Let's talk about fabric choices, details, and why we pick the fabrics we do. I touched upon this briefly when I talked about making Arwen, but that was a project where I was working to achieve a close recreation of a particular look, while sourcing materials that didn't break the bank. This time around, let's … Continue reading Elevating Eilonwy
Pattern Description:This style is particularly suited to 1878 – 1882, and is perfect for daytime events. This jacket has a roll down collar with lapels, and is cut away at the center front below the waist. The bodice hem can be made in two styles, either with two points and shaped over the hips, or … Continue reading Pattern Review: Truly Victorian 428 (1880 Jacket Bodice)
Beyond a doubt, fabric selection is the most crucial part of sewing - it literally is the costume. When I was a starting seamstress, my fabric choices were ALL over the place, especially for skirts, I used lining fabric, charmeuse, silky solids, and a myriad of completely inappropriate fabrics for the styles I was making. … Continue reading Fabric Selection 101
Starting sewing is intimidating, especially when you're going through rows and rows of sewing notions in Joann Fabrics. I've distilled those walls into a list of the basics you'll need to get started and with the 'advanced' tools you will likely want to acquire over time if your needs call for them. Click on the … Continue reading The Great Big List of Stuff!
Beware: Algebra Ahead! Petticoats are not hard. I repeat, they are not hard. All of it is simple math and I’m here to help you figure out your fluff, length, and fabric requirements for a basic tiered petticoat like the one I’ve made for Anna! First things first: Fabric. You’ll need a stiff organza as … Continue reading Petticoat Math!
Taking inspiration from Dior and the 19th Century (specifically the mid 1860’s) I designed a skirt with petals that are short in the front and lengthen as they get to the back. These petals are more intricate than they appear, in fact, there are four layers of fabric to them: two types of organza, glitter … Continue reading A Rose Petal Skirt
An upcoming project of mine is Arwen's "Red Dress" from the Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. So how does one go about actually making a cosplay that is fairly screen accurate? Read on and I'll tell you all about research for this relatively simple costume. Arwen's "Red Dress" from Return of the … Continue reading Let’s Talk Research
My 18th Century (specifically 1770’s) Charmander, aptly named “Le Feu du Charmander,” required a non-historical trim to create a flame effect. During the time period, fabric trims were, for the most part, various types of gathered strips of fabric or bows sewn onto the dress in artful, mirrored ways. No way would this work for … Continue reading Making Fire
I'm working on this Elizabethan styled cosplay. Together with Sara Cosplays, we're going to be Anna and Elsa - she's Elsa. Anyway, these cosplays are something of a cluster of new techniques I'm having to research, learn, and use in the creation. I got it into my big silly brain to make a snood for … Continue reading 13th Century Hair Netting
Not at all related to the movie with the oh-so-gorgeous Gal Gadot, but I had needed to make a post-apocalyptic version of a cosplay. Welp, Wonder Woman was on my list of cosplays I've wanted to do. So I did! The original styling I made has a tattered and torn skirt with a heavy gold … Continue reading Retro Wonder Woman