Modesty's Costume Closet

   I've been following this tutorial on making Kitsune masks.  Things I've learned.  Glue is sticky! It's all over my fingers after a few minutes. But peeling the glue off is cathartic. I kind of love it. I guess it's like how some people like slime.  The first layer of paper mache will be kind of rough and a bit wrinkled.  I made the ears and forehead bump before putting down my first layer of mache.  It takes SO much paper! But varying the thickness and length helps with curves and dents.  I've got one layer of paper so far. It's already hardened but definitely needs smoothing out.  After awhile, I was not loving the shape of the first mask. I wanted a 2nd crack at it so I started another one. I cut up another soda fridge box and this time the base was much smoother. I made the muzzle smaller. I used brown paper from a roll and made sure most edges were uneven. (It sticks better.)  2nd attempt. A smaller snoot side by side comparison f...

 My plan is to make a total of 4 kimono. 2 are cosplay kimono and 2 are original designs.  I am taking a different approach to these (and any future kimono) than I did with the Wisteria Fox project. Recently I sent images of it to fellow kimono stylists for feedback and got some helpful advice. I also got access to a Patreon video for tailoring kimono from bolt to finished product. Haven't had a chance to watch it yet, been busy with Halloween and Dance Comp dress which I finally got in the mail! I'm sure it will give me even more insight than I have now. But, I need to get this post out of my head and onto the digital paper.  So, first, if you want to make a kimono, These are the 3 videos I recommend you start with from Billy Matsunaga Ultimate Kimono Measuring Guide (video) Make an Authentic Kimono (the easy way) - Video ( Men's Version ) How to Put on Kimono by Yourself - (video) From there, it makes following these patterns and sewing tutorials a bit easier:  H...

 A personal flaw of mine is being very discouraged in reaction to mistakes. It's taken years to realize the root of this issue. And oddly enough, costumes have helped me heal. I'm learning how to make happy mistakes or at least embrace the process. And all this flowery intro is how my process in learning how to make a kimono is going. My hindsight (that now feels a bit embarrassing) and my current process plan and hopefully resources for anyone to have a better foundation than me getting started.  Here were the challenges I had on this project:  I rely on patterns. When it comes to brain load, measuring and understanding why the shapes work is often a lift I can't make easily. The patterns available are a mix of authentic and more Western approaches to sewing. (Something that I only recently learned is the variation of seamstress traditions between cultures.) Technically, you don't NEED a pattern for kimono, but although I knew the pattern shapes, I did not know how to ...

One of the most frustrating things is learning a better way to do things after the fact. Like, I found a better more authentic kimono pattern after I cut the pieces. I am learning a lot about kimono styling and construction lately. I plan on taking a class even. Along with the course on knitting project management.  (I have a problem, but I'm taking steps to fix it.) Note : Technically, there is no "pattern" for kimono, it is all rectangles cut at specific lengths and put together. I use pattern or template pieces that have my measurements because wrestling fabric in my small space is hard enough without having to measure for each piece. Also lord help me I can't cut a straight line without a guide.  Let's start with the Juban.  Juban/Hanjuban When I originally started this project, I knew that juban was a thing you wore under the kimono. I have one from the yukata I got years ago. I knew it could be different colors to peek from under the kimono. The patterns I h...