Hide shortpile fur seams better: Intentional trapping technique MatricesOddity 2017-03-16 | This is a special sewing technique best used on Seal, Beaver, and other SHORTPILE types of faux fur. It is a way to hide seams in fur that is easy to brush out of a seam, but suffers from that little visible seamline that longpile furs don't get when sewn traditionally (with the fibers tucked away from the seam). The concept of this technique shown is you intentionally trap the fur in the seam when pinning/clipping together the fabric. Sew it with a long straight stitch, and then brush it out at the backing. The whole trick to it is you WANT to be able to brush it out, so only the fur brushed out will be involved in your exposed seam line.To brush it out you can use a comb, slicker brush, pin, or even the fingertip brush that I use in the video.http://www.crscraft.com/products/product.asp?V2=0&V3=0&V4=0&pid=54229&L1=0&L2=0&L3=0&L4=0&searchoffset=0This way there is no chance for a different level of fur to be stuck within the seam and it is hidden better as a result of this effort. You can still use traditional techniques with the trapped technique to make lines between toes or other intentional design elements.The traditional way of tucking the fur into seam still works for longpile fur, this technique is JUST for short pile furs.For more fursuit making tutorials, check out my website, Matrices.net!
Matrices Adhesive Test for use on a fursuit’s head lining! MatricesOddity 2019-02-23 | I test 4 adhesives to discover what will work best to glue a lycra liner to upholstery foam to test it before use on a fursuit costume I am refurbishing! I apply the glue to each of the samples and perform a test wash. My results and thoughts on them each are shared in this video!If you are unsure of what to use, do a test like this example! You might be surprised at the results you discover!These are examples of the 4 products tested:Fabri-Tac - amzn.to/2XiOsLbE6000 - amzn.to/2EpPuO5Aleen's Super Fabric Adhesive - amzn.to/2ErKvMZHot Glue - amzn.to/2GYfXnnFor more tutorials and guides, check out my website Matrices.net
New Plantigrade Footpaw Pattern for you to sew! MatricesOddity 2018-10-27 | I've done it! I made a pattern for plantigrade footpaws and you can make them too! 🐾 I wrote a step-by-step tutorial to go with it as well! Get the pattern & tutorial here: etsy.com/shop/Matrices
How to use Nylon Whiskers in Fursuits & Costumes MatricesOddity 2018-10-13 | A quick guide about the nylon whiskers that I carry in my etsy shop, etsy.com/shop/Matrices -- notes on their properties and installation tips. I also have a full tutorial available here: http://pupdates.matrices.net/post/51817690937/guide-adding-whiskers-to-your-fursuit It includes ideas of what other things to use for whiskers on your costumes as well!
Using Controlled Heat to Straighten Faux Fur - Tutorial MatricesOddity 2018-06-06 | Have you bought some fur that arrived in the mail creased? Did you leave your fursuit body in a duffel bag just a little too long? Have you had your fursuit for a few years now and you’re noticing the armpits, butt, or just the fur on the suit overall getting crimped? Here’s how to fix it! You’ll need:A hairdryerYour clean dry furComb or Brush(If you're unsure of anything, remember to test on scraps first! 👍) For more tutorials, check out http://www.Matrices.net and If you're interested in supporting more of my content, consider checking out my patreon! http://patreon.com/matricesSource for How Faux Fur is made, (mentioned at 51 seconds in video): http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Fake-Fur.html
Shredding Compacted Polyfil Stuffing MatricesOddity 2018-03-04 | So many flat plushies, stuffed animals, and costume tails out there can be saved with this one neat trick!Don't be scared to fluff up your toys or other stuffed things if they are staying to look a bit... Sat on! Breathe new life into the most flattened stuffed things with re-fluffed stuffing!Utilize a seam ripper carefully, just on thread and not the fabric backing of your project. Open a hole as large as your fist to remove and replace the stuffing. Give your fur or toy a quick wash in cold water and liquid detergent if it needs it! (Hang with a fan to air dry, no heat)It helps to have 2 containers, one to put the clumped stuffing in and another to shred the stuffing into. And if you wanna get extra fancy sew in a zipper so you can maintain your stuffing more frequently! More tutorials on my website, Matrices.net
Grooming a Fursuit With a Comb MatricesOddity 2018-01-31 | Here's some sweet fursuit grooming action for those of you that crave that sort of thing! No talking, just sharing some good grooming technique for those that would like to see. Video is kinda relaxing and ASMR-esque if you happen to get that kind of reaction. My tool of choice is a huge metal toothed safari comb. This isn't the exact one, but very similar if you want one! http://amzn.to/2EmE9N6The fursuit body featured is of my fursuit character, Bonk.
How to Cut, Carve, and Shape Upholstery Foam MatricesOddity 2018-01-30 | Some useful techniques for working with foam demonstrated using a razor, spring scissors, and normal scissors. The shapes you come up with are up to you, but these are the techniques showing how to use the tools involved. Perfect for crafting your costume, fursuit, or other project utilizing foam as a model or a base to work from! Upholstery foam is the same kind of soft squishy foam you find in couches and furniture. I have an online resource list for suppliers here if you need help finding materials:http://matrices.tumblr.com/post/163394770088/fursuit-and-crafting-resourcesFoam resources are near the bottom!
Machine Sewing Small Spots in Faux Fur MatricesOddity 2018-01-17 | This tutorial demonstrates how I tackle machine sewing small spots. The spot demonstrated is around 2 inches big and is sewn in realtime. This is my first video using new software for editing & voiceovers. I am hoping to improve that stuff as time goes on as well! Thanks for your patience as I learn how to teach you guys a bit better! :D
Zum the Maine Coon Kitty fursuit MatricesOddity 2017-11-20 | This is a fursuit that I refurbished the head into a new character. Additionally I made the body, paws and tail new. For all the credits on who made this kitty possible, check here: trello.com/c/fKTBwjBH/49-kitty-refurbThis suit was auctioned Nov 2017 and has now found a new adoptive home! Thanks everyone!
How to Topstitch Vinyl to get Smooth Curves MatricesOddity 2017-10-18 | This is a useful technique for sewing vinyls. Such as marine vinyl or other vinyl types that get a deep crease when sewn normally. In fursuit costume construction, this technique is very useful for creating rounded noses, rounded or shaped paw pads, big claws that are rounded, and other features that are intended to have a smooth curve. For more fursuit tutorials, where to get supplies, and other useful info -- Visit my site, http://www.Matrices.net! For early access to tutorials and other content, I also have a Patreon: patreon.com/MatricesThanks to supporters on my Patreon who help me bring these tutorials online for you all with their financial support.
How to Sew Claws for a Fursuit Costume MatricesOddity 2017-10-01 | This is a useful technique for sewing your own claws out of fabric or vinyl, how to turn and stuff them, as well as installing them! I demonstrate using marine vinyl.Stencil plastic: http://amzn.to/2fHdvGWHemostat: http://amzn.to/2kc7inC"Hump Jumper" :http://www.wawak.com/The-Hump-Jumper -- though check your sewing machine's tool box, it is a very common accessory item that comes stock with many machines.For more fursuit tutorials, where to get supplies, and other useful info -- Visit my site, http://www.Matrices.net! For early access to tutorials and other content, I also have a Patreon: patreon.com/MatricesThanks to supporters on my Patreon who help me bring these tutorials online for you all with their financial support.
Inking with a Lightbox MatricesOddity 2017-04-25 | A short peek at how I do my inking for real media conbadges. I do a sketch separately in pencil and then ink it using a light box for a totally clean coloring surface when its ready to be colored.The sketch is on regular printer paper, the paper I am putting the ink on is 110lb cardstock. I am using two sizes of inking pen in this demo, Micron 08 and Micron 005. This cartoony illustration will become a con badge for a client! It was done on commission. The illustration is inked with the size 08 across the whole piece, small details are added with an 005, and then line weight is added with the 08 again, this is done in areas where a shadow would hit if the light is coming from one direction.I apologize the video is not continuous and does not end when I am finished, it was my first try at a new small tripod w/ phone holder. And my phone ended up running out of space :'( but I got good views of my inking style, so it was still worth a share!Show your support if you enjoy videos such as this!
Budsies Plush Unboxing - Bonk MatricesOddity 2017-03-28 | I got a plush from Budsies and I love the results! Here is the unboxing and detail shots! The fabric is soft minky texture with some sewn felt details. They didn't miss any details on him! I was thorough in my text description sent. There were a few color swaps that Budsies warned me of during the construction process and the color choices they used go perfectly well together so no complaints here! I would highly recommend this company for your custom critter, my advice is use a good clear reference of the shape you want exactly (they take art very literally) and supply additional reference on the same image if possible so they can make good decisions if anything is unclear. They won't ask you for additional art.Here's a link for 10% off Plush from Budsies http://referrals.budsies.com/l/AEFA155E Guest starring my dog Turbo, who just wants to bite ;DBonk was designed by the artist Rorrhttp://sfw.furaffinity.net/user/rorrAdditional art by Matrices (that's me!)Music credits:Rainbows Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Sewing Double Fold Bias Tape to Finish an Edge MatricesOddity 2017-03-17 | Bias tape is a type of binding that you can add to your projects to finish them off professionally. It is cotton fabric cut on the bias (diagonal grain) so it has a stretch to it, but its not too stretchy.It is ideal for finishing off cuffs, necklines, and other areas of a fursuit costume (or other projects!!) to prevent the raw edge from being exposed and potentially unraveling or stretching. It really only takes a few minutes to apply bias tape for a lasting and professional-looking finished edge. You can even apply other fabrics to bind the edge with this two-step technique as well! There are two steps involved in applying bias tape: Open it and sew, then fold it over and sew. The edges can be tucked in to make very nice corners, and double fold bias tape is the most ideal for this type of application. I have other tutorials on Matrices.net about bias tape, but thought I'd reshare a new demonstration that is just short and sweet.See my older tutorial on bias tape here: youtube.com/watch?v=Bx9z_Hztx_Ithis older video shows single fold bias tape. Double fold is a bit easier to apply since it is wider.
Using a Felting Needle to Add Markings to Faux Fur Test MatricesOddity 2017-02-12 | This short test goes in conjunction with this tutorial: http://matrices.tumblr.com/post/154223878463/using-a-felting-needle-to-add-markings-i-decided To tell if your felting has taken, you an actually tug on it. In a durability test we tried ripping it out, and it was quite difficult, especially on the better felted sections on our test. THIS WILL NOT BE A NORMAL TREATMENT OF YOUR MASK, its to show you how durable this technique can be (My conclusion: Very durable! But test for yourself!) If yours is pulling out, you need to stab it with that felting needle a lot more – and this is why its important to test on your scrap fur first! So you can test the technique before you apply it to your final project.
Our Husky Turbo - 3 and a half years worth of vine clips MatricesOddity 2016-12-21 | I compiled all of my clips of my dog, Turbo over the past 3 1/2 years I have been on Vine into one mega-compilation of cute husky essence.Enjoy all the cute husky moments you can handle in this clip compilation of our favorite, and only, pet doggy. Having typical husky behaviors, meeting up with his dog friends, seeing pretty places, being picky about what he eats, putting up with living with us, etc etc. They're all here! I left all the original audio (except turned the volume down on some with high wind noise). Some clips do have better audio quality than others, I apologize for that.About Turbo: He is a Siberian Husky we adopted Feb 2009 as an adult dog. He has a picky quirkyness about him, and he has been trained/rewarded using positive reinforcement methods. His favorite thing is seeing and playing with other dogs, humans for sure come in second in his world. He's been a good friend and we hope you enjoy watching his antics!Feel free to comment with the timestamp of your favorite clip!
Raccoon Fursuit made by Matrices MatricesOddity 2016-11-24 | A brand new lovingly handcrafted fursuit costume by Matrices! This video shows off some of the details and features! This costume has sold and has found a home already! Thank you!
Resin Head Neck and Jaw Patterning MatricesOddity 2013-12-11 | How I approached patterning the neck and jaw of a resin-based fursuit head with a moving jaw. I plan to use "Stretch Fur Tutorial" on LiveJournal Fursuit community to take in the fur at the corners of the mouth. http://fursuit.livejournal.com/4065775.html Materials used for patterning: Masking Tape, Plastic grocery bags.I have to apologize, There would've been more to this video, but my camera battery died and I finished everything before I realized. (oops!) Resin base and nose by Beetlecat Originals, Jawset and tongue by Crystumes. Eyes, finishing and foamwork by Sara "Matrices" Howard (myself)
Binturong Fursuit by Matrices MatricesOddity 2013-04-30 | A new fursuit! A blue Binturong (aka Bearcat of the Viverridae family of animals)This guy has lots of features! From a prehensile tail (like the real animal) to adjustable eyelids to change the expression. He also features NFT tufts mixed with brushed out yarn, brushed out yarn white hairs all over his face and elbows, padding to extend the length of his body. And everything (even the head) is washable! I am very very proud of this!
Turbo the husky - Terrified of a feather MatricesOddity 2013-04-27 | A very tiny feather can be a scary thing to a husky.
How to Install Fursuit Eyes - part 2 MatricesOddity 2012-09-23 | A fursuit making tutorial about installing eyes in a fursuit mask! This is the process I use to create the eyelid, assemble the buckram and lids, and install the eyes into the finished piece.View part one of this tutorial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyEdS2BM7Gs
How to Install Fursuit Eyes - part 1 MatricesOddity 2012-09-15 | A fursuit making tutorial about installing eyes in a fursuit mask! This is the process I use to prepare the eye opening and cut the plastic for the eyes on a mask. View part two here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia922jD20wQ
How to Pattern Objects with Tape MatricesOddity 2012-09-09 | A common fursuit making technique: Using tape to pattern an object! This wonderful technique can be used for almost any object you'd like to fur! Heads, tails, footpaws and so on! I demonstrate with an asymmetrically curled tail. You can use the pattern and acquire fabric pieces to machine sew, hand-sew, or hot glue!
Finishing Edges and Cuffs with Bias Tape MatricesOddity 2012-09-08 | A Fursuit making tutorial on professionally finishing edges using bias tape. A demonstration of how to apply it using a sewing machine. Using bias tape on necks, footpaw or handpaw cuffs really makes a nice professional finish. Its also comfortable and looks nice! Bias tape can be purchased at just about every fabric store, and it comes in single fold or double fold type (and probably various others for varying purposes). But for the sake of this tutorial I am using a narrow, single fold Bias Tape to finish off the cuff of some footpaws for a project I've been working on!
How to Appliqué Paw Pads MatricesOddity 2012-08-31 | Demonstrating a very useful fursuit sewing technique! Appliqué! Useful for plush/stuffed animals as well as costumes of course. This tutorial demonstrates how to applique on to fake fur using a sewing machine. Straight Stitch and Zigzag (aka Satin stitch) are used.
Halloween in Edmonds with Klickitat and Beef Jerky MatricesOddity 2012-08-30 | Downtown Edmonds, WA puts on an awesome Trick-or-Treat event! We showed up in fursuit and passed out piles of glowsticks and candy! What an awesome night! Klickitat the bear and Beef Jerky the husky dress up for the occasion! Special thanks to Ome for being our spotter and filming us that evening! Music credit:One-eyed Maestro by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Wishkah the Husky MatricesOddity 2012-03-04 | Wishkah an awesome Siberian Husky partial fursuit that I made! All foam base, fully lined mask interior, parti-color blue and brown eyes, lots of whiskers! Handpaws and tail too!
Turbos Flirt Pole MatricesOddity 2012-02-26 | Playing with Turbo with a flirt pole. A flirt pole is a lot like a giant cat dancer toy, but for dogs! Its made using a pole and elastic cord with small scraps of fake fur tied to it. Turbo loves it and its excellent enrichment for him!
Beef Jerky the Husky MatricesOddity 2012-01-26 | Its a snow day with Beef Jerky! Cute silly husky romps in the cold weather, like any good husky loves to do!Music, Sandwiches Sandwiches by Colugo
Cascade Quest Dogsled Race - The lineup before the first leg of the race. MatricesOddity 2011-04-23 | http://www.cascadequest.com
GG and the red dot MatricesOddity 2011-04-23 | GG (a little mutt-doggy) chases around a lazer beam for your entertainment.
Cascade Quest Dogsled Race - Malamute team starting and finishing. MatricesOddity 2011-04-23 | One of the teams for the 6 dog race was an all-Malamute team. This video is of the team starting the first 25 mile segment and finishing. http://www.cascadequest.com
Turbo the Husky Hunts a Moth MatricesOddity 2011-03-29 | Delicious moth prey hunted by the mighty predator, the Siberian Husky.
How to Shave Fake Fur MatricesOddity 2011-02-15 | A how-to on shaving fake fur. This demonstration is the technique I use for shaving any kind of fake fur on any kind of fake fur-related project, such as a stuffed animal/plush (shown in this video) or a fursuit or costume mask.
Sled Turbo MatricesOddity 2010-11-24 | Turbo is a Sled Husky! Here he is pulling me on a sled! Music: A Gust Of Wind" by Subliminal (feat. Fireproof Babies) http://ccmixter.org/files/subliminal/26308 is licensed under a Creative Commons license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0
Chelan the Coyote in search of Coffee MatricesOddity 2010-11-05 | Chelan adventures onto a WA state ferry in search for her illusive prey ...coffee! Will she find some? Will the machine accept her dollars? Do they serve her kind? Watch and find out!
Guitar with Beef Jerky - II MatricesOddity 2010-07-29 | Beef Jerky plays another guitar session in a short clip.
Beef Jerky and Turbo MatricesOddity 2010-07-23 | Its Husky time with Beef Jerky and Turbo! Together they play and showcase some tricks that Turbo performs for Beef Jerky! Turbo is the dog, Beef Jerky is the dog-person. :3
Turbo plays with a plastic bottle. MatricesOddity 2010-07-15 | Turbo knows how to unscrew bottle lids to get at stuff inside. Not so smart about getting treats from the inside of the bottle out to the floor, though. This is a cute video showing off his still (and lack of skill) in bottle operation.
Turbos day at Clover Valley Off Leash Park MatricesOddity 2010-06-18 | We have a good day at the Clover Valley Dog Park! Its located in Beautiful Whidbey Island, just north of Oak Harbor, on Ault Field road. Just west of the baseball fields.
Turbo shows off his tricks! MatricesOddity 2010-06-11 | The best Husky, Turbo, shows off his amazing tricks! Ok, ok, so I am a little biased since he's my dog... but I really think he does a good job!
How to Sculpt Fursuit Claws MatricesOddity 2010-03-25 | A short how-to on sculpting claws for your fursuit's paws! This video demonstrates the technique I use for sculpting them. They are very easy to bake: Just follow package directions for your Fimo, Sculpy or other polymer clay. To attach, once baked, use E6000 or Hot glue!
How To Attach a Fursuit Nose MatricesOddity 2010-03-21 | This is a tutorial on how I attach my fursuit noses to the mask. They are sculpted separate, sewn on like a button, then glued to the mask. This helps hold the nose on if it were to become unglued (and not be lost!) and helps with the actual gluing of the nose to the mask.
