Costuming Essentials

I’ve been working on making my own corset for months. There were some odd issues but the end result is pretty awesome. Big thing is the couple of shortcuts I took worked perfectly and didn’t cause any issues. I used hook and eye tape in place of a corset busk and amazingly it held. Second, I used plastic duct ties in place of metal boning. They are a little bulky but strong enough and I can actually sit comfortably in this without it deforming. The cheap boning in a store bought corset bunches bends and twists when you sit. To make this worse the heat of the body sets those kinks in so the corset won’t lay properly and stabs you. So far no issues with this plastic. Also I have to be careful not to tighten it too much as I easily could without it being uncomfortable (I’m not a tight lacer).

I used a slightly altered version of Butterick pattern 4254. Big change I added a couple inches over the bust to be able to wear it as outerwear.  You can see in the photos the inch wasn’t enough so I had to wear something under it. If you want to make this as outerwear I’d suggest adding at least 3 inches and cutting it to the desired level just before inserting the boning and binding the top. Definitely make sure you can raise your arms over your head safely at the level you are going to cut it to.

I decided to wear it for a punk sexy character I’m playing. I am actually sporting a faux hawk here which is high fashion long hair mohawk. I’ll try to get you a shot of that next. In the long run this outfit will add bits of tech so it can go cyber punk.

Unlike vintage shopping where things are already weeded down for you thrift shopping is inevitably hit or miss. I’ve gone and shopped for hours to find nothing I wanted for costuming or otherwise. The prices, variety of things and tested quality always keep me coming back. (by tested quality I mean the things have been washed and materials that are poor and look old after a few washings are already looking scuzzy). When I find something the effort is worth it. A few amazing finds that come to mind are a burburry designer skirt, a green velvet cloak that is entirely custom made and of extremely nice quality and finishing and… a cat suit. I tried the cat suit on for laughs but it actually looked so nice at $3 that I bought it. I’ve used it for sci fish costuming or if I really needed a jaw dropping costume.

I’ve been sketching ideas for out there cyber punk looks. I want to incorporate unexpected materials. Could screws and circuits replace diamonds? Could light sockets and black plastic tubing combine into a truly couture and high fashion look? Can I convince my dad to let me raid his workshop for supplies? Only time will tell what I’ll make and only imagination and budget are limitations.