Skip to main content

Modesty's Costume Projects for 2023

 It's been a great year for costumes and getting into various yarn crafts, and it shall continue into next year. Here's what I've been thinking for potential costume projects next year. 

In Progress 

Demon Slayer in Yarn 

This is has been a fun experiment that I've fallen in love with. I've knitted a shawl, one sock, crocheted some sandals and almost finished a sweater! I hope to finish the other sock, some legwarmers and the sweater next year so I will have a Flame Hashira outfit in mostly yarn. I'm not knitting pants. 

It has advanced my knowledge of knitting techniques and skills to the point where I am considering making a pattern book of anime and video game inspired knit projects. I'll have to actually make these projects and figure out how to demonstrate things. My camera work is mediocre at best, but I may be able to get away with making illustrations here and there. 

Goro the kitsune

I feel like I've very much neglected this almost finished project and really should gett'er done. At least the tail harness. And the things I would have made in leather I may need to just make in yarn. Because that's what I'm into. Kind of disappointed I never got into leather working. I took the course and got the supplies. Ah wells, I have it if I ever need it.

Wish List 2023

My goals for 2023 are really going to be yarn related and trying to be more realistic in how many projects I can do in a year. I don't currently have a big wishlist of costumes this time around. But it's still there. 

Ren Faire Garb - Unicorn


I have pattern pieces cut for a Ren Faire outfit inspired by a Forest Unicorn. I have the hoof boots, the horn, ears,  and a flower crown, but the outfit is not finished. I need to make decisions on fabric and more. But I went back to the Faire for the first time in a long time and I'd like to make it out to the Sherwood Faire this spring. 

Yet Another Kitsune


I know this seems like I'm a one-trick pony but this costume idea is actually based around the fact I want to do a large sleeved puppet of my character Goro. I've been researching this potentially big project which would require some interesting costume considerations which I plan on writing about later. 

Polish Dancer Vest

I really just need to buckle down and make this. Although, I need to remember what I did with the fabric for it. I cleaned out my closet of all fabric earlier this month and I don't remember if I kept it or planned to donate it. I should probably check the bags before donating. (Can't believe I kept these bags in my car for weeks!)

Other Creative Projects

That's my relatively short list for this year. I'm really trying to crack down on several other projects at the same time and it's gotten a bit out of hand. My plan for 2023 is to get some focus and finish some projects that have been long in the wings...like my visual novels that I never seem to finish! So, the hope is to make more steady progress on things like: Trouble Brewing, the Knitting Pattern Book idea, and just get through a few more knitting and crochet projects that are not costume related.

Oh, and the big news is that I'm actually part of a costume department! At least as a volunteer at the moment. My parish puts on a Boar's Head Pageant and this is the first year that it's back! I'm learning a lot about costumes for group productions and such and something about costume management and fittings. Still lacking a lot of confidence in making things fit other people, but I did make one new piece to contribute to the show. A lovely lined and trimmed cloak: 
Anyone in the Austin, TX area is free to come see the show on January 8th, 2023 at 6 pm at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church. I'm the Narrator which means I've not only been working on helping with costumes but I'm learning lines. Never done this before and I'm getting over a cold. Exciting/stressful times!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hakama Series - Hibakama (Scarlet Hakama)

The bright red hakama with a white kimono is a common sight in both anime and video game characters. Shrine maidens or Miko also wear this combination of colors when they work at Shinto shrines. Honestly, there is a LOT of history and cultural significance wrapped up in this one.  Anime/Games: Inuyasha, Genshin Impact, Sailor Moon,  So let's talk Design. Design Considerations Cultural Significance This is one I'd pay attention to if I was creating a character of my own. I assume that already created characters have had this research done and have taken their artistic license.  Some of the research taught me a few things: The color is technically scarlet or vermillion, not "red". 🤷 Miko are not part of the Shinto clergy. Sometimes they are just seasonal workers.  Generally, Miko are young women in their teens or early 20s. After a certain age, they wear different colors.  This was based on Heian nobility colors and fashions.  Color Like I said earlier, the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Split Leg Hakama

This is the classic style that you likely think of when you hear the word "Hakama". Very wide-legged pleated trousers worn by swordsmen and warriors. Admittedly these are "modern" hakama. There are variations based on historical time period and social status. But these should suit most cases.  So, lets go over how to make them!  You will see examples of this in many games and Anime but some faves of mine include: Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Demon Slayer, XXXholic, Hell's Paradise and Genshin Impact.  UPDATE 4/10/2024: I've redone all my instructions. Now that I've actually made a pair of hakama and found some more resources, I felt this needed updating.  From Chihirohowe's Guide Design Elements Color For modern or fantasy character design, no limits to color! You can also use print fabric and add designs! Historically, these would be a solid color and often have a neutral color scheme (white, grey, black, brown). More colorful hakama were usually worn ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Andon Bakama (Skirt Style)

Andon Bakama were hakama typically worn by women in an academic setting during the 1900s or so. Modern times, they are usually worn for formal occasions such as graduation. It is also the style that just looks nice with a kimono especially for those of us with Western hips the size of Texas.  See examples in Anime/Games: Here Comes Miss Modern, Great Ace Attorney Chronicles, Sakura Wars.  So let's get into how to make one. Tutorial style! Design Elements These are things to consider before you start.  by Chihirohowe Skirt Length Traditionally this is worn just below the ankle if you are wearing flat sandals, geta, or zori. It is worn above the ankle for sneakers, boots, and heels. You can adjust how high on your waist you wear it if you are going to switch between the two.  Colors Normally, these are a solid color, sometimes with embroidered floral patterns near the bottom. Red/Scarlet is uncommon outside of Miko. Patterned fabric is appropriate for this.  Side ...
Post a Comment
Read more