Skip to main content

Goro's Caretaker Costume: Shrine Maiden-esque

 My brain has ping-ponged into all aspects of this costume and for now I'm looking into how to make the Shrine Maiden Costume. I am utilizing all my experience with making kimono and kimono-like costumes to make this.

Not really futzing much with the original look. 
 

Design Considerations

  • Accuracy with some flare
  • Making room for puppet arm vs regular arm
  • Simplifying the design so it's not a hassle to wear and keep on (I hate having to worry if my pants will slide off or something.)

Pieces/Layers

Juban/Undershirt
For style points, I'm making this red. The "Puppet" arm may need extra consideration such as an opening in the Juban sleeve at the front or under the arm. I could also do this for both sleeves so I can switch primary puppet arm if I wished. 

Kimono
This will be a plain color or small patterned top with semi-detached sleeves. The left sleeve will be the primary "puppet sleeve".  The length of the kimono will only come just above the knees...to save fabric.  The obi will likely be a wrap belt of some kind to provide security. 

The sleeves will thankfully be much shorter than my furisode. Attaching them in such a way so as to leave the tops open is taking some research.  

Hakama
I had some preconceived notions as to how I would approach this piece. I thought I would make  umanori hakama (trousers) but instead I'm going to make it Andon Bakama (pleated skirt). This simplifies the sewing process a bit which is nice. But I will be doing a little koshiita (backboard) with the little tag to tuck into the obi. Measuring and drafting the pattern will still be a challenge. I've screwed up fake hakama measurements before. But I do have multiple pattern/guides to use this time around. Since hakama are mostly big rectangles. 

Mask
Going to make this from paper mache using THIS tutorial: 
I will need to come up with a design to paint on it. I have a few ideas:
Fiddling with colors.


Footwear
Zori would be preferred. I have white tabi already, but my current zori are very uncomfortable between the toes. I could fix this by removing the stupid plastic protection tube. But then again...I do have a pair of geta with white straps which are much more comfortable oddly enough. But I LOVE getting new shoes. 👠

False Arm
I've been stewing and storming about how to accomplish this from ignoring the problem altogether to only using wire or something. 
I do have a duct tape dummy of my arm currently which could be repurposed. I've also consider using a pool noodle and wire or making a stuffed glove. I think stuffing a nylon stocking or one of my opera gloves will work well. But where and how to attach it!? More research is needed. 
(BTW: Thanks to watching another video I found this resource from Dapper Cadaver. It's a bit pricey IMO, but definitely a resource.)

Baby Sling
This is an optional thing but it can help with the false arm too. I want to make a kind of hammock style sling to wear and hold up the puppet like a baby hip sling. I may make a crescent shawl for this. I could then pin the sleeve to the sling to help hold up the puppet so it's not all on my puppeteering arm. 

Colors
Unsurprisingly, the color scheme has been nagging me. At first I figured just red and white like a Miko maid but then I got to playing around with colors and even coming up with backstory for each color theme. I want to make this potentially autumn colored or themed after flowers. I've come up with a few versions. I like Rose thematically for the backstory I associate with it. But I also like the idea of apple as a departure from typical sakura patterns which ties nicely into Goro's backstory and my own being from Michigan. (Cherries are also important to Michigan, but I prefer apples. Also, it suits the month of October to have this seasonal fruit.) 
I made much more than this.

So that's where this costume is at right now. Stuck in planning purgatory. 
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kimono Series: Measure & Cutting the Kimono

This is the primary benefit to making your own kimono, having it tailored to you! In this post, I will go over the following:  Body Measurements you need Names of the Panels and their dimensions Calculating Fabric needs Tailoring points And a few tips and resources With measurements there are major and minor measurements. Focus on the major measurements for calculating fabric amount and the size and shape of the panel pieces. The minor measurements are mostly for construction so you put the pieces together correctly and they fall in the right place for your body. Lets start with the measurements you need to take on the body.  Body Measurements There are only 3 body measurements for kimono, although they will differ slightly between a masculine and feminine kimono. You need:  Yuki  - a measurement taken from the spine at the base of the neck to the shoulder joint, then to the wrist while holding the arm at a 45° angle. (You CAN T-Pose it but it is a little less accura...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hakama Series - Side Opening Covers/Pockets

The side openings on hakama can feel a bit exposing if you're not wearing a full kimono underneath or perhaps you just can't stand to be without pockets! While these things are not necessarily historically accurate for the area, you can make it work.  Modesty Panels These will be panels of fabric that hang from your waist at your sides where the openings of the hakama are. You can choose to attach these to the belts (himo) of your hakama or to make your own waistband.  You can use any kind of cloth but the idea is to use any left over clothe from making your hakama. But if you want different colors or prints go for it.  You will cut a rectangle with rounded corners that is 16" tall and about an inch wider than your side openings (sasahida). To keep it from fraying, either use a serger or overlock machine to finish the edges except at the top. Alternatively, use a zig-zag stitch on your regular sewing machine all around the edges except the top..  Make a waistband fro...
Post a Comment
Read more

Becoming a Kitsune: Tail Design Considerations

The key element of a kitsune character is the tail (or tails in most cases). You'll need to determine what you want the tail to look like so you can determine the best method of attachment. The primary consideration for attachment is weight . The things that affect weight are size and materials. So let's get into it! Tail Shapes These are the common shape profiles I see for making kitsune-style tails whether it's a fur tail or crystal or unnatural.  A: Tube Sock - a uniform girth and rounded end. Close to reality.  B: Pointed Tube - a uniform girth that tapers at the tip.  C: Squirrel Style - wider in the middle rounded tip. Very much like an oval shape.  D: Pointed Barrel/Paintbrush  - the tail gets wider in the middle and tapers at the tip and at the top.  Tail Poses Another aspect of tail shape is how you want it to pose or hold in place.  Limp - a relaxed tail that hangs down loosely. It doesn't hold any pose.  C Curve - the tail is arche...
Post a Comment
Read more