costume noob needs some ideas

[kitt79.livejournal.com]

I'm planning a costume... I say "planning", but really I mean "dreaming about".

It's basically a red leather bodysuit (Mord Sith from the Sword of Truth series). But this is ambitious for me. I've never done anything more than generic sexy vampire. I need some random advice.

It doesn't have to be leather; it just has to look like it. I am aware of the heat issue; I'm an Atlanta native, and your puny sun and humidity do not frighten me. It can be the Legend of the Seeker version, or straight out of the books.

What I suppose would be really helpful is if anyone knows someone who does custom corsets/costumes/leatherwork in the Atlanta area or not too far away (or who does really good work and can work from measurements, I suppose). I am not above paying someone to make this for me! lol

Or, if anyone has done a similar costume, how did you go about it? Any tips?

Comments

[xenaclone.livejournal.com]

I made mine from the fake leather used to cover car seats. Yes, it's going to be warm inside it [GG]. I haven't got a picture of it yet. I haven't got the ageal sorted yet.

[kitt79.livejournal.com]

How did it turn out? Was the material hard to work with?

[xenaclone.livejournal.com]

I had to sew carefully with a fairly robust needle in my washing machine. I used a hole punch for the legs and arms to thread the ribbon/laces. I also used a fairly strong red cotton for the sewing. Bonus; no hems! The double thickness was a bit tricky; but I went slowly.

try

[kylekatern.livejournal.com]

Ms Martha's Corset shop, http://www.corset1.com/

[sunnydale-pet.livejournal.com]

Just a side note - I'm looking for other Legend of Seeker/Sword of Truth people to do a meetup if you're interested!

[wicked0witch.livejournal.com]

Most of our group had to drop our LotS costumes (I'm the person that posted to you on cosplay.com), but our Jennsen had already finished hers, so she's looking for people to meet up with. I had told her that if I saw you I'd tell you.. so I am. lol

[sunnydale-pet.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that! You were going to be a great Kahlan! Still, please pass on word to your friend that I'd still like to do this!

[wicked0witch.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm sad, but I couldn't find a fabric I liked that wasn't going to cost me an arm and a leg.. but we'll be doing it for 2011 (our richard will be doing his then too), so if you have it then we can take pics.

Okay, i let her know, and she's super happy.

[kitt79.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine may also be coming as season two LotS Kahlan ( in the dark dress). We can probably get some good pics :)

[sunnydale-pet.livejournal.com]

Hooray! This could be great! :0)

[greenwitch.livejournal.com]

There hasn't been much activity yet, but you might want to gauge interest over on seekercostuming, which was set up by someone who did a Mother Confessor dress last year (and in full-disclosure, made me a co-mod). I'm bringing mine to con as well, and was commissioned to do another one by a friend, so you should be able to get a good number of people.

[sunnydale-pet.livejournal.com]

Great! I will check it out. Hopefully can get a group together to show our Seeker pride! :0)

[monetariast.livejournal.com]

There is some good reference info here:
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=74901&highlight=mord

and here:
http://galadriel-1013.livejournal.com/32277.html#cutid1

[whiteladyeowyn.livejournal.com]

www.studiokensai.com

Bits and parts and pieces...

[manchineel.livejournal.com]

I use Ohio Travel Bag pretty heavily for things like buckles and hardware that may otherwise be hard to get. Technically, they prefer to do wholesale orders, but I have been able to e-mail them and get price lists, and they have a minimum order of only $30.00.

I would love to see your MordSith!

Re: Bits and parts and pieces...

[manchineel.livejournal.com]

Ooops... dumb costumer is dumb. Here's the link! http://www.ohiotravelbag.com/

[javabird.livejournal.com]

No offense, Kitt79, but do you know how to sew? You didn't mention whether you knew or not. If you do I'd suggest you start by choosing a body suit pattern or tight pant and jacket pattern that you think suitable. Make a practice version in a more forgiving cotton fabric (knit or muslin). Of course, the drape and shape won't end up quite the same as leather, but it will give you a sense of how to modify the suit for yourself and how it goes together. You can then make the garment in leather. Or, if you like the lycra look and fit, you could make it in lycra. There are some decent "leather look" lycra fabrics out there, esp. for the patent leather look.

If you don't sew, there is a DC thread on constuming commissions.

Good luck and have fun!

[kitt79.livejournal.com]

I don't sew. I once resorted to a stapler to "hem" my pants at work.

I think I've found a seamstress on Etsy who can do the job; we are discussing it as I type.

[maxineofarc.livejournal.com]

Highly recommend God Save the Queen in Atlanta: http://www.godsavethequeenfashions.com/

They do sensational work.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_ladyvader_/]

Hi Kitt!

I'm Co-Mod with Green Witch for seekercostuming. I was hoping to get a group together for this years DragonCon. We kinda did a meet up last year, but hopefully this year it will be bigger!

Also, my friend (and teacher) has a custom corset business that is in partnership with Romantasy Corsets, a very well known corset business located in San Francisco. She is the lady that hosts the corset panel at DragonCon for the past two years. We will be doing again this year if you are interested.

[kitt79.livejournal.com]

I might drop in :). We'll see how this costume turns out; I found someone to make it for me, and at a good price, but I'm so nervous lol.

All that's left for me is to find boots the right color, and make an agiel.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_ladyvader_/]

Awesome!

If your boots are real leather, you can dye them with leather dye. Your local leather or shoe shop can probably help you with getting the right dyes and instructions. Here is a tutorial: http://www.ehow.com/how_2245820_dye-leather-shoes.html