Pouting Time

Grrrr!  I’m a little, ok more than a little, miffed right now.  It’s my third try to get Yuna’s skirt how I want it.  (Luckily, I haven’t cut the fabric just yet since I have one chance to perfectly make it.)  I’ve tried a circle skirt, but I don’t have enough fabric.  I’ve tried a 10 gored skirt, but I don’t have enough paper for the pattern.  I’ve tried a pleated skirt, but I’m not sure it’s going to lay like I want.  Ho-hum, maybe I must make a pleated skirt since it’s the only skirt that theoretically would turn out well with out more fabric or paper.  I hate sewing sometimes.  >_<  It’s so fun and rewarding yet so annoying at the same times.  >_<  I’m going to pout in a corner for a bit. 

Toph Update

The wig is done!!!!  I finally finished Toph’s wig.  ^_^  After three modifications, I finally decided on making her wig closer to how it would be in reality instead of the ostentatiously large bun in the show.  I chose this because as you know funds are almost nonexistent and I only had a black wig, bobby pins, a hair net, and hairspray at my disposal.  Nevertheless, the wig looks fantastic, especially for my second or third wig styling projects.  ^_^  I ma very pleased with how the wig turned out.  It definitely looks like Toph’s hair in more realistic proportions.  Even the bangs, which have been styled and hair sprayed into place for ease of photography, look fantastic!  I am so incredibly happy with it!  *^_^*  I can’t stop smiling enough. 

Needless to say, I am very excited to debut her again in 12 days.  Yep, 12 days till con.  I don’t have much to fix before she’s ready which is a relief.  I ended up not needing to resize the main red part of her outfit, the jumper/shirt/pants thing, and can wear it as is to the con though I might fix up the front of it a bit so the fabric is tighter and not as bunchy looking if I get the chance.  If not, I can always work on it for next time.  I have to fix her over-the-shoulder-thing which shouldn’t take too long.  I originally made it in a matter of minutes so I have to go back and case the seams so the underside has a nice clean finish.  Other than that there’s not much to do except figure out how to make her misconstrued belt thing which shouldn’t be too hard as it’s pretty much thrown together in the first place. 

I do actually have pictures this time!   I was able to use a camera for a brief period of time to take pictures of my projects thus far.  Expect another post or two or three with pictures.  Photo spam time!  (I have to fix the bangs a bit since they curled a bit since I styled it.)

 

Wigs, Scissors, and More Wigs

I just ordered wigs for my upcoming cosplays today.  I’m really excited to see how they turn out.  I’m trying out new wig sellers this time to find which ones I want to buy from the most.  So far, I’ve bought wigs from Zepher, Wig Fashion on eBay, and Legend Wigs on eBay. 

This time I’m buying a prestyled Akari/ARIA wig and a short brown wig from C.C.-Kids as well as a long curly pink wig and a long sandy blond wig from a Taobao store of which I don’t know the name (link here both wigs are in the 80-95 cm category).  I’m also getting styling scissors and wax from Fantasy Sheep.  My order should be in around May.  I’ll post a review of the wigs and styling products then. 

I’m very excited to get the wigs and totally stoked that I can get everything for a whopping $76 including shipping!  ^_^  It’s a dream come true for a poor college student like myself who has to eat as well as cosplay.  It’s a total blessing that I was able to find a group to order with so I could get the shipping at a discount price. 

I still have a few more items to get before the con and my homemade cosplays still aren’t done (yay, for procrastination and over excessive homework).  I should be able to get nearly everything now, especially if I save a bit more of my money for cosplaying items, like a con badge (which I still don’t have).  It looks like I’ll be able to get most if not all of my planned cosplays for this con done and acquired on time.  I am a very content and excited cosplayer. 

Akari Update 6 – Part 1 Complete

I finished the under dress for Akari Mizunashi’s Summer Uniform today.  So far all looks well.  I’m happy with the way it’s turned out, but I wish I could have done better with the slit and hem.  The slit doesn’t close exactly how I want it to and the hem is a non-traditional bubble hem because I couldn’t get a rolled hem to work with the way I designed the bottom of the dress.  (A bubble hem is a hem that is sewn on the inside of the garment so the bottom of the garment will poof.)  Like with any cosplay I make there are aspects that I’d like to change if I remake the outfit, but overall I am very pleased with it.  For the time, knowledge, and resources I had, I did well. 

PIctures!!!!  Now I have the fuku, glove, shoes, hat, and wig to complete.  ^_^

 

Akari Update 5

I finished the appliqué for the bottom part of the under dress today.  It looks so cool!  The general shape is different then I expected, but I love it nonetheless.  Sadly I don’t have any pictures to share cause I can’t find a camera.  I’ll post pictures of the full under dress as soon as I’m done.  I should be able to find a camera by then. 

It’s almost astonishing that I’m almost done with my project.  I don’t have much left to do.  If I keep at it I should be able to finish the under dress and the fuku, maybe even the hat, by the end of February.  All I have left to do is hem the under dress, finish the slit, prepare and cut out the fuku (which shouldn’t be that hard), cut out and apply the appliqué to the fuku, sew the fuku, make the bow, make the glow, apply the appliqué to the glove, draft and cut out the hat, appliqué the hat, sew the hat, and finish the hat.  Ok, so I have a bit more to do than I thought, but I know I can at least get the under dress and fuku done.  Especially, if school continues to have lax amounts of homework.  I love being able to relax more after last week. 

The hat and glove shouldn’t be that hard though I dread making another glove out of non-stretch fabric.  This time I will include ease.  I’m still having trouble with the last pair of gloves I made.  -_-  Ah well, live and learn to not make the same mistakes again.  I don’t know how to make the gold ring for the glove yet.  I had thought of using craft foam, but I don’t know how well that will work.  I have to get the supplies for the jewel and cast it as well. 

As for the shoes, I might have found a good pair of base shoes, but they’re a bit out of my price range.  I’ll have to keep looking and hope I find the right pair fairly soon.  I only have till mid May to get this and three other cosplays done.  Yes, three.  The con is four days instead of three.  I’m so excited even though I’ll have to sew my heart out for a week or two before the con.  Ah, such is life. 

Sango Preparation – Weapons and Accessories

Sango has a lot of accessories.  She has her infamous Hiraikotsu, wakizashi, dagger gauntlet, mask, rope, chain, salve, as well as demon slaying poisons, smoke, and paralyzing salve.  Her Hiraikotsu is carried across her back with a strap fastening while her wakizashi is tucked into her belt on left side.  Theses are the two prominent accessories.  Her lesser known accessories are usually hidden away in her outfit.  Her dagger gauntlet in hidden under her right sleeve.  Her rope is tucked away in her right shoulder armor while her healing ointment/salve is in her left shoulder armor. 

Sango holding her Hiraikotsu.

Sango preparing to draw her wakizashi.

The dagger gauntlet in her right sleeve

 

Sango’s mask flying through the air.

 

Sango preparing to throw her rope.

 

Sango releasing a chain to trip her enemy.

Sango’s antiseptic ointment in shell case.

I want to make as many accessories as I can.  So far I’m planning to make her Hiraikotsu, wakizashi, dagger gauntlet, mask, rope, and salve/poison containers.  I’d really like to have a working Hiraikotsu.  I’d be so much fun to play with, but I have no idea how to accomplish that task. 

As for the other props, the wakizashi is easy enough.  I just have to find a convincing sword and decorate it, or I can make my own or commission it.  The dagger gauntlet is the same as the wakizashi/sword.  I might commission this one since I want it to be able to spring up.  I’m planning to make the mask out of craft foam, and I can get the rope at a store.  I don’t know where to get the grip yet.  The salve/poison containers aren’t hard either.  They are simple shell cases.  I’d like to use real shells, but I don’t know if that’s going to happen.

I still have to get most of the supplies for her weapons and props.  I’m thinking of commissioning her Hiraikotsu and dagger gauntlet if I can get the money.  I don’t have to have the dagger gauntlet this year, but I’d definitely want to have the Hiraikotsu.  I’ll know in the next month or two if I’ll make the Hiraikotsu or not. 

Sango Preparations – Fabric and Armor

I found the perfect fabric for my Sango cosplay.  It’s a Milliskin Matte (Tricot), Four Way Stretch in black that can be found here.  It’s taken me a long time to find the fabric I wish to use.  I want to get my Sango cosplay as accurate as possible, even with the sheen.  It’s a very hard sheen to match since it changes from picture to picture.  Sometimes it looks like a matte while other times it looks like a gloss.  Personally I like the matte look better.  It won’t glare so much and will have a better effect in photos.  I’m going to send in for a test swatch of my top three fabric choices to double check my decision.  I’ll the fabric know for sure in about a week or two hopefully.

Now that I’ve found the fabric, I have to focus on the rest of the cosplay. I intend to use the same fabric for her boots as the leotard so I just have to get souls for the boots.  As for armor, I’m thinking of using pink vinyl atop craft foam.  Craft foam is easy to use as well as inexpensive while vinyl should have the right feel and look to it.  I don’t know what I’m going to do for the silver/gray edging around the armor yet, but I’ll figure that out as time goes on. 

I haven’t decided what fabric to use for her ties and collar edging.  I was thinking of using red satin or silk, but I haven’t priced that idea yet.  I also need to get the pattern for the leotard.   Overall, I think the pattern is going to cost the most.  I’m planning to use Kwik Sew 3052 as my base pattern.  Kwik Sew patterns almost never go on sale and cost at least $9 for one pattern.  Yikes!  The pattern is worth it though because I can use it for other spandex related projects in the future.

Akari Update 4

I finished the first part of the under dress today.  The lining is in place along with the zipper.  Now all I have left to do is make and attach the appliqué for the bottom of the dress and finish the slit.  I cut the dress too short originally so I have to make up for it by adding fabric to the bottom.  I’m actually pleased that I have to add the add the extra fabric.  Though it decreases the accuracy of the cosplay, it makes it easier to attach the bottom appliqué. 

I’m really happy with the way the dress is coming along.  So far it’s the most accurate cosplay I’ve made.  I love it already!  The dress fits wonderfully.  It’s a bit tight in the hips, but I can live.  I only had to fit it once this time, which is a first.  Usually it takes me three or more times to get the dress or garment to fit correctly.   This cosplay has a bunch of firsts woven into it.  It was my first appliqué project, my first zipper that turned out well, my first easy fitting project, my first total modification project, and my first time working with a vented slit.  I’m so happy with it!  I’ve learned so much so far!  I can’t wait to see what else I learn before it’s complete. 

I have a couple pictures to share.  Enjoy!

Akari Update 3

IT’S HERE!!!!!!  My wig came in the mail today.  It’s a beautiful milkshake pink wig from WigFashion on eBay.  I love it!  The fibers are so soft and the color looks good on me.  The pink even slightly clashes with the blue appliqué just like in the anime.  I also got a pair of extensions with the wig.  Sadly they are blue instead of pink.  I’m going to contact the wig seller to see if I can trade the extensions.  If not then I’ll put them up for sale. 

Nevertheless, I’m really happy with the wig.  I can’t wait to wear it!  I’m even tempted to wear it to school, but I don’t want to cause a ruckus.  Oh!  I also got a free wig cap with the wig.  It’s a nice mesh cap that holds the wig on well. 

I have some pictures of the wig!  Isn’t it beautiful?! 

 

Akari Update 2

Appliqué is a long and tiring process though it leaves great results.  I recently finished the appliqué for Akari’s under dress.  It was a task and a challenge all in itself.  Making the appliqué took 4½ hours while applying it and sewing it on took a couple hours at most.  The hardest parts were drawing the appliqué and sewing it on.  Sewing curves on an appliqué is a huge pain.  The stitching isn’t perfect, but I love it just the same.  I’m really happy with the way it turned out too.  The design looks perfect!  I’m really happy with how the outfit is coming along.

I have a couple progress pictures to share.  Enjoy!

The finished drawing of the Aria Company appliqué before I cut it out.  I drew it on with quilter’s chalk.  Drawing the center oval took the longest because I had to place it just right while keeping the right shape. 

The Aria Company appliqué after I attached it to the front of the under dress with Heat ‘N Bond.  That stuff is a life saver.  It’s totally amazing!  It took me forever to get the oval perfectly centered.

Vorfeed Update 4

I finished the second glove.  It looks as good as the first and even better.  I changed the layout of the top ribbon to bunching the lower arm fabric.  The gloves look more like the reference pictures now then before.  In addition, I don’t have to fix the bunching every time I turn around.  I really like how the gloves turned out.  They are still tight and hard to get on and off, but the initial struggle is totally worth getting to wear a pair of awesome gloves.

It’s just under a week till college starts again.  I am totally amazed at how quickly the time passed.  Even though this has been my fastest project to date, it has still taken me a long time, and I have more to do.  I still have to make the boots, cape, wings, and jewels and attach everything.  Not to mention style the wig.  It will probably take me another month to complete Vorfeed since college starts soon. 

I have to wait to finish Vorfeed because I don’t have all of the materials I need yet.  I still have to get the resin and dye for the jewels as well as the feathers for the wings and cape.  I need to get more interfacing too.  I’m having a really hard time deciding what type of resin to purchase, either Easy Cast or the Tap Plastic brand.  Easy Cast seems to be used more within the cosplay community.  It works best for casts no greater than 6 ounces.  The trouble is that Vorfeed’s jewels are at least 8 to 10 ounces each.  I thought of layering the resin, but I don’t know how well that will work.  I know it’s worked for smaller casts for other gem makers and cosplayers, but I don’t know how it would work for jewels of greater magnitude.  I shall look into it more before I actually make my decision.

I have pictures!!!!!!  Top row from left to right: front and back of dress.  Bottom row: my gloves!  I’m so happy with my project.  I really like the bow on the dress and will get a detail picture up next update.

 

Vorfeed Update 3

I finally got my first glove done.  It took me 15 hours, but I finally succeeded.  ~_~  I never knew making a single glove could take so long.  I scrapped my first construction idea just before I started making my glove last night.  Instead of making my own pattern, I decided to modify a premade one I found.  I chose to do so because I realized that tracing my arm myself was harder then anticipated.  So I found my pattern and modified it. 

I modified the pattern easy enough (2 hours) but it took me three tries to get the sizing right.  My seam ripper was very active for the first five hours.  I had to almost completely redo the entire hand.  At first the fingers were to long so I cut them shorter.  Then the fingers were to small and the thumb was too big.  So I scrapped the pattern’s gussets and made my own.  Once that was over, I found that three of the fingers were too big along with the easily annoying thumb.  I was frustrated with the fingers by that time so I switched to the rest of the glove, mainly the ribbon detailing.

I now know that when making gloves ADD THE DETAILING FIRST!!!!  For the sake of your sanity add it first.  It is so not fun to fight with a half made glove hand, that you already mad at, while you wrap it around your knee just so you can get it to ly flat for a few seconds while you fiercely try to not pin your glove to your skin before the glove curls again.  Luckily I only had to do that with the first part of the detailing.  The second part was not nearly as hard or frustrating.  My main problem was trying to get the detailing to look accurate.  Compared to Vorfeed or any anime character for that matter, I have short arms so I had to squish the design without making it look squished.  It turned out quite well.  I even got the bunching to look right!  I love the way the detailing came out.  I might add a few more minor adjustments here and there. 

I was very encouraged over my success with the detailing.  So I sewed up the rest of the glove and tried it on.  To do my delight and amazement, it fit!  I was even able to get the glove on my hand without having to rip any seams out!  I was so happy I seriously spent the next twenty minutes admiring it and wearing it around just for fun.  Once I got the excitement out of my system, I finished the rest of the glove by adding the top puff and fixing the fingers.  The puff was easy enough to make.  I just made an oddly shaped rectangle, added elastic around the top, stuffed it full of tulle, and sewed it to the top of my gloves.  It doesn’t look that puffy, but I’m happy with it.  It looks like the character and goes with the rest of the outfit very well. 

The fingers weren’t that hard to tailor.  It was a bit hard to tailor the glove with one hand while wearing it on the other.  I ended up just estimating the amount to take in and added darts on the inside.  It worked surprisingly well.  I can hardly tell that I added darts to the fingers.  The thumb dart is easier to find though. 

Despite all the trouble and time it took to make the glove, I am extremely pleased with it.  It looks better then I’d hoped.  I can even get it on with a minimal amount of effort too.  Getting it off… well that’s another matter.  Now that the first glove is I just have make the second glove mirror the first.  As best I can that is.

Here’s a picture of my finished glove.  I don’t have any progress pictures though.  I’m going to get them on the second one.  I might even make a tutorial. 

Vorfeed Update 2

The dress is done.  It looks beautiful and twice as good as I thought it would.  I was initially worried that it wouldn’t look right or even recognizable with my modifications, but everything worked out better then planned.  Also I set a new record for dress making, around 21 hours total.  My last record was around 22 to 23 hours total.  ^_^  I keep getting better and faster each time I make a new cosplay.  Practicing perfectly makes a skill even better. 

Now on to the hard part, the gloves.  I have an idea for how to make the pattern work around the non-stretch fabric.  I trace my arm and half my hand.  Then make a separate thumb piece.  I add a seam allowance, cut the pieces out, and sew it all together.  Then I make, cut out, and sew the puffs to the rest of the glove.  It should work.  I’m using a pattern and tutorial to make sure I get the construction and basic shapes right.  I haven’t quite worked out when to add the ribbon detailing.  I don’t know if I should appliqué it on or tack it on after the gloves are done.  Other than that, I have most of my glove problem worked out.  I’m sure it’ll work too. 

Voyage of the Dawn Treader Premiere, It’s Today

Well today is the Voyage of the Dawn Treader premiere.  The costumes are nearly done.  My dress for Susan is done except for a hew that I’ll add later.  I decided not to embroider the collar because I did not have time, and I really like the way the dress looks without the embroidered collar.  I’m really happy with the way it turned out.  It looks like Susan’s dress just with my own added twist.  I’m really proud of it.  The only thing I want to change is the collar.  I want to hand sew it on this time. 

Lucy’s outfit is nearly done…ish.  So far I have the pants done.  I’m working on the shirt right now and should have it done in time.  The jerkin is in no way done.  I’m just going to let it go for now and finish it in time for 4-H exhibitions.  I still don’t have the belt or the boots done either.  Oy!  I wish I had more time! 

School is nearly out so I’ll have more time to sew then.  I just wish it gave me more time to work on the premiere costumes.  Well, at least I’ll have most of it done by then.  I’ll just have to make the rest later.

Less than a Week

It’s less than a week to the US Voyage of the Dawn Treader premiere, and I still have a lot to do.  I have all the fabric for the main parts of both Lucy’s Dawn Treader outfit and Susan’s Narnia dress.  I just have to finish all the sewing right now and get the fabric for Lucy’s boots and Susan’s belt. 

So far Susan’s dress is nearly finished.  I completely modified one of the fantasy Simplicity patterns (i don’t know the exact number right now) to make this dress.  It has turned out wonderful so far!!!  The pleats are perfect and I even added my out personal twist with the pleats to Susan’s original design.  It looks so pretty!  The fabric I chose is perfect too.  I have no idea what type of fabric it is because I got it from the clearance section and didn’t think to check the tag for reference.  That’s what you get for having a thirteen minute time limit in the fabric store.  Anyway, the fabric works perfectly.  It has a one way stretch that totally came in handy when I had to fit the dress to me better. 

To finish Susan’s dress I just have to make the collar and embroider it.  I’m using a pattern for the collar so I just have to wing it and see what happens.  I hope it turns out right.  I only have enough to make one collar.  Stupid fund limitations.

As for embroidery, there is no possible way I can get the collar and the other two thirds of the jerkin done in time.  I would have to be The Flash in order for that to happen.  So I’m setting for the next best thing, no embroidery on the collar.  ;_;  I might add the embroidery later, but I kinda doubt it.  The jerkin, on the other hand, is another matter.  I have between one third to one half of the jerkin done.  I did not expect the embroidery to take so long neither did I expect to lose nearly all of my embroidery supplies nor get swamped with a ton of homework before Thanksgiving break.  It’s supposed to be a break right.  So due to my lack of diligence and planning skills, I have to cut a few corners if I want the jerkin to be fairly done in time.  I have a feeling I’ll be sewing every spare and waking minute of this next week in and out of class.  Prepare for a very weak, “yay”.  I’m not looking forward to this.  But I’ll endure anyway. 

The other parts of Lucy’s costume are going well.  I have the pants and the cape done so far.  I still need to make the shirt, which I now have fabric for, and make those darn boots once I find the right fabric.  I really hope the fabric fairy leaves me some material under my pillow this week for good behavior. 

In other news, I have most of my costumes for next year planned out (see next post).  I’m also, finally, making a dress for my mom.  Ok, so it’s more like a full-fledged renaissance outfit, but it’s still a dress.  So far most of the fabric is purchased.  We just have to get the chemise fabric and the coordinating fabric for the opposite side of the bodice.  I almost have the skirt done.  I just have to finish the back closure and the hem.  I want to get all the pieces done by Christmas time so I can surprise mom with them being her presents. 

Other than the above, my sewing has been pretty dull.  School for this year is winding to a close so I hope I can get a lot of sewing done over the break.  I’m hoping to get at least three to four costumes done as well as finish my sister’s Lucy costume and my mom’s renaissance outfit.  It should be blast, a very busy almost stressful blast but a blast nonetheless.  I’m also hoping to get some photo shoots soon too.  I’ve gotten one of Belle’s green dress so far, but I hope to get others like Yuna and some of the other costumes I’m working/will be working on.  But you’ll have to wait till the next post to see what the new costumes are.  ^_^ 

Thank you for reading and be sure to tune in next time to discover what else is happening in my crazy world of costuming and fabric stacks.  You’re a great audience! 

Susan’s Voyage of the Dawn Treader Dress

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader premiere is only a few days away, less than a month to be exact.  I recently purchased my materials for my Susan dress.  It cost me only $25 to get all the supplies I needed for the dress, minus the thread and embroidery floss that I already had.  For the main dress, I got this lovely dark gray fabric that hangs and flows beautifully, and should hold the pleats well.  As for the collar, I got this fuzzy knitted fabric that looks really nice with the main fabric.  I just wish it was a tad bit darker in color though. 

I’ve decided to embroider the designs on the collar instead of etch them in.  I couldn’t afford the right kind of velvet to use for etching, and I only have a limited amount of time so ordering online is out of the question.  I really worried that I won’t have enough time to embroider both the collar for my dress and finish the embroidery for my sister’s jerkin.  I really hope I do cause Lucy just won’t be Lucy without her jerkin. 

Dawn Treader Costumes Update

It’s been a few days since I updated last and I have some progress to report so I thought I’d let you know what’s been going on.  I started working on Lucy’s Dawn Treader outfit first because it has so much embroidery on the jerkin.  I’ve gotten pretty far in the last week.  So far I’ve sewn the jerking together.  I haven’t attached the lining yet cause I’m waiting till I done with the embroidery first.  I don’t want the unfinished embroidery sides showing when I’m done.  In addition to sewing the jerkin pieces together and fitting it to my friend, I’ve almost finished the embroidery on the front lapels of the jerkin!!!  I just have to embroider two more flowerish designs and embroider two large bottom designs.  But before I embroider the bottom designs, I have to embroider the vines around the top, sides and bottom of the entire jerkin.  Boy, this is going to take me a while.  I just know I’ll get it done in time though, especially since I’m machine embroidering the vines. 

Update

Wow!  Sorry for the late update.  Things have been really hectic around here.  Fair started today.  I’ve spent the last week and a half running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to prepare.  I entered my Civil War ball gown and two formal dresses that I made this year.  All got blue ribbons!!!!!!  *^_^*  I’m really happy that all of my hard work paid off.  It pays to do things well even if it takes longer and the task looks  daunting. 

Sophia Forrester Progress Report 1

As of a couple days ago, I now have all the fabric I need for my Sophia cosplay.  I still have to get a few more things like zippers, a bit of thread, and a few other minor items.  Still haven't found her reading glasses yet.  I’m starting to wonder if they even exist outside of the anime.  The fate of her hair clip is hanging in the balance right now.  I’m not sure whether or not to have the hair down like in this picture:

She wore her hair like this in the anime when she told Alex about her going back to the palace.  Her hair was also down when she talked to Claus about her plans.  I can’t give away too much of the plot.  -_^

Anyway, I could also have the hair pulled back into a twisted braidy-like bunish thing.  Like this:

         

This is her most common hair style.  She wore it throughout most of the series. 

I do like how sharp and vice admiral like the second hair style is.  I just have one problem, the hair clip.  How on earth am I going to make, much less find, the darn thing?!  The back one is what I’m most worried about but the two side/front ones pose an equal, if not greater, challenge.  If I do the second hair style, I might not have to buy a wig for this cosplay, but that’s only if my hair grows out in time, which I doesn’t seem like it will.  So either way I’m probably going to have to buy a wig.  Now I just need to find a good, decent, honest wig seller who has high quality wigs at a good price. 

Switching topics, while I was at the store studying this picture:

I discovered that the designs/appliqué on Sophia’s uniform are silver not white.  If you look really closely at her collar, you’ll see that the appliqué gives off a silver hue instead of a white one.  It even looks this way when the picture is printed off.  This was a major break through for me.  I also discovered that her collar is lined with silver fabric.  See below picture:

Both of these discoveries majorly helped explain why the fabric behaved the way it did.  Since the appliqué is silver, it can appear both whitish and silver when exposed to different lighting.  This also explains why the appliqué has a bit of a sheen to it as well.  These pictures help to illustrate my point.

           

Changing topics, I have had the hardest time finding the right fabric shade for the uniform.  The closest I’ve found is a silvery gray color by Kona Cotton.  Since it’s not perfect I might try lining the dress with a darker color fabric to get the desired effect.  I don’t know how well this will work so we’ll see. 

Other that that, I’ve had a relatively easy time fining what I need.  I even found some awesome looking pleather for her boots in the clearance section.  I don’t what I’m going to do for the redish orange soles yet.  I’m still researching that. 

Sorry my post is long and kinda random and jumpy.  There’s been a lot of things happening with this costume that I don’t know where to start or how to transition to my next thought.  My thoughts like to jump around.  I hope you enjoyed reading my post and look forward to the next ones.  My next post should be about Sheeta’s pirate uniform unless another idea pops up.  Thank you for reading and please tune in again to find out what happens next in the exciting adventures of my endeavors as a seamstress.

 

dilemmas

Costume Update

Belle’s green dress is nigh complete.  I just have to hem the skirt, fix the sleeves so they stay on my shoulders, poof the upper part of the sleeve, and add a few minor details to the bodice and dress.  I reeeeeeally like how the costume has turned out so far.  For how much I modified the pattern I used, the dress looks wonderful.  I do need to figure out how to keep the sleeves on my shoulders.  I even have a cute hair bow that totally adds to and completes the costume. 

 

For some reason, the sleeves like to slide half way down my shoulders and just sit there unwilling to move.  This makes the dress look funny and my shoulders look uncharacteristically wide.  I’ve tried a couple different techniques so far but they haven’t completely helped.  Fortunately, I have a few more ideas up my sleeve.  I will keep trying ideas ‘till I get these sleeves perfect.  Even if I have to duck tape them to my arms for photos. 

 

*****

As for Giselle’s curtain dress, it is coming along beautifully.  So far, it’s my best costume yet!  I wound up modifying the sleeves from the pattern I am using; they turned out perfectly.  I love how this costume is coming together, especially since it’s a first time commission.  I love the chosen color combination.  I especially adore how the little accents bring the costume to life.  Literally! 

 

The bodice and sleeves are almost done.  I just have to add the top lace and maybe understitch the lining.  I still haven’t decided if I’m going to or not.  The skirt is almost done too!  What I have left is to hem the rest of the skirt, over skirt, and lining; attach the skirt pieces; and attach the lining to the skirt.  Then I sew the bodice to the skirt, add the embellishments (long blue ribbon and pink rosettes), and hand sew the zipper in.  It’s late so I might be forgetting a step but that is roughly what I have left before completion. 

 

I had no idea that the dress would take sooo long.  It’s been three and a half days, and still it’s not done.  Usually, it takes me between three and eight days to complete an outfit.  That is, of course, not doing anything but sewing for twelve plus hours each day.  The longest it’s taken me to complete a costume was a month.  I was also working on homework every day and going to class full time.  I’m so glad I’ve had this time to sew.  It’s a pleasant break to the monotony of school. 

 

Anyway, back on topic.  I hope to have the dress complete next week.  I’m aiming for Monday, but I don’t know with homework to catch up on.  I was able to take a small break this week due to the flu season affecting my class schedule.  The break came at the perfect time. 

 

I just hope I can balance my class work as well my costuming now that school is starting up again.  It’s hard.  Still it is possible.  This is something I hope to master soon, and very soon.