Oh yes, the horror begins now. Because I chose to work my costume in non-stretch fabric. First, some pictures of the horror that is the bodysuit in progress:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0002-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0003-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0004-1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0005-1.jpg

Ignore my facial expression in the first picture. It's me, no make-up, tired and mildly agitated from continuously getting stabbed by stray pins.

The fabric I used is not quite so firm as the stuff I've got for the final piece so it's a lot more prone to wrinkling. I wanted to do the mock-up in a slightly less forgiving fabric because I don't want to take chances with the good fabric. (I've got just enough to make the thing once.)

Fixes that need to be made:

1. Front is uneven at bottom of cut-out. Left side needs to be matched up to right.

2. Armholes are too big. (I made another draft before this and kept having to make the armholes deeper, When I added fabric to the whole of the inseam, I ended up not needing such deep armholes.)

3) I need to add a bit more fabric to the back. I ended up with a V shape when I was pinning the first draft in a constant effort to get it tighter.

4) top isn't laying flat.

On the positive side, my addition of elastic shoulder straps worked out pretty well. =)

At this point, because the top portion isn't laying flat, I'm considering going with my idea to make the bottom layer the support layer. Basically, I'm thinking of doing a base layer for everything from the hips up. The base layer will have two layers of lighter fabric sewn together. I'll sew channels into this base layer and stuff those channels with something sturdy. (I'm really considering straw because it's flexible, breathes well, and is comfy. And because I truly hate metal boning.) The base structure is sewn to the top layer and voila: the d*mned thing sits the way I want it to without any darting or other obvious fixes.

I have not yet begun drafting the mini-bodice. I don't plan to do any work on that until I have the bottom layer the way I want it.

2/19/09 UPDATE

I am officially NOT making the crystal topper out of polymer clay. The stuff is fragile and difficult to reinforce for such a delicate piece. And I refuse to wear something clunky and hideous after all the labor I am putting into the costume.

For the record, I did manage to use the stuff to make a beautiful piece. I used a needle to cut out the little cross shaped pieces that go along the bottom rim of the topper. It was pretty. And it was fragile. Pieces started to break off as I was attempting to delicately brush the protective coating on. I attempted a slightly larger, stronger style but even it broke. After trying for 9 hours to get something decent, I gave up. It's not worth it. I can and will find another method.

Last night, as I lay in bed, I went over how to not die of restricted movement in my planned Dagger 2.0 costume. Then I had an epiphany. It should be simple! I did a cheesy render in Paint to show the idea:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/Garnetcostumeplanscopy.jpg

Basically, since I'm already making the mini-bodice separately, I'll just extend the bodysuit portion to be it's own piece. I'm thinking about lining the mini-bodice with something slippery so that it moves smoothly against the bodysuit part. The bodysuit can have heavy elastic bands at the shoulders, sort of like suspenders. The main connection point to hold the bodysuit to the mini-bodice will be the two top lacing holes in front. The back will not be anchored to the bodice because that's where I'll need to get the stretch from the shoulder straps from so I can bend, sit, etc.

In theory, it works. But I'm already considering that I might need to make the bodysuit be the real support layer with the mini-bodice layer as decoration.

I especially like this idea because I can use the mini-bodice to cover the top of a torso zipper if I end up needing one.

Some basic Dagger shots:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/Daggerpraying.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/daggerhaircut.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/previous158.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/previous270.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/daggerbackdetail.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/glove.jpg

A lot, I know. But now that I have the time, I fully intend to get the details down.

An important part of this costume, at least for me, is the mini bodice. It's connected to the rest of the bodysuit but is actually a separate piece. It provides support and should relieve any need for a bra if I can get it right.

I've seen a lot of versions of this costume with spandex-type materials. I even considered using moleskin myself. In the end I've decided to go with a heavy suede-type material. It will require a lot more work on the pattern and some hidden zippers on the inside of the calves and possibly on one side of the torso. I'll also have to get the rise perfect, otherwise I won't be able to bend, sit or move in general.

And now a moment of angst. Let me say, it really bothers me that the character design does not include any seams below the bodice piece. None. The only way this could be affected would be to weave the fabric from scratch using a circular method. I don't have the time, inclination, or resources to do such a thing. So there will be seams. *shakes fist at animator*

Now for the happy part: I have my fabric and grommets. For the shirt, I really should be using silk. Cotton is cheaper. I'm using cotton. =) I'm thinking of doubling up on the fabric in the gathered part to give it extra depth.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0404-1.jpg

I also have some Fimo in gold and silver to make the mounting for the jewel.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0405-1.jpg

Where to find the jewel? Still checking chandelier parts suppliers, consignment stores, and any other place that I can think of that might have my future jewel hidden away.

I'm thinking of making the gloves myself. It looks like it would be a similar leather to the kind you would find on a baseball glove. I'll be checking into purchasing the supplies for the gloves and shoes in the future. Not sure when, depends on finances. I'll be purchasing a wig closer to July as well. I plan to use one of those root concealer wands or sticks to add subtle highlights at the top.

Let's start with the artwork:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/Flynn--article_image.jpg

This first picture is a look at the fabric, notions, etc. that I have so far:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0403-1.jpg

As you can see, I still have to find white fabric suitable for the taberd and for the detail on the cape-thing. The fake pearls are going to be painted an amber color. That brown page of craft foam that you see on top will be the base for the little chest decoration. I'm going to use an exacto knife or something to create grooves the size of the fake pearls and cut the shape of the chest piece. Then I'll cover the whole thing in the brown fabric and sew the painted pearls into the grooves for stabilization.

The gold buttons are going to be used for holding the cape-thing on. One big, one small for each shoulder. I've decided to use a zipper to close the front of the taberd and use some rectangular hooks to close the top and bottom neatly.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0402-1.jpg

The above is a picture of the awesomely cheap fence stake that I got at Home depot for 19 cents. I also got a dowel to use for the base of the handle. I plan to cut a chunk out of the dowel to fix the top of the fence stake into. I'll nail that together and throw in some wood glue for good measure. Then I'm thinking of using some heavy foam board to create the details at the top of the blade that you can see here:

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/flynncover-1.jpg

Obviously, I need to do some major sanding first. The dowel will also need to be carved into a more appropriate shape.

I have a white pleather-type material that I'm going to use for the belt and scabbard. A picture of it doesn't really show much detail so I'll wait until construction is underway to post a picture.

Last, but not least, is the beginning of the taberd pattern. Yes, there are actual patterns available. Simplicity actually has a nice one out, (Joann's is having a 5 for $5 sale on Simplicity patterns through Monday.) but I already had a similar pattern that I was able to adapt. It's Simplicity # 4059. I basically cut the pieces out and taped them together while my b/f patiently stood in place. When this was done, I cut one straight seam up the side. I had to add a little onto the front and back of the bottom so that the seams will meet.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0398-1.jpg



2/15/09

Did a fabric mock-up last night. We smoothed out the left side of the front after the photo was taken. I added a bit of fabric to the back to compensate for my b/f having a generous backside. I think it looks kind of interesting with the triangle so I'll probably leave it as a separate piece of fabric instead of widening the original two panels. (Flynn is a skinny dude. My b/f is built more like a real knight in shining armor. We're finding some adjustments need to be made.)

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0409.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g148/anwyn_crescent/DSCN0408.jpg

I'll have to work out the circle cut-out on the chest next. But first, I'll try to make the actual chest decoration so I can see how the pattern needs to be adjusted to include it.

It begins:

Today I went through every scrap of fabric I own. I actually have 49 different fabrics. No kidding. As I stared at the mountain I got a little distracted trying to think what on earth I could use each fabric for. Then I remembered the whole reason for taking everything out: 1) to take pictures of everything so I could have a visual catalog on my computer. 2) to see what I could use to make new cosplay.

As I scoured through everything I found fabric I had bought years ago to make a Dagger 2.0 costume so I set that aside. My boyfriend just said he'll do the Dissidia version of Zidane. (I showed him all of the characters and he really liked the idea of having two blades. After all, why settle for one when you can have two?) I can't wait to throw a monkey tail on him. I might die of laughter. I have most of the fabric I need for that costume too.

Since he's being such a good sport, I'm going to attempt to make him a Flynn costume. I'll finish up my Kaufman costume to wear with him.

After sorting and organizing fabric, I went to my local Joann store to blow through the last of my X-mas gift card buying some necessary bits and pieces for the Flynn costume. I also treated myself to some silver oven bake clay so I can make the top of Dagger's pendent. Not sure where I'll procure the appropriate crystal, but I'm thinking of checking out lamp stores for chandelier replacement parts.

Status:

Dagger 2.0 from FF9-Have: fabric for jumpsuit and blouse, oven bake clay for pendant, basic gloves, materials to make hair pin, black satin ribbon for choker. Need to find/buy: big honkin' crystal, red leather for shoe covers, small buckles for gloves, thighs, wig

Dissidia Zidane-Have: vest fabric, undershirt, lace for jabot/cravat thingy, assorted beads. Debating whether to buy regular denim or use blue twill on hand. To find/buy: belts, shoes to use as a base, wood to use as base for weapons, something to make the tail out of, oven bake for neckpiece, gloves, scabbards, a mess of buckles hair extension for ponytail

Kaufman from Tales of Vesperia- Have: blouse, boots, pants, glasses, wig, belts, fabric for coat. Need to find/buy/make: gloves

Flynn Scifo from Tales of Vesperia-: Have: Fabric for tabard and cape, buttons for cape, buckles to adjust sleeve armor to costume(to be hidden) fake pearls to paint amber colored for chest piece, pleather for scabbard and belt, belt buckle. Need to find/buy/make: Sleeve armor and leg armor, grommets for belt holes, two more attachable belt prongs, sword, shield, gloves

I'll make a photo album for everything when I have some pieces actually finished. The raw materials aren't very exciting but I might post pictures of some of the more interesting pieces in progress in case anybody might find it helpful.