Endor Briefing/Trooper Leia WIP

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

Although I originally thought I wanted to do the Ewok Village Leia dress, I'm now thinking about doing the Endor Briefing Room / Trooper Leia costume. (I'd like to go for Trooper but since that appears to incorporate all the Briefing Room pieces, I'll probably start with the Briefing version.)

Although I can sew, I'd like to try to convert existing pieces where possible rather than make it all from scratch. First, for the tan shirt. What do you all think of this? I'd buy two, and use the extra to make the pockets and proper collar on the first one. Of course the sleeves would need to be cut down from full to 3/4. Do you think this could work? http://www.logosoftwear.com/product/30369/ladies-long-sleeve-budget-friendly-poplin-shirt?utm_source=shopping&utm_medium=Google&colstr=D1AE88&gclid=CPfQuNGZ1sUCFQoGaQodBJcA_g

Next, I'll be on a quest for pastel blue, non-acid washed, pocketless "jeggings." (Because pants will have non-removable pockets, but there's a chance something called "jeggings" won't have pockets....) Still, going to be kind of a needle in a haystack thing.

(EDIT: went ahead and renamed this a WIP since I have started making the pants and ordering other bits!)
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[PaleoLaura (Laura Smith)]

I can't speak to the shirt and pants as I had to have mine done by a seamstress due to my severe lack of sewing skills

I can tell you that I got my boots at JC Penney and that I modified the 3D printed Leia ANH blaster into the correct ROTJ version fairly easily.

Good luck with everything!

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

Thank you!

After some thrift shopping and looking at HUNDREDS of pairs of pants/leggings/jeggings online, I think I'm gonna have to make the pants. Found some light blue twill at Joann's but not in sufficient quantity - will have to go to another Joann's (darn)

Going to pick up the shirt(s) and convert those, though. And keep an eye out for vest fabric!
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

I ordered a couple twill fabric swatches from Mood Fabrics, which just came in.



I really like the one on the left, and it has a nice stretch to it. It's also on sale $7.99/yard (and I have a coupon) so I may have to go with that.

There's also a light blue stretch twill at Joann's right now, but I think they're phasing it out post-spring because I haven't been able to find enough yardage after checking two stores.



I know I technically only need about 2.5 yards according to my pattern, but I've never made pants for myself before, so I'm going to want 4 just in case.

I also ordered this pattern (McCalls M6901):



It claims to be Easy - hopefully it will work! I'll take pics when I get it of my progress & modifications.
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Good luck.

I'm so weird that I find making my own patterns easier than working with a bought pattern.
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DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

I get that completely - for certain things, I have an easier time making my own patterns.

But pants scare me - after my struggles making a pair of Edwardian style trousers for my husband for Doctor Who, I'm very nervous even attempting it on myself given that I have curves and sizes don't standardize like they do for men. But, I'm sure I'll be able to do it with an "easy" pattern - getting fabric with a good stretch will help.

Meanwhile, - has anyone worked with Arda Wigs' "Leia" and do you think it would work for this costume? http://arda-wigs.com/products/leia



(I'm planning to order the Dark Brown.)

I like that it's already braided because Arda's tangle really badly. I'm thinking I could twist the braids into Figure 8's but I'm not really experienced with hair styling.
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[Blue (Beth)]

I was just looking at that wig. I use extensions right now, but I'm thinking of ordering the wig and giving it a try.

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

Cool! I wanted a wig so I could just pop it on and go, rather than have to style something the morning of a troop.

Also, lookie what I just found at an Army surplus for $6!


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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

So now boots.... finding affordable boots this time of year is a bit tricky, but I found these... do you think they might work? $25 with Amazon Prime.

For modifications: I'd remove the straps, and I know there should not be a visible zipper, so I'd welcome suggestions on how to hide it, as well as any other modifications I'd need to make to these.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MQFSCLG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2N38VOJ4CPW4K&coliid=IZH9K9OTB0LN7&psc=1
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Well, the wig is long. The real question is whether you can style the bangs so they 'disappear' and make it look good.

And regarding trousers... well, I haven't quite gotten to making any from scratch yet, but it's on my list.
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DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

A couple more questions:

1. Rank badge - Is Leia's the same as the Endor trooper badge, like the one here? http://www.djdesigns.eu/Endor_Commando_Costume_Accessories/cat2292764_2080580.aspx or is it a different design?

2. Blaster - I know there is a resin kit linked from the standards, but resin weapons are heavy - I've seen a couple of folks here mention a 3D printed version. Is it on Shapeways and if so could I get the link?

Thank you!
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight

[PaleoLaura (Laura Smith)]

I'm lucky since my sister's work has a 3D printer I modified Leia's ANH blaster.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:226014

The files are free, just need to print it out and change a couple of things.

[Blue (Beth)]

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Nice blaster.
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DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[Boudicca (Jen B)]

Glad you like it! I may have a lead on a lighter weight one, will post once I find it again.

I've been struggling with the pants the last few days and could use some advice!

I made my "practice pants" out of muslin and adjusted it, and really thought I had the fit just right - but I learned an important lesson when I tried to do the real thing - whatever you make your "practice" version out of, make sure it has the same stretch as the actual fabric!! Muslin doesn't stretch, my twill did! So the pants were just huge. I tried taking each side seam and inseam in 1", not even close.

So I finally took a pair of skinny stretch jeans that fits me well and traced the lines for the side seams and inseams with chalk onto my twill pants. (please ignore the weird lighting; the twill is actually light blue and the jeans are dark blue).



Used a loose baste stitch to put them together and got this. The size seems right now, but now the fabric is wrinkling and bunching rather than sitting flat.







Any idea why this is happening? Could it be because the twill only stretches side-to-side (2 way stretch) rather than being 4 way stretch? Or did I just sew the seams in a way that twisted up the front? What's the best way to fix this so it doesn't wrinkle and bunch like this?

Advice appreciated!
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Jennifer B
Rebel Fleet Trooper and Jedi Knight