The first sewing machine I picked up was a little purple thing that cost about $50 and wasn't really intended to actually sew fabric. I promptly broke two of them before realizing I needed a real machine. But I was determined to teach myself to sew because I wanted to make costumes. I'm not-so-secretly a big nerd. I have always loved fantasy and science fiction anything. So it's not much of a surprise that when I discovered Dungeons & Dragons, Vampire the Masquerade, Shadowrun, and countless more table top rpg's in my late teens I was instantly hooked. Cosplay was a concept that was just beginning to gain popularity, and my crafty little heart near exploded with the idea of being able to make my own contributions to that scene.
Then I learned, sewing clothes is hard. Really, really hard. Especially when you're doing it all on your own, and decent YouTube how-to's weren't really a thing yet. Fast forward several years and a few kids later. While I never lost the desire, what possible use could I have to make complex costumes? We don't game as much as we used to, and we don't go to cons anymore. Even Halloween is a stay-at-home kind of holiday for us. I had gained the technical skills over the years, but lost the reason.
Then I realized. The joy of doing it is enough of a reason.
So with that, I present to you, the special project I've been working on for the past couple of months; Cosmic Babydoll.
As an original concept, I didn't really have a clear final vision for where I wanted this to go. Unlike other cosplay/costume artists, my drawing skills are rather lacking, so I created a digital moodboard to pull together my ideas. After that, the pieces mostly fell into place.
Just having the vision wasn't enough, though. I knew my iPhone wasn't gonna cut it, and that having someone behind the camera who could see my idea, and make it a reality was going to be the key. So I asked my good friend, and amazing photoshop artist, Jess from Say Yes To Jess to help me out. And hot damn, did she deliver.
Now, I know you're all dying for the outfit details, so here's the specs:
Handmade pieces include the skirt, cuffs, and collar/body harness. I used my absolute favorite skirt pattern, Chardon from Deer + Doe, and just made it about 4" shorter than the pattern calls for. The cuffs were an quick and dirty last minute edition when I decided it needed a touch more pink. (Yes, I said pink. Don't panic.)
The body harness was purchased from OhhhLulu awhile ago, and I just added a quick little tatted edging to it, in silver thread.
I got really lucky and found these awesome boots that fit my moodboard vision perfectly from DollsKill for only $50! Similarly, the wig is from Amazon, and is less than $20. Score!
And finally, I'm wearing my 511 overbust mesh corset from Orchard Corset [referral link], which I modified slightly by sewing knit panels to the front to form the bow.
I had an absolute blast both putting this together, and hanging out with Jess for the photoshoot, and I cannot wait to do it again! Oh, and here's a bonus pic of the Viking holding my umbrella for me while I tried not to fall off a log. Isn't he cute?
