Costume & Crafting Help

[Savannah]

OOH and I forgot to mention that she is totally right....we need to have an eplayan fashion show at the MnG so everyone on the costume thread can show off their final creations and everyone can see them in person.

Who wants to plan it out with Doc!?!?

I just got REALLY excited at this idea. Gawd I really need to get my costume ideas solidified so I can start purchasing/sewing. I'm not even entirely sure WHAT sort of a costume to bring to what? Other than tutu for Tuesday and something pirate-y for Wednesday.. I'm at a loss otherwise.

what happens on wed to pirates?

What doesn't?

My favorite playa-pirate memory was from either 2000 or 2001, and involved a large pirate ship art car (featuring pirates only, not just smug, half-hearted dancers in hot pants). They had a blissed-out nude fella wrapped in a fishing net and tied securely to the bow as the ship's figurehead, and were driving around in sparsely populated areas where they could maneuver really well even off-road, aiming their ship at various camps and yelling "RAMMING SPEED . . . " which happened to be the classic 5 miles per hour. (Who knew?)

How I wished I'd been dressed like a pirate that day . . . I would have gone anywhere with them. I'll never forget that figurehead's serene smile.

[lazerfox]

What doesn't?

My favorite playa-pirate memory was from either 2000 or 2001, and involved a large pirate ship art car (featuring pirates only, not just smug, half-hearted dancers in hot pants). They had a blissed-out nude fella wrapped in a fishing net and tied securely to the bow as the ship's figurehead, and were driving around in sparsely populated areas where they could maneuver really well even off-road, aiming their ship at various camps and yelling "RAMMING SPEED . . . " which happened to be the classic 5 miles per hour. (Who knew?)

How I wished I'd been dressed like a pirate that day . . . I would have gone anywhere with them. I'll never forget that figurehead's serene smile.

That sounds wonderful. I brought a pirate costume so CFM and I could pillage down and entire street but alas we were not able to do so...still hoping for 2012 pillaging. After that awesome story Savannah I feel like putting it on when I get home tonight

[deutlich]

what happens on wed to pirates?

I don't even know... Just read lots about pirate-y things and perhaps somewhere I got Wednesday? May have no merit but I'm bringin' me a pirate outfit just for the fuck of it. Why not, eh?

[lazerfox]

what happens on wed to pirates?

I don't even know... Just read lots about pirate-y things and perhaps somewhere I got Wednesday? May have no merit but I'm bringin' me a pirate outfit just for the fuck of it. Why not, eh?

Abso-fuckin-lutely!!!!

[trilobyte]

I'm not sure, but I've heard that San Francisco isn't all that good. Or maybe it isn't compared to LA and NYC. There's no garment district around here is the reason I"be been given.

Compared to LA or NYC, SF is all kinds of weak. But against any other city, great stuff. There are 2-3 places around here that sell some really diverse fabrics and faux furs (they make regular trips down south to the Fashion District in LA), with a few of them having some pretty aggressive pricing (and they'll deal if you're looking at a decent quantity buy). Plus we've got S. H. Frank - an incredible source for leather and tack - an old supplier of hides from frontier days that really did an amazing job of staying with the times and moving into the 21st century. Whether you want to make a leather sofa, a riding saddle, a bondage harness, or badass leather playawear, they probably have everything you could want.

[trilobyte]

Wednesday used to be the day my old camp (Space Island, a bunch of space pirates out of Los Angeles) used to throw our big shindig on the playa, but I have fun any day I don my piratey garb.

Note to self... I need more piratey garb

[theCryptofishist]

Hm...I wonder if you can...make it out...of leather!

[deutlich]

Anyone have favorite sewing pattern companies/websites? I'd like to sew my own corset to use as part of my pirate costume and/or as a stand-alone.

Also, I don't have my own sewing machine. My mom's is awesome and she uses it as often as I enjoy doing dishes (read: never). But, I think I should perhaps just bite the bullet and get my own. Anyone have favorite brands? And how heavy duty should it be to potentially work with leather?

[Drawingablank]

Anyone have favorite sewing pattern companies/websites? I'd like to sew my own corset to use as part of my pirate costume and/or as a stand-alone.

Also, I don't have my own sewing machine. My mom's is awesome and she uses it as often as I enjoy doing dishes (read: never). But, I think I should perhaps just bite the bullet and get my own. Anyone have favorite brands? And how heavy duty should it be to potentially work with leather?

I try to buy all my patterns at Joanns - they have several sales a month where one brand pattern or another is 1 or 2 dollars. This weekend I picked up a stack of butterick patterns for 1.00 each there. Butterick has several corset patterns in their historical line. The week before they had simplicty patterns on sale for 2.00 If you can plan your pattern purchasing before you need them this will save you big dollars.

Your Mom's old machine is likely to be better than anything affordable that's made these days - I'm using my Mom's 49 year old Singer and unlike the crap they sell these days there is no plastic on the machine except the carrying case. Even then I wouldn't try it on leather unless it was extremely lightweight garment leather. Heavier leathers generally require a commercial grade machine in my experience. If you plan to do a lot of heavy leather work, Tippman (choice of most shoe makers) makes a nice machine but they don't come cheap and may be overkill for garment work - great for straps, belts, bags, and even shoes though.

Of course if money is no object you can get some pretty sweet machines these days, but you have to have deep pockets - the cheap machines are for the most part made like crap (practically disposable - use a few times then throw away).

[deutlich]

Thanks for the info!! My mom's isn't 49 years old, but it IS one of the all-metal kind from back in the day. I'll stick to hers and will refrain from using leather in it.

I think I'm going to try and see if there are any stores locally that also have a sewing corner with heavier duty machines. It would be a one-time project and I don't think I should spend all that cash on a machine just for that. And also, I have very shallow pockets...

I've only ever seen one sewing shop that also had a corner of machines for kid's camps, quilting clubs, etc. I can't even remember if that was locally or further into Maryland. Hmm...Definitely need to check into that.

[trilobyte]

Leather can be a real pain in the ass, as well as just plain murderous on sewing machines. For MANY years, my girlfriend used a basic/generic Singer machine (one of the sub-$150 specials), and it more or less got the job done. But lots and lots of swearing, and the machine just couldn't handle a lot of stuff (which then needed to be hand-stitched, ugh). It was able to handle the really supple stuff, so if you're able to find really soft leather a low end machine can probably handle it. After we used it to sew a costume for our van (fabric hull for an art car) as well as a dozen pirate coats back in 2007, we took a break from craftiness and eventually retired the machine. We went large, and got an incredibly awesome Juki machine that's got a zillion stitches, makes short work of button-holes, and can work with just about any grade of leather short of a saddle. We're planning to do a few leather pieces in the coming months, the one I'm looking forward to most is an airship pilot/pirate outfit ::drool::

[deutlich]

that sounds fantastic!

I want to sew a corset where just the outer layer is leather. On the one hand, the supple leather would be awesome 'cause I love how soft it tends to feel. On the other, it may not be sufficient for a corset. Hmm...

[Drawingablank]

that sounds fantastic!

I want to sew a corset where just the outer layer is leather. On the one hand, the supple leather would be awesome 'cause I love how soft it tends to feel. On the other, it may not be sufficient for a corset. Hmm...

Hmmm - never sewn a corset, but maybe put the bones in the fabric and just skin it with supple leather?

[tattoogoddess]

Does anyone know what the best kind of leather would be to make something like this? I don't want to shell out $50-$100 for something I will only use 7 days out of the year




what would I be looking for? Anysites to get it? I dont know jack about leather.

[theCryptofishist]

deutschlich (argh, I know that's wrong...)
The think about old machines is that if you count treadles in they were making all metal innard sewing machines for over a century. And I mean mass producing, all over the world. I'm sure you could educate yourself and find something cheap but with a lot of life in it. You'd have to take it in for servicing, probably, maybe buy some parts, but this is one case where you don't really want to go with shiney-new.

[trilobyte]

That belt is a thicker, heavier leather with a lot of stitching and hardware (snaps/grommets). Unless you already have the equipment to make something like that, it'll likely cost you far more to make one. The upside is once you learn how to do it and have the equipment to do it, you can make more of them (either for friends, or put 'em up on etsy to help offset the cost of your investment).

(Funny you should post that belt, I was looking at something similar (I need some kind of kickass utility belt for playa and non-playa use), and just going through a similar debate in my head).

[trilobyte]

Forgot to add... You may also be able to cover your belt needs with something that's not so heavy duty. There's a really cool thing out there called a 'pod belt' (made by burners, for burners), and you may be able to DIY re-purpose either a basic leather belt (add your own pockets/sections that hang off it) or something from an army/navy surplus store. As you can see, I'm still trying to weigh my own options here hehe

[theCryptofishist]

I think that it was months ago in this thread that some suggested getting an old pair of jeans and cutting off the cloth from the waistband, leaving the pockets and loops. If I didn't have the surgically attached hooks, I'd like the pure laziness of that suggestion.

[Savannah]

The cheapest option I have found (if you have no likely materials already) is to go to an Army Surplus store and pick up a canvas (or other) belt with grommets, and some pouches from a nearby bin, assembling it fully and looking in the mirror before you go. You can often assemble a belt bag for $25-30.

If you must have leather (and have no skills yet, or materials) you can sometimes barter with a local in the goth/Renn Faire/fetish community, or check Etsy. But I would expect to pay $50 at a minimum. Probably more.

[Drawingablank]

Does anyone know what the best kind of leather would be to make something like this? I don't want to shell out $50-$100 for something I will only use 7 days out of the year




what would I be looking for? Anysites to get it? I dont know jack about leather.

As a leather working teacher I would say that that is 2 layers of garment leather sewn back to back - at least for the belt portion. The pouches are not likely to rub your skin raw so are less critical.

Although it could be hand sewn, the hole punch, snap, and grommet setting tools would be prohibitive if you only want to make one. A belt like that generally sells in the 125.00 plus range, but the tools just to set the hardware cost around 35.00 plus the cost of the leather and hardware, so unless you plan on making them for a business it is generally not cost effective to make your own.

[gaminwench]

Deutlich...

A corsets' sturdiness is in the boning, not the fabric...

a supple leather will work; you'll also have a backing fabric... could be as thick as canvas, if you need that kind of support...
boning goes between those fabrics... that's where it gets tricky...

...unless you choose to do a firmer leather 'pirate' bodice, no boning, all hard leather formed to fit.

Neither is easy.

I'd suggest you plan on making a couple of 'practice' garments, before constructing with your chosen materials...

[deutlich]

deutschlich (argh, I know that's wrong...)
The think about old machines is that if you count treadles in they were making all metal innard sewing machines for over a century. And I mean mass producing, all over the world. I'm sure you could educate yourself and find something cheap but with a lot of life in it. You'd have to take it in for servicing, probably, maybe buy some parts, but this is one case where you don't really want to go with shiney-new.

Great tip, thank you!

[MyDearFriend]

The cheapest option I have found (if you have no likely materials already) is to go to an Army Surplus store and pick up a canvas (or other) belt with grommets, and some pouches from a nearby bin, assembling it fully and looking in the mirror before you go. You can often assemble a belt bag for $25-30.

If you must have leather (and have no skills yet, or materials) you can sometimes barter with a local in the goth/Renn Faire/fetish community, or check Etsy. But I would expect to pay $50 at a minimum. Probably more.

Aaaaack, TTG, the pouches alone will run you $50 each around here.

I made a utility belt from stuff I had lying around: an old belt, to start, and various pouches, including some old little purse things that I sewed scraps of ribbon on, for belt loops, and decorated with fabric paint etc. Cost me nothing. And it worked so well that I have been wearing it around town here.

Whatever you go with (buy or make) you really want pouches that slide on and off, back and forth, so you can adjust them for sitting down (in the JOTS especially) and, so you can have different pouches for different things. I find them very handy.

[deutlich]

Deutlich...

A corsets' sturdiness is in the boning, not the fabric...

a supple leather will work; you'll also have a backing fabric... could be as thick as canvas, if you need that kind of support...
boning goes between those fabrics... that's where it gets tricky...

...unless you choose to do a firmer leather 'pirate' bodice, no boning, all hard leather formed to fit.

Neither is easy.

I'd suggest you plan on making a couple of 'practice' garments, before constructing with your chosen materials...

Ooh, didn't see this at first. Very, very good to know. I have every intention of doing a practice run (or three). It's been a while since I've sewn (used to be AMAzing at it) and so I need to get back in the swing of things, lest I have uneven lines and weird stitches.

I won't be going the route of the leather bodice w/out boning because I most certainly don't have the equipment to do this right (I am slightly OCD about lines and stitches not looking like a 3 yr old did 'em...).

thanks all for all the REALLY great feedback!

[trilobyte]

The pair of pants idea also sounds cool, and is something else to consider. The store-bought thing had caught my eye because it was just so damned cool... but I like making stuff. Even if it's just re-purposing something else, I enjoy the process quite a bit.

That said, may I make a humble request of this fine group?

Let's start some new topics for these awesome projects and ideas! Now that clothing and playawear has been broken out into it's own forum, we don't have to cram every clothing related discussion into one single thread.

[Savannah]

The cheapest option I have found (if you have no likely materials already) is to go to an Army Surplus store and pick up a canvas (or other) belt with grommets, and some pouches from a nearby bin, assembling it fully and looking in the mirror before you go. You can often assemble a belt bag for $25-30.

If you must have leather (and have no skills yet, or materials) you can sometimes barter with a local in the goth/Renn Faire/fetish community, or check Etsy. But I would expect to pay $50 at a minimum. Probably more.

Aaaaack, TTG, the pouches alone will run you $50 each around here.

Yikes! The surplus belts here start at $7 (depending on material) and the pouches start at about the same (but can be pricier) . . . but it depends on how cool they are.

I made a utility belt from stuff I had lying around: an old belt, to start, and various pouches, including some old little purse things that I sewed scraps of ribbon on, for belt loops, and decorated with fabric paint etc. Cost me nothing. And it worked so well that I have been wearing it around town here.

That's really clever! If you're a trim hoarder (that sounds dirty) all the better in terms of variety and level of spiritedness.

This year I bartered with a local artist/leatherworker. Two hour-long 1-on-1 swim lessons for his 7-year-old daughter = new double camera belt made to spec. I am overly fond of it . . .

[theCryptofishist]

That said, may I make a humble request of this fine group?

Let's start some new topics for these awesome projects and ideas! Now that clothing and playawear has been broken out into it's own forum, we don't have to cram every clothing related discussion into one single thread.

Then maybe....crafting will land elsewhere...

[Elorrum]

I used one of these to sew a lambskin hat... slow, but I sort of liked doing it. The loose end you pull through on the underside determines the length of your run. It's very sharp, and the thread that comes with it is a tough waxed string.

[Drawingablank]

The pair of pants idea also sounds cool, and is something else to consider. The store-bought thing had caught my eye because it was just so damned cool... but I like making stuff. Even if it's just re-purposing something else, I enjoy the process quite a bit.

That said, may I make a humble request of this fine group?

Let's start some new topics for these awesome projects and ideas! Now that clothing and playawear has been broken out into it's own forum, we don't have to cram every clothing related discussion into one single thread.

Umm, as a moderator can't you just split this thread into utilty belts, bondage gear, tutus, etc... ? Seems like you are asking folks with little control over the boards to do that.

Or even better add a section for crafting and if that is not within moderator powers, ask those in control; to set up a crafting section.

I agree that eplaya could benefit from this suggestion, just think you may be in a better position to get it implemented.

PS - I have a pair of levis with nothing remaining but the belt area and back pockets. While it is a poor man's utility belt it is far better for telling folks " this is all I wore all week" after you get home.

[trilobyte]

My intention wasn't to take any part of this 39 page opus apart and split it up, and certainly not without the buy-in of the participants.... I had been thinking more of just starting a thread for these clothing and playawear topics as we move forward. Honestly, I didn't realize that people felt uncomfortable starting a crafting thread in here (as opposed to Q&A), I'll amend the description for this board when I get a chance tomorrow.