Costume & Crafting Help

[Drawingablank]

Now that is awesome hair.

[Elderberry]

I know this was said somewhere else before; but I just have to reiterate...I really cannot remember a time here on eplaya where we have had such an enthusiastic and involved group of first-timers! I'm still trying to figure out if it's inspiring me or it's just making me feel guilty for slacking off! I have been enjoying reading these posts and seeing the pictures. Looking forward to meeting you all at the MnG.

[Savannah]

I just don't want to ruin the hair...and the pasties have sequins so I'd be a total hypocrite. And the damn crinoline takes up as much room as my carry-on of clothes and toiletries!

Great rainbow hair.

Not all sequins are flyaway; I believe AntiM(?) once mentioned sewing hers down with three stitches. I imagine she used strong thread or good fishing line/transparent thread so as not to have to match the sequins if there were many colors.

I have made 3 "Columbia" bustiers over the time period in which I did Rocky Horror, about 40 hours apiece (44 hours was the record), gluing on the sequins one at a time 'cause I'm OCD like that . . . and because of the care taken with it (really good Jewel Glue, long curing period, neither skimping nor gluing to excess, pressing down with a large needle to set, etc) those sequined bustiers are like iron. I watch their condition closely anyway, but only parts of the bustier with stretch--& there's very little of that--ever needs repair. In fact, the color will rub off the sequin from contact during swing dancing before the sequin ever falls off. NB: sequins shaped like stars are more vulnerable; they catch on things slightly.

Your mileage may vary, of course--but it doesn't make you a hypocrite to wear sequins if you are careful.

[jella]

Claps~~~Very very well put Savannah..and High five to making our OCD work to our advantages hehe

I highly second the abilty of using well constructed sequin application.....gosh, makes it sound like some banned black market playa fashion teehee

[C.f.M.]

Not all sequins are flyaway; I believe AntiM(?) once mentioned sewing hers down with three stitches. I imagine she used strong thread or good fishing line/transparent thread so as not to have to match the sequins if there were many colors.

Your mileage may vary, of course--but it doesn't make you a hypocrite to wear sequins if you are careful.

Yes, and that same discussion (well, one discussion about such things) went into how it's the principle of the thing - at least to me, and I'm pretty sure I remember everybody ultimately agreeing with me . I try to practice what I preach, so to speak. I know that if I tacked on some sequins, they'd stay on. But it's the principle. And sequins can break in half, not just fall off because they're sewn on.

But yeah, ultimately, it is the principle. I might know they're staying put, but everybody who sees me won't know.

I can't get mad at some sparklepony for her feather headdress and coined hip scarf if the next day I'm prancing around in sequins. "Well, I can do it, they're doing it!"

[Dr Jet Sinister]

I can't get mad at some sparklepony for her feather headdress and coined hip scarf if the next day I'm prancing around in sequins.

Yes you can. You're just not applying yourself.

[C.f.M.]

I can't get mad at some sparklepony for her feather headdress and coined hip scarf if the next day I'm prancing around in sequins.

Yes you can. You're just not applying yourself.

Don't encourage me.

Besides, you know that once I step into the Wasteland something inside me breaks and I start smiling all the time.

[Dr Jet Sinister]

I can't get mad at some sparklepony for her feather headdress and coined hip scarf if the next day I'm prancing around in sequins.

Yes you can. You're just not applying yourself.

Don't encourage me.

Besides, you know that once I step into the Wasteland something inside me breaks and I start smiling all the time.

That's so true. And there are so many pictures to prove it.

[EspressoDude]

I can't get mad at some sparklepony for her feather headdress and coined hip scarf if the next day I'm prancing around in sequins.

Yes you can. You're just not applying yourself.

Don't encourage me.

Besides, you know that once I step into the Wasteland something inside me breaks and I start smiling all the time.

Wasteland?? maybe referring to some peoples heads..( lol) Consider the playa as a blank slate, but not a wasteland

[Foxfur]

Besides, you know that once I step into the Wasteland something inside me breaks and I start smiling all the time.

No man, she's a masochist.
Kinda blows the whole vanilla facade.

[Savannah]

Not all sequins are flyaway; I believe AntiM(?) once mentioned sewing hers down with three stitches. I imagine she used strong thread or good fishing line/transparent thread so as not to have to match the sequins if there were many colors.

Your mileage may vary, of course--but it doesn't make you a hypocrite to wear sequins if you are careful.

Yes, and that same discussion (well, one discussion about such things) went into how it's the principle of the thing - at least to me, and I'm pretty sure I remember everybody ultimately agreeing with me .

Those who replied agreed. Perhaps a few were silent because they carefully glue their sequins, haul them out on special occasions, and wait to see if anyone gives them @#$% for it.

But yeah, ultimately, it is the principle. I might know they're staying put, but everybody who sees me won't know.

And what a never-ending battle that is--everyone who sees you, knowing you know. The value in everyone knowing you are Relentlessly Correct could be fairly weighed against the value of Responsible Fun. I'm not saying "Come on over to the dark side"--because I don't consider my choices to be reckless, and you should be comfortable in your choice--but if anyone is forward enough to question your workmanship you can lead them patiently through what you've done. Or, if they're a total stranger (or sworn enemy), give them the angry-cat stare and move off down the bar. You don't have to explain yourself to just anybody.

[AntiM]

I do the old-fashioned double-thread through the hole, through a bead, then back down and back knot for each sequin. No visible thread on the front. Too damn much work.

[C.f.M.]

Ultimately, I don't give a shit what people do. Or, what they think about what I'm doing - I mean shit, I dare say my burner names and reputation are solidly based on this fact . But for me, if I say "sequins are bad," then I'm going to stick to it best I can. /shrug A couple of the items I made for Retrofrolic involve a few sequins (less than 20) - using the same method as AntiM plus tacking them down. PITA!

Aaaaaaaaanyways, this coat

http://cgi.ebay.com/FANTASTIC-EL-WIRE-L ... 27bc23b5ae

reminded me of this thread. And the candy man from Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang.

I'm thinking acrylic paint would be the way to go for face painting. Grease pencils = melty, and I don't want to spend the money on buying new eyeshadows.

I also learned at Euphoria that double-sided pastie tape is great for moustaches! Good-bye, spirit gum!

[Savannah]

I do the old-fashioned double-thread through the hole, through a bead, then back down and back knot for each sequin. No visible thread on the front. Too damn much work.

Ah, that's right--I've seen that on bellydancing outfits. Better and faster than multiple threads.

[illy dilly]

Out of curiosity, and because its been a topic of late.
How the hell are sequence sewn on?
Does each one have to be laid out special, and you just hope the the sewing machine needle goes through that tiny little hole?
Or do you throw a bunch down, run the sewing machine through it, and hope enough stick, then shake out the ones that didn't? Sorta like sprinkling sparkles on glue in Kindergarten.
And aren't there strips of sequins already sewn on to fabric, that you can get at the craft store?

Or is the whole process "creative people magic"?

[C.f.M.]

Out of curiosity, and because its been a topic of late.
How the hell are sequence sewn on?
Does each one have to be laid out special, and you just hope the the sewing machine needle goes through that tiny little hole?
Or do you throw a bunch down, run the sewing machine through it, and hope enough stick, then shake out the ones that didn't? Sorta like sprinkling sparkles on glue in Kindergarten.
And aren't there strips of sequins already sewn on to fabric, that you can get at the craft store?

Or is the whole process "creative people magic"?

It depends. I've never used a sewing machine, the needle will crack/break the sequin. I'd think there's machines to do it, because you can buy pre-sequined fabric easily enough (like the strips you mention).

[VeganChoirGirl]

I know this was said somewhere else before; but I just have to reiterate...I really cannot remember a time here on eplaya where we have had such an enthusiastic and involved group of first-timers! I'm still trying to figure out if it's inspiring me or it's just making me feel guilty for slacking off! I have been enjoying reading these posts and seeing the pictures. Looking forward to meeting you all at the MnG.

Totally and completely agree. They are so enthusiastic and ready to take up the challenge. Makes me feel like a total slacker.

[illy dilly]

Out of curiosity, and because its been a topic of late.
How the hell are sequence sewn on?
Does each one have to be laid out special, and you just hope the the sewing machine needle goes through that tiny little hole?
Or do you throw a bunch down, run the sewing machine through it, and hope enough stick, then shake out the ones that didn't? Sorta like sprinkling sparkles on glue in Kindergarten.
And aren't there strips of sequins already sewn on to fabric, that you can get at the craft store?

Or is the whole process "creative people magic"?

It depends. I've never used a sewing machine, the needle will crack/break the sequin. I'd think there's machines to do it, because you can buy pre-sequined fabric easily enough (like the strips you mention).

So it does have to be done by hand.
But like you said, there is mass produced Chinese shit that is covered in sequins. And they are typically held on pretty good.

I wonder if there is some sort strip its first glued to, then a surger is used to hit each sequin. Then a wash or some sort of hot iron, might melt the glue away.

[theCryptofishist]

I don't think hot glue. Maybe they have a machine that has a stack of sequins and somehow one is put on the needle with each stitch. I"m not explaining well, but I'm sure it's something amazing like that.

[jella]

Ultimately, I don't give a shit what people do. Or, what they think about what I'm doing - I mean shit, I dare say my burner names and reputation are solidly based on this fact . But for me, if I say "sequins are bad," then I'm going to stick to it best I can. /shrug A couple of the items I made for Retrofrolic involve a few sequins (less than 20) - using the same method as AntiM plus tacking them down. PITA!

Aaaaaaaaanyways, this coat

http://cgi.ebay.com/FANTASTIC-EL-WIRE-L ... 27bc23b5ae

reminded me of this thread. And the candy man from Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang.

I'm thinking acrylic paint would be the way to go for face painting. Grease pencils = melty, and I don't want to spend the money on buying new eyeshadows.

I also learned at Euphoria that double-sided pastie tape is great for moustaches! Good-bye, spirit gum!

*Shivers* oh that guy gave me nightmares but I love the coat !

[Elorrum]

I found a kangaroo tail in the closet that seemed like something I couldn't live without in October and promptly forgot. Cheap and brown, with a velcro belt and little pouch in front. um. now what?

[jella]

I found a kangaroo tail in the closet that seemed like something I couldn't live without in October and promptly forgot. Cheap and brown, with a velcro belt and little pouch in front. um. now what?

make a kick ass utility belt out of it

[C.f.M.]

I found a kangaroo tail in the closet that seemed like something I couldn't live without in October and promptly forgot. Cheap and brown, with a velcro belt and little pouch in front. um. now what?

Hm, matching hat? Just wear the tail and put treats in the pouch? Get a realisting looking baby doll and put that in the pouch?

[Elorrum]

I was thinking about covering it with pink fuzzy and shiny scales... I have a matching hat.

[C.f.M.]

I was thinking about covering it with pink fuzzy and shiny scales... I have a matching hat.

Yeah!! That'd be awesome!!

[tamarakay]

I finished another tutu and yes, the sparkle stallion has claimed it. I never thought i'd be hiding my clothing from my husband. My daughters yes, but ken? no. If you guys only knew how shy and conservative he is this would crack you up too.


DSC00002 by tamarakay60, on Flickr

[Savannah]

He has a certain majesty.

[Foxfur]

Ken ROCKS!

Carry on.

[MyDearFriend]

Ken ROCKS!

Carry on.

+100

You guys are both majorly awesome.

can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!!

[Drawingablank]

Meh, back to reality.

3 days at the cabin with no phone, internet, or tv helps clear the mind - and gave me an enormous amount of time to work on the patch pants which are now 99% done - photos coming soon.

Our yard was overrun with baby bunnies too - and they were completely fearless. Had to be careful where you stepped because they would run right up to you.