BABY'S FIRST COSPLAY COMPETITION PIECE.
I'm super SUPER terrible about posting about my cosplay projects online since I basically never remember to take progress pictures, but now I have an Actual Reason to document so I want to actually share!
Here's everything I've done so far for my Ivy Pepper cosplay, based on @lackadaisycats fabulous illustration!
I started with a mockup, using a vintage dress pattern as a base for the bodice and then draping the skirt and waist sash on my dress form.
The mockup was then ripped apart to make my paper pattern
On the paper pattern, I sketched out my bead pattern to make sure I had the size and spacing where I wanted them.
And then I descended into Beading Hell™️
I decided to make the pattern on the hem into a beaded applique, which turned out to be one of the most labor intensive things I've ever done for a sewing project.
Using my sketch as a template, I traced the bottom row of scallops onto a sheet of tearaway stabilizer. After attaching the stabilizer to a sheet of crystal organza, I stitched rows of 2mm black cording using a zigzag stitch.
Ripping off the stabilizer, I stretched the organza over an embroidery hoop, I got to work beading!
I used a tool called a tambour hook, which is basically a really REALLY small crochet hook. Poking it through the organza and snagging the thread around the hook, it makes a series of small chain stitches, and each loop is strung with beads.
There are 14 of the scallops in total, using around 13,000 beads and took 50+ hours of work!
With the appliques finished, I could FINALLY start on the actual dress. Because I'm extra and care way too much about historical accuracy, I purchased real silk dupioni to make this dress.
(My Quality Assurance Inspector has been working very hard too)
Sewing up the back of the skirt with a French seam, I cut down the organza around the edges of the appliques and secured them with a satin stitch to the edge of the skirt pieces.
The weight of all the beads at the bottom gives this skirt some really fun movement!
With the skirt and bodice sewn up separately, I sandwiched a long strip of fabric at the waist seam and secured it all together with a French seam.
Eventually the two ends of the sash will get sewn together with a cinch to get the bow affect. And then, I descend into Beading Hell™️ once more for the rest of the dress!
That's as far a long as I've gotten so far, but I spent so long making the appliques that I'm just so jazzed to finally have pieces sewn together and looking like an actual dress!
Beyond the beading, I've got finishing to do on the armholes and hem on the dress, plus making a new slip dress, styling my wig, and making the ears and tail. If I have the time, I'll make the sequin headband and the feather fan. My deadline is mid-October, so we'll see how far I get. Either way, I'm very proud of the progress I've made on this and I'm feeling good about how it's going to turn out!
