I'm doing stuff!

[mellymell]

I should be done today with what will be the final mockup for the bolero I'll be sending to branflake for fitting. I will feel good about that project if we've got the final mockup worked out and fabrics in hand by the end of the month (I'm allowing time for a couple of fittings, which we might not need). I should have been at this point in April, but whatever. We've got time and I know it will get done. Once the pieces are worked out and I get the rest of the lace off her mom's gown to use, I think it'll go together very fast. It's only taken me a day of draping and a day of drafting/cutting out to get to this point.

On that subject, I'm so done with commercial patterns. I decided to just wing it on this and drape what I had sketched and what I saw in my mind for it. *fingers crossed in case I'm speaking too soon* It's been so much easier! I always alter patterns anyway and that just adds another step in there to cut out the original pattern. Now that I know what the pieces of things should sort of look like, I feel comfortable winging it.

Also, I'm now committed to bringing Elseworld Batgirl to Dragon*Con. I bought a catsuit online last night. This means I get another shot at painting that bat logo. I might try stenciling this time. Also, I'm going to be sure I stretch it out plenty while it's being painted. I still expect some cracking, but I'll fix that as the need arises. Also, also, the catsuit is full coverage (actually a zentai suit) and has attached gloves and feet and even a hood (which I'm going to have to cut a hole in for the face). Will be nice and seamless. Also nice and difficult to get in and out of, I imagine.

I'm still very intimidated by the cowl, but once I get the bolero mockup off to Brandy, I'm going to attack it with some trial and error.

Other than that, I'll just keep plugging away on working out the armor patterns and getting those pieces made. Then there's the belt and the cape (cape should be super simple, no hemming even, just cut to shape and sew in some snaps).

I've also figured out what I'm going to do about shoes, since I don't have the budget for boots and hers just look like soles on the bottom of her suit anyway. I'm basically going to do just that: go find some rugged soled shoes at a thrift store and glue them to the bottom of the suit. I'll reinforce the insides with some insoles and possibly even build something to shape the insides with a heel and toe area. We'll see what I can come up with.

In other news, I have still not used my serger that Chris got me last year for Christmas. I plan to remedy that sooner rather than later. As in possibly this week. I need some black spools of thread for it.

Comments

[belluthien.livejournal.com]

I've never gotten along with patterns, with a few exceptions. I lke the instructions for certain things contained in the Laughing Moon patterns. They helped me with the welt pockets, for example. But for me, the main deal has always been the shapes...

I've used patterns for start off shapes. What I usually wind up wiht looks different. Sometimes WAY different. Maybe that's normal.

I wish you luck and speed with all your projects!
So, are you bringing Elves and Batgirl? What's the status on Celeborn? Just wondering. I'm thinking you've got him slated for ALEPII?

...back to sewing. ;P
y

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

I'm with you: for a first time doing something, I'll follow a pattern or at least the instructions on one. But things that I've done several times now, like bodices (which is basically what this jacket is like), I'm done.

Thanks for the luck! I may need it, but for now I'm feeling confident. So long as I can keep focused, I see no problems getting everything done.

I'm bringing my two Arwen gowns (though I doubt I'll wear the Dream gown), pirate garb, Batgirl and POA Hermione (pink hoodie one).

Celeborn is indeed slated for ALEP II. Before I can get to him I've got wedding sewing to finish (bolero and my bridesmaid gown) and a decision to make on whether or not I'm going to throw this costumed Mad Tea Party for my 30th birthday in April or not. If I do, that means three costumes (Alice, Hatter and March Hare for Me, Chris and Jonah respectively) need to be thrown together.

If I don't (which is the direction I'm leaning right now), then I can begin work on Celeborn as early as October or November. I will not be at D*C next year because ALEP comes so close on its heels, so Celeborn will definitely debut in the Shire. In fact, I may not wear anything but him while I'm there. I like the idea of playing the same character all weekend, especially one no one else really does. :D

[cleopatramwi.livejournal.com]

I'm so done with commercial patterns. I decided to just wing it on this and drape what I had sketched and what I saw in my mind for it.

Liberating, isn't it??

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

It really is! I've draped/drafted three things in the time I've been sewing. When I thought about it for half a second, I realized those were my smoothest sewing experiences. I'm done!