Saber Forum

Where do you buy a costume?

Thanks.

I make mine. Saves a ton of money and it gives quite a sense of accomplishment when someone compliments it or asks where you got it.

There are some decent sites out there but first we would need to know what kind of a costume you are in the market for.

I recommend you buy one or make one out of stuff you have at home!

This. In addition, you can put in changes to the costume during the sewing process that you normally couldn't incorporate into an update. Different materials. Trim. Different colors, etc.


Or if you're up to the challenge of sewing your own, I recommend the Simplicity 5840 pattern.

If your not good with sewing and god knows I am NOT!  Here are a few choices:

MystikMerchants.com
twinrosesdesigns.com
museumreplicas.com

Check these addresses out and see which one has what you might need........I am looking a Mystik Merchants to do me a black Sith style cloak :)

Now for boots and other accessories you will have to try places like ebay, google, or even here in the threads (research, research, research)

Hope this helps you on the right track my friend :)

how do you make one?

That's the pattern I used for my tunic. I adapted it an. The sash a little bit. Made my own tabards and obi as well as the robe. Making a light side version this week actually.

You could also use

http://www.across-the-galaxy.com/ (http://www.across-the-galaxy.com/)
or
http://www.corellianimports.com/ (http://www.corellianimports.com/)
or
http://cosplaysky.com/ (http://cosplaysky.com/)

on esty, look up Eileen Woolf, or something. She does amazing and fast and cheap work. plus she makes it to your measurements.

I cannot find Eileen Woolf anywhere.

I think the name is Eileen Wolan, but will check in a minute and update.

edit: The handle is 219eileen.

You can always try http://www.jedi-robe.com/ (http://www.jedi-robe.com/) if you are looking for a replica uniform. They are pretty heavy on the pocket though...

twinroses are good but they can be costly. They charge $25 and hour. Some costume makers will change less.

Etsy is a good place to find some costume makers. But many of them including myself only do costumes on commission there fore the shop itself is empty.

Its better to have a costume made for you or buy you. It will last longer than a costume you buy from a large costume corporation.   

Making your own costume requires...

Pattern - for Jedi you will want Simplicity Pattern http://www.simplicity.com/p-2272-misses-men-teen-costumes.aspx (http://www.simplicity.com/p-2272-misses-men-teen-costumes.aspx)

Fabric - You will find out how much you need buy reading the pattern

Sewing Machine - You can do it by hand but it will take you a year

Patience- It takes time, go slow and make sure everything is right

Dressmakers Dummy - How to make your own: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant/page/all (http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3659/clone-yourself-a-fitting-assistant/page/all)
The dressmakers dummy is a need to have if you are working by yourself.

If you haven't ever made a costume before spend some time on the internet reading. There are many how to websites out there with helpful tips and tricks.

Warning Pattern instructions are confusing. You will need to read them a few times.

Also be warned your first sewing project will not come out how you want it. It takes some time to learn. Use easy fabrics, cotton, and polyester.

As someone who has learned from spending all day long in a costume at a Renaissance Festival, I can tell you that you do not want polyester, a poly blend, or any other man-made material (such as nylon, spandex, or lycra). They don't allow for breathing very well, so you will sweat more. Cottons, light wools, and other natural fabrics like muslin are ideally suited for long-term costume wear, as they breathe a lot better.

Or naked.

The wind blowing across the skin...so refreshing.

 ::)

Kidding of course...the Tex'ass sun would bring you to your nekid knees in minutes lol.

Completely agreed to the natural fibers for an outside or extended wear costume.

If you are going for a look that can only come from a man-made fiber...due to texture, color, or pattern...then consider using this aspect as a sheath or most outer aspect garment.

Best of luck and success with the project!

:)

The number 1 problem with cotton is you have to iron it. Or it looks like hell. Wools can be itchy and are dry clean ONLY. Muslin also has the rep for being itchy. I rather be a little warm, than itchy.

I normally wear a cotton undershirt so I never have problems. Also I live in the Northwest and wear 90% of my costumes in the Fall, Winter and early Spring where if it gets above 65 -70 its weird.

Buy your fabric for the look and feel, worry about what its made out of after you pick it out. Just remember if its a little stretchy its going to be harder to work it. And if its cotton you are going to have to iron it ALL THE TIME to keep it looking nice.

Linen - linen wicks away sweat.  It can be very nice.

Muslin is cotton - if it doesn't get washed, the sizing could cause issues (wash fabric before wear)...

Umm, you're supposed to wash all fabrics before sewing. The reason is twofold: 1) to bleed off any excess fabric dyes and 2) to preshrink the fabric before you sew.