Saber Forum

So on a whim I decided I would make a Halo 3 officers uniform in the style worn by Commander Keyes for a HaloWeen party that a local gaming bar are holding this year (with H2 lan party). Went last year (with H5 tournament) in my Reach armour with friends and it was heaps of fun, but partying and dancing absolutely hammers the foam armour, and I didn't want to further damage my poor Reach armour or my new ODST armour so I decided a soft and comfy option was called for :P As a result I have gone back to my costume making roots and pulled out my sewing machine.

Now that the jacket is actually taking shape and some semblance of what I am copying, I'm posting a couple of WIP pics  still a lot to go, but it at least looks like a jacket now! I also have pants made to match but they are kinda boring looking coz they are just grey pants :P This has never been designed to be 100% accurate, but in my typical fashion I made it look more accurate as I went lol. It started from a very simple lined, semi fitted jacket pattern I bought and has evolved a great deal from that, very much making it up as I go along coz thats the way I tend to work :)  More pics will come tomorrow when I finish it.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsu962ikzd.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsu962ikzd.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsmlvywu2p.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsmlvywu2p.jpg.html)


And for those who don't know the character this is her:

(http://www.cosplayisland.co.uk/files/costumes/2457/24674/miranda%20front%20and%20back.jpg)

Thats pretty cool! +1 point ;D

Very nice start.  :D

Oh, that Commander Keyes.  Good thing you posted a pic.  For some reason, all I could think of was her father, from the first game.  (Though, now that I think about it, he was a Captain.)

Thanks, and yeah he was a Captain ;)

Heres the basic jacket finished. I still need to do the insignia etc, but I'm not too fussed about that for a Halloween party ;) I might do a few additions to the pants like the black back of knee patches and maybe add the pockets that I realised are on the side of Keyes' pants but that's not a big deal right now and as I've said, I never set out to be 100% accurate.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsd38ih1bx.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsd38ih1bx.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsphblxlov.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsphblxlov.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsruwzltms.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsruwzltms.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpskiigqoyw.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpskiigqoyw.jpg.html)

Sorry for the poor photos, it's late and well and truly my bedtime, and when the hubby got the photos of me he was on his way to bed at the time. But you get the general idea :D In case you are wondering Jaste (Shayla Jaste) is my cosplay name so I decided to go with that on the name badge :)

The uniform is looking great so far.

so the help I do need for this is in relation to the insignia and ribbon bar. I am a complete noob when it comes to anything military, but from what I can tell the insignia pin (which I've looked up and know what it is in the Halo universe) is usually worn on the collar yet Keyes has something else entirely there? Is this a Halo thing, and in which case what should be on the collar for a Lt?

Also the ribbon bar and this is the thing I really need help with- I have no idea what to do with that, and need help figuring out something appropriate for a Lt. I'm guessing basing it on the US system would be most appropriate given the Halo universe has based their rank structure on the US system.

Thank you in advance.

Here's a closeup of the neck area I found:

(http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/the-league-of-utter-disaster-chaos-and-insanity/images/3/3c/Halo-3-Crows-Nest-03-Miranda-Keyes.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20121229014859)

So what it looks like to me is that the HALO universe uniforms incorporate traditional naval ranks and insignia with a repetition of the bars on the epaulets. Based on this assumption, your uniform should have the Lieutenant rank (two silver bars) on the collar along with two golden bars.

Link: U.S. Military Officer Ranks and Insignia (http://www.aviationexplorer.com/Military_Insignia_Rank_Structure_Charts/officer%20rank%20insignia%20for%20us.gif)

Fun fact: The images of Keyes from HALO 3 are all wrong from a military perspective. She should have a silver oak leaf on her collar, not gold. They probably changed it for stylistic and aesthetic purposes, but didn't realize they were inadvertently demoting her to Lieutenant Commander by doing so.




The ribbons are not really something that have a rank appropriateness. The ribbons are representative of medals and commendations awarded, achievements reached, places served, and/or campaigns fought in. Once could be a Lieutenant and have more medals and ribbons than a Captain. It really depends on the individual, what they do, where they are assigned, and how much of a go-getter they are.

Well, one thing to remember about Halo is that it's a few hundred years in the future.  So, their rank insignia may be different.  It's hard to say what the stuff on her collar is supposed to be, the people who made the game may have simply felt here collar needed some decoration and added some stuff to the textures with little thought as to what it was.  Realistically, there's no good reason to wear your rank on your collar, shoulders and cuffs.  That's overkill.  ;)  But, in terms of you making an accurate costume, it makes sense that you would do all of that.

I know you're going with the Halo 3 version, but she did have silver oak leafs on her collar in Halo 2.  Why they changed it to that other stuff for Halo 2 is beyond me, unless they wanted to give it more of a "Sci-Fi" look.

If you want accurate ribbons, I'd suggest checking military sites for medals that look similar.  It's hard to say if the ones from the game are based on actual military ribbons or not.  Though, it's hard to believe she's a commander and has only two.  I guess she hasn't done much.  :P  (the concept artist gave her much more, I guess they simplified it for the game texture)

That's... pretty much what the Navy does nowadays...


As I said, I believe it was more for aesthetics than anything else. Halo military ranks are based on current US Navy ranks, and as a Commander, she should be wearing silver oak leaves, but in Halo 3, she's wearing the gold oak leaves of a Lt. Commander. Now, she wasn't demoted, and word of God states that she was still a commander, so I guess it was changed so there wouldn't be a glaringly silver item against black and gold.


Plus, in the military, a lot of officers will simplify their fruit salad (military jargon for the ribbons) for everyday duty wear, saving the full set for a more formal appearance where they're in full dress uniform. Some wear everything, some wear the ones they're most proud of, and others wear none of it. It should be noted that for the combat uniforms, ribbons aren't worn at all.

Cool, It's giving me things to think about, appreciated. I know the ribbons are to do with their performance/ awards/ etc not rank. I just want to try and come up with something likely. Yes there are discrepancies with Keyes, but let's face it it's a video game in a made up future... Makes it hard to get details right coz they can do whatever they want :P things don't have to be full on accurate- I just want to make something that's believable/ looks the part, if you get my meaning :)

Though given how many people stepped aside for me tonight, maybe they thought I was in a military uniform... That or everyone was feeling in a really nice mood. Kinda funny.

Yeah, ribbons are worn as a stand in for medals you've earned.  I don't know why Miranda Keyes has so few, maybe she just hadn't done much in her career.  Oh, and I never referred to any of my ribbons as a fruit salad.  Just thought I'd mention that.  ;)

Though, I mainly turn off my former military mind when it comes to Sci-Fi.  As you say, far off future and all. Besides, I never expect writers or artists who never served to get stuff right.  For example, they call the Sgt. Major in the Halo games just "sergeant, when 1. that's not right in any US armed force and 2. especially not the US Marines, and the armed forces in Halo are clearly based on the US Military.


Which Navy?  ;)

As I said, no good reason.  But, militaries never needed a good reason to do anything.

Yeah I dunno either *shrugs* simple answer- video game. They had something there as decoration to make it 'look' right.

And yeah, when I write (RPGs or otherwise) I am well aware I don't know anything about military stuff. I try and look stuff up so I don't make a complete fool of myself, but the rest I literally make up as I go. Can't accurately know what you haven't experienced. (writing about starship mechanics pretty much falls into same category but because hey, said ships don't exist :P  make up some funky terms that sound about right and away you go lol )

Hello,

I may not be an expert on Halo or costume making but I found these pages that may be of interest (sorry if you have already seen them). They are pages from Halo Nation Wikia and there is a uniforms and insignia page with a diagram showing the collar insignia pips and sleeve/epaulette stripes based on rank/paygrade.
Here are the links:

Halo Nation Wikia Navy Uniforms
http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/UNSC_Navy_uniforms (http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/UNSC_Navy_uniforms)

Lieutenant Commander Uniform page
http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Lieutenant_Commander (http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/Lieutenant_Commander)

Picture of Lieutenant Commander pips
http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/5/5f/Ltcdr3.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20100601195319 (http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/halo/images/5/5f/Ltcdr3.PNG/revision/latest?cb=20100601195319)

Hope this helps, but great progress so far.
point inbound

My brother approves for he's also a Halo die hard fan so :P

Thanks For Tyeth, I'll have a look :)

a couple pictures from last night to show it off a little better

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsofa2fzij.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsofa2fzij.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsbksjcxnf.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/temporary_zpsbksjcxnf.jpg.html)

Looking great.  You have a wonderful talent for making costumes.  :)

All this talk of Halo and Miranda Keyes really put me in the mood yesterday, so I booted up the giant black brick (original XBOX) so I could get my Halo 2 on.  Good times.  :)

that costume is amazing .  Happy Hallows eve.

So I've been a bit late in putting up my step by step on how I made my outfit, but it is up at last! Gives you some insight into how my brain works when creating my costumes.... or doesn't work, sometimes solutions just come out whacky! But hey there is some method to my madness, and if it gets me the end result I'm looking for, eh!

I was initially just going to give a link but I'm not sure what the permissions are on the 405th forum so I'll just post it here.

Sorry this is a bit late getting up, been busy with other commitments, real life and all that jazz. Better late than never though right? :) I’ve taken photos of all the pieces against a black tablecloth so that they stand out better.

NOTE: I have a pretty good sewing machine. I worked out at times in some places it was going through at least 8-10 layers of fabric and it wasn’t even breaking a sweat (it’ll do 8 layers of heavy calico like its nothing). Cheap sewing machines, like the one I used to have, would struggle to do that so make sure you go slow through the thick sections and take it easy with your machine.

So these were the two patterns I used to make this outfit.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/WP_20161123_16_40_17_Pro_zpspiesg3m9.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/WP_20161123_16_40_17_Pro_zpspiesg3m9.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/WP_20161123_16_40_26_Pro_zpsiirztxnw.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/WP_20161123_16_40_26_Pro_zpsiirztxnw.jpg.html)

The first is McCalls M6361 fitted pants with waistband, zip up the front and pockets. I pretty much made this pattern up as they instructed, with the exception that I didn’t make them with pockets, and I added belt loops. Pretty much any pant pattern of a similar style could be used, I had another at home as well but this was an easier and better pattern.

The second is Butterick B5927 women’s lined semi fitted jacket in four different styles. I basically combined styles C and D. The front side and back sections were common to both, I used the sleeves from C and I used the front middle section from D as I needed that overlap look, as well as the collar from D. I think initially I added a bit extra to the front middle centre width, then took off an inch. I added about four inches to the total length. Either way in the end I got about what I wanted :)

For both pants and jacket I used panama mechanic stretch fabric, and for the lining in the jacket I used very cheap cotton, though in hindsight I would have probably used a stretch fabric as I ran into a couple of issues with the non stretch cotton, though it will also mean that the jacket can’t pull out of shape anywhere. The jacket is lined in both the torso and the sleeves. I traced my pattern pieces out onto greaseproof/ tracing paper because I knew I’d be doing a lot of adjusting and didn’t want to do that on the original pattern.

To start with I made the pattern up as it was for the cotton lining for the torso only to get the size and fit correct. I adjusted it where it was needed and noted this on my pattern. *HINDSIGHT NOTE* should have left a little bit more width across the back of the shoulders than what I did! From there I put that aside, then laid out the back pattern piece and started looking at reference pictures. I drew the general idea of what I wanted onto the back of the pattern piece, then using these lines traced out and made a back top piece (piece 1 in the photo), lower back middle piece (3) and lower back side piece (2) to get the right look for the main grey jacket. Added seam allowances of about 1.5cm before cutting out the pattern. Then I used these new pieces, my earlier planning and my reference pics to make pattern pieces for the black contrast sections (Upper contrast piece 4; Lower belt style contrast 5).

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Back%20pieces_zpsffug4v4z.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Back%20pieces_zpsffug4v4z.jpg.html)

Cut out the base pieces in the grey panama fabric, and cut out the black contrast sections in black panama fabric: piece 1- 1x grey fabric, pieces 2 and 3- 2x grey fabric, piece 4- 2x black fabric, piece 5- 4x black fabric. The upper side contrast sections(4) were sewn onto the lower side pieces (2) first. Then each pair of two belt style contrast pieces (5) were sewn along the long edges right sides together then turned back out. These were stay stitched in the right place to the edge of lower side back piece (2) then pinned to keep them out of my way. Sewed them all together and with a bit of fiddling tada, success! Then I traced the shape I wanted for the middle back black section (6), added 1cm seam allowance, cut it out, ironed the seam allowance over (NOTE this stuff will melt if your iron is too hot, make sure it is turned down to a polyester setting), then carefully sewed that to the back.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Back%20jacket%20numbered_zpsya9wmsqg.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Back%20jacket%20numbered_zpsya9wmsqg.jpg.html)

Then I worked on making my extra front pieces. First I cut out the front side (7) and middle (8) pieces in grey fabric (cut 2 of each) and sewed them together as the pattern said. Using the front middle pattern piece (8) I looked at my reference pictures and traced the shape I wanted for that extra overlapping section on the front of the uniforms (kind of creates a tabard look) to create pattern piece 9, then made a facing piece for 9 (10). Both got an added seam allowance of 1.5cm before cutting the pattern in grey fabric (x2 of each 9 and 10). These I sewed right sides together, cut notches where needed around the curves to make them side flat, turned them so they were right way out, ironed flat then sewed these pieces (9 and 10) to the front middle piece (8) about 5mm in from the edge to make it look like it’s an extra layer.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%201_zpsczsewjuk.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%201_zpsczsewjuk.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%202_zpsst8lygxt.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%202_zpsst8lygxt.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Front%20jacket%20detail_zpsj7hzbsql.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Front%20jacket%20detail_zpsj7hzbsql.jpg.html)

I took my front middle (8) and side pattern pieces (9) and pinned them together, then looking at my reference pics worked out how to make the front black contrast piece, then traced that, added seam allowance, cut the pattern piece out (11). Cut 2x piece 11 out of black fabric, pinned the edges around the shoulder and arm into place onto the grey fabric pieces (pieces 7, 8, 9 and 10), carefully folded the seam allowance under and pinned into place along the long curved edge. Then I pinned the front sections to the back sections and very carefully put it on (since it somewhat resembled a pin hedgehog) to make sure everything was sitting how I wanted and that the front and back black contrast sections lined up under the arm. They were a little out so I unpinned, realigned and repinned until everything was right. Then sewed the front contrast piece (11) to the front pieces.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%203_zpsl0jcxtng.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%203_zpsl0jcxtng.jpg.html)

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%204_zpsnnifwaub.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/front%20pieces%204_zpsnnifwaub.jpg.html)

Front and back sections were sewn together across the shoulder and down each side making sure to line up the contrast sections, then the lining and fabric were sewn together down the front edge and along the bottom edge, obviously right sides together then trim, cut notches etc where needed before turning right side out and ironing flat. As you can see the front middle section is shorter than the main length, so this was sewn this way at this point, then the extra cut off, notches made etc in order to turn it right way out and have it sit flat. It is also at this point that I figured out exactly what width I needed each front piece so it sits in about the right position with the right amount of overlap. Remember the contrast piece number 5 which I referred to as the belt style contrast? This appears to be something like a belt in the game except it is attached at the back to the jacket and so is part of it. I didn’t want the hassle of that getting in the way so I stitched it flat into place along each edge, trimming then folding over the front ends so they tucked slightly under the extra layer pieces (9 and 10).

Next was the collar and epaulettes. The collar piece had to be adjusted from the original pattern so that it had the gap in the centre, instead of the large overlap that jacket style D has. Using the original centre back and centre front lines on the pattern I just pinned it back to what I guessed would be around the right length, and fluked getting it right :D Cut 2x grey fabric plus 1x fairly heavy weight interfacing for the collar (12). Sewed them together right sides together, trimmed then cut notches and turned right way out before ironing then sewing a few mm in from the edge to make the edge sit nicer. I then attached it to the jacket torso (fabric first, then folded the edge of the lining back, pinned that to the inside collar then sewed) after cutting a good 1.5cm off the bottom of the collar because it initially sat way too high. The epaulettes (13) I just made up from looking at reference pics from both Halo 3 and of officers uniforms and adding a seam allowance. *HINDSIGHT NOTE* I cut these triangular at the ends (if you look at the very first picture I posted they can be seen sticking up) before realising that in Halo they seem to be squared off and right up to the edge of the collar, as opposed to looking like a sleeve over it that’s buttoned/ studded into place. I purposely made these too long. Cut x4 out of fabric, sew right sides together, cut notches and trim before turning right side out, ironing flat then pinned and stay stitched into place on the shoulder at the sleeve.

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Extra%20pieces_zpskzfqbx8t.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Extra%20pieces_zpskzfqbx8t.jpg.html)

Finally the sleeves (14) were done. Cut x2 fabric plus x2 lining, and because I was feeling really slack I sewed them into the jacket together. Roll up sleeve hem and sew. Cut off excess epaulette fabric. Main jacket done!

The sleeve stripes are satin bias binding in gold. I thought this looked nicer than the satin ribbon and was a better colour than cotton bias binding (which I have used to sew stripe detailing all over one of my Jedi robes before. Don’t ask, I am obviously insane!). This was a simple case of carefully sewing the bias binding along both edges very close to the edge. I used my tape measure to keep them even to the edges (laid the tape measure flat around the sleeve, laid the bias against this, sew first edge, take tape measure away then sew second edge down), then did the same thing again to get the even distance between the two stripes. I didn’t pin these but did it freely. The same bias binding is used on the epaulettes. I cut two rectangles of black fabric and one the same size of interfacing for each epaulette, sewed them together, added the bias binding stripes using my tape measure to give that even gap again, finished the edges then slid them onto the grey epaulette pieces. Pinned them flat then did about 1cm length of zigzag stitch back and forth a few times at the centre near the neck going through both layers of epaulette, jacket fabric and jacket lining (or you could just do a few hand stitches, I hate hand stitching).

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Front%20Jacket%20Numbered_zpsf09wwssd.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Front%20Jacket%20Numbered_zpsf09wwssd.jpg.html)

Finally the zip. This is a plastic jacket zip, and is fitted much the same way as you fit pant/ jean zips. I did however first pin the zip in place to both sides then tried it on and made sure it all fitted right (not too tight, not too loose) before I sewed it down. Conveniently the stitching for the zip on the outer overlap piece lined up perfectly with the centre front :P Added a press stud to the top of the zip to hold it flat (I’m going to add a second to make the front top and collar sit more flat) and done!

(http://i411.photobucket.com/albums/pp195/b1ondeange1/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Front%20zipper_zpsifnauqnv.jpg) (http://s411.photobucket.com/user/b1ondeange1/media/costumes/Halo%20Costumes/Front%20zipper_zpsifnauqnv.jpg.html)

The round detail things that look a bit like oversized buttons on the front were run up really quickly from 3mm and 6mm black craft foam and superglue and had some safety pins glued to the back so they are removable for washing. They will get replaced later with something a bit better. The name badge is just a printed sticker, stuck to some foam with a safety pin glued to the back :P again, I’ll make something better later.

Hope this helps some people. Any more questions or need clarification on something, feel free to ask.

That's highly informative, especially for people with the knack for this sort of thing.  (in other words, not me)  Have a point for sharing.  :)