MADE IT: Item #004

Me on my way to the Toronto Fan Expo 2013. I ran into some other cosplayers who happily obliged to taking a picture with me.

Hair and makeup by Lisa Barclay.

The bodice was the hardest part. I ended up scrapping the first iteration and redoing it because I'm crazy; It has 1" width, diagonal seam lines that match perfectly at CF and CB, plastic boning, and underwire for the cups. I made a chest piece as well but it looked too cluttered so I opted to not wear it.


Front View

The vision was originally to make the top and bottom all one piece, but that didn't really pan out because the fabric I bought didn't have any vertical stretch. Everything is some sort of faux leather. Except for my boots. Those are real leather and are Cole Haan. The gold armour pieces and lasso were spray painted with Krylon spray paint.


Close Up

This has been one of my more frustrating projects. It took several months to complete and way more money than anticipated, and yet, I'm still kind of considering doing it again. Someone talk me out of it. Or give me a costume suggestion.

MADE IT: Item #003

My copy of Wilfred Capucine T-Shirt 100% Viscose
Hat TNA, Leggings Talula, Shoes Aldo, Handbag Michael Kors, Watch Movado ESQ

It was such a simple design that I figured I could do it for way cheaper. I already had fabric from a previous project that I had ended up abandoning so this was sort of, kind of, free. Technically.


Side View

The basic t-shirt pattern was copied from an old Club Monaco t-shirt which is why my neckline is more scooped than the original. All hems are clean finished with 3 thread overedge and 2 needle top stitching with 1/8" width needle spacing (anyone want to buy me a coverstitching machine?).


Back View

I think my front and back hemlines have a larger difference than the original.

Mine has started to pill all over from constant wear. I can only assume that if I had spent the money on the original this might not have happened what with better quality, quality control, and all that good stuff. Remember kids, just because you can make it yourself, doesn't mean it's always better. Pilling is one of my biggest issues for anything that I make myself. My Wilfred Wasaga T-Shirt Dress hasn't pilled on the outside yet and it has been at least two years now.

Lastly, this is one of my few projects that didn't require a muslin. I just went from draft to final garment. For those of you who draft or sew, you know how amazing it is when that happens. And what a mistake it can be when it doesn't work out and you used your final fabric.


Photography by jen

MADE IT: Item #001

Lightweight, long sleeve, open cardigan with draped back hem100% Viscose

My first creation in the name of this blog.

Photography by jen

MADE IT: Item #002

My copy of Helmut's Kinetic Side Slit Maxi Skirt 90% Cotton 10% Spandex
Top Wilfred, Lace Bralette H&M Divided, Shoes Aldo, Clutch Club Monaco, Sunglasses Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nail Polish Essie Lights,Good to Go

It was love at first sight on that shopbop link. Sadly, I don't exactly have $160USD to drop on a basic jersey skirt, so I had to do it the hard way; ~1.75 yards at $8CAD+tax/yard plus labour (which I graciously offered to myself for free).


Front View

Waistband has elastic inside for better support, slit is left as a raw edge, and bottom hem is clean finished with 3 thread overedge and single needle top stitching (I'd prefer it to be 2 needle bottom coverstitched but for this specific style it's not necessary...nor do I even have the machine to do it!).


Close Up

I didn't realize how much more fitted my copy is than the original until I put the two pictures together. To be honest though, I rather like mine better. It is surprisingly figure flattering, even on my mother!

Other differences are a higher waistline and a more opaque fabric (which meant I got to forego the miniskirt lining which I really didn't want to do anyways).


Photography by jen