Getting there is too much fun

[altivo]

Argos mug shot
Originally uploaded by Altivo

Here's how Argos looks now. I'm just about down to the hand sewing to finish. He needs eyelids and some minor piecework, and the rest of the neck cowl added. I'm debating whether to wire his ears or let them flop dog-like as you see them here. The doggy look is growing on me, and after all, he's very mild-mannered for a wuffy.

Some things are going unexpectedly right for a change. First of all, I can see much better than I can in my horse costume, though that's no surprise I guess. Horses' eyes just have to be too far apart, even with the compromise I worked out. Second, by just plain luck, it works out that I'm breathing through his mouth. That means no hot breath inside the head, so it's much cooler than the 'Tivo head. Quite comfy, in fact, and probably can be worn for much longer periods. And third, the jaw movement that I gave up on is working. The head must be seated just properly of course, and it's not an exaggeratedly open mouth, but it moves. Yay!

I must say, it's worth the cost to use better quality fur, too. This stuff is really a pleasure to work with. Something is not right here, This is too much fun to be legal, I suspect.

Right side view
Left side view

Comments

[avon-deer.livejournal.com]

That is taking shape now. :)

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Yes, he's taking on a life of his own at this point. Just as characters sometimes take over when you're writing, he's starting to dictate to me about what else I need to do. ;p

[flamekist.livejournal.com]

Very nice! Argos is looking quite huggable!

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Thanks. Glad you think so, as that is of course one of the objects.

[hellmutt.livejournal.com]

I might go half-and-half with the ears - wire them, but not straight up? Wolf ears don't flop, but he might hold them down a little.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

That's sort of what I'm thinking. I have neither the time nor the technical skill to do what loriana did and make them actually mobile.

[soanos.livejournal.com]

Looks like he is starting to come together very nicely. I like the floppy eared look, but maybe wire them halfway up and leave the tips floppy.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

That's two votes. I'll probably give it a try that way. Sort of like a collie dog, or the character Steven Paris in Associated Student Bodies I guess.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Actually, turns out I don't need wires after all. When I did the hand finishing around the edges of the ears, it tightened the fur enough to make them stand back up. I much prefer this, as they still flap when I shake my head vigorously, which seems natural. With wires in them, they'd be rigid.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Hooray, I bow to your craftwork in envy.
*looks at the good quality fur as somewhere to sleep*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*giggles* Of course, cats are expected to bow down to canines.

No sleeping on the fur. Well, it's put away in a sturdy box when I'm not working with it for just that reason.

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

"*giggles* Of course, cats are expected to bow down to canines."

*frizzes up* I beg your pardon!! o.O

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*wags tail* WOOF!

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

You watchy it horsey boy or it's fang time.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Argos has bigger fangs than you do. Nya!

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Oh well in that case... *locks himself in your food cupboards and starts eating*

[altivo.livejournal.com]

*knocks on the door and calls in to you*

Watch out for the mousetraps!

[cabcat.livejournal.com]

Oh that's alright the mice pointed them out to me :) They're very nice.

[alexsious.livejournal.com]

you have done a very nice job with Argos. Thats some really fine craftmanship!

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Well, it will pass, at least. Thanks.

He's not done yet, but getting closer. I'll be able to get my ID badge photo done in time at least, even if he's still missing some small details like the whiskers.

[luperion.livejournal.com]

He looks cute and cuddly. I'd spend some time with him, paw in paw, wagging our tails, looking at the sunset.

Nuzzles.

[altivo.livejournal.com]

Argos is definitely cuddly, and would get along with you just fine I'm sure. *snugs*