Ceremonial Leia Build

tinabelle2006 () · Joined: 23 Jun 2012 Posts: 16 Medals: None

Well, I am finally ready to join the Rebellion! cheerleader

After some research, I am ready to begin my Ceremonial Leia build. I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics today and got my fabric, buttons for the belt, and sculpting clay to make the bracelet.

I ordered my necklace from Etsy.com because that project is a little more ambitious than my current prop building skill level. I think this is one of the key points of the costume, so I want it as close to perfect as possible.
After looking at a few tutorials, including Kay-Dee's (which is awesome, btw), I was unable to find a current pattern with the numbers listed in them. I did find a close match with this one:

I still need to get the aluminum and leather for the belt, shoes, and my hair extensions. The company that makes the hair that I want is 30 minutes from my house. I'll drop by there to make sure I get the color as close to mine as possible.

I'll post up pictures as soon as I begin! Any input would be greatly appreciated Very Happy

Kay_Dee (Kathy) · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 5:38 pm Post subject:

I think the pattern you found may give you problems as it lacks any sort of seam under the bust. I'd suggest digging around and looking a bit more for patterns that have the correct bust construction as it could be challenging to try to draft that yourself. Have you also tried ebay, etsy and other web sites that sell used patterns?
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Princess Sandy () · Posted: Tue Jun 26, 2012 8:20 pm Post subject:

Go to Hancock Fabrics and look through the bridal section for a pattern. I know I saw a few patterns for either wedding dresses or brides maid dresses that that the seam under the bust that would probably work for this.
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tinabelle2006 () · Joined: 23 Jun 2012 Posts: 16 Medals: None

I realized it lacked the seam under the breast once I posted the picture. whack

My eyes started to cross when I was at Jo-Ann's looking at all the patterns, so I think I was just so happy to find something even remotely close. dizzy

I have been looking online for patterns more similar since, but I had not thought of looking for the older patterns on Etsy or eBay. That's an awesome suggestion! I'll check Hancock Fabrics out, as well. Thanks Kathy and Sandy for your suggestions! bow

Lora Skywalker () · Posted: Wed Jun 27, 2012 9:35 pm Post subject:

The pattern you posted could be used for the underdress; that don't need any bust seams. Wink

And if you're used to making your own patterns it could be modified as well for the overdress. But if you can find a pattern with the right seamlines that would probably be easier. I made my pattern from scratch so can't help you find one.

I just kinda hope you make the small trail, since it seems many forget about it when doing this dress. Smile

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Kay_Dee (Kathy) · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 6:37 am Post subject:

Honestly, the "lining" of the dress should match the construction of the outer part of the dress. That is how lining works... trying to match up one type of pattern as an under dress to completely different construction for the outer layer is going to be a headache - I don't advise it unless you want a headache and something that could risk not being approved to RL due to construction quality issues.

If I get more time I'll comb through my pattern collection to give you pattern numbers to hunt for on ebay and other used pattern web sites Smile

I have a few I collected over the years.
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JediDWH (Lisa Curtis Saunders) · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 6:58 am Post subject:

Princess Sandy () · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 4:53 pm Post subject:

We are updating the standards currently, and we are aiming for accuracy, now that we have much more information and pictures available to us than we ever had before, allowing us to revamp the standards.
Ceremonial Leia clearly has the train, so, it will be included in the standards for that costume, so please, do make the train. Smile

It doesn't have to be a long train, but a train should be present nonetheless.

Sometimes trains on costumes are very inconvenient, I know this better than anyone with my Lake Dress Padme costume, and yes, sometimes it is a headache, but, its not that bad to deal with, just be careful in it and be mindful of your surroundings while wearing it. Smile

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JediDWH (Lisa Curtis Saunders) · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:22 pm Post subject:

Well, then thanks for the heads up- the lack of a requirement for it was seriously tempting me to ditch it again. Razz

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Princess Sandy () · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 7:52 pm Post subject:

Lora Skywalker () · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 10:53 pm Post subject:

Nice to hear you are adding it to the standards, Sandy. Always wondered why it wasn't mentioned in them. Smile

And it's not that bad walking around with it. Just don't take any steps backward, 'cause you'll step on it. Rolling Eyes

And for going outside or in very crowded areas you could just take a safety pin and pin it up and off the ground. It doesn't necessarily look bad doing that.

Sure my chiffon gets dirty and have to be washed after every troop, but I wanted accuracy so that's just something I'll have to deal with. Wink

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Princess Leah () · Detachment XO Joined: 20 Jul 2002 Posts: 615 Medals: None

This is the pattern that I've used for every past incarnation of the Ceremonial dress (and there have been 4 as my weight fluctuated and reference material became more available). It has the under bust seam needs, it's easily alterable to fit the needs of this dress, and it's a good length to start with.

It's Butterick 6593.

Mieal Deneb (Rachel Orange) · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:28 am Post subject:

Yeah, I was going to say the neckline would be easier to alter than the under bust seaming, so look for a pattern with the under bust seaming that is accurate.
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Princess Sandy () · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:38 am Post subject:

Just wanted to inform everyone that it looks like the train on this costume is going to remain optional for now, so, you can do it or not do it, and still be accepted as formal. The train is definitely more accurate, but, if you are concerned with ease of trooping, then you are allowed to not put the train.
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tinabelle2006 () · Joined: 23 Jun 2012 Posts: 16 Medals: None

Now that MegaCon is behind me (whew) I am back to this build. I have my braids ready to go, but they are heavy! What is the best way to keep them attached to my hair?

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