http://turkishmustache.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] turkishmustache.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] hetalia2011-10-21 10:39 pm

Ottoman-occupied Heracles cosplay help

Hello hetalia community :)

I've been learning how to sew, and I've gotten to the point where I can use a sewing machine correctly and efficiently plus read a pattern (decently). I just need some help trying to pick out some patterns and I need suggestions on fabric and other minor details inside the cosplay

If cut doesn't work, I apologize so much.  Anyone who has decided to click through my cut, thank you. This is the cosplay I am planning on doing I remember when I first got into Hetalia back in 2009, I saw this and thought 'jdafs;kgdha'. Bros, This haz so much swag, Imma be so happy when I finish it

This is another picture of how long it's going to be, and how the sleeves should look like from a distance. 


 Excuse sexual pose because I will never pose like that...


The top picture is what I'm going to base the whole entire cosplay on. Well, here's the problem at hand. 

I have a general idea on what I'm going to do: 
I'm going to start with the general costume, (long sleeves, slight V neck, and up to little past mid thigh).
Then I'm going to work on the little frills on the V-neck,
Finally, I'm going to use my school's embroidery machine to do the sash. (because that probably is going to be the most difficult part since of all the little details.)
I'll grab some tulips before I head down to the convention center, and buy a mask after the sales going on after Halloween. 

The big question is: 
*what patterns should I use
*any suggestions on material type/quantity for main body, then for sash
*would you guys suggest a metallic gold thread for the sash, or a more suttle gold.
* what kind of fabric should I use for the little ruffles for the v-neck thing.

If you wouldn't mind answering, that would make my day. :)

You can also contact me at  http://turkishmustache.tumblr.com/  and http://turkish-mustache.deviantart.com/ 

Thank you,
Turkishmustache/Nyla

[identity profile] idraax.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 03:43 am (UTC)(link)
Psst- your cut's not working. I think metallic gold thread would complement the rest of the outfit nicely. I think maybe use a lighter material for the clothes and a thicker material for the sash or the other way around. :) Good luck!

[identity profile] idraax.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
I don't think it would be too much. For a simple outfit like that, you should have at least something that pops out, otherwise it would be too plain. :)

[identity profile] idraax.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 04:58 am (UTC)(link)
It would. Well, when you get the outfit, you could always take it to the store and compare the thread colors and see which one looks better. XD

[identity profile] cattiechaos.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Hmm, let's see how to fix your lj-cut!





Maybe it's because you didn't put a space between lj-cut and text?

[identity profile] cattiechaos.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, and sorry I couldn't leave any comments about your actual question! I don't cosplay at all, aha. Sorry! <3

[identity profile] cosmicflow.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 05:00 am (UTC)(link)
Unfortunately I can't help you with your questions. ;_; *Knows nothing about sewing.* Good luck!

Do you post using rich-text mode, by any chance? Could that be why your cut doesn't work?

[identity profile] cosmicflow.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 06:02 am (UTC)(link)
No prob! :D I'm just sorry I can't help you with your awesome cosplay. :(
(deleted comment)
(deleted comment)

[identity profile] mertseguer.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 10:59 am (UTC)(link)
If you are somewhat familiar with modifying patterns you can use this on http://www.renaissancetailor.com/demos_underwear.htm.

Otherwise you could buy this one http://www.sewingpatterns.com/sub_item.php?item_num=4091MCC&model=%&new_category=&view=gallery&brand=&category=search&pageGoto=72&pageFormat=3|186|186&pageCount=18&search=costumes&return=yes

For material for the shirt Cotton would be the most realistic but since it is a cosplay you will only use a few times I would get a cheap material, perhaps lining it if the material is to thin. For the sash the material is irrelevant since it will be so heavy with treat.

[identity profile] metamorcy1.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 02:38 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll be honest but this costume won't be very complicated unlike others I've seen. But make sure the material is light and make sure it works with your skin. You don't some cheap material rubbing against your skin and creating rashes and whatnot.

The top part with that small fabric, just stitch it on but remember to put some material inside it to keep it up and from flapping onto you.

Hope that helps

Ohai, I wrote you a novel

[identity profile] ccroquette.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 04:08 pm (UTC)(link)
I think a lot of the pattern companies have basic tunic patterns (check the 'costume' section of the pattern books/websites) which might even end up being exactly what you need. They would probably require little in the way of modification, and as they're generally not fitted through the torso it probably wouldn't be too hard to create the neckline you're looking for, if you couldn't find a pattern that already had it.

For material I would use a lightweight cotton or linen. I like Kona Cotton for lightweight cosplay, as it's a lightweight quilter's cotton that still has some substance to it, and it's not expensive. I would try not to use extremely lightweight inexpensive broadcloth because it would be see-through, and it tends to wrinkle really easily. XD

Your pattern will tell you how much you need.

For the ruffles you might be able to use the same type of material as the shirt, but I don't know without trying it myself if it would be stiff enough to make the ruffles stand out. Otherwise, go for something a little heavier.

You probably want a heavier-weight fabric for the sash as in the picture, it looks like the sash is stiffer than the shirt. My default fabric for that sort of thing tends to be cotton twill, but I've never embroidered for a costume, so I don't know! XD

For metallic vs. non-metallic, my main concern would be how it looks in pictures. Perhaps try snapping a picture with your phone in the store and see if it looks all right? I think the metallic ones also tend to be scratchier, but it's not directly touching your skin, so I don't know how concerning that is for you.

One thing that I've found that really helps in situations where I'm modifying a pattern is to make a mock-up of the costume first in cheap fabric. That way, I can make all my mistakes and modifications there and I'll end up with a custom pattern that's more durable than the paper ones. You can buy muslin pretty cheap for this purpose, or even use something like old bedsheets! It might end up costing a little extra, but I figure it's worth it if it keeps me from messing up and having to re-buy the good stuff. XD

I hope some of that was helpful. ^^;;;

[identity profile] kapptastic.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 04:24 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm not sure if anything I've got to say can actually help, because I've done a grand total of one Hetalia cosplay, and got a lot of help from more experienced people (and also my mom.)

As for pattern, my recommendation would be to find something like this http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/2278633 or another kind of "pirate shirt" type of layout, and then make alterations as you see fit. I'm sure you can probably find a tutorial for the exact collar you want.

For the fabric, your best bet is to look around a fabric store at different kinds of fabrics and their prices. With my Denmark costume, I was more or less bound by trying to match the colors to the existing part of my costume. I think if you find a cheap enough fabric in a color that you want, you can work around issues like transparency with layering. I might help do some research on what fabrics are easier to work with and which to avoid on a sewing machine.

[identity profile] animeluver69.livejournal.com 2011-10-22 08:20 pm (UTC)(link)
a suggestion if you're not adverse to using a pattern...Simplicity pattern # 2518. yes, there is a nun's costume that you could base it off of. just cut it to the length you want it to be. as for material - a light weight cotton would do. try....wendover cotton or kona cotton (just double the amount of material called for to make a top layer and a bottom/lining layer, just to not be see thru). you could embellish the collar by buying pre-made ruffled lace. as for the sash....i would try and see if there is any brocade material that would fit the costume. it's easier to make a sash out of brocade than trying to embroider it.

Cosplay outfits

[identity profile] animeluver69.livejournal.com 2011-10-23 02:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Should you need help on any other Cosplay outfits and would need input, please feel free to drop me a line. I've been doing these types of Cosplay outfits for my daughter and her friends for the last 7 years.

Re: Cosplay outfits

[identity profile] animeluver69.livejournal.com 2011-10-23 02:41 pm (UTC)(link)
Also...once you get a pattern you like, you might consider getting some vellum to trace over the size you want for the pieces. That way you can continue to use the pattern over and over without needing to buy a brand new (out-of-print) pattern. It cuts down on pattern costs. Also, places like Hancock Fabrics and Jo-Ann's sells patterns periodically really cheap (5 for $5).