Making Rin Sohma (School Uniform)

So this is a costume I did a while ago but because I wrote it out, I figured I may as well post it on here too, at least some of this until I get some more recent progress stuff. Enjoy!








So this was going to be rather simple and cheap. All total I spent $30 and it only took me 3 days to make it. I lucked out because I had a wig I could use as well as stockings, shoes, and a turtleneck shirt. All I needed to make was a dress, and go me for finding all the stuff durring a sale weekend!

Here is the process *pics included*


So first I layed out the collar, from Kagome experience I learned that you should start with a rectangle and shape as needed. So here is what I started with.



From there I started on the dress itself. That way I could hold the collar up to it to figure out where I would need to trim.

For the dress I modified the Butterick 5260 pattern making it shorter and more form fitting. I used the fabric itself for a lining to make the outfit warmer. I used a misdyed baby blue broad cloth, it's more of a sea foam green but it shows up white in most pictures letting the green show up in the shadding much like the image itself. Unfortunatly I forgot to take pictures of the dress prepleats but it's mostly following the pattern dirrections.

Next I started with the pleats, they are a 3 inch box pleat.



There are two panels with done with french seams for extra support, as well as to help hide the rough edges of the fabric. Also I folded the fabric over on itself before making the pleats that way there wouldn't be a seam at the bottom of the skirt, I do this because I prefer the way it looks, you don't have to, its just a personal preference.



After adjusting it to fit on my hip the way I wanted I attached it to the top of the dress.



From there I altered the collar.



After that it was just a matter of attaching the collar and the cuffs. Then presto chango instant Rin!

Mascot Head Tutorial!

Sorry I have been gone so long, though I have done quite a bit sense then so hopefully the next few posts can make up for it. Though you were warned in my profile that I am flighty and forget this thing. =3

So this was just a project the local lolita's did, and I thought it would be nice to post a detailed how to. Now you can make one too! It can be super cheap, or super costly, I went very middle of the road. It really just depends on what you prefer appearance wise, and how much money you have to spend. First I am going to make two lists of supplies one for the cheapest possible route and one for the most expensive. I will bold from each list what I used and then after that a nice picture filled explanation.


Cheap List
Large Bouncer balloon (come in packs of 2 at walmart)
A bunch of newspaper cut into strips
5-6 bottles of elmers glue
water
bucket
cling wrap
Easter basket grass (depends on how much you need to alter shape)
craft foam
paint (whatever colors your character is)
hot glue
netting

Expensive List
Large Bouncer Balloon
Construction or Printer Paper cut into strips
Paint Brush
2-3 bottles of Mod Podge
1/4 - 1/2 yd. of foam
1-2 bags of cotton
fur fabric (colors of your character)
hot glue
foam band
netting

Optional
apron
plastic tarp
paint brush
hair dryer

As you noticed I used about half and half, these were to keep it cheaper while still having the look I wanted. You can probably find other alternatives to things just play around with it if you have time. =)

The following steps are what I have done here with the options I chose. I will try to remember to make notes where you can sub in other things.

Step 1

First you want to blow up the balloon. You will want to have access to a large mirror so you can check the size while your blowing it up, you want it to be big enough that you can cut a hole in the bottom for your head to fit through.


Step 2

Now you want to mix up your glue concoction. I usually mix in about 2 cups of water to one bottle of glue. You want it to be runny so that you can just run the strips of paper through it to get them wet. (If you are using Mod Podge you wont need to mix it with anything just apply with a paint brush to the strips.)


Step 3

Now we will dip the strips in the water and then apply them to the balloon. Be sure not to cover the tied end on the balloon so you can easily cut out a neck hole. As you complete a layer let it dry to the touch before adding another layer otherwise it will fall off. You will want 5-6 layers on before the next step as well as let it dry overnight so it is completely stable before we add anything to it.
Tip 1: Laying the strips in a bunch of different directions adds stability to the paper when it drys this way you don't have to make as many layers.
Tip 2: Using a hairdryer in between layers helps them to dry faster.


Step 4

Now we begin the modification process. Not all Sanrio or other characters have strictly round heads to modify this you can use lots of things Easter grass, cotton, foam, or sometimes even balled up news paper. You want to get whatever your planning to use and place it on the head then use cling wrap to hold it in place. Stuff until you feel you have reached the desired shape.
Tip: Placing a band of cling-wrap on the balloon before putting on the filling will help the top layer of cling wrap stay in place better.


Step 5

Add some another layer or 2 around the cling wrap so that you have something to attach your ears too.


Step 6

Make your ears. What I have done is cut a shape out of foam and stapled two together for a 3D look you can do this with craft foam as well just add a filler underneath like crushed up newspaper for support. Once they are together cover with 2 layers of newspaper.
Tip: Try to use long strips on the first layer so that the newspaper can stick more to itself, this will help it stay to the ear when it drys.


Step 7

Attach the ears to the head with Hot glue. You will need a bit to make sure they are connected well and don't fall off later.


Step 8

Add another 2-3 layers over the whole head. This will not only add more support to the head as a whole but it will insure that the ears are sturdy and well connected.


Step 9

Cutting they neck and eye holes. First pop the balloon inside. Now cut a hole for your head, once you can easily slide your head in and out of the hole start on the eyes. You will want to make sure you can see out of them, so place the head on and make a note of how high up your eyes are first make little holes and double check that you can see then make them the appropriate size.


Step 10 *optional*

If you bought a foam ring attach it to the neck hole. This foam ring will help prevent the head from hurting your shoulders and neck from having the sharp edge of the head sitting on them.


Step 11

Covering up your piece. If you went the paint route go ahead and paint it up, I like to paint the inside of mine black so that there is a layer between me and the glue paper you may also want to use a layer of paint all over to help keep it water resistant. If you have fur now is where you start attaching it to the head I started at the nose and worked my way back. You can do it however is most comfortable for you.
Tip: glueing little sections at a time helps hold the fur in place while you stretch it over the rest of the head.




Step 12

Add the eyes for this you will want to glue some netting into the head. Make sure it is thick enough to seem solid but has enough holes that you can see out of it. Now is also a good time to add a nose or any other accessories you might have.
Tip: If your character has multi colored eyes you can paint the netting to match once you have glued it in place.
(pic to be added later)

Step 13

This is for comfort, if you don't have the money or it doesn't bother you you can just skip this step as well but I really recommend that you don't. Basically the head is done but it's large and hollow inside and will probably slide around all over the place while you are wearing it. To remedy this you can glue in foam pads on the walls and rest around your head so that you have minimal movement of the actual mascot head.
(pic to be added later)

Now enjoy!


Hopefully this will help with any questions you may have had about the process. If however you still have questions or comments about this process feel free to comment. =)