BIGFOOT UNDER-STRUCTURE COMPLETE...

Finally! After one false start (see archives), I've finally managed to get the Bigfoot foam under structure to a good place. I started with the tube (green) making it a bit more form fitting to the actor. This time I put the shoulder straps on EARLY! That's the little red pieces of felt so the string didn't rip thru the foam. Next was an arc of foam (yellow) for the chest to the back. I also glued strips of muslin to the seams as I went to ensure stability.

I added more foam to make the shoulders. They were arcs as well, but I cut out darts and glued the seams together to get that pinched look.

Here is a detail of the shoulder. Again, gluing muslin to the seams to avoid tearing.

I cut out arm holes as well as the hole for the head, making that hole slightly more forward from center to get that slouchy dumb look.

Next was the fun yet terrifying part. I needed to create the hunched shoulder look of the drawing. The shape was not as easy as rolling up a sheet of foam and sticking it to the top as I had hoped. After some internal debate I figured out my next step. I glued two big hunks of lightweight foam blocks to the top of the structure and with an electric turkey carver (yep) I carefully cut away the foam until the desired shape was achieved. You may wonder why it looks so choppy. It really doesn't matter because the whole thing will be covered by the fur and none of this will show. As long as it is the shape I wanted, I am happy with it.

Finally, I glued strips of muslin to the shape, pulling it taught as I went to smooth out the bumps a bit.

It's not perfect, but I am really satisfied with the outcome. Next, after another measure on the actor, I will have a pattern made of muslin which I will transfer to the fur and complete the costume!

This costume was a challenge. I certainly felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants. And in a way I was because I had no clue as to what I was doing. Going on instinct sometimes gives you amazing results!

Until next time, let the fur fly!

Chris