Costuming tips and resources

Queen of Hearts by InCharacter.

2008-07-20T01:56:00Z

Hi, I was wondering if anybody here purchased this costume or have it? If so how good is it? Do you recommend it?

Queen of Hearts by InCharacter

Most places I've seen sell it for $169.99. I've seen some web stores that sell it for less about $134-$158. Even one store sell it for $79.97. Is the quality good? Does it rip easily? Thanks!

Need advice - Breakaway pants

2008-07-19T02:50:31Z

I need to make 6 pairs of breakaway pants for a production of The Full Monty. Anyone ever make these kind of pants or modify a pair of regular pants to be breakaway?

I'm thinking that I can use regular pants, open the side seams and put in snaps or velcro dots. I'm sure I'll have to add a bit to the side seams so the pants fit after adding snaps/velcro. I'm guessing about 1 1/2 or 2 inches on each side. Maybe black grossgrain ribbon (would that be sturdy enough to last through all the performances?) added to the back of the side seam and adding snaps/velcro to that and the front side of the seam so when closed the snaps/velcro won't be detected.

Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated!

Thanks : )

Labcoat styles

2008-07-17T17:47:14Z

After the recent sweep of Dr Horrible I've had several requests for either places to purchase a Dr Horrible Style labcoat, or to make one.

The problem is... what are these labcoats called? I think they're from the Victorian period, but other than that, all my google-fu-ing has brought me nothing.

We're talking the labcoat that buttons on the side and across the shoulder(s). It can also be seen on this page if you scroll down under "Mad Scientist".

I know it's not the Howie-style labcoat, but other than that, I'm lost.

HELP?

18th Century Gentlemens outfit for re-sale!!

2008-07-17T12:14:49Z

Check out this ebay sale for an original La Rose Couture creation!
The sale is for an 18th century gentlemens outfit :
breeches,coat and bows for shoes!

This sale is not custome made and one size only, if this is not your size, don't be sad!
You can custome order it thru my website:
www.LaRoseCouture.com
It's under Men's Clothing and called Vicomte de Valmont!
* click on the english flag if you wish to change the lanuage*

I ship worldwide and accept paypal!

Starting price only 100 euros or 158,18 dollars!
Normally this style starts at 280 euros or 442,91 dollars, so this is YOUR chance to grab this outfit at an amazing price!!!!

Click on the pictures to go to Ebay or click on the link: http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110271615748&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=001

Sorry for the intrusion, the last austion didn't sell!

Karl Ruprecht Kroenen costume help?

2008-07-14T16:31:58Z

IK am wanting to do a Karl Ruprecht Kroenen costume from Hellboy, and I've searched around, and cannot find any base mask, besides the movie prop, which is $200.00.

I want to do this outfit bad, for Halloween. The hardest parts will be the chest piece, and the mask.

I have thought about using a hockey mask, and working with that as a base but thats not smooth, and maybe making a paper mache of my face and using that, because under his regular mask, he has a 2nd mask that has the eyes and nose molded, with the respirator unit under that. Im sure I can get some parts to make a fake respirator..its just the mask thats the issue. I cant even find one of those fake white plastic masks to use because they don't have the right eye molding and face structure...Any help would be appreciated.

Mask

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n218/remission20/KroenenMask2.jpg

Armor

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n218/remission20/karmor1.jpg

Under Mask
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n218/remission20/ven1.jpg

Modern Robe a la Francaise for sale!

2008-07-14T12:08:51Z

This Robe a la Francaise is for sale on ebay!
Keywords: historical,fantasy,cyber,gothic!

It comes with detacheble train and has a boned bodice.
Made by an other seamstress then me!

Size L/XL!
I accept money order and paypal, WORLDWIDE SHIPPMENT!

Click on the pictures or on the link to go directly to the sale!
Happy Bidding!

http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110270720086

18th Century outfit for sale!!

2008-07-14T11:12:41Z

Check out this ebay sale for an orignal La Rose Couture creation!
The sale is for an 18th century gentlemens outfit breeches,coat and bows for shoes!

This sale is not custome made and one size only, if this is not your size, don't be sad!
You can custome order it thru my website:
www.LaRoseCouture.com
It's under Men's Clothing and called Vicomte de Valmont!
* click on the english flag if you wish to change the lanuage*

I ship worldwide and accept paypal!

Click on the pictures to go to Ebay or click on the link:
http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110269524838&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=001

Hi There

2008-07-11T23:17:51Z

I'm getting ready to create my first historically accurate gown (as much as possible). Gulp. It's for English Renaissance (Elizabethan) nobility.

I have a little conundrum as to the overskirt. I want to use satin, but am considering doing a low finish/dull sheen satin. I'm a little worried that a normal satin would look ridiculous and shiny...any thoughts? Thanks!

costumes @ 2008-07-11T12:40:00

2008-07-11T16:42:25Z

Does anyone have any ideas for how to make a fake muscular chest and arms? I'm thinking of going as a muscle man for Halloween :)

Sweeney Todd By the Sea Costumes

2008-07-11T00:03:56Z

Hello all.. I'm new to the community, found it through the look up of a friend of mine who is a sewing/costume junkie.. Hehe. :)

A tiny about me. I am a fashion design major at Texas Woman's University. I have been sewing since I was old enough to hold a needle. :) I want to make my husband and myself the swimming costumes from the By the Sea scene in Sweeney Todd.

Anybody else trying this? I know there is a little thread about it on craftster, but not a ton of info. I've got some links to stills and I've done some searching for costumes that are close, but I figured I rather just draft the pattern for Ms. Lovett's costume myself. I figure S.T's costume will be easy enough.. so I am more concerned with hers.. I really have to get these done in the next 8 weeks or so, before I start back to school, because once I do.. I won't have any time!

So, looking at the images here: http://www.costumersguide.com/sweeney11.shtml I surmised the following:

Pattern pieces
Todd -
Sleeves (2)
Cuffs (2)
Front (1)
Back (1)
Button Lining/Placket (2)

Lovett -
Sleeves (2)
Upper Collar (1)
under Collar (1)
Leg Flounce (2)
Leg Cuff (2)
Bloomer Legs (2)
Striped Tube Top (1)
Front Bodice (2)
Back Bodice (1)
Belt (2)
Waist Pleats (8-10 pieces??)

My biggest thing is.. should I try and cut the bodice and bloomers as connected pieces or two pieces? It seems like it'd be easy to do as two pieces, the belt will cover up the seam anyhow.. Can't really see a good clear image of the back to see if the flounce/pleats are the same all the way around but I will assume they are.

So, I guess I am just looking to see if anyone has tackled this one yet or has a good resource for more screen shots.. (ooh I should go check the Tim Burton board.. just thought about that).. Any help you can lend would be fabulous.

Hunnisett sizes

2008-07-07T11:33:43Z

I've been rummaging through the introductory pages of my two Jean Hunnisett Period Costume for Stage & Screen trying to find information on sizes but I must be blind...

What I'm wondering is - the patterns in the book, are they all made in different sizes or if not and they have a standard size, to which measurements?

THere's a table of different useful measurements to take in the beginning of the books, which has an example, could these the measurements used for the patterns?

Help!!

2008-07-05T16:12:56Z

I ordered beaded tulle for a bridal costomer a while ago at CheapFabrics.co.uk.
And about 2 weeks ago, i received my package, receipt was correct, my lining too, only i got beaded Lace instead of Tulle!
I immediatly made pictures of the fabric and mailed my bride,asking if she liked the mistake they made, if not, i would ofcourse tell the company to send me the right fabric, since that's what she ordered.
She stayed with her choice and i emailed CheapFabrics.
Since after a couple of days i still didn't get any repsonse, i leaved a message on their contact form on their website, still no response.

-I emailed them directly with 3 diffrent emailadresses

-I left a message on their contact form, on their website, with 3 diffrent emailadresses.

-I left messages on their online chat system (wich is always logged out) with 3 diffrent emailadresses.

The reason i left them all my emailadresses, is because i was afraid they had problems with one of them and therefor couldn't respond.
2 weeks no response..

Does anybody know if this is normal with this company or if there's a reason for the emailsilence?
I really need this fabric!!!

Handmade by me Frock Coats for sale

2008-07-01T18:31:47Z

HI, I am putting up 5 frock coats made by me.They are all brand new and have been worn by me only for the pictures. I will put them up on ebay if no one takes them but I thought I'd start here as I'd rather have them worn by someone I know will use them. I have been sewing clothing since I was 15 so 11 years. Each one is different and I will describe each below, they all are fully lined with fuctioning buttonholes and pockets(i've never been a fan of faux unless its fur or leather). The buttons are all handcarved by my twin brother who is a professional woodcarver and are really lovely in my opinion. They would work for a variety of time periods or styles, and as either costumes or just to wear as an everyday coat, c'mon you can pull them off. They are all well made from upholstery weight fabrics with a tailored fitted look. The first 3 are size medium and the last 2 are size large. Yes that is me as the not so handsome model in the first 3 and my twin brother in the last 2 as he is a larger fella and can fit the large sizes. I'm asking 110$ for each which includes Shipping in the USA, just email me if you'd like any of them so I can take them off the listing at aophaug@gontc.com
I can take a Paypal payment or a postal money order I'll give you all the information on payment in the response email. Thanks very much for looking and fell free to ask any questions.

1. Size Medium: Dark blue medium weight brocade with vining black jacquard cuffs collar and pocketflaps in a spiked style. Lined in midnight blue. The buttonholes are finished in black gimp trim and the buttons are in an etched crackle pattern in black and gray. Pictures below:
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=blue1.7f3.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=blue2.ea9.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=blue3.513.jpg

2. Size Medium: Black medium weight abstract jacquard coat body with silky black brocade fancy cuffs collar and pocketflaps with diamond shape cutout panes in a silky wine . Buttonholes are finished in burgundy scroll gimp trim and the buttons are domed with a pierced design and finished in glossy black.
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=black1.bab.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=black2.226.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=black3.08a.JPG

3. Size Medium: Mossy green brown patterened velvet body with a really nice antiqued brown faux leather cuffs, large winged collar, and pocket flaps. Dark brown Faux leather trim and the buttons are rounded and polished brown applewood.
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=moss1.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=moss2.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=moss3.JPG

4.Size Large: Paisley heavy weight velvet in shades of reds burgundys and rusts with black jacquard for the rounded cuffs, thick fold over collar and pointed pocketflaps. Finished in a black braid trim, and dark brown umber pierced design buttons with a satin finish.
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=velvet1.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=velvet2.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=velvet3.JPG

5. Size Large: Sage green leaf patterened upholstery weight velvet coat body with very nice dark brown faux tooled leather pocketflaps, very fancy flared cuffs, and a stand up collar. Faux brown leather trim and the buttons are rounded and polished organic figured red applewood.
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=green1.230.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=green2.10e.JPG
http://server6.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=green3.5f7.JPG

Let me know if there is a problem with the pictures I switched to a new site and it seems a little iffy.Sorry about having to cut and paste them the hotlinks seem to be down.
Price for each 110$ includes shipping in the USA.Thanks. Adam

Please Don't Be Offended - I NEED HELP!

2008-06-23T22:04:54Z

Hey!

I NEED HELP!

I don't have a lot of costuming skills, although with help, I've come up with some stuff I am very proud of.

Anyway, I am going to this charity even where there is going to be a Jesus Contest! It is done in fun, and not to offend anyone. Four men will pose as Jesus, and then money will be put in jars as to who people think is the most real Jesus, the most sincere, the sexiest (please don't be offended) and the funniest. And Jesus laughed!

So, I need to come up with four VERY CHEAP costumes. They can even be tacky, so that people have to really work with what they are given. I've had mop heads suggested to me for wigs that I can dye brown, but the CHEAPEST I've found were about five bucks. $20 could work, but I want to make sure they would dye dark enough. Also, I thought of those grape wreaths and thought I could find the cheapest skeins of yarn I could find and superglue them to a wreath.

I mean, how else to do a cheap crown of thorns?

I also have NO idea how to so that diaper thing Jesus wore on the cross.

Please don't be offended at this request, and please help!

It is for charity! Only adults over 18 will be present.

Thanks!

a little question about time periods

2008-06-17T14:34:25Z

So I'm going an event on sunday celebrating the anniversery of The Red Hose Race in a village near where i live.

http://www.redhoserace.co.uk/

and of course im taking the opportunity to dress up. but the thing is im a bit confused...

it asks us to dress like they did 500 years ago which by my reaconing is the 16th century (1508) which would be tutor/renaissance dress right? but the events and entertainment avaliable are all medieval so im a bit confused about my historical accuracy.

i'm working on a basic wench costume with a strapless corset thing, lots of skirts and a chemise underneath but can that pass as medieval? i know that most people won't be too worried about the historical accuracy but i'm picky when it comes to things like this :)

i don't have much time to do anything fancy (plus a lack of funds) but could anyone give any help or advice on something quick and simple that i can run up for sunday?

thanx :D xx

x-posted so sorry for the repetition! x

costumes @ 2008-06-16T18:30:00

2008-06-16T17:34:04Z

Quick question.
I am having to look into costuming an Elizabethan-era comedy stage show on a *money from jumble-sales* budget. We have only one "rich" character, the rest are whores, and yokels and such!

Has anyone any good links to costuming sites for such *un-rich* characters of the era, and any suggestions on the costuming on a next-to-nothing budget?

Thanks :)

Looking for an Oriental style dress pattern

2008-06-15T16:43:25Z

Howdy! I'm looking for a pattern, and I seem to be drawing a blank, so I was hopeing someone here could help me.
The pattern I'm looking for look somethig like this ( or one of these, dress 1 ,dress 2 , dress 3, my memorey isn't sure on that.) Anyway, after a quick search of the major pattern companies I couln't find anything like that right off. so I'm thinking that it has gone out of print. Can anyone here tell me if I was just dreaming, or if there is a pattern like that out there some were? (Seems like if I could get a pattern number, I could find it on ether eBay, Etsy or one of the popular use pattern places.)

And, on a side note, the website I'm linking to for examples dress sells fabric.... I was woundering if anyong has bought from them before, specifically the silk brocade. If so, is it really %100 silk, or that stuff that so many sell as silk, but is really a blend.

X-posted

Reference help

2008-06-14T15:33:29Z

Hey everyone!

I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some reference help - I'm looking for stills from the bedroom scene from Affair of the Necklace... where she's wearing the black pocket hoops and the boudoir style outfit. I'd really appreciate any help I can get. ^_^

Kirsten Birthday

2008-06-13T03:45:04Z

Just wanted to share a few pictures from the Kirsten birthday at work last friday

So the Dress was made actually from a simplicity pattern and 2 dollar a yard cotton from Jomar

More pictures and details in my personal journal

Bits for sale

2008-06-13T01:30:01Z

I decided it was finally time to part with some costumes and costume supplies I have been holding onto for a few years. Partially influenced by my strong desire to go over seas next year and lack of money to do so...

I have a bunch of random stuff mostly. Fabric paint, tap shoes, wig caps, collapsible wig stand, a human hair wig, unfinished cloak, etc. Plus a mostly full (wig separate) Corpse Bride-ish costume! (It was made to look brand new, I tore and dirtied it a little) Generally prices are a good deal less then I paid, and I'm not really expecting anything for shipping. I mainly just want to free up some extra room. :)

You can find everything I have for sale plus photos and descriptions here.

Thanks for looking!

Batman Cape and Boots on Ebay

2008-06-12T19:54:14Z

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZsnapdragondesigns

Adult Animated Series Batman cape and men's size 12 Bat Boots on Ebay - get 'em before they go to Goodwill!

x-posted

2008-06-12T06:44:05Z

Since I have a great deal of older costume pieces just hanging in the basement, not getting any use, I thought now would be a great time to offer them up for sale. I would love to sell whole gowns, but I will absolutely sell just the sleeves or hats or whatever, too, if that's what you want.

Of course these garments can only be altered to an extent, so bear that in mind. However, if you're close in size, I would be more than happy to make necessary alterations to make things fit correctly. They might be perfect for some of the younger girls, too! These garments are all within this general size range: height 5'4-5'6, corsetted bust 30-34, corsetted waist 24-28, and long long monkey arms. While these pieces may have been approved for St. George wear for my characters in the past, I am in no way guaranteeing that they will be approved for you or your character! Please check with Frank on this to make sure. That said, I can however guarantee that these clothes stand up to Bristol weather and wear, because they're all still in really great condition. Feel free to email me at info@angelafriedman.com with any questions. All of these clothes are pictured on my online portfolio here http://angelafriedman.com/portfolio-bristol.shtml and I can provide more detailed photos upon request.

-red velvet with black velvet guards (trimmed in chevroned gold cording) bodice, matching open-front skirt, paned sleeves with white silk poufs, matching semi sheer partlet (only worn 4 times)
-gold beaded (carnelian, onyx, glass pearls) silk forepart (only worn 4 times)
-gold beaded (carnelian, onyx, glass pearls) silk caul

-La Paloma tiny red velvet tall hat with black trim, glass pearls, and a brooch with lots of lovely plumage (only worn 4 times)
-sea green damask MoH bodice and matching open-front skirt with plenty of ivory/gold trim. Worn for 2 seasons,.but washes pretty nicely
-forepart/sleeve set to go with MoH dress: Jacobean animal/forest designed leg-o-mutton sleeves and forepart
-forepart/sleeve set to go with MoH dress: copper embroidered silk open sleeves (lined in ivory dupioni) and forepart
-open-front shirt with hand-embroidered blackwork collar and cuffs and attached white with red trim ruffs. Again, worn for 2 seasons.
-gold attifet with sheer veil to go with MoH dress
-red french hood with Czech glass and pearl beading, black velvet veil to go with MoH dress

-blue dupioni (Maria de Medici reproduction) dress with hand embroidered gold/navy trim. Worn about 10 times.
-gold striped forepart and fitted sleeves to go with Maria de Medici dress
-orange dupioni petticoat
-ivory french hood with Czech glass and pearl beading, navy dupioni veil to go with Maria de Medici dress

I also have a large selection of freshwater pearl jewelry that I've made for sale. I have earrings, strand necklaces, earring and necklace sets, pendant-style necklaces, chain necklaces, and bracelets, and can do custom orders (girdles, aiglets, billaments, etc) as well. If you're interested in some jewelry (prices $10 up to $90, most between $15 and $30), feel free to email me at info@angelafriedman.com and let me know what you might like so that I can email you photos to discuss.

cross-post Mick's newest faire garb creations (with a bit of goth influence)

2008-06-10T01:31:11Z

http://surlyone.livejournal.com/155766.html

Any Advice on Pattern Making Software or Selling Patterns?

2008-06-07T19:52:54Z

It seems like I do a lot of sewing of things for which there are no patterns, and so I usually end up drawing up my own patterns (all hand drawn on paper, or drawn directly onto the fabric, just using my own measurements.) I do a lot of what would classify as costumes or fantasy or period type stuff, and got to thinking that I can't be the only one frustrated by the lack of patterns for these items, I should sell these patterns. Problem is, I have no idea how to get my patterns printed up. So I was wondering if anyone else here has ever started selling their patterns and if they could offer any advice?

I've been thinking of starting a pattern making business for a few years now, but was never sure how to go about it. Today I was looking up some stuff and I came across this software program for folks who want to make patterns to sell. And so, I was wondering has anybody here ever tried the Pattern Maker Software program? ( http://www.patternmakerusa.com/PatternMaker%20Store/gradever.html ) If you've ever used it, could you tell me, how does it work, and what exactly does it do? Is it any good? Would you recommend it? Or if you have tried a similar software by a different company, could you tell me about that one and why you like it?

If anyone has any type of advice they could offer as to how to go about making patterns for selling, or printing them up I'd love to hear it.

Also if there is anyone here who already sells their own patterns, could you tell me how you got started? Do you have any advice for someone just starting out?

Thanks!

I need a Halloween costume idea

2008-06-01T17:38:49Z

Hi folks,
I can't seem to come up with a good costume for Halloween this year and I would like your help. Here are some images of things I have done in the past.

2007 Beetlejuice

2006 Count Von Count

2005 The Jackal

2003 Raven

2002 Devil dressed as an angel

Any good suggestions? I typically like to do scary things and I like to make as much of the costume as I can (the jackal was made from scratch and most of beetlejuice other than starting with a pure black suit). I would love your help coming up with a good challenge this year...I'm stumped.