So I purchased a puppet pattern (The Roly pattern) and was a little disappointed.  The "complete" puppet package doesn't include legs!  Also, it's so small!  I need to increase the size of the whole thing overall.  I attempted to "draw" an outline around the original that was about 2" bigger, but the final result was pretty poor.  Didn't really match up too well.  I think that pattern is designed for people with small hands, women or children.

Also, that same pattern is duplicated by others on YouTube.  The silhouette pattern is very similar.  However, even though I failed to make Snippet and Snappet (arch nemesii to Wonderbread, my bumbling superhero character) I consider it practice!  I was able to pick up a Singer Tradition 2270 sewing machine today at Joann Fabrics for $99.  

So tomorrow, I'll be back at it!

The roly is a pdf pattern, correct? I would suggest printing it out at 115% and trying that size. Good luck!

You can purchase or used to be able to purchase hard copies of the patterns also.  I think you still got the electronic version though.  I agree with Lola that printing out at about 115% larger should do the trick. Most office stores will make a photo copy of hard copy and increase them for you also.

Thanks to everyone.  I ended up free handing a bigger version of the pattern onto cardstock, and it came out pretty well!



The first photo is of Snippet.  I'm not entirely sold on the eyes, because he has to be a kind of goofy evildoer.  His brother Snappet will be the kinder of the two, and kind of a side kick to Snippet.  I sewed this guy completely on my new sewing machine and he turned out pretty well!  The hands are a bit tricky.  But overall, I think it turned out great!  I traced the pattern for his body off the original roly pattern just quite a bit bigger.  His brother will be a lime green color, but exactly the same.



This is Wonderbread, the bumbling superhero.  He's the kind of fellow where everything goes wrong, but things always turn out right.  I'm still experimenting with the eyes, but eventually I'll find the right fit.  Just the mere placement of the eyes gives the character a whole different look.  His body will be made of foam, and enhanced with superfoam muscles!

Anyhow, opinions welcome. 

You are right about the eye placement, it makes such a big difference.  Wonderbread's eyes look good with the large brow and angled just right. Like those names too.

I think eyelids are next. They certainly give the character "character". I met a nice lady at Joann fabrics who makes puppets professionally and once she found out I was making a puppet trio, she was running around collecting stuff I'd need. She helped me find some great antipill fleece remnants at 50% off. Then she found me a coupon for 40% off for the items that weren't on sale.

Instead of networking, I call that puppetworking.

Your trio is really starting to shape up!  Very cool that you met another puppet make rat the fabric store.

With hands and arm I find it easier to trace the pattern on the back side of the fabric then pin in a few places and sew. The you cut out the shape making sure not to cut into your seam. Also make sure you use a pen or marker that won't bleed though the fabric. They do have pins for this that fade with time or when the fabric gets wet.

The hands actually turned out pretty well the second time around except for a few spots where the thread pulled a little tight, and the fingers are a little wrinkled.  However, that look actually makes the hands look a little more real by giving them some definition.  Weird... four fingers, and the hand looks a little more real!  Ha!  anyhow,I plan to place the mouthpeice tomorrow, time permitting.

I had some concerns about the neck, but I think I've solved that. I made an inner sleeve that is going to work just fine.

Hi i'm also working on a roly puppet,it isn't easy but i'm also ready to do the finishing touch.
I'm very curious for the end result of your roly puppet,i hope you want add some more pics.

Cheers  

Here he is!  I posted a video in the puppet project portion of the board.  World domination via puppets... awesome!