So I took the plunge and started cutting into our friend tonight. Here are the parts I anticipate using in this project, not including such notions as needles and thread:



And here he is after the first couple of cuts:



The big surprise was the inside:



Although he looks like a single piece on the outside, he has definitely been stitched up some from the inside, and a fine job at that. I'm not sure what the reason is, but I guess I'll need to be certain the stitching is secure before I proceed.

Bob