Tres Iques Costume
One of my best friends came to me with his phone in hand and asked if I could make him a costume. He had a picture on his phone that he showed me. It was the front and back view of a character from the anime Trinity Blood. It looked like a fun challenge, so I accepted and we agreed on terms.
First I found patterns that were similar in style to the character's clothing.
Then I took his measurements and cut out the closest size. I also measured from his waist to the floor so that I could add on to the length of the coats. I did a body mock up so that I made sure that my basic adjustments were good.
After two weeks of creating mockups and modifying or creating pattern pieces I was ready to kick it into high gear and cut out the final pieces I'd be using. With the fabric being as expensive as it was and the time crunch doing mock ups with cheap $2/yd costume satin was the way to go. (Plus, this reminds me of another anime that might be fun to have a costume in for later. ^_^ )
Even though I did a lot with mockups, many of the fine details were left to spur of the moment and what my experience with fabric has taught me.
My first hurdle was the inside collar, I was very happy that came out right on the first shot since it would've been 4 stitch lines to go through
Then, I decided I hated cuffs! Well at least over sized ones...These took me over 2 hours to sew on.
Then I made a mad dash to the finish line and forgot to take any more photos until the end. Now for a nice side-by-side set to see how it compares. Oh, I'd like to add that the bottom trip was deliberately left off until we were absolutely done with the outfit (lining and all)
Oh, did I mention that this costume under normal circumstances would take me three months, but I got it done in a month. ^_^ *woot*
Things that I did to save on time and money:
- Fabric
- Black - We went for a twill fabric, over any of the other options for it's longevity and flow. Not to mention it was one of the cheaper options.
- White - Well, this didn't save time, but it really saved money. I made the bias tape, single fold and then wrapped it around the edges. It shows up great in photos, but if you were there in person you could see how thin and cheap the white fabric is =^_^= but does that matter if it looks good from a distance and in photos? If you are short on cash, I think it's a good compromise.
- Lining - This was to be a fully lined coat and caplet, but I didn't finish it to mainly save on time.
- The coat had the main body lining but not the arms. This was to protect and hide the seams of the coat and make it easier to slip on and off. (that and I ran out of time) In hindsight, I'll need to make sure the arm lining is there because the lining started to rip and wear badly at the arm holes. I just had a basic baste stitch to hold its shape. The idea was to go back and add the sleeve lining, but the costume as been worn so much that it would have to be totally redone.
- The caplet probably wouldn't have gotten a lining because the twill fabric is heavy and the texture grips together. This makes it a lot less fussy for the wearer, where if it were lined he'd be fighting to keep it in place.
This costume even in it's unfinished state has stood up really well to the abuse of 3 conventions and random other events he breaks it out to show off (all the metal looking stuff he made with Bondo!)
So, let me know what you think! Do you have any questions for me?
Some more of the after photos and the rest of the crew that I hang out with. (Click on the image to see a larger view)
I LOVE THESE PEOPLE! ^_^ BEST PALS EVER!
'Til next time, happy sewing!
