So, what's the deal with Plush Murlocs?
Petition part 1:Link
Petition part 2:Link
Link to Sound file:Link
After reading all those posts and seeing all the views, I thought, "I could do that." So, I did. I started by looking at the Murloc image and studying it's geometry. Then, I had to deconstruct the creature and look at it from a raw material stand point. What pieces could I put together to make a thing look like this? I actually started by making an origami model of a Murloc. Sort of a carpinter's trick, "Measure twice, cut once." After that, I made a pattern and cut out my pieces. What's interesting about sewing is that you work inside out. So, not only did I have to take two dimensional pieces of cloth and make them 3-D, I also had to do it backwards! Blah blah blah, lots of sewing...and voila! I wasn't happy with the dorsal fin on the original. A little too much Elvis for my taste. In the second version, I changed that. I also changed the color a little, which I really enjoy, and added articulation to the limbs. At this point, the only thing I would do is try different materials to get it more fish-like. Something shiny? Scales? That type of thing.

But since I can't sell these (without serious permission from Blizzard), I wanted to somehow still share these with you all. Thus, "Gobi's Fate" was born. A weekly clothimation where you decide what happens. We'll see how long it goes. And it will most certainly reside elsewhere eventually. For the time being, enjoy!

Latest updates:
So far, I have given away a Plush Murloc to four people: Queen of Wands webcomic, Aiere; the Suicide Girl, Posh; Love Ablan, a plush art supporter; and finally Tauhid Bondia, webcomic artist. I have the intentions of giving several others away, but that is a very small list and poses obstacles. However, I have also helped several other people make their own. This to me is the best! I love the idea of empowering people to solve their own problems.

Our dear plush Murloc has seen a little limelight. First was at E3 and later at Blizzcon (both of which were televised on G4). While not a Murloc of my creation, it was created using my pattern and with my guidance. I must say that while I appreciate the work done by Tristan Pope of Crafting Worlds and the sewing talents of his grandmother, I don't appreciate his moral void. To claim that his grandmother is the creator is a slap to the face. The Blizzcon shenanigans, while humorous, are going down a path I would not. If Crafting Worlds wants to cash in on the Murloc craze, so be it. I was briefly tempted by the dark side myself. But the pattern is Open Source and meant to bring the gaming community together, not capitalize and cannibalize. Puting my money where my mouth is so to speak, I have donated a plush Murloc to Penny-Arcade to sell at their Child's Play Charity dinner.

The auction was 12/13/05. Our little friend sold for about $400! Granted it was for charity, so people were more willing to spend, but that really makes me happy. I wouldn't have been able to give that much to charity (Red numbers are bad to see in the checkbook, right?). This has been the best lesson for my daughters. Change is something accomplished by one person. Tengo ganas. It's been a long year, and I am exhausted, but I've still got some fight left in me, so I'll be working this next year to raise even more. I might even have enough left to make one for "Gabe Jr."

In development news, my attempt at a plush Succubus was very difficult and I may be taking a break from that to explore other models.