Lots of good advice.  Most of the puppets we make are made with regular anti pill fleece, you'll be fine starting with that.  Once you get the hang of that working with antron is a breeze.  I used to not think much about the antron, but the more I work with it the more I LOVE it.

I agree with everyone, Project Puppet is the place to go for patterns.

Anyone notice that lovely new logo they added to left side of the page once you enter the site?

Ben, let us know if you have any other auestions.

Julie

I recommend YouTube videos by StiqPuppets and PhilipStephens007. They show you construction techniques that are excellent.

You also have a puppet and mask musium right there in Syracuse.  You may want to give them a call.

Most of what I would recommend has already been said.  But for some free patterns, try: http://puppetsmitharts.blogspot.com/2012/11/puppet-patterns.html .  I also have some tutorials there.  Hope they can help!