Trying to be productive at work today but all I can think about are these fox toes I'm trying to design.
Red fox toe beans are ridiculously small compared to most canines, so small they're not usually visible on winter coat foxes. Because of that, I don't usually bother putting them on my fox plush. Sewing tiny things adds considerable time and effort, and isn't worth bumping up the price for something hardly anyone will even see.
I'm making a summer coat fox next. The beans are a lot easier to see when the toe fur isn't quite so floof, and I'm as much a sucker for beans as anyone else on the internet, so. Here we go.
I designed the original pattern with this possibility in mind, so it's mostly a matter of drawing into the existing pattern and adding some strategic darts. But placement--and where and how big to make those darts is where the "trying" comes in. I'm on my second draft (the picture above) and I feel pretty good about this one.
I thought about sewing claws out of fabric for about 5 seconds and decided I didn't hate myself that much (my wolves have sewn claws and they're the worst ever to sew, turn, and stuff). I'm using foam, at least until I figure out a more durable but still plushie-gentle material. I've done clay claws twice and they're both difficult to install and also not very cuddle-proof (unless you enjoy the authenticity of being clawed by the animal you're holding), though I do have some cosclay I could try which is softer. Felt lasts about 5 minutes before looking like my hair after it rains, and folded faux leather turns to string cheese. But the foam claws on my coyote have held up well for the last 3 years so I'm giving it another go with an even thicker foam. But if anyone has any suggestions please do let me know!
