Showing posts with label mystery costume. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery costume. Show all posts

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Updated DragonCon To Do List UPDATED 8/16/2011

With less than three weeks to go, my current DragonCon to do list:

Musts:

1. Confederate Vivandiere uniforms. -- Mine is DONE. Miss Von Stoup's is coming along and the rest of the work is in her hands, not mine.

2. My mystery costume is DONE.

3. Post apocalyptic costume for Miss Von Stoup. -- Jacket is DONE, skirts are waiting til she finishes the hoop skirt.

4. Ottoman vest and bustle improvements. -- Bustle is DONE and I'm still working on the vest.

Hopefullys:

5. Pants for the Persian costume. -- These are almost done.

6. Time Traveler hat band. -- The band itself has been made. Just trying to figure out the embellishments.

7. Sleep shorts are DONE.

8. Time Traveler ballgown bodice -- Muslin has been cut out and put together

9. Kilts for my beau -- Put a pocket in the red and black plaid one I made last year. Started a new one along with a sporran.

10. And he needs a new vest for his RFT costume. He needs to quit adding to my list!!

11. Star Wars skirt to match the beau's new kilt.

And of course packing. That's definitely on the to do list. Along with shopping for a few things (food, makeup, hair dye, etc).

17 days!

Friday, July 8, 2011

July 4th DragonCon To Do List Progress II

Miss Von Stoup was under the weather yesterday and unable to attend our meeting. However, Prof. Watt and I DID go shopping so I have yards of spandex with matching thread and zipper sitting on my table at home for when I have time. So at least some progress was made.

My mystery costume skirt is finished! Yesterday, I put the zipper in, put the waistband on and sewed on a hook closure. Then I finished the back edges of the top layer and attached a white grosgrain ribbon waistband that will tie in the back.

I tried on what I have together so far and Miss Dashwood commented that I need more green. My current thoughts are leaning towards just wearing a green cami under the jacket and leaving the blouse off. My reasons for this are (1) it would satisfy the need for more green (2) the blouse doesn't really allow a jacket to go over it very well and (3) I made the sleeves just a bit too snug and its not very comfortable to wear.

As for the jacket, I did make a post regarding it yesterday. And I have decided (I think) to go with the Victorian jacket option - shortened to make the most of what fabric I have, lined in black sateen (if I have enough) and with a collar made out of an as yet to be determined fabric. I like the idea of pink on pink, but the shades may not compliment each other. I could go black or white or I could go with pink and white stripes. I have a large pink and white stripe in my stash. Another option would be a black sateen collar and lined in the stripes. So we'll see how that turns out.

In other mystery costume news, I found some large jewelry charms on clearance yesterday and snatched them up as they matched my inspiration for this costume. I'm not sure where they will go yet, maybe a necklace, maybe on the hat.

So the mystery costume is approaching completion and I have the materials to start my next major commission for DragonCon. I feel pretty good about the current situation.

In non DragonCon news, I made a pair of sleep / lounging shorts. I used the Colette mini bloomer pattern (free for download) and cut out the largest size. The fabric was about a yard of this loud paisley print in bright pink, turquoise, yellow, black and white. I just did an elastic waist and hemmed the legs without any drawstring or elastic. However, they kind of ended up looking like a full short skirt. I think I need to take out some of the width in the legs... But they are pretty comfy.

And since its related to the blog, I'm wearing my walkaway dress today. I went between this dress and another retro dress. I like the other one just a little bit more (its more flattering I think), but the walkaway just just a touch more comfortable to wear.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

DragonCon Mystery Costume - The Jacket

As promised, a look at my thoughts for the mystery costume jacket.

First up, the original inspiration photo. I love the sleeveless cropped jacket (if you haven't already noticed from photos I've posted, I love cropped jackets and have several of them) And the collar is just fabulous.



(http://mydisguises.com/2008/05/19/deconstructing-steampunk-designing-your-own-costume/)

Then I was browsing the FIDM Museum Blog (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) and found this amazing bolero style jacket from the 1890s. Again its cropped and has that awesome collar. What's even better is they show a back view so that one can see that the collar does not extend across the back but instead stops at the shoulders.





(Check out http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/museum/2011/06/bolero-style-jacket-1894-1898.html for the article)

So with inspiration taken care of, I started thinking about patterns. There are two contenders. First up is McCalls 3033, a standard that I've used for several shrugs. My worry is that it is too small in the front to allow for a large collar like I want.



Another option is Butterick 5232, which I've also used for several jackets. Its a historical pattern for a cropped Victorian jacket. And it has two collars to choose from! However, even in a sleeveless version, it requires more fabric that I have left of the pink silk. I could do it if I cropped the jacket by another few inches, which would probably be more of what I want anyways.

So my options are this: (1) I use the shrug pattern and enlarge the front to allow for a large collar. The collar itself would likely come from the jacket pattern. OR (2) I shorten the jacket pattern and use one of the collars.

If I go with option (1) I might be able to use the pink silk for the collar. If I go with option (2) I will definitely have to do a contrast collar, for which I have several options -- white, black or maybe even a pink satin that might look interesting.

The lining will likely be the rest of the black sateen from the skirt (I have about half a yard, maybe) and I will be interlining it with white cotton to give the silk some body.

Right now my plan is this -- once the skirt is finished, I'm going to try on the outfit (blouse, corset, skirt) and try a couple jackets with it to see how they look style-wise. I know I have a sleeveless version of the shrug I've already made (its the black and silver plaid) but I don't have one of the jacket. The next step will be cutting my chosen pattern out of white cotton, then fitting and adjusting it before I use it as my pattern and interlining.

I think the jacket may be the most complicated piece of this outfit. After the corset of course.

Speaking of corsets, you should check out this article on how to wear a Victorian corset: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=d7d7ea251b760f56e4afa10bf&id=3bd90b856b

That's all for now! Feel free to comment and give your opinion on my jacket ideas.

July 4th DragonCon To Do List Progress

Progress!!

1. I have arranged to meet with Miss Von Stoup tomorrow to fit our jackets and figure out jacket and sleeve length. I may have also discovered a solution to the sleeve issue in a pattern from my stash...

2. I have worked on my mystery costume skirt, in fact its almost finished. The bottom tier has been hemmed. In fact the lining was hemmed twice as it was too long the first time. All the layers were basted together and then the back seam stitched together, leaving room for the zipper and the lining was stitched separately to allow for it to cover the zipper on the inside. I also cut out the waistband. So all I need to do for the main skirt is put the zipper in, attach the waistband and sew on hook closures. The top layer needs the seam done, the waistband put on and a closure attached. I may just do a ribbon waistband that ties, might be easiest.

3. I've been contemplating the mystery costume's jacket. In fact, I may just do a separate post containing inspiration photos and pattern ideas. I'll try to post that tomorrow.

4. And I've arrange a time to fabric shop for the Scarlet Spider. It is tomorrow actually. Miss Von Stoup is going to accompany us and then she and I shall work on our costumes at the Shuttle.

I'm feeling rather on top it. I do however need to work on that Ottoman vest embroidery...that really needs finished...

And me being me, I'm already thinking ahead. There's a comic convention here in October. I'm wondering if I'll have time after DragonCon to make myself a new comic costume. I'd love to do a Rogue...

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

DragonCon To Do List - Week of July 4th

With DragonCon less than 60 days away, its time to start weekly to do lists again!

This week I would like to:

1. Meet with Miss Von Stoup to fit our jackets and figure out jacket and sleeve length.

2. Finish the jackets and get them to the handsewing point - both need hemmed, the sleeves need hemmed / shortened / have cuffs added, Miss Von Stoup's needs the sleeves stitched (they're just basted at the moment) and the topsitching done.

3. Finish my mystery costume skirt - the bottom tier needs basted together and hemmed, then all the layers need put together, the seam stitched, the zipper inserted and the waistband added. The top tier will actually be a separate skirt, probably with just a waistband and a couple hooks and eyes to close it. The reasoning behind this is that the rest of the skirt is washable, the top layer is not, so a separate skirt makes the most sense.

4. If there's time, work on my vest embroidery, my beau's quilt, and perhaps start the jacket for the mystery costume.

5. At least arrange a time to fabric shop for the Scarlet Spider if not do the shopping.

Long term DragonCon to do list:

Musts:

1. Confederate Vivandiere uniforms.

2. Scarlet Spider.

3. My mystery costume. - The top and corset are finished. I need to finish the skirt, then work on the jacket. Everything after that is all accessories - decorating the hat, ribbons for my mitts, maybe making straps / spats for my boots.

4. Post apocalyptic costume. - We have a plan for this already in place.

5. Ottoman vest and bustle improvements.

6. Pockets / pouch for my beau's kilt.

Hopefullys:

7. Pants for the Persian costume.

8. Steampunk Rosetta.

9. Time Machine purse.

10. Diamonds for HQ bodysuit.

11. Cover Girl from GI Joe.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

DragonCon Progress Always Makes Me a Happy Little Steam-stress!

First of all, I've been working on the beau's quilt! I tie quilted it last night until my fingers couldn't tie another knot.

Today I made a lot of DragonCon progress -- Miss Von Stoup's jacket has the collar, facing and sleeves attached so its ready for fitting this week. The top for my mystery costume is finished and I cut out the bottom tier, the lining and the outside.

Not too shabby for a day's work, huh?

Friday, July 1, 2011

DragonCon Progress and Weekend To Do List

Well, I've been spending most of the past couple weeks working on my mystery costume because I left my thread at my beau's home across town and wasn't able to obtain it. So the bad news is I haven't touched Miss Von Stoup's Confederate jacket. The good news is, I made a lot of progress on the mystery costume.

As you already know, the corset is done. The skirt is mostly done - I gathered layer 3's ruffle and hand basted it before stitching it in place. Then I basted layers 2 and 3 together along the waist. Layer 1 is going to be a separate skirt because it is not washable and everything else is.

I also worked on the top. I've been looking at patterns, contemplating blouse versus peasant when I remembered that I have several peasant blouse patterns. So I pulled out one that has a collar as well so I could get that pattern piece for the jacket. The top is mostly finished. Tonight I cut it out, and almost finished putting it together. It just needs a touch more work.

Weekend To Do List

  • Miss Von Stoup's Confederate jacket. This is definitely first on my list. I need to get it to a fitting stage so we can get together next weekend and try on our uniforms.
  • Finish mystery costume skirt. I need to buy the fabric for layer 4, put it together, then sew the back seam and insert a zipper.
  • Finish mystery costume top. I need to make the waist elastic casing, put in the elastic and then hem it. I may trim it in lace, but I haven't decided yet.
  • Hopefully I'll be going shopping with Prof. Watt for Scarlet Spider fabric this weekend.
  • I may see about fixing my beau's kilt.
  • And if I get a chance, work on my Ottoman vest.
  • As well as working on tying the beau's quilt
  • I'd also like to go shopping for Cover Girl items.

We are swiftly approaching the 60 days to Dragon*Con mark.

Help.

Monday, June 27, 2011

DragonCon Mystery Costume - The Jewelry and The Skirt

While cleaning out my parents' basement, I found some awesome jewelry, including this stunning bracelet. I figured it would be perfect for the mystery costume since its green and pink.



As planned, I worked on rearranging my room last evening and unloaded most of my car. I still have two boxes I need to find space for.

I also worked on the mystery costume's skirt. I cut out three layers, messed up the first, and did the other two correctly. I think I can save the messed up layer. I also pinned the hems on the two layers that I cut correctly. One is the green metallic mesh from the fabric post last week and the other will be white cotton trimmed in lace. If the messed up layer is salvageable its going to be white cotton trimmed in pink and white striped ruffles.

In other news, I compiled a master list of all my costumes today. I made a spreadsheet of every item I need for each costume. My aim is to make packing for conventions easier.

UPDATE Worked on the skirt tonight. Hemmed layers one and two; cut, sewed together and hemmed the pink striped ruffle; also did a gathering stitch along the unhemmed edge. Its in my bag for me to work on at work tomorrow if I have time.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

DragonCon Mystery Costume - The Corset II

When last we spoke, the corset needed the binding and eyelets done before it was finished. I worked on it while in the office a couple days this week and finished it during a drive yesterday to our family reunion.

Since it was done, I decided to wear it to Origins today to the panels that a few Airship Archon members put on. Originally, my idea was to wear it with my black bustle skirt, but the corset comes down too far in the back for that to work. So I pulled out my black tiered cotton 'gypsy' skirt and paired with a black tank and my lace blouse. I wore pink tights and my black granny boots and topped off the pink and black ensemble with my black straw hat, newly decorated with a pink hatband made from a scrap of the silk last night.



Taken by me on my phone so obviously not the best photo, but at least it gives you an idea.

I do need to stiffen the front edges of the corset, both top and bottom as they are rather floppy (as you can see). I also need to get longer laces. As of now, I have to put it on and lace it completely, the laces are not long enough for me to loosen and slide the corset on before tightening it to fit.

I may get around to working on the skirt a bit this evening, but my plans are to tidy and rearrange my room before unloading my car. My mother asked me to get some of my things out of her basement, so my trunk is currently full of boxes and there's a bookcase in the backseat.

Edit: Here's a full length photo of the Origins Archon panelists - the Captain, Sally Van Eycke, myself and Miss Dashwood in her steamnun. Photo was taken by a panelist attendee on Miss Dashwood's camera.

Friday, June 24, 2011

DragonCon Mystery Costume - The Fabric

Here's a little sneak peek at fabrics I'm planning to use in my mystery costume. From left to right - white and pink striped cotton blend (although after washing, its more of a dark pink / pale pink stripe), green sheer metallic mesh and the pink silk.



These were pulled from my stash, I have a couple I need to buy. I'm also probably going to be using some white and black cottons, maybe something fancier. Haven't decided yet.

Stay tuned for more hints! Any guesses yet? (from those not in the know, obviously)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

DragonCon Mystery Costume - The Corset

First of all, please go check out the article that Columbus Alive just did about the Airship Archon: http://www.columbusalive.com/live/content/features/stories/2011/06/23/what-are-you-wearing-airship-archon.html?sid=108

I'm wearing my black and plaid outfit, but I left the long sleeved bodice at home in favor of a sleeveless jacket and a black and silver striped unboned corset, worn over a red tank. I really like the splash of color the tank gives it, don't you? And Miss Dashwood wore the bustle and bloomers from her conductrix outfit and looked just lovely.

Now for the important thing: My pink silk corset, which is almost finished after I put in a couple hours on it last night.

I started by finishing basting the silk to the denim interlining. Then I stitched the silk / denim pieces together, taking it in further on two seams. Next, I pinned the seam allowances back on both the lining and the silk / denim and stitched the seam allowances down to form boning channels (a few of which ended up a little small and gave me some issues). With the channels done, I started working on the boning (cable ties, about 3/8 inch wide) - cutting it to length and trimming the ends before sliding them into the channels. A total of fourteen bones went into this corset - two on each seam and one on each side of the back.

Here's what the corset looks like right now:



All that's left to do is bind it (I'm going to make my own from the taffeta I lined it with, saves money that way) and put in the eyelets. The binding will likely take a while as I plan to do it by hand.

The silk was a joy to work with, and turned out beautifully. Since all this little corset took was the smaller remnant, I have another one left to work with. It'll probably be incorporated into the rest of the costume somewhere. Or I'll save it for something else special.

A note on the corset pattern - it was labeled as a size 4/6 but I'd say its more of a 6/8. I used smaller seam allowances than allowed for by the corset and still had to take it in more. This is the pattern I used: http://www.burdastyle.com/patterns/jacci-jayes-corset-pattern

Last night I also made a few repairs and sewed labels into several items that I've made and don't wear. I'm planning to take them to The Alley, a new vintage / costume shop that just opened in town - http://www.thealleystore.com/

Ending note: always be super careful when cutting boning - I scraped my knuckle last night with the scissors:


Corset UPDATE - I worked on the binding today at work. Cut the binding out of the taffeta and started sewing it to the back side with plans to fold it over and whip stitch it to the front. It's almost all stitched on and I've been folding and pinning it to the front as I go. I'm pretty sure this thing is going to be done by this weekend. I might even wear it to Origins! As long as I can figure out something to wear it with that is. :) I'm a little worried about setting the eyelets though - I don't think my eyelet tool is long enough to put the eyelets where they need to go. I may have to see if someone has an awl I can borrow.