new Wonder Woman wip; more bags

Since I have unfortunately gained 15 lbs since the last Wonder Woman Day, my super suit is rather snug. When wearing it to NYCC, I busted some seams and one of the clear straps. I actually found a decent commercial pattern for a corset that wasn't too far off what I could use for a new suit so I picked it up (New Look 6480). I figured I had better try a new design for this year's event (end of October!).

I'll never understand math. Just let me say that off that bat. When I take a measurement with a ruler or measuring tape, look up said measurement on a chart, shouldn't the size match? I think I'm Measurement Deficient because even if it's something not sewing related, I could measure twice, cut, and still come up with the wrong size whatever it is. Now that my distaste for math has been explained, it should be no surprise that commercial pattern charts and I are not friends. I measure myself, look up the size on the chart, cut pattern to that size and inevitably, it isn't correct. So this new corset has some extra darts in it where I had to take it in and it's good enough for now. When my new shipment of spandex comes in, I'll actually remake it again which means I should be better and understanding the damn instructions too. Plus, spandex stretches. Oh, and the zipper! I bought a 12" zipper per the instructions and it's a good 3" too long.

When I make the final piece, I'll get a smaller zipper for one thing and cut to a smaller size. I really REALLY hate strapless looks for myself. My boobs hang down to my belly button even when properly "propped." That's actually what I did like about my old Wonder Woman suit - I used a body shaper with clear straps. I'll be making a completely different kind of chest logo too. I won't be appliqueing a piece on. Instead, I'm going to try and mold some plastic sheeting and have it attach with velcro. I'll be going for the newer WW logo instead of the golden eagle. The belt may be a challenge too.

This is a look at the new WW corset.


I also ordered Holly Messinger's pattern for Harley Quinn. I take a lot of pride in making my own designs but her suit looks incredible. I had to talk myself into buying her design. I had to make myself understand that buying from a top costumer like her shouldn't feel any different than buying McCalls or Simplicity. And in fact, the quality will probably be a lot better. I'm going to a test run with other spandex that I bought at a clearance sale just to get comfortable with the instructions and the pattern. So I'll probably have a pastel colored court jester costume for sale by September!

My allergies have been a real bitch and a half this summer. I actually had asthma attacks over the weekend (and here I thought I was misdiagnosed) so I didn't get much done. I did finally finish my Kitty Pryde/X-Men bags. In fact, after the first one, I played around with my software and redesigned the X logo. It came out so much better! I was so happy. Now I have unmatching Kitty Pryde bags (*headdesk*). Oh well. I simply won't display them on the table at the same time. I gave one a yellow lining and one a black lining anyway.

Recycled Fairie Shirt

There's a short story behind this project. Friends of mine opened a boutique in New Hope, PA. with some very expensive clothing and accessories. I think the only thing I ever bought regular price was soap because I was just out of my league there. Unfortunately, they closed the shop but it gave folks like me an opportunity to hit up their sale. There was skirt in black and in white that had my eyes on. It was around $200 originally and so on sale, I still spent way more than I normally would have on my "Old Navy" budget and got the white one. The skirt, like most other things off the rack, was too long for me but I didn't have the confidence to hem it. It was worn twice and whenever I walked I just hiked it up. It still got a little muddy.

The skirt was silk with an organza overlay. For years, this skirt had been in my closet doing nothing while I pondered ways of turning it into a wearable item. First I thought about altering it to have a more ragged look but then I decided on saving it for a shirt. I finally did just that. I found a cheap commercial pattern that needed a lot of customizing but eventually I got something I really liked. As a thank you to my mom who bought me a dress form for my birthday six months in advance, I wanted to make this shirt for her and kept the original feel of the silk with overlay foundation.

If you're like me and love to cut up and recycle old clothes, you should check out this great little vidcast on YouTube called Threadbanger.

Wonder Woman/Girl Tribute outfit

I'm almost done with this version of my Wonder Woman / Wonder Girl tribute outfit! Basically the only things missing are the boots and the tiara. The tiara I may attempt out of molding plastic but who knows if I'll get to it. The boots will be purchased from Scavenge Inc. most likely.

That's me trying to look dramatic! "Come on. Vogue!"

The pants I just whipped up today. They're simple plain navy leggings. They dip a little too much in the back side but the shirt is plenty long enough to cover. The bracelets I decided to throw together as well just because I found a little strip of gold left over. I put eyelets in them and have a ribbon tying them together but it would look better with a faux leather lace.

I'm really hating the top. It was so big and baggy originally. I swear measurements on the pattern instructions are not real measurements. So I took it in and it was still too baggy. Took it in again and now it's too snug and looks just awful in the bust. Oh well. Tough beans. I'm not working on this top any more. I may just make a new one some day or attempt a real Wonder Woman costume.

This wasn't intended to be a costume, by the way. I thought I'd like this blouse pattern and decided it would work well with the gold armor breast plate design and this is what I came up with. It's basically just meant to go with the bag I made.

I'll be adding our NJ Wonder Woman Day Celebration to Meetup.com in hopes of drawing out all the comic geeks and people who just think it's a cool idea. Look for it on October 28th!

Wonder Woman/Girl theme top

I finally created a top that "mostly" fits. It's a little baggy and not what I would call "supportive" in the bustline but it's roomy enough that I actually got it on and could conceivably wear it to Wizard World.

Please ignore the yoga pants in the picture and my currently terrible complexion; I'm fighting hives this months.