P.S. I just found a solid (with variation) purple fabric that is similar. http://www.nickoftime.net/p-516-purplewhite-hairy-knit-fabrics.aspx  They have this listed under the category of Eyelash Knits.  I haven't yet but I bet a search for that phrase on Goggle may give even more choices. Google Search: Eyelash Knits

P.P.S
Try this one also since it may give you more fabric results. Google Search: Eyelash Knit Fabrics

OOO OOOO..... This one I like! http://www.vitexfabrics.com/costume_fabrics.html  On the page you'll see the link to a Long Hair Metallic Eyelash category.  I linked to this main page because there are some really unique other types of fabrics.

Ok adding these results from Alibaba.com on the term "polyester knitted long pile fabric". I have not been through all the results yet and most seem to be furs but they look to be pretty unique so may help also on other projects if not this one.
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/polyester-knitted-long-pile-fabric.html

This fabric form the above search actually really intrigues me. http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/441448131/thermal_clothes_polyester_knitting_fabric_long.html?s=p  almost looks like a feather boa but it is not. Would love to see it in a flat laid out piece.

Whooo hoooo, Shawn! This is the ticket! Thank you, I was having a horrible time figuring out even what to search. "hairy silk" wasn't working at all, but the eyelash is what I needed.

BTW... just a warning about the Alibaba.com results.  Although there are some really great things there I don't think they are going to be cheap. It also looks like most have a min order that is pretty high. It also looks like most come from other countries so shipping could be an issue. That being said for some projects it may be just what is needed.

All things considered though I think the site it self may be worth keeping in the bookmarks.  Never know when you'll have a project that can afford the price and need something that you just can't get at your local store.

Yeah I noticed that. Good to keep on the radar though. I think I could live with this one too
http://www.amazon.com/Eyelash-Fabric-Sassy-Periwinkle-Swatch/dp/B004H177DG

Also, whatever she's wearing, would be the bee's knees.
http://www.shopkoshka.com/new-in/reality-studio-animal-pullover/

I like the periwinkle quite a bit. If the shading is the same in real life as in the photo that is quite nice.  The other one is nice because the "fur" seems a bit more sparse and random. It is also a more earth color.

Don't give up just yet you might find more.

awesome project. I am doing something similar for my directed study, making a series 5 puppets with one being a full size (big bird/bear style). great links Shawn, definetly going to check these out for my big guy. cant wait to see your pterosaur finished

Construction of head