Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Lizzies Lair on Jun 25, 2012
Hey P&Sians,

Total eureka moment! So awesome!  I had been wanting to make this character for months but really struggled with the design. Friday night it came to me and today, huzzah, he's finished!

I had originally purchased vinyl to construct him. I've sewn with it stacks and knew it would be hard to do but totally discounted how little (zip) stretch it has. I really want to remake this guy now that I have the design right but have no idea what fabric to use. I need some stretch but not too much in case the shape of the bones skews. I liked the idea of vinyl as it looked weathered. Any ideas on a substitute?

 Mr Bones 009 as Smart Object-1 Mr Bones 028 Mr Bones 030
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Billy D. Fuller on Jun 25, 2012
I Love it! Order some swatches of some dance type 4-way stretch Lycra and see how it feels.
 
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Billy D. Fuller on Jun 25, 2012
here is a company that might give you some ideas for fabric types ...Theatre house

http://www.theatrehouse.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=THH&Category_Code=FabStretch
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Rikka on Jun 25, 2012
Wow, very nice. Now I am looking forward to Halloween...
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Lola on Jun 25, 2012
Agreed that you will get the most "stretch" from lycra. However, you might want to consider a different fabric with a lycra blend, if you want something matte or you don't have a lot of exposure to sewing with lycra. (It's a pain)

Here's a few tips that may help if you are thinking of going in that direction:

http://www.sew-stitch-learn.com/SpandexFabric.html
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Shawn on Jun 25, 2012
I like the fabric you used.   I think that spandex would use but I don't think I would use a 4 way stretch. I would go with a spandex that simply stretched on one plane. You need your stretch to go across not up an down. So say on a leg or arm bone you don't want stretch up and down or the bone would elongate on you from weight. Same on vertical spine. The ribs and pelvic I don't think would be as sensitive.
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Lizzies Lair on Jun 26, 2012
Thanks for your suggestions guys. Billy I wish you hadn't sent me that link... my bank balance is groaning in anticipation already!

I must admit that lycra and spandex absolutely terrify me. I actually sewed with something similar (a blend of some sort) for a failed puppet recently. It was a nightmare to sew with and I found the seams did not hold well under a little pressure (thus why the puppet has been cast aside for now). But I shall read all your tips and give it another go!

Shawn I don't mind the fabric I used either. It's just an anti pill fleece. Being white and fleece though, it grips everything so I am concerned about keeping him clean long term.
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Clewer Puppets on Jun 26, 2012
Lizzie, your prototype looks great. I haven't really got any different suggestions for fabric other than something to lycra. Are you planning to use with something like the Dead Terrorist sketch that Jeff Dunham does? (my family loves that one! Our friend in Victoria even sent us 2 dead terrorist mugs!)
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Clewer Puppets on Jun 26, 2012
I just had a thought. I use liquid latex over felt fabric on my puppets-it might be a possibility for you. I paint it on after hand-tinting with acrylic paint.You can buy it on-line-it's often referred to as paint-on latex.
Re: Eureka moment for prototype! Posted by Buppetpusker on Jun 26, 2012
What Clewer said. If soft-bodied wasn't super essential, I'd be more inclined to be working with liquid latex as a skinning material, over portions of foam that had been "wrapped" in some manner. There are a lot of SFX websites that could be a good resource, think more Skesis than Fraggle.
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