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. 

Vorfeed Update 1

I’ve been working on my Vorfeed cosplay for the past few days.  It’s about 45% complete.  So far, it has taken me around 14.5 hours to make this cosplay.  The main dress is nearly done, and I don’t have much left to do otherwise.  I just have to scrunch the bodice, make and add the bow, finish fitting it, and make the hem.  Then it’ll be time to work on the cape, shoes, and gloves. 

The cape shouldn’t be hard.  I just have to make sure I get the layering and feather work right.  I still have no idea how I’m going to make the back feathers.  I have a couple ideas, but I don’t know how well they’ll work.  I still need to get the feathers though.  I need to find a good place that sells good feathers in bulk for a reasonable to good price.

As for the gloves and boots, they are going to be a bit harder.  Ok, a lot harder.  I’ve never make gloves before, much less full arm gloves with large puffy add ons on the top.  Not to mention, I’m using satin that has little to no stretch whatsoever.  I know the gloves are going to be the biggest challenge of the entire cosplay.  Even the wig looks easier. 

The shoes on the other hand look relatively easy, especially compared to the gloves.  I still have to find good base shoes and maybe a couple zippers, but other than that I have what I need.  I even have a pattern halfway worked out.  I just have to test it. 

Finally, the wig looks like it’s going to be one of the easiest pieces of the cosplay.  I’m really glad I chose it for my first time cutting a wig.  I am really nervous but calm at the same time.  I know I can do it.  I know it will turn out fine. 

Oh! I almost for got about the jewels!  I’m going to cast the two jewels myself as soon as I’m able to get the supplies.  I really hope it’s soon because I’d like to get a photo shoot before my friend leaves for college again if it’s possible.  She takes amazing photos.  I’ve wanted to do a shoot with her for a while.  If I don’t get the jewels done in time, I could always improvise…but I don’t want to do that unless I have to. 

Beside my minor aforementioned dilemmas, my cosplay is coming along beautifully.  I’m really happy with the way it’s turning out.  I can’t wait to see the finished project.  I don’t have any pictures to share yet, but I’ll get some up with my next post.  So far it’s nearly perfect with just a few quirks that the laws of physics won’t let me change.  Trying to make a shirt drape and split and fall at a slightly tilted angle just isn’t going to happen no matter how much I wish it would.  Anime characters are known to defy the laws of physics and this cosplay is not without it’s exceptions. 

A New Year, 2011

With 2010 at it’s close, I am excited to see what the new year will bring.  A I reflect over the last year I’ve found that 2010 was a good year overall.  Sure it had its bad times, but there were pleasant times as well.  I was able to make four costumes for myself as well as for others.  I was also able to make new friends, meet lots of awesome people, and become a better seamstress.  In the grand scheme of things, I am happy with how 2010 went. 

But this post isn’t just about reminiscing 2010, it’s about looking forward to 2011 as well.  This new years gives me a chance to make more friends, acquaintances, and cosplays.  I am excited as I think about what I hope to accomplish this next year.  Mind you, these are not resolutions.  There is no need to make resolutions that I will forget and not accomplish.  Instead these are goals with game plans that I hope to accomplish in 2011. 

My goals for next year are simple and attainable.  Though they may take lots of time and/or finances, I know that I can accomplish them if I really try hard and work toward their completion.  It may not be easy, but I am up to the challenge.

First on my list of goals is to make at least three new acquaintances this year.  Whether that be at the fabric store, a con, or just on my way to a photo shoot, I know my goal is attainable even if I am on the introverted side. 

Second on my list is to make at least four new costumes/cosplays.  With my nigh constant additions of costume/cosplay possibilities, it should not be hard to pick out some suitable prospects.  As I’ve said in previous posts, I already have a definite and planned cosplay list for this year.  As always, it will change in some way or ways, but I plan to keep it pretty close to the following list as possible.  Of course, time and finances will play a deciding role in whether or not I am able to make any of the below listed costumes/cosplays. 

Planned List

Vorfeed from Lost Universe

Akari Mizunashi from Aria the Animation (Summer Uniform)

Maria Ross from Fullmetal Alchemist (State Alchemist Uniform)

Toph Bei Fong From Avatar:The Last Airbender (either her Earth Nation outfit, her Ba Sing Se dress, her noble dress, or her final dress)

Sophia Forrester from Last Exile (Vice Captain Uniform)

A princess dress of some sort

Possible List

Lacus Clyne from Gundam Seed (either her first dress, civilian dress, captain’s dress, and/or an artwork version)

Kaylee Frye from Firefly or Serenity (Mechanic Outfit)

Raven from Teen Titans the animated series (White Version)

Nausiccaa from Nausiccaa of the Valley of the Wind (End Outfit)

Sophia Forrester from Last Exile (Orange Dress)

A female Final Fantasy character or two (so far Aerith and/or Porom)

And I know there’s at least a couple others I can’t think of yet

Others as time and finances permit

I will include a couple picture albums of my planned and possible cosplay lists below. 

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A Little Cosplay Update

I got the wig!!!!!  I finally got my Vorfeed wig and I totally adore it.  ^_^  It’s the perfect color and length.  I totally love it.  ^_^ I got this type wig.  It is totally awesome!

As for the fabric and other materials for Vorfeed, so far I am gathering the rest of what I need.  I already have enough fabric for the main dress and the cape.  I love capes!  I’m using a Casa Collection Satin from Joanns Fabrics and Crafts.  It looks just right and is rather easy to work with in my opinion.  I have the ribbon as well.  Because I am rather petite, I am using a 1 5/16” pink ribbon for the pink ties and decorations.  So far all the colors match perfectly.  I’m amazed at how perfect the color combination is.  It is truly a miracle.

I decided to use feathers for the cape additions since Vorfeed is an angel.  I have yet to get the feathers and am still trying to find a good place to buy them from.  Suggestions are greatly welcome and appreciated.  I also have to get the materials to make the jewels as well.  It’s my first time doing any sort of resin casting and dying so I am both excited and nervous.  I hope I do well.

From now on I will try to keep cosplay and costume updates character specific.  In the past I’ve lumped large amounts of updates into one post for space and time reasons.  Instead I now will keep posts clearly defined and well organized so you can have an easier time finding specific cosplay or costume updates as well as have an easier reading time.  I wish for my blog to be both informative and easy to read.  I also hope to make it fun and enjoyable.  I will try to include more reference photos as well as progress and end result photos.  Though I do not wish to clutter my blog as well.  So expect more updates and more photos.  I just got batteries for my camera too. 

That said, if you have any suggestions for how I can improve my blog please let me know.  Do keep the suggestions to a PG rating as there is a wide range of readers on my blog and I do not wish to my blog to contain any sort of objectionable content. 

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.

Cosplays for Next Year

I've decided on a lot of the cosplays I'm going to make for the next con year.  So far my list is Vorfeed from Lost Universe, Sophia Forrester from Last Exile, Raven in her white outfit from Teen Titans, Susan Pevensie from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,  Maria Ross from Fullmetal Alchemist, and an undecided princess dress. 

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I recently have found another character that I adore.  It is Lacus Clyne from Gundam Seed.  She is an awesome character and I love her role in the series.  Her dresses are adorable too.   I’m only to the 39th episode of Gundam Seed (I haven’t seen Gundam Seed Destiny yet).  So I have not seen many of her dresses but I love the ones I have.  So far my favorite is her main dress for the first part of the series.

I also really like her dress that she wears when she’s at her home in the plants.  It’s very pretty, very cute, and very girly. 

 

I also really like Cagalli and Mirallia as well.  I like Cagalli’s first fighting outfit the best so far.  I really like some of her other outfits too.  But I don’t think I can pull them off well so I won’t consider them.  Here’s her first fighting outfit. 

 

I like Mirallia’s Heliopolis and flightsuit too. 

I have a lot of other prospective cosplays on my list but I won’t mention them now.  There are a few other cosplays that I could also make this next year because I have the materials for them already.  But since  I don’t know if it’ll actually happen I won’t mention them either. 

Christmas break is in two weeks.  I cannot wait to start working on some of these cosplays.  I want to finish Vorfeed and Raven during the break.  I might work on Sophia and Maia as well.  Also, I plan on getting some more fabric after Christmas so I can start on a couple more cosplays in January.  I want to get three to four cosplays at least halfway done by the end of the break.  That way I’ll have more time for sewing and 4-H projects during the other school breaks and over the summer.  I might add a few more cosplays to my list if I get these done and finish correcting a few of my others.  Other than that, I’m pretty set as far as cosplays go.  As always, it’s really fun to have a lot of cosplays ready to go, but I can only make as many as I can afford.