Oh wow! Customising Pullips. I'd definitely be interested in seeing more updates.
They both look gorgeous. Merlin's eyes are simply lovely. Are they the texturised ones?
Apparently some chain mail substitutes are knitted mail that has either been a spraypainted pre-made item or knitted natural twine which is then painted (They might not always look that great close up though >_< ). Alternatively some fabric stores stock a chain mail material or one that looks similar enough.