Cosplay help

[Anim07734]

I taught myself ho to sew thanks to a couple of friends i could call and You Tube  LOTS of fails, a few god hits. Just takes time and effort. Hell I am still hitting a lot of fails (last  years costume) You can do it!

 

Now, if only I can get started on mine. Any good ideas on mock scale maile? Just in case my plan falls thru again? I have the idea of craft foam of course, but trying to get a few more ideas just in case. 

if you can get a hold of enough mat board (used mostly for picture framing), it would work well.  It's essentially super thick posterboard, so it's more durable, but thinner than foam board.  Make sure you're knife is sharp while cutting it or the edges will tear instead of cut, same as foam board.

[Georges]

Scale maile. I can't use real scales, against the con rules. So I am making my own with plastic. I think right now I am feeling overwhelmed with tediousness. 

Waitwhat?  Does that mean metal scales are against their rules?  (I'm guessing they don't mean dragon scales.)  There must be a good reason... what am I missing?

[Dandizette]

I taught myself ho to sew thanks to a couple of friends i could call and You Tube  LOTS of fails, a few god hits. Just takes time and effort. Hell I am still hitting a lot of fails (last  years costume) You can do it!

 

Now, if only I can get started on mine. Any good ideas on mock scale maile? Just in case my plan falls thru again? I have the idea of craft foam of course, but trying to get a few more ideas just in case. 

I know a really good crochet technique that creates thin, tessellated scales. I dunno how much scale mail you need, given my technique takes time and a lot of yarn, but you could get a metallic yarn and make it happen pretty easily if you have the patience to learn it. Or get someone to do it for you. It'd be warmer than the foam, but more flexible.

 

[miss_marissa]

I know a really good crochet technique that creates thin, tessellated scales. I dunno how much scale mail you need, given my technique takes time and a lot of yarn, but you could get a metallic yarn and make it happen pretty easily if you have the patience to learn it. Or get someone to do it for you. It'd be warmer than the foam, but more flexible.

 

That's super cute!!!!! I will have to remember this in case I need it for future costumes

[LadyGrey]

I know a really good crochet technique that creates thin, tessellated scales. I dunno how much scale mail you need, given my technique takes time and a lot of yarn, but you could get a metallic yarn and make it happen pretty easily if you have the patience to learn it. Or get someone to do it for you. It'd be warmer than the foam, but more flexible.

 

Wow that is amazing! and super cute!  I would need to do about 8 long strips tho. But I am still curious to the technique. I have never crocheted before.

[Dandizette]

Wow that is amazing! and super cute!  I would need to do about 8 long strips tho. But I am still curious to the technique. I have never crocheted before.

 

 

That's super cute!!!!! I will have to remember this in case I need it for future costumes

Here's a link to a video on the scale technique. The stripes/rows can be as long as you need them. Mine were done in short rounds, but I've seen some people do huge long cowls and shawls that could wrap around a body, so I assume they can be any length. 

[Kareesh]

I've just started delving into the cosplaying world, and so far I only have the one *points to avatar* Still finishing that one up, mainly just making pouches for the utility belt. I do have a huge list of things I would like to do in the future, so maybe I'll start one of those soonish.

[LadyGrey]

Here's a link to a video on the scale technique. The stripes/rows can be as long as you need them. Mine were done in short rounds, but I've seen some people do huge long cowls and shawls that could wrap around a body, so I assume they can be any length. 

Thanks so much!  

[miss_marissa]

A question I just realized when putting the final touches on.... How do you carry your stuff in costume?!?! Money, phone, etc. 

[LadyGrey]

A question I just realized when putting the final touches on.... How do you carry your stuff in costume?!?! Money, phone, etc. 

I always take a bag with me (I have a kiddo tho), sometimes it's themed with whatever costume I am wearing. Secret hidden pockets in your garments are always good. Or a trusted friend that has pockets, lol. 

[Anim07734]

Any of the above work.  I now try to work pockets into any costume and minimize how much I need to carry, but it's been a learning experience and I still forget during initial planning.

 

Another issue I tend to forget:  how to use the restroom without completely removing the costume (especially fun in a morphsuit).

[kaelvan]

Any good videos to work on my rusty skills of sewing (been awhile since I've last sew something)

[Kareesh]

A question I just realized when putting the final touches on.... How do you carry your stuff in costume?!?! Money, phone, etc. 

 

That's the main reason I'm going through the difficulty of making usable pouches. I wanted to be able to carry my stuff with me at a convention. When I was just out around town, I just carried my purse with me.

[LadyGrey]

A question I just realized when putting the final touches on.... How do you carry your stuff in costume?!?! Money, phone, etc. 

The convention we go to is MASSIVE and it now has several surrounding overflow hotels- so there is a lot of walking over a very large area. We see a lot of people with rolling ice chests and suitcases. My husband and I have started taking this box tote with wheels. Kind of embarrassing at first lol but it makes for a great seat when needed and it stores our cosplay stuff, my kiddo's emergency medicines, our treasures we purchase, and the massive amounts of Ramune my family goes through. I've seen kids with a similar set up find themselves a corner and whip out Cards Against Humanity and lunch. Saves money and a lot of walking!

[LadyGrey]

Any good videos to work on my rusty skills of sewing (been awhile since I've last sew something)

Don't have many videos, but I have some stuff on my pinterest sewing board that helped me. Most are towards the bottom. Sorry for the clutter on it, it's holding project ideas that i may never get to LOL. 

 

I don't know what you are specifically looking for, but here are some beginner tips. Not a vid but helpful.

[Dandizette]

A question I just realized when putting the final touches on.... How do you carry your stuff in costume?!?! Money, phone, etc. 

Everyone has made really good suggestions so far.

I know that if I'm going as a male character, I make sure I have pockets and a themed bag for my costume.

But if I'm going as a female character and my costume isn't revealing, I sometimes just use my bra to tuck my phone, money, and an inhaler. It's not classy, but it works! 

[Machete]

A question I just realized when putting the final touches on.... How do you carry your stuff in costume?!?! Money, phone, etc. 

 

No idea...

 

[LadyGrey]

But if I'm going as a female character and my costume isn't revealing, I sometimes just use my bra to tuck my phone, money, and an inhaler. It's not classy, but it works! 

I learned to do that when I played roller derby. When we had special events and on our skates...we needed our phones but it wasn't like we could carry a bag!

[miss_marissa]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I ended up wearing a jacket and just using the pockets, it worked. Next time I will have to think of something toward the beginning of the process though... Lots of good ideas. I also ended up dropping most of my crap in my swag bag anyways haha Definitely learned a lot of Dos and Don'ts for next time.... Most importantly, start earlier lol Here is the finished result next to what I was aiming for.

[Dandizette]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I ended up wearing a jacket and just using the pockets, it worked. Next time I will have to think of something toward the beginning of the process though... Lots of good ideas. I also ended up dropping most of my crap in my swag bag anyways haha Definitely learned a lot of Dos and Don'ts for next time.... Most importantly, start earlier lol Here is the finished result next to what I was aiming for.

Ah! But no! This looks great! 8) 

and you know what? There's always something to learn! Never stop learning in cosplay. : )

[LadyGrey]

I have made cosplay my Life Quest for the current challenge. I've been putting it off for lack of motivation but if I work on a little bit at least 5 days a week, hopefully I will feel a little bit accomplished. Encouragement will be fully appreciated * *

[Anim07734]

I think you may be breaking one of the core tenants of cosplay: "if you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute"

 

I'm currently debating if I want to start on my Nightcrawler tail or get my pirate costume out of the way first.

[Becoming-Bane]

Since none of my major cosplays are done and shutocon is in a couple days Im throwing together a quailman costume. just need to dye my sweatervest and find some tightie whities. the last thing is something I never thought i would be looking for for myself ever again. I already have the belt headband set up. im pretty excited. just need cheap dye.

[Anim07734]

Check the fabric/yarn type on your sweater first to make sure you get a dye that will work on it.  Cotton/wool should be fairly easy, but some of the synthetics can be difficult.

 

Also: be sure you run your washing machine while empty before trying to clean anything else in it, if you go that route.

[Becoming-Bane]

its cotton.