Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Post-Completion Silliness

Hello everyone!

My husband and I did a quick little 'test fitting' (Even though the measurements are incorrect for his body-type) of the Pirate!England commission, and this is what we ended up with.  Actually fit him better than I expected, though the sleeves are a bit short for him, lol.  It's really nice to see how the whole costume comes together, even without added accessories, sashes, jewelry, etc.

It's official, Spring break is here (March 30th-April 10th), and I couldn't be happier.  I actually started preliminary tests on the armor I need to build for my Shanoa costume, and so far so good.  It's been a bit of a tedious process since I'm forming a flat sheet of Wonderflex over a 3D object (My dress-form) but after a few hours I finally got it to work!  I'll probably spend the rest of my weekend figuring out the correct shape, covering it with leather and figuring out the decorative designs as well.  I plan on documenting my whole working progress, so that I can include more detailed progress shots, and perhaps as an end result, even a detailed tutorial for anyone else considering this cosplay!

Wish me luck, and back to my crafty cave for now.

-- Elysium

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update V, Pirate Coat

Arrrrrr(o), everyone!

Quick update -- been trying to get around to posting a few photos of the Pirate!England cosplay that I completed to 100% a few weeks ago.  The jeweled pin shown on the back of the collar can be removed, I just threw it on there 'cause it is kinda cool.  I will likely assemble all pieces that have been created for final photos at a later time!  Overall, really super pleased with the whole costume, but at the same time, so relieved to be finished.  I dedicated at least 80-100 hours on the whole project, learned a lot from it, and am happy to see it off to it's home soon.

Pretty excited to see Raven cosplay in her finished ensemble!  The costume is so rich, so I hope she'll feel amazing wearing it as England, and that it'll help her get into swashbuckling spirit. :3 She will be carting it down here in late June, (Already giggling as I think of customs' reaction.) as she will be coming to visit me, and we will also be attending Anime Expo 2012 together!! Really looking forward to spending time with her and am super excite! I hardly ever look forward to summer... so I am happy to at least have this happening!

In personal stuff, feeling kinda down and dowdy lately.  Just been really struggling with my creativity, even though I am forcing myself into new projects already.  'Suppose a break, or rather, Spring Break (That starts next week), should help a bit.  I literally have 95% of the materials I need to start my own costume (Boots will be arriving today, yippies!) but I haven't had the chance to pattern anything as of yet.  I guess I shouldn't get too down, as it's really not a major life problem.  Just feeling that school has been wearing me out a bit.  Getting back into eating healthy, and exercising has been a struggle to commit to, but I will get into the groove of it pretty soon. :3 And with that, I'm out for now, thanks for reading!

-- Ely

FINIS!

1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels
2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs
3. Pirate Hat w/feathers, ruffled ribbon & trims
   
4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
5. Lacey cravat

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update IV, Poet Shirt

'Allo thar!

I have just finished up the poet shirt! Woohoo!  This is a larger part of the Pirate England cosplay commission I was charged with creating, and I am happy to announce that I have been able to cross off everything from that list -- but the jacket.  Mostly, that part  has been sewn or is in separate pieces that just need to be attached.  (Collars, cuffs, lapels, etc)  It certainly won't be long until this Hetalia pirate costume is sitting at 100%, and ready to be shipped!

The body of the shirt is crafted from a beautiful mid-weight linen, which was then perm-dyed to a light ecru colour.  The lace around the cuffs and cravat were custom stained using a highly concentrated earl grey and sea salt bath, which I then heat set with an iron.  I enlarged the sleeve pattern for more fullness, and modified the collar to a ruffled stand to exemplify it's stateliness.  ^.~

The cravat is fully removable, (Has a mock collar with hidden snaps) so that the shirt can be worn without it as well.  Not pictured is the slit at the front of the poet shirt, which has brass grommets and lacing!  It is a rather nice detail, even though hidden from view.  I created the brooch for this costume using a large crystal gem, a vintage holder, a flat brooch back, and antique brass chains.  Overall super pleased with the jewelry and glad it did what I wanted it to.  xD;

The poet shirt sits at about 28" inches from shoulder to hem, so it can either be worn un-tucked, belted and bloused out, or tucked in and bloused comfortably.  I didn't want to alter the length too much, but since my client is shorter than I, I took care not make it too long it either. xD;

I hope you like the progress! Fancy Pirate England shirt is definitely fancy.  I am so pleased with how this garment came out and I am excited to see it all together.  Now onto the jacket! Huuuuuuuuu~ <3

Left to do:

1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels (All are ready to be assembled!)
2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs
3. Pirate Hat w/feathers, ruffled ribbon & trims
   
4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
5. Lacey cravat

Cheers for now, and happy costuming!

-- Elysium

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update III, Pirate Hat

Hello everyone,

I've been hard at work here.  The last few days, I have been custom drafting a bicorn style hat for the Pirate England/UK commission.  Behold, the fancy hat!  Finally, I am finished, or at least I believe to be.  I have a pile of flat-backed pearl trim I was considering using around the gold gimp trims, but I'm really not sure it's needed.  (I will consult my client if she wants more trim, perhaps. xD)  The feathers did exactly what I wanted them to (I used an ostrich feather boa in cream), and the gold trims & ruffles are just enough without it being too much.  This hat is HUGE though.  This was custom built to be worn either with the notch to the front, or tipped to the side.  I built the inner crown to 24" -- so that it's large enough to accommodate a wig comfortably.

I am really pleased with the result, and the hat itself will look stunning once accompanied by the entire costume.  I had bought large coloured ostrich feathers (In pictures, sitting in Godot's huge mug) to be placed in the hat brim... but it looks a little ridiculous when I put 'em in.  Maybe I'll play around with them a little more and see what I think.  Perhaps it's just a length issue, and the way I'm angling them into the brim?

The hat foundation is a buckram inner with millinery wire support, and felted for stability.  I used cotton poplin suiting for the black fashion outer, and a nice sateen for the inner crown lining!  The trims I used are satin cord braid, hand made satin ribbon ruffling, and a gold toned french gimp.  I am working on adding a small ribbon rose to the outer crown as a detail, too.  (Pictures below!)  There is a gorgeous desaturated green vintage lace trim on the outer part of the hat crown, but you can only really see it from the side. (Totally didn't take pictures of it, but oh well~)

Hope you like it! (...that means you, Raven!) 

For some unfortunate news, I have decided to remake the poet shirt.  I just didn't like the fabric, so I ran out and bought a much more suitable linen.  I think it'll be a bit more authentic this way, and if permanently tea stained ever so slightly, it'll look even better.  It shouldn't take more than a few hours to redo.  In the 6th picture, there is a pile of blue stuff.  These are a collar, and two cuffs.  I stood one up, just so you can get an idea of what it looks like.  These will be basted along the bottom of the sleeves.  Fancy schmancy. ;D

The coat itself for now is a huge secret.  At least until I finish hand-stitching all of the trims to the lapels.  It's a big job, but super close to being finished with that tedious part. :3

For now, I'm going to finish up the epaulets, and work on that fancy cravat!  Cheers, lovlies.

-- Ely  

Left to do!

1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels (All are ready to be assembled!)
2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs (Recutting from new linen material, and tea staining it)
3. Pirate Hat w/feathers, ruffled ribbon & trims (May or may not still add flat-back pearl trim!)
   
4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
5. Lacey cravat

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update II

Hey all,

So I just wanted to post my fabrics for this commission! I'm very pleased with all that was purchased.  The shirt material is not posted here, but I'll have a completed photo of the finished garment soon.  (I had to adjust a couple of things, so the seams are open again and need re-stitching.)

The photos were taken under natural lighting -- should add that the blue (With a hard to see charcoal Italian/Baroque print!) and red fabrics are a fair more vibrant than pictured.

All in all, the red velveteen is for the body of the jacket, blue damask for lining and flipped out lapels & collar, the golden brocade is for the body of the epaulets, as well as the tassels to it's slight left.  The green vintage lace will likely be used for the hat, but that could change as well.

I adore the cravat brooch that I made for this costume! (That big sparkler in the center!)  I found the parts downtown, and set it myself! It is a large crystal gem that harmonizes the colours of the costume perfectly, shining gold, red, green (Arthur's eyes!) and hints of blue.  It was so perfect, I couldn't pass it up.

Other various findings pictured here:

• Buttons for the coat.
• White lace for trimmings on the poet shirt.
• Handmade gold rolled rose for...I dunno! (I made it 'cause maybe it'll look nice somewhere on the hat? Also those pins will come out once it's stitched together.) 
• Beaded tassel (Was a cool find for .50 cents!)
• Pile of clear crystal buttons.  (I just threw 'em on the pile because they may or may not be used.)
• Braided gold gimp (Far right) for lapel details.
• Satin ribbons (On rolls), and not sure what they will be used for, but had them on hand, so figured they could be useful! (Binding seams?)

Anyways, you get the idea! Everything has been cut for both the jacket and shirt, so we'll see how fast I can get this together.  Kinda apprehensive about the hat at this point.  Don't even want to think about it right now, lol.

Left to build:

1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels
2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs
3. Pirate Hat w/feathers and lace
4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
5. Lacey cravat

Back to resting up (Not feeling well), and perhaps more sewing.  Cheers!


-- Ely

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia) -- Update I

To all my costume nerdlets,

So I've been super busy with the last half month, since I've been back in classes.  On top of a 40+ hour a week schedule, I'm also working steadily at home on a commission (Hetalia, Pirate England) that I see will take me at least another 100+ into completion.  The latter hasn't been hitch free, since my first trip downtown to find material for the pirate coat was a complete bust.  It was a disappointing trip, but at least now that I have had some time to think on it, I know what to buy.

You have no idea how hard it is to find non-stretch velvet, oi... At least $5.00 a yard isn't terrible?  Sometimes it's much easier to call around and ask.  The fabric district within the garment district of L.A is no joke -- it's huge.  Walking around all day, trying to barter for a better price do not a happy Elysium make.

Well, I found a few places with the right color, and bartering will definitely ensue!  I will settle with $5 a yard, if all else fails.  Still considering what to do with the inner part of the coat for lining, but I see that a dark steely blue, or desaturated royal blue (Whether flat, or patterned) will look brilliant.  I had my eye on some silk dupioni that might be a nice addition.

 

Left to build:

1. Restoration-era coat w/large cuffs, collar & lapels
2. Poet shirt w/lace cuffs
3. Pirate Hat w/feathers and lace
4. Gold epaulets w/tassels
5. Lacey cravat

And yikes, my deadline is somewhere in the first week of October.  I was shooting for Oct 1st, but I might need a few extra days extra.  We shall see!

Right now, I'm in the process of creating a poet shirt with full shapely sleeves, ruffled cuffs (w/ lace) and a matching cravat to top it off.  I already have my eye on a nice cravat brooch, so I hope to throw that into the mix as well.  All of the adornments and ruffly lace are going to make it loads of pretty.  I hope Raven will love it!  I foresee finishing most of that today, so progress pictures will be up. ^o^

I need to tackle that hat soon.  Don't think I will be able to make it huge, since it needs to fit into a box, lol! But I'll definitely be pushing it's limits anyways.  I can't wait to coat it in fancy things.  I've even had my eye on a mini gold unicorn pin for the hat.  (As an inside joke for the character)

Also, had a couple of inquiries on Ace Attorney badges, so I'll be filling those orders into next month.  I'm really happy to share my work with others at an affordable price -- and the compliments on my work mean so much to me.

Cheers for now,

- Ely

Pirate England Color Palette!

Just trying to stay busy with costume ideas here.  Hopefully I can get out and fabric sample/swatch/purchase this weekend, so that I can get this costume off the ground!  Deadline is Oct 1st, or that first weekend.

I just made a quick color-swatch table for my own reference.  It can prove helpful to do this when you're in the early stages of deciding what looks good together.  Therefore, these are the colors I envision when I think of this character in particular.  I threw the green in there for good measure (Mimics the characters striking eyes) just 'cause.  Reds are possible base colors for the coat, blues are perhaps for decorative elements, lining and such, golds for trims, buttons, green for decorative elements (perhaps!)  I might try to purchase the blue in it's darkest form if possible (Closer to black) so that I can use it for the hat as well.  But I could change my mind and make a black hat, too.  Not quite sure until I can swatch in real life!

That's all for now!

-- Ely

Commission Project: Pirate England (Hetalia)

So I was just recently chatting with my best friend from Canada over AIM.  She is a long-time cosplayer, and lately has taken a great liking to Hetalia!  She has been cosplaying as the character Canada for some time, and just recently started doing the same with England.

After a bit of random convo, she brought up her interests in doing a Pirate England cosplay -- but that it would be expensive to order online, and maybe wouldn't be exactly the style she wanted.  Also, since the costume is bit on the interpretive side it makes it just that more difficult. (Official artwork for it is very limited!)

So I offered to take it up! She had wanted me to do Canada's parka, but we set that on the back-burner for now.  Making a pirate outfit should be a lot of fun!  I already have the patterns for it I need, as well as her measurements.  Just need to do some fabric shopping and start!

I will be making her:

1. Restoration period coat (1600's) with full flared back, high collar and rectangular breast lapels.  Lots of gold buttons, gold trims in varying sizes, etc.
2. Poet shirt, adorned with lace similarly used from the period.
3. Gold upholstery brocade military epaulets, (For the shoulders) with tassels.
4. Large, fluffy cravat with lace that can be detached and reattached easily to the shirt.
5. Pirate hat, with big feathers.  Prolly will have repeating gold trims from jacket.

Looks like we decided on red low-sheen velvet, a contrasting inner lining (Perhaps royal blue), and probably black velvet for the collar and rectangle lapels.  I suppose we have a lot of artistic freedom with the design, so it should be fun to add my own spin to it as well! (With her approval, of course)

That's all for now.  It's very hot in Los Angeles at the moment, and even with the A/C blasting it's terribly hot still.  Perhaps I will lay down for a while.

Cheers!

-- Ely