05-22-2008, 05:17 PM
Well, I think it will keep a cleaner look for the way I am laying out my thorax's design. I will still have to sew through 16 layers of linen for the scales, but they will be continuous around the entire body and the stitches will pull the two 8 layer halves in together and reenforce the bond between layer 8 and 9 which would be the half way point separating the top and the bottom pteryges. I just think it will look cleaner to my tastes to do it that way instead of sewing a layer of pteryges to the back of the body.
I think I am going to make mine in this order (combining various suggestions):
1 - Glue 8 layers of linen together slightly larger than my pattern.
2 - Trim this to the right shape when dry and cut apart the pteryges.
3 - Paint the pteryges white and leave the body unpainted.
4 - Sew all edges on the pteryges only with 1/2" black double fold bias tape.
5 - Glue 8 layers of linen together for the top half slightly larger than my pattern. At the same time, glue all 16 layers of the shoulder section.
6 - Trim to the right shape and cut apart upper row of pteryges.
7 - Paint the outer layer only completely white to include pteryges and shoulder section.
8 - Trim the pteryges only with the black bias tape.
9 - Glue lower and upper halves together.
10 - Cut out all the scales and drill holes. Punch holes using leatherworking tools I already have and sew scales through all 16 layers.
11 - Sew a stich on all outside edges of the body.
12 - Now trim the body (excluding pteryeges) with bias tape and also trim the shoulder section.
13 - Sew the shoulder section to the back.
14 - Paint the designs on the outside.
15 - Attach fittings and leather ties.
I think I am going to make mine in this order (combining various suggestions):
1 - Glue 8 layers of linen together slightly larger than my pattern.
2 - Trim this to the right shape when dry and cut apart the pteryges.
3 - Paint the pteryges white and leave the body unpainted.
4 - Sew all edges on the pteryges only with 1/2" black double fold bias tape.
5 - Glue 8 layers of linen together for the top half slightly larger than my pattern. At the same time, glue all 16 layers of the shoulder section.
6 - Trim to the right shape and cut apart upper row of pteryges.
7 - Paint the outer layer only completely white to include pteryges and shoulder section.
8 - Trim the pteryges only with the black bias tape.
9 - Glue lower and upper halves together.
10 - Cut out all the scales and drill holes. Punch holes using leatherworking tools I already have and sew scales through all 16 layers.
11 - Sew a stich on all outside edges of the body.
12 - Now trim the body (excluding pteryeges) with bias tape and also trim the shoulder section.
13 - Sew the shoulder section to the back.
14 - Paint the designs on the outside.
15 - Attach fittings and leather ties.
"A wise man learns from his mistakes, but the truly wise man learns from the mistakes of others."
Chris Boatcallie
Chris Boatcallie
