Protective Treatment

For many months now I have delved over the decision to treat my new Feet-Paws with Scotch-Guard or not after hearing such a mixed bag of yea's and nay's.

I decided to start on the safe side and have sprayed test swatches of faux fur that I used on my new Paws to see for myself the issues it may cause. Now, the actual version of the spray that you want is not all that big a deal to decide on... the ingredients are pretty much the same in all of them for the most part but after reading through each products write-up on the 3M website I chose the Heavy Duty Water Shield because of one simple line that says "Safe for use on polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, leather, suede and more... "

Which ever version of the product you choose to use it is recommended to try the product first on an unseen area or as most do an unused swatch of fur first to make sure of the color fastness and to see if any other unwanted affects develop. You most definitely want to use this product outdoors weather permitting or at least in an area that can be closed off from the rest of the house with an open window, fumes are terrible if you are sensitive to such things.

I sprayed down these two test pieces of fur last evening in my woodshed, combed them out and left them there to dry over night. This morning after brushing them again the fur has returned to its normal texture. The Grey fur however has more of a sheen or sparkly appearance now, the darker fabric has more contrast to the coating thus it can be seen as a glittery reflection in the light. I personally don't find this of any concern because I value the protection this product will give in terms of repelling stains, I am only spraying it on the Feet-Paws anyway. I was concerned about the odor from the Scotch Guard but as the test swatches have dried and warmed up the odor has dissipated, after a day or two airing out it will not be an issue. Just be sure that any time you want to retreat the areas (and it is recommended that you do) to do it well in advance of when you need them so they have time to "air-out".  

On The Outside

I have said it so many times I sound like a skipping record... but I am so pleased with the way these Feet=Paws have turned out. They are very solid and should last a long time.  If you take into consideration the cost of the original Downhill ski boots when I purchased them 20+ years ago these paws cost about $900 to make... haha. 

The creation of the indoor soles is the next item on the table... The outdoor soles are quite stiff and would occasionally pop off so I solved that issue with a couple strategically placed pieces of Velcro. The indoor soles will be much more flexible so that will not be an issue, but even if it is, the Velcro is an option, I just hate using a lot of it.  After the mishap with the drain grate at Anthrocon with my claws I am as of yet undecided as to what claws to use on these... so for now I am "Claw-less"

I padded around the house for a while yesterday to get some break-in time on them. They are just a little wider than the paws I have been wearing so I have to be mindful of my stance and leg swing while walking, once I get used to them I will be good to go. 

My Home Convention

I live in the middle of no where between nothing and even less... so I was pleased to find that there is a Furry Convention so close to me at only about an hours drive! Even better news is that it is moving even closer and is growing! 

For the first two years of its existence CanFURence, Canada's Capital Furry Convention, has made its home at the Alt Hotel on Slater Street in downtown Ottawa. 2017 it's second year, has seen the convention outgrow that venue, and next years CanFURence will see the convention take up new residence in the Brookstreet Hotel (link)

some 24 km to the west in Kanata. While still considered part of Ottawa, Kanata or Ottawa West, offers a more relaxed venue with much more room, better parking, and a more varied array of amenities. 

Although the On-The-Street interaction with the public may not be the same as downtown, the area has the appeal of no city driving or intense traffic, and the increased space will provide the ability to offer a wider range of activities to the convention attendees. With the increasing numbers of fursuiters safety in the downtown traffic has to be a concern and I feel that even with the decrease in public interaction the decision to move from the downtown area is a good one albeit a difficult one.

I wish the CanFURence Staff the best of luck at the new venue and continued growth, asking all Furries to take a look at a new and upcoming convention in Ottawa, and come support their cause if at all possible and have a wonderful Furry adventure! 

A Closer Convention!

CanFURence 2017 was a BLAST !!!  And form my point of view is now my "local" Furry Convention as it is only about a 50 minute drive from my front door. 

My new Canadian friends were a lot of fun to be around and more than welcoming to this old Sea Wolf GreyMuzzle.

The Fur Walk led by R.K.Niner was a blast and even though the wind chill was frigid that day we all had a great time with several group photo ops, the one in front of Parliament was certainly a special one.

I will most certainly be a regular for CanFURence in the future. This was only the second year for the convention which began at the ALT hotel in downtown Ottawa. Next year it is scheduled for the Brookstreet Hotel, in Kanata... which is about another 6 miles closer to me and with the added benefit that I can get there with NO city driving at all!  YAY! 

Sandals Completed Now Nearing The Finish

The finish line is still a couple weeks away but the last week has seen rapid progress.  As I am in a holding pattern for finishing the outer soles I have pressed forward and completed the Sandals that will protect them when walking around outside or in less than favorable conditions. 

The nylon strap and buckles are a no brainer but the hardware to fasten the straps to the gym mat took some deliberation at the hardware store. 

I finally came up with the ideas of using T-Nuts after seeing someone that had used rivets... which of course work OK but not easily replaceable or removable, large fender washers worked well over the Nylon strap. 

As I am attending CanFURence this weekend in Otterwa, I will delve through the dealers den to see if I can acquire a set of the silicone paw pads... I think that is the way I will opt to go over using Pig Skin. 

Progress Made

I am really quite proud of my self control during the construction of these Foot-Paws and not racing through the process which is unfortunately what I usually do. The careful thought given is proving to produce a much nicer finished product which is now at a point where the end is in sight even though it will be several weeks yet before they are finished.  Some features I have incorporated into these are unique to the use of the inner boots which are the liners from my old "Down-Hill" ski boots. This allowed me to create a "rear entry" paw which is much easier to get on and off without tugging and pulling on any of the fabric or foam. Elastic on the front of the Jean upper which holds the zipper keeps everything fitted snugly on my legs and feet without being too tight. Nylon and elastic straps over and snapped to the inner boot carry the weight of the soles and rest of the paw directly to the inner boot and not just hanging from the foam. saving for a small amount of hot glue around the inner sole that holds the fur in place there, it is more or less removable to be cleaned. I am still planning on the interchangeable outer soles and have purchased the appropriate 

Neodymium Magnets needed for the endeavor.  These are "Natural" magnets are much stronger than any of the ceramic magnets that are cheaper and available anywhere.  In most areas you would need to order these on-line, although there are a few hardware stores or hobby shops out there that might have some in stock... they are certainly not the most common of magnets to be found on the shelf. 

My newest addition to shop equipment has all ready seen much thankful use.  After two years of gathering sewing projects up and transporting them back and forth to my Mom-in-laws place to use her sewing machine, I have finally purchased one of my own for my shop. Why didn't I do this months ago? It saves so much time and it's always set up with the heavier upholstery thread that I use for my Fursuit endeavors. It's first use was to sew Relic's VFW Life Member patch onto his vest.