u/username_weesnaw

I was at a huge furry convention in May (my 11th year at that con) and I noticed a severe lack of real crappy homemade fursuits. The kind made by someone who has never sewn before. Or even seen a fursuit in person. It seemed like those who would normally make and wear a homemade beginner level suit were buying mass-produced kemono or mascot heads. Beginner suits have such a unique charm to them that I love and miss. With the current availability of 3D printed bases, eyes, noses, and other parts, beginner homemade fursuits kind of… lack the uniqueness they used to have.

I remember when there were really no in-depth tutorials or patterns and premade items available for fursuit making, so people made eyes using sunglasses and snouts out of shoe boxes and toilet paper tubes. The homemade fursuits of yesteryear had a tendency/possibility to look REALLY bad. But they were unique and you could really see the creativity behind building their character. I have such a love for beginner level suits, with their lopsided ears, asymmetrical bases, and outside-of-the-box creative decisions.

But from another standpoint, now beginners have really good bases to start with, as well as quality eyes and other parts available at affordable prices. There’s so much stuff out there, fursuit making is as accessible as it has ever been. Beginners are set up for success and don’t have to worry if they are blowing money on a project, which 10 years ago, wasn’t even guaranteed to be wearable. Or would survive a day of wear.

So in short… I miss crappy beginner fursuits, but I am glad fursuit making has become so accessible.