Costume & Crafting Help

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 6:54 am

Sequins = MOOP, MOOP, MOOP. Sequins, beading, feathers, fringe = non-LNT compliant.

TomServo: I'd make a patch of non-fleece fabric to put the grommets through*. Fleece can be fairly sturdy, if it's thick enough, it just depends. Hammock? Eh. Cape for decor? Probably just fine.

*Like with matching leather, canvas, etc.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 9:13 am

Within Hushville, you have Ranger Genius who spins a bit, and MyLarry and I do safety for the Utah conclave.... maybe we can work out a little Town Round spinning.

davem · Post by **davem** » Wed Apr 27, 2011 3:41 pm

I'm in need of some advise for dye-ing and old vest I have. I was looking on Ebay at some Rit Dye, but thought I'd ask a few questions here first.

The vest is a soft, standard colored leopard print with the following info on the tag
Face: 50% Modacyclic and 50% Acrylic
Back: 100% Polyproplene
Lining: 100% Acctate

I'd like to dye it to keep the print, but give it a nice color...(not sure on the color yet). I've only dyed white cotton before, so I wasn't sure if I'd screw the thing up if I tried this.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated on what to watch out for.... or... if I can just dip away. Thanks!

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Thu Apr 28, 2011 6:28 am

davem wrote:I'm in need of some advise for dye-ing and old vest I have. I was looking on Ebay at some Rit Dye, but thought I'd ask a few questions here first.

The vest is a soft, standard colored leopard print with the following info on the tag
Face: 50% Modacyclic and 50% Acrylic
Back: 100% Polyproplene
Lining: 100% Acctate

I'd like to dye it to keep the print, but give it a nice color...(not sure on the color yet). I've only dyed white cotton before, so I wasn't sure if I'd screw the thing up if I tried this.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated on what to watch out for.... or... if I can just dip away. Thanks!

As far as I know, synthetic fibers don't take dye (did you google it?).

Skyote · Post by **Skyote** » Sat May 07, 2011 2:41 pm

davem wrote:I'm in need of some advise for dye-ing and old vest I have. I was looking on Ebay at some Rit Dye, but thought I'd ask a few questions here first.

The vest is a soft, standard colored leopard print with the following info on the tag
Face: 50% Modacyclic and 50% Acrylic
Back: 100% Polyproplene
Lining: 100% Acctate

I'd like to dye it to keep the print, but give it a nice color...(not sure on the color yet). I've only dyed white cotton before, so I wasn't sure if I'd screw the thing up if I tried this.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated on what to watch out for.... or... if I can just dip away. Thanks! :)

Take a look at Jaquard's iDye (http://www.jacquardproducts.com/products/dyes/idye/) for synthetic fibers. There are several ways to dye synthetics, but it depends on the type of fibers (http://www.pburch.net/dyeing/aboutdyes.shtml).

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Mon May 09, 2011 8:05 am

This may seem like a dumb question, but since I've never sewn a garment before I have to ask since it's way to much work to have it fall apart after a few uses.

Making a coat - brocade shell, flannel lining.

The brocade seems to unravel horribly easily when touched. All of the raw edges will be either hemmed or covered by the lining. Do I need to use fray check on the edges of the seams and hems? or will being covered by the lining pretty much prevent this from unraveling all the way to the stitches?

wraith · Post by **wraith** » Mon May 09, 2011 8:41 am

When in doubt, fray check. Imagine your horror if you split a seam in the playa and start raining threads.

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Mon May 09, 2011 11:03 am

Yah, I was thinking that, and guess it couldn't hurt to fray check it if only for peace of mind. Glad I asked before I started the lining part.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed May 11, 2011 6:54 am

Drawingablank wrote: Making a coat - brocade shell, flannel lining.

The brocade seems to unravel horribly easily when touched. All of the raw edges will be either hemmed or covered by the lining. Do I need to use fray check on the edges of the seams and hems? or will being covered by the lining pretty much prevent this from unraveling all the way to the stitches?

Making a coat is a pretty big task if you've never sewn. I highly, super recommend you do a mockup, first, to test out your pattern, esp. in setting the sleeves (getting the sleeves to fit in the hole).

I'd use a zig-zag stitch, since I'm guessing you don't have a serger (neither do I) to help with the fraying. And fray check.

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Wed May 11, 2011 7:50 am

Well, it's too late to do a mockup since the upper shell is assembled and just waiting for the lining now. The sleeves came out pretty good by adjusting the seam with a long machine stitch as per the pattern instructions.

I do have access to an industrial serger, but it would mean taking off work, and dragging all the stuff to a former employer in the city when they are not actively using it.

I got a can of industrial grade fray check from them so first I'll try a torture test with some scraps to see how extreme I need to go to be on the safe side.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:05 am

Hey DAB, did you get the little box of scraps for patches I sent?

I made a lined brocade coat, didn't edge any of the seams, even though they fray. I make generous seams and figure the sewn in lining will take care of any problems.

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:29 am

Yes, thank you so much. They arrived late yesterday and would have PM'd you but have been having some computer issues.

That is a great assortment and I've already sewn about 8 patches with them last night. The new patch pants are already shaping up to be much nicer than the original ones (much more in the way of colorful fabrics available these days it seems). I'm striving to make them with no more than 2 patches of any pattern / color but may have to adjust that depending how scrap collection goes as we get closer to August.

I'll be mailing the check to cover your postage tomorrow.

As for the brocade, I have sewn a large scrap in both directions (with selvage and perpendicular to it) and applied fray check - now to just sit for a few hours and give it some wear and tear.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:41 am

Did you find the 70s era vintage eco flag patch? I thought it would be a nice touch.

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Wed May 11, 2011 11:26 am

Speaking of sewing coats...

I made myself a splendid (if amateur) purple fur coat last year. I barely sew and did this all by hand but it was a labor of love and I had a blast making and wearing it.

I'd love to make my fiance a fur coat. For his I'd like to start out with a real trench coat/long winter man coat type pattern.

Does anyone off the top of their head have a pattern they know and love for this type of thing? Just your basic, simple long man's coat made in luxurious faux deep dark blue fur!

Yes, I can search patterns myself and I have and will. Just thought I'd ask for any tried and true favorites.

Post by **AntiM** » Wed May 11, 2011 1:51 pm

I still need to stitch the gold lace on the cuffs and collar, but my tendonitis won't let me just now. I also have some gold and purple glass buttons for the cuff, and may add frog closures. No front buttons.

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Wed May 11, 2011 5:18 pm

Ohhh WOW that coat is smashin!!!!!!

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Wed May 11, 2011 6:15 pm

AntiM that coat is incredibly amazing!!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed May 11, 2011 8:37 pm

I like frogs. (Although, I could probably make some snarky comments about class...)

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:16 am

AntiM wrote:Did you find the 70s era vintage eco flag patch? I thought it would be a nice touch.

Yes, thank you for that blast from the past - it's been decades since I've seen one of those.

AntiM wrote:I still need to stitch the gold lace on the cuffs and collar, but my tendonitis won't let me just now. I also have some gold and purple glass buttons for the cuff, and may add frog closures. No front buttons.

Wow, that is so similar to my coat other than color (Aqua brocade with Fuscia cuffs and collar). I am using a simplicity pirate costume pattern. Still haven't found buttons I like for it though.

Post by **AntiM** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:18 am

I used a pirate coat pattern too. I'd have to look to see which one. I am not doing front closure buttons, just decorative cuff buttons. Czech glass, on ebay. Pricey little buggers.

havoc · Post by **havoc** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:34 am

oh AntiM, i love it! fabulous work!

Trishntek · Post by **Trishntek** » Thu May 12, 2011 8:01 am

So that's what MyLarry looks like with clothes on,,,, and conscious,,, and wow! That coat KICKS ASS!

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Mon May 16, 2011 12:27 pm

As the Silly bur-gin that I am I ordered some pretty well rated goggles however when I received them I realized the face lining is not a very breathable material but rather a nice rubbery plastic.

Is it possible to glue/sew/podge more breathable material onto the plastic to make it less scratchy/annoying while covered in playa dust and sweat? Or should I just return them and try again??

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Mon May 16, 2011 1:08 pm

lazerfox wrote:As the Silly bur-gin that I am I ordered some pretty well rated goggles however when I received them I realized the face lining is not a very breathable material but rather a nice rubbery plastic.

Is it possible to glue/sew/podge more breathable material onto the plastic to make it less scratchy/annoying while covered in playa dust and sweat? Or should I just return them and try again??

can't totally say without seeing them. Me, I'd return and start over. As much as you might wear the goggles, you want them to fit well and feel good.

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Tue May 17, 2011 8:06 am

Is it common for patterns (Simplicity) to be sized inaccurately?

The coat which is supposedly XL (46-48 ) barely fits around me (I'm a 45). Considering its a double breasted design that should overlap a few inches and the edges barely meet in the center, I'm kind of baffled.

I followed the instructions implicitly, ironed the fabric, ironed the patterns, pre shrunk the fabric, made seams precisely at 5/8", etc...

At this point the hard part is done so I'll finish it, but this is a major dissappointment after so much work.

Does anyone have a foolproof method of enlarging patterns? I was really hot for this style, and the only pattern I can find in a larger size is for a civil war jacket that is rather drab by comparison.

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Tue May 17, 2011 8:27 am

Drawingablank wrote:Is it common for patterns (Simplicity) to be sized inaccurately?

The coat which is supposedly XL (46-48 ) barely fits around me (I'm a 45). Considering its a double breasted design that should overlap a few inches and the edges barely meet in the center, I'm kind of baffled.

I followed the instructions implicitly, ironed the fabric, ironed the patterns, pre shrunk the fabric, made seams precisely at 5/8", etc...

At this point the hard part is done so I'll finish it, but this is a major dissappointment after so much work.

Does anyone have a foolproof method of enlarging patterns? I was really hot for this style, and the only pattern I can find in a larger size is for a civil war jacket that is rather drab by comparison.

Always make a mock-up. Just like clothes, pattern companies can run different sizes. Measure twice, cut once def applies in sewing. measure yourself and the pattern, just to be safe.

I just get cheap sheets at the thrift store to use for mock-ups.

There is a site...where people review patterns and point out sizing inaccuracies...but I can't think of what it's called! Hereletmegooglethatforme

http://sewing.patternreview.com/

Sorry it didn't turn out. Can you add in a panel down the back to widen it?

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Tue May 17, 2011 8:46 am

C.f.M. wrote: Always make a mock-up. Just like clothes, pattern companies can run different sizes. Measure twice, cut once def applies in sewing. measure yourself and the pattern, just to be safe.

I just get cheap sheets at the thrift store to use for mock-ups.

There is a site...where people review patterns and point out sizing inaccuracies...but I can't think of what it's called! Hereletmegooglethatforme

http://sewing.patternreview.com/

Sorry it didn't turn out. Can you add in a panel down the back to widen it?

I suppose I could add a panel (or just widen the center seam and cut a longer collar to match for the next attempt. But apparently this one fits my son so he has adopted this coat for the burn.

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Tue May 17, 2011 8:50 am

C.f.M. wrote:can't totally say without seeing them. Me, I'd return and start over. As much as you might wear the goggles, you want them to fit well and feel good.

They are this pair http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001YXFFM

The only reason I even noticed what everyone meant about the rubber is because I stopped at a sky gear store to see what they had and it looked significantly more breathable...hmm I have until May 30 to request a return so I will think about it this weekend

Thanks CFM

DanusLight · Post by **DanusLight** » Tue May 24, 2011 6:29 pm

I'm working on a mask. The straps that will hold it in place are ribbon. I'm wondering .. matching ribbon or contrasting?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/9962899@N08/

It's a link since I can't seem to load a picture ......

**sits backs mumbling .... stupid computer ...**

Trishntek · Post by **Trishntek** » Tue May 24, 2011 7:33 pm

lazerfox wrote:
C.f.M. wrote:can't totally say without seeing them. Me, I'd return and start over. As much as you might wear the goggles, you want them to fit well and feel good.
They are this pair http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001YXFFM

The only reason I even noticed what everyone meant about the rubber is because I stopped at a sky gear store to see what they had and it looked significantly more breathable...hmm I have until May 30 to request a return so I will think about it this weekend

Thanks CFM

Your search under industrial safety equipment provides that kind of stuff. They are made for short term wear while grinding etc. Go here:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss? ... es&x=0&y=0

This is more like what you seek. Do you have a local military surplus store? Or try a paintball safety equipment supplier.