Although he might not look it, Steve is finally happy with the cut of the fur for the top of the costume, which he has cut and resewn for the third time.

The finished suspension system to hold up the foam rubber pants that go inside the bottom of the costume. The straps are adjustable both front and back, to allow for the proper pitch of the bottom of the costume. The straps also are padded where they go over the shoulders.

We promised that the outer costume would be washable, so here is proof that it is. Wash on gentle and then hang up to dry. DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER, the costume will be absolutely ruined.
With a big fan blowing, it took about six hours to dry.

Before washing, Marty cut a piece of the brown fur that was exactly one foot square, and washed and air-dried it to see what would happen. Once dry, it was quite a bit fluffier, but it had shrunk by almost one-half inch in the running direction of the fur, but not at all in the other direction. Since we had not yet hemmed the pants or the top, this was not a problem for Sophie.

Here's the costume, getting fluffier by the minute.

For some reason, Sophie INSISTED on having a purple skateboard. This will hold up her tail when she's walking outside in a parade or similar situation. Luckily, Toys-R-Us had one for under ten dollars. Marty added the elastic straps, which will be formed into a loop.

Here's the skateboard in position.
The fur will mostly hide the black strap.

The entire inside of the costume is lined for comfort.
Steve is cutting and fitting the top lining.

Will I Ever be finished???
Steve & Marty are wondering the same thing!!!

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