Costume & Crafting Help

Fufa · Post by **Fufa** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 1:37 pm

Update: scrapped the epoxy idea and went with and adhesive at the fabric store that claims to be able to bond fabric to "non-porous materials like glass or vinyl". It's called gem-tac and was rather pricy for such a small bottle. I'm going to make an attempt with is this afternoon and post pics if it turns out.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Tue Jun 07, 2011 4:06 pm

FIGJAM wrote:I like Goop or silicone cause it stays flexable.

Epoxy drys hard and brittle, and thats where I experience failure.

I always forget all about using silicone for anything besides sealant

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 8:10 am

Fufa wrote:Update: scrapped the epoxy idea and went with and adhesive at the fabric store that claims to be able to bond fabric to "non-porous materials like glass or vinyl". It's called gem-tac and was rather pricy for such a small bottle. I'm going to make an attempt with is this afternoon and post pics if it turns out.

Let me know how that works out. I've yet to find a glue I like.

Fufa · Post by **Fufa** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 9:45 am

All done! Being the lazy sewer I am only the side on the outside of the mask has finished edges. I'm counting on some stop fray type solution to eventually get control of the rough edges. I used 4 layers of fabric total to get the most cushioning while minimizing the bulk (2 outer patterned layer, 2 fuzzy liners). I used handy dandy heavy duty office paper clips to mock up how the cushion fit onto the goggles, then roughed up the goggle rubber with some fine grit sandpaper. I globbed on a whole lot more glue than the "recommended amount" and kept it secure with a ton of the paperclips. Mopped up the excess glue with Q-tips, then let it dry over night. It seems to be holding on pretty strongly, except for some loose corners that need to be redone. The stuff is called "Gem-tac" and was $13 CAD for a 4 oz bottle before I got a discount with my member card.

I'm trying to figure out what kinds of details I still want to add to this thing...

Day time:

Night time:

jella · Post by **jella** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:10 am

Good job Fufa ! Very pretty and funtional too, whatta combo

Gem-tac is awesome stuff

Edit for spelling fufa fufu

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 10:49 am

those look great! Well done Fufa!!

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:48 am

I picked up a black fur vest from the thrift store. Its super soft and actually fits me.... Sorta..... its super wide!
Over the last few months we have picked up 3 or 4 different fur coats, but sadly they are all petite woman. This vest is the only thing that fits me and its huge around, but barely long enough.

I know there were a few posts somewhere in this thread about altering fur things with liners- but I can't find it for the life of me.

I'm no guru with a needle and thread but can get the job done, so I need help and advice- thats why I brought it to the craft Gurus of Eplaya!

I'd like to bring in the sides of the vest so that its not sooo gigantic.
It has a liner in it that feels like nylon, thankfully not silk or some delicate fabric.

Those are a few of the pictures (obviously)

I think it would be easiest to un-stitch the sides below the arm pit, cut some off, then resew it together.
I've never done this before. Before I start cutting things up I'd like to have a game plan and know what I'm going to need/want to do before I screw it all up.

Are there any major issues that I should look for before I start cutting?
Anything and every thing helps!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:51 am

You might try takeing a pattern from the vest and doing an old sheet dry run. If you do, remember to have an additional seam allowance because the fur's thicker.
And be careful wearing anything poly near a burn barrell or other fire.

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:15 am

I have absolutely no experience with fur but I do sew relatively well.

In cases where something is too wide I simply put the item on backwards and pin as needed, then I proceed to sew without cutting the area that was pinned. This allows me to cut the fabric later and also I can just remove the new stitching in case there is a mistake.

Not sure how well this works with fur but since you have a nice liner I would not think it would cause issues. Again take my advice with a grain of salt as I have never worked with fur.

Here is a tutorial illustrating the technique I am talking about:
http://www.threadbanger.com/post/765/ho ... -own-shirt

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:11 am

lazerfox wrote:In cases where something is too wide I simply put the item on backwards and pin as needed, then I proceed to sew without cutting the area that was pinned. This allows me to cut the fabric later and also I can just remove the new stitching in case there is a mistake.

http://www.threadbanger.com/post/765/ho ... -own-shirt

This sounds like a great idea. I wonder if my girl friends sewing machine could handle the thickness of the fur. I'll have to give it a shot.
It has all sorts of different stitch options. Which one would be best of sewing through the fur?

Mojojita · Post by **Mojojita** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:49 am

I cant quite read the tag but it looks like a polyester fake fur? If so, shouldn't be too hard to get a needle through. I think I would do exactly what Foxfur suggests - should be quick and easy. I would then iron flat and tack down the inside seam by hand so it doesn't irritate.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:55 am

Mojojita wrote:I cant quite read the tag but it looks like a polyester fake fur? If so, shouldn't be too hard to get a needle through. I think I would do exactly what LazerFox suggests - should be quick and easy. I would then iron flat and tack down the inside seam by hand so it doesn't irritate.

Thanks for the tips.
Yeah the whole thing is totally fake materials Acrylic, polyethylene, and polyester.
What does Tack Down mean?

Mojojita · Post by **Mojojita** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:57 am

Hand sew the edges so they stay down. Don't go all the way through with the needle to the outside of the fur, just enough to keep the seam flat.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:09 pm

OK I can dig it!
That makes since!

Hopefully I'll have pictures to show on Monday!

Post by **Savannah** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:19 pm

I have giant fur best that needs the same help. I think I'll do the same thing!

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 2:04 pm

Savannah wrote:I have giant fur best that needs the same help. I think I'll do the same thing!

Lol, then I'll let you go first! And tell me how it goes

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:16 pm

illy dilly wrote:
lazerfox wrote:In cases where something is too wide I simply put the item on backwards and pin as needed, then I proceed to sew without cutting the area that was pinned. This allows me to cut the fabric later and also I can just remove the new stitching in case there is a mistake.

http://www.threadbanger.com/post/765/ho ... -own-shirt
This sounds like a great idea. I wonder if my girl friends sewing machine could handle the thickness of the fur. I'll have to give it a shot.
It has all sorts of different stitch options. Which one would be best of sewing through the fur?

I don't know about stitch, except to keep the tension loose, but it is important to have a tough needle. I think it's a denim needle that you want.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:17 pm

Savannah wrote:I have giant fur best that needs the same help. I think I'll do the same thing! :lol:

Now, I'm confused.
Fur vest?
Fur beast?
Fur (David) Best?
Fur Elise?

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Sat Jun 18, 2011 7:31 am

Ooh, I'm glad for the information about the denim needle.

I was just about to go try to figure out what type of needle would be best for sewing a typical playa fur coat. I'm almost ready (as soon as I finishing plodding through my stack of BRC census forms) to start Will's coat. And I don't sew...not really.

illy dilly · Post by **illy dilly** » Sat Jun 18, 2011 7:47 am

theCryptofishist wrote: Fur Elise?

One of the best songs ever written! I know it is cliche, but I love it!

C.f.M. · Post by **C.f.M.** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:34 am

Minxy wrote:Ooh, I'm glad for the information about the denim needle.

I was just about to go try to figure out what type of needle would be best for sewing a typical playa fur coat. I'm almost ready (as soon as I finishing plodding through my stack of BRC census forms) to start Will's coat. And I don't sew...not really.

Hand-sewing needle? Probably something longer. I always end up going with whatever needle I see first.

Last night I tried to finish something things for an Eplayan who is wonderful but I had to pin some things on and my boyfriend would NOT stand still. It was very annoying.

I tested a costume at Euphoria and it was awesome, mwa ha ha...too bad I don't have room to pack it to wear at BM.

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:56 am

Thanks Cfm. I was going to "attempt" to use my sewing machine this time. I did hand sew my purple one and it took FOREVER.

Was hoping this one could go a little quicker.

MyDearFriend · Post by **MyDearFriend** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:20 am

Minxy wrote:Thanks Cfm. I was going to "attempt" to use my sewing machine this time. I did hand sew my purple one and it took FOREVER. Was hoping this one could go a little quicker.

Yeah, machine will work, use a denim needle if you have one, if not use a general-purpose one & make sure you have extras on hand in case of breakage. I saw Singer needles at my Safeway the other day, so, pick some up. I break needles with alarming frequency so I try to have a surplus of every kind.

Key thing is to set your machine for a long straight stitch (low number) and adjust your presser foot for the thickness.

Good luck!

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 10:43 am

MyDearFriend wrote:I break needles with alarming frequency so I try to have a surplus of every kind.

When I started my coat I picked up several packs of needles expecting to break a bunch, but oddly have not broken a single one in spite of shattering or bending dozens of straight pins with it.

I wonder if the quality of older needles was better as I'm sure the needle in my machine is at least from the early 70's if not the 60's. Wish I had more as backups.

Minxy · Post by **Minxy** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 11:21 am

THANK YOU for the advice, MDF. I haven't used my sewing machine in at least 10 years so I'm completely rusty. I've gotten it all cleaned, acquired some thread and bobbins (since I think most of my sewing stuff is still in OR at my ex's house) and I have some "crap" fabric to play with and get back in practice.

I'm going to make mock-ups of a few things for both practice sewing and practice runs of the patterns so by the time I attempt the coat I hope I'm ready!

MyDearFriend wrote:
Minxy wrote:Thanks Cfm. I was going to "attempt" to use my sewing machine this time. I did hand sew my purple one and it took FOREVER. Was hoping this one could go a little quicker.
Yeah, machine will work, use a denim needle if you have one, if not use a general-purpose one & make sure you have extras on hand in case of breakage. I saw Singer needles at my Safeway the other day, so, pick some up. I break needles with alarming frequency so I try to have a surplus of every kind.

Key thing is to set your machine for a long straight stitch (low number) and adjust your presser foot for the thickness.

Good luck!

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:22 pm

Drawingablank wrote:
MyDearFriend wrote:I break needles with alarming frequency so I try to have a surplus of every kind.
When I started my coat I picked up several packs of needles expecting to break a bunch, but oddly have not broken a single one in spite of shattering or bending dozens of straight pins with it.

I wonder if the quality of older needles was better as I'm sure the needle in my machine is at least from the early 70's if not the 60's. Wish I had more as backups.

I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised. Singer used to make sewing machines to survive nuclear war, now they are for pretty young things to use three times and get bored with.

*sigh*

And I don't even sew!

EspressoDude · Post by **EspressoDude** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 7:00 pm

If it is not too late, when you design your coat and the fitment of the pieces, try to have it such that the furry sides are facing each other in the middle of the 'sandwich' you are sewing together. That way the furries are less likely to get hung up on the presser foot or the feeder underneath. try a lot of pieces. clipping some fur out of the sandwich(only the seam!) may help. Also a paper tape or newspaper may help if you have to sew with the fuzzies outside the sandwich. It is work to get the paper out of the stitching afterword. Bulldog paper clamps work great for temp holding. I use a lot of 2" wide ones.

Machine setup:

First make sure the bobbin tension is correct for the thread you are going to use. Put a bobbin of thread in the bobbin holder and feed the thread under the leaf spring on the side of the holder. Now test tension. Like a yo-yo, an upward jerk on the thread should feed SOME thread. If you get a lot of thread, tighten the leaf spring holding/tension screw a little (1/16 - 1/8 turn) try again. It doesn't take much to change this, but must be done for every thread weight/type/material.

The presser foot will need some adjusting to get the pieces to feed properly.

Finally the upper thread tension should be set so that the upper and lower threads loop together in the middle of the fabric, not top or bottom.

You may spend an hour the first time setting it up, but will be golden for that fabric and thread.

Likely the shop set it up for somewhat normal fabric.

use a browser and search sewing thread tension or similar and you will find better instructions and PICTURES

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 11:11 am

theCryptofishist wrote:
Drawingablank wrote:
MyDearFriend wrote:I break needles with alarming frequency so I try to have a surplus of every kind.
When I started my coat I picked up several packs of needles expecting to break a bunch, but oddly have not broken a single one in spite of shattering or bending dozens of straight pins with it.

I wonder if the quality of older needles was better as I'm sure the needle in my machine is at least from the early 70's if not the 60's. Wish I had more as backups.
I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised. Singer used to make sewing machines to survive nuclear war, now they are for pretty young things to use three times and get bored with.

*sigh*

And I don't even sew!

Wow, funny you should say that. I was idly tuning through the boob tube last weekend and one of the shopping networks had an awesome looking Singer embroidery / sewing / serger for real cheap. Thinking of all the possibilities for the machine embroidery, I was all hot to buy it until I started reading the reviews - 1 in 3 was non working on arrival, plus a host of other complaints.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 6:18 pm

They use plastic gears. You can get 100 year old machines that will work for longer. I hate this throw away culture.

Fufa · Post by **Fufa** » Thu Jun 23, 2011 9:26 pm

Do you think I could use regular spray paint on a fake leather/plastic belt? I want to change it from white to brown so it matches my coat better.

By the way, the gem-tac started coming off those goggles I previously posted about. The fabric is separating already... I think I need a better solution