When I get finished with a puppet built, I always save the pattern pieces I cut out for it. More often than not, they find their way into later projects.
These are all the bits and pieces parts that went into the creation of the Surfin' Bird. Aside from the sewing, the pattern creation and tweaking takes up the most time. Once this step is out of the way, recreating anything is usually a lot faster.
So to any serious fursuit or puppet maker out there, SAVE YOUR PATTERNS! You'll be glad you did. :)