Modesty's Costume Closet

  It started with the Theme of dancing to America's The Last Unicorn. My design was based off themes in the film The Last Unicorn. And to that end, the final product was a success.  Here is what I was happiest with:  The costume felt stable and easy to move in. Nothing was loose or felt like it could fall off.  The crown and veil prop worked flawlessly The chiffon flutter sleeves and pants looked dramatic!  I was able to finish with time to spare! Things I wish were better:  I cut the wrong size for the purple surcoat dress.  The clasps were so expensive!  My crochet top was too small.  I was a bit clumsy sewing the extra doo-dads on the top. (I was going to use SOME of my crochet so help me!)  The shimmery organza did not drape how I thought so no extra shimmer happened and I wasted fabric. 😭 I didn't hem my chiffon so it started to fray Day of the Performance I neglect to remember how wide my hips are at all times. Thankfully, I unint...

I have complete construction of the Unicorn Costume so it's time for some post-mortem style stuff.   Surcoat/Gwahzee Coat  So for a long time my measurements haven't changed. I cut out the pattern pieces about a year ago. But it turns out that I have grown and the size I cut out was one size too small. Again, because my measurements hadn't changed for a long time, I just went with the assumption that things would work out. Cutting and constructing was straight forward. Love that it had no sleeves! But when I tried it on I suddenly realized that oh no...it wasn't quite fitting all the way around! I took out the darts to give myself more fabric but it still didn't help. I ended up installing some "extensions" made from stretch velvet. It closes now at least. I really liked the clasps but they were expensive.  Pants The pattern I used was clearly for much stretchier fabric than my choice. I had to re-draft the pattern to make it fit but now it does! It's ...

 The most iconic thing about a unicorn is her horn. I had a pretty good idea for what I wanted.  What I didn't want:  I didn't want a chunky, fat horn that sits on the very top of my head. I did not want the "headband" party style horn that is all too common for a kid's birthday.  Horn length is a consideration too since I will have a dance partner and don't want to cause injury.  My vision was to have a short horn coming out at an angle from my hairline.  Elements I did want:  In addition to a horn, I wanted this to be a crown with veil since I have short hair and wanted to give the impression of a mane. Flowers also made sense.  The crown also needs to be secure on my head since I am dancing.  Supplies I ended up going the wire crown route instead of a headband. Simply because it's what I had on hand.  18 gauge Wire Floral tape Silk flowers Hot Glue Stiff felt Plastic hair comb Glittery craft foam Resin Unicorn Horn (pre-made bought it...

 I finished crocheting the top. I'm much faster at crochet than any form of knitting but the stretch of knitting is so nice! To make this more secure, I'm going to use elastic in the back corset to keep things tight. I'm also going to make a little cloth bit that goes around the neck band and snaps in the back. Got some snap tape because sewing in individual snaps is kind of a drag. I'll likely sew in some bra cups as well to help it keep the right shape.  This crochet pattern is available for free on Ravelry: Primrose High Neck Halter . Um...yeah that's it. Short post...for once. 😜

 The production of this costume has been as elusive as a unicorn. In part because I've put some kind of extra pressure on myself to have a certain look for my dance. So, hopefully, writing this will help me nail down some of my indecision. (Spoilers: It does!) Source Inspiration The theme of the dance is Night at the Movies, and I picked "The Last Unicorn". I will be dancing a rumba to the opening theme. I knew I was going to be "the unicorn" and my partner will be another character. (I'm hoping the red bull.)  Design Considerations In any costume design there's both a practical and aesthetic consideration.  Dance Costume Considerations Because I will be dancing with a partner, I need to make sure that my garment is out of our feet's way, I can move my arms and legs freely, and I don't have any costume malfunctions. So the major points of consideration are:  - hem length: I want to avoid catching the hem on my heel or have my partner trod upon a ...

This post is highlighting my (somewhat flawed) research methods and decision process for a particular costume part: Hoof Boots. (Like the ones pictured below.) Creature Feet by ChaosCostumes I am trying to decide whether or not to purchase the boots from an artist or to make them myself.  There are several options to weigh, one of them being whether it's worth investing in a new skill. Methods Buy on Etsy Follow Tutorial My Method Pros and Cons Etsy Pros: No mess in my apartment, high quality from an experienced creator, safety tested Cons: Limited design choices and colors, shoe sizes too big, have to wait for shipping Tutorial Pros: Definitive proof that the method works, final design look is in my control Cons: I have no experience making these things, very difficult to find used/cheap shoes in my size, Big mess, hazardous chemical materials, Not necessarily cheaper My version Pros: Potentially most economical method, design in my control, shoe guaranteed to fit, ankle support,...