Hi All P&S peeps. Just wondering if there is an Australian stockist of Antron as the postage from USA is a killer! Or a suitable alternative that is dyeable?
Thanks in advance

It doesn't exist. You have to buy from someone in America - basically, there's only one manufacturer in the whole world, and they are in Georgia, USA.

The best advice I can give you is to do what you're already doing..   

Nope - so frustrating. I spent months searching and alas, it was a total waste of time. I suggest sticking with the anti pill polar fleece. It in no way compares, but it's as close as you'll get without spending a fortune.

My only thought is to email someone like Jarrod Boutcher - QLD - and ask him. I know he uses antron. But I'm guessing that he does indeed get it shipped from the USA and can afford to do so since his work is in high demand.

If enough of you wanted it, is there a way you could get together and order a bunch wholesale?  Not sure if that would help in costs, but might be a better alternative then trying to ship it individually.

If enough of you wanted it, is there a way you could get together and order a bunch wholesale?  Not sure if that would help in costs, but might be a better alternative then trying to ship it individually.

The issue is not so much the cost of the fleece, but the cost of *shipping* the fleece. Buying 5 yards would cost about $150-200 USD if I recall right. (1 yard is what, $15-20?) Even if you bought a lot of it and got a discount, it wouldn't much offset the price of the shipping.

Thanks guys, I did think as much. I do have other alternative ideas but i need to research and test first. Plus buy some expensive equipment to get it going. Grrr.  Guess Ill have to spend xmas holidays having a play. At least i know what to ask Santa for now.
Thanks Na I might send Jarrod a line and see if he will divulge his secret. I suspect he just bought a bolt and got it shipped and dyes his own as he needs it.
Have enquired to ship about 4-5 yds from USA and was about $70 courier I think from memory.

No probs. I personally think if you can make do with Spotlight fleece you should be fine. Everyone talks about using antron (of course, mostly Americans who have no issues getting it locally) but the truth is that there's no need to use something that's "industry standard". Materials should be picked based on what you need it for, budget, aesthetics, and whatever other factors fit in. One rule to puppetry and that is that there are no rules.

Anywho, I'm not sure if Jarrod would be able to help, but off the top of my head he's the only person who might buy it regularly. I agree it's most likely he's bought a bolt; but again, he can afford to as his work is highly sought and his puppets go for $600 USD at least on eBay.
Other puppeteers might buy it, but the only people I could think of who might would be those who are in big companies and can afford the cost.

I had the same issue years ago when I enquired about shipping antron myself. I gave up in the end, and then in '09 happened to be in the USA and got a few yards while I was there. (No more left sadly)

PS. Worth adding to the conversation...
http://www.schoolofpuppetry.com.au/tutorials.php/where-to-buy-antron-fleece-in-australia?tempskin=2013tutorials
It's a really common question.

Yeah Main issue i would prefer antron would be for human puppets and spotlight never have standard no pile fleece in good colours for skin (Well not near me anyway) And you cannot dye the stuff!
Will give my second option and try and see how I go.
thanks for the link Na. Have read that one but great to have a shortcut to go back to.