So, I've been considering doing a large tail for a personal suit, but have had trouble in the past being able to fully explain what I wanted properly. I think the simplest way to describe what I'd like to construct is to compare the ideal tail shape to be similar to a Crux I think. However, in the crux suits I've seen the tails seem to curve and point down, and I'd like the tail I make to curve and point up. However, I imagine construction techniques for a large, upstanding tail might be similar? I've tried looking for WIP's but haven't found any in regards to Crux tails.
Ref image here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/20158160/ It's not totally the same, but I honestly have seen very few suits/tails look how I'm seeing this tail in my head. But again, I see it as most similar to a crux tail...though I also kind of think of it shaped like a Mewtwo tail in my head.
I'm just not sure how to go about constructing this. I'm starting to branch out with how I've made tails but I'm still not super experienced with anything particularly complex. I've roughly estimated that the length of the tail appears to be about 2 torso lengths (give or take) long. I'm a short person and so a quick measurement of my torso from like collar bone to crotch is like 24 inches....x2..... so my calculations are I'd like the tail in the ballpark of 4ft long...plus the tail tuft. Hypothetically. My thing is I'd like the tail to not drag on the ground and get held up (preferably curved a bit more so it's not sticking straight out I'm thinking similar to Mewtwo or squirrel) so it bends a bit so it hugs the back more closely. If that makes sense.
My question is how to do that? I -think- I could pattern something out (though if anyone has pattern tips/advice that'd be great since I usually just do a side or top/bottom view for patterns nothing curve crazy or anything) but my concern a tail that large would be super heavy and I'm trying to avoid that (also trying to avoid having to use delrin rod or anything because that looks hard to work with given my apartment no heat gun whatever situation), and just wondering if a foam core might work ... or... am I over complicating something that doesn't need to be? Would I be okay just using a profile view pattern (keep in mind I'll be nixing a lot of the teeny markings and going for larger rings and stars to keep things from going to crazy) and stuffing like normal?
Just not sure how to tackle this because I consider 4ft to be a large tail (largest I've made) and since I want it to carry a certain way, and prefer it to be light and not have to wear a harness/other contraptions if possible, just not sure how to go about achieving all the things I want. I was considering patterning it out and using like a partial foam core maybe?
Advice from those who have made large tails, or anyone that might have some insight, would be appreciated!
EDIT: After doing some reading I'm thinking of doing a partial foam core (like six inches or so to give it a base that is supportive) and then lightly stuffing the rest. I read a tutorial that recommended installing a zipper so the person can remove and fluff the stuffing back up when needed which actually sounds like a nifty thing to include. I feel like I am capable of all that. My main concern is will the foam be enough to support it or will it still need wire/spine to keep from flopping over? I've made one or two bigger tails in the past, and they didn't seem to want to hold their shape well and I'd rather not stuff this to the point where it's a gigantic heavy pillow thing.
Sorry that was so long. ;)
Ref image here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/20158160/ It's not totally the same, but I honestly have seen very few suits/tails look how I'm seeing this tail in my head. But again, I see it as most similar to a crux tail...though I also kind of think of it shaped like a Mewtwo tail in my head.
I'm just not sure how to go about constructing this. I'm starting to branch out with how I've made tails but I'm still not super experienced with anything particularly complex. I've roughly estimated that the length of the tail appears to be about 2 torso lengths (give or take) long. I'm a short person and so a quick measurement of my torso from like collar bone to crotch is like 24 inches....x2..... so my calculations are I'd like the tail in the ballpark of 4ft long...plus the tail tuft. Hypothetically. My thing is I'd like the tail to not drag on the ground and get held up (preferably curved a bit more so it's not sticking straight out I'm thinking similar to Mewtwo or squirrel) so it bends a bit so it hugs the back more closely. If that makes sense.
My question is how to do that? I -think- I could pattern something out (though if anyone has pattern tips/advice that'd be great since I usually just do a side or top/bottom view for patterns nothing curve crazy or anything) but my concern a tail that large would be super heavy and I'm trying to avoid that (also trying to avoid having to use delrin rod or anything because that looks hard to work with given my apartment no heat gun whatever situation), and just wondering if a foam core might work ... or... am I over complicating something that doesn't need to be? Would I be okay just using a profile view pattern (keep in mind I'll be nixing a lot of the teeny markings and going for larger rings and stars to keep things from going to crazy) and stuffing like normal?
Just not sure how to tackle this because I consider 4ft to be a large tail (largest I've made) and since I want it to carry a certain way, and prefer it to be light and not have to wear a harness/other contraptions if possible, just not sure how to go about achieving all the things I want. I was considering patterning it out and using like a partial foam core maybe?
Advice from those who have made large tails, or anyone that might have some insight, would be appreciated!
EDIT: After doing some reading I'm thinking of doing a partial foam core (like six inches or so to give it a base that is supportive) and then lightly stuffing the rest. I read a tutorial that recommended installing a zipper so the person can remove and fluff the stuffing back up when needed which actually sounds like a nifty thing to include. I feel like I am capable of all that. My main concern is will the foam be enough to support it or will it still need wire/spine to keep from flopping over? I've made one or two bigger tails in the past, and they didn't seem to want to hold their shape well and I'd rather not stuff this to the point where it's a gigantic heavy pillow thing.
Sorry that was so long. ;)