Pandatrooper's 2014 Halloween Costume Contest Entry" - Toddler Rocket Raccoon
I did some quick sketches, just to figure out all the separate pieces.
I needed it to be comfortable, as we know toddlers can't really hold still. It needs to be soft and comfortable and easy to put on and take off. So I chose to use a furry jumper, with an orange t-shirt and pants overtop as a base for the "flight suit", then I would add all the details on top.
The head will be a hood, with ears on it and some cheek fur, and if she'll tolerate it, I'll paint her nose black and add some whiskers. She's only 19 months so no full coverage mask would be tolerated!
Furry jumper sourced from Sears
I didn't like any of the pre-made raccoon tails for costumes, so I sewed my own. Took 3 tries until I got the size I wanted (the one on the right). Our dog Mika wanted to inspect them, fake fur of course! I'm also hoping this costume will fit our dog - just for a few fun pics!
I scratch built the backpack from layers of EVA foam. I need to keep this soft, in case she falls or sits down. I didn't want anything heavy or that would pinch, so I went with a standard EVA foam. No templates really, just eye balled it.
The dome thing came from one of those toy dispenser machines. I'm painting the inside blue, and will put some flashy LED's inside.
Test fitting the tail and fur suit. Oh...Yeah...
To make the black vest, I put on the fur suit and a placeholder onsie on top. Then covered the vest areas in masking tape. Drew out the patterns I wanted for the "leather armor" plates, or whatever they are.
This yields the pattern for the vest.
I had 2 scraps of this foamy material which is great for the vest. I went back to the fabric shop for more, but they had none left! So I had to squeeze in every piece. I just did some finished seams on the front visible areas, I figure the rest won't be that noticeable.
I had to sew in darts and contours to make sure the vest fits. Works great. I will do a running stitch up the back, but he back will close with velcro, in case she grows in a couple months - she could still squeeze into it for a convention, etc.
- - - Updated - - -
Not a lot of step by step pics, but I sewed the sternum straps and started the shoulder armor.
Quick mock up / test fit.
