have them.  They also carry the webbing (straps) that you see on backpacks.

And what great timing! I decided to construct my own bag to carry my stage pieces around and keep them relatively safe from the depredations of baggage handlers. Suddenly, here is the webbing and zipper that I need.

Thanks Shawn!

That is great!  And very affordable actually.

Angel in Tx

Nice find.....Shawn thanks.

Daryl H