Beginning a Costume: Twilight Sparkle

January 24th, 2013

Beginning a Costume: Twilight Sparkle

I wasn’t planning on working on a My Little Pony costume right now. In fact, I was considering making myself a couple of everyday wear items before starting on a costume since our next convention isn’t until April. Two weeks ago, Chris and I made a trip to Joann’s.

He spotted the perfect fabric for Twilight Sparkle. I found a pattern. I was instantly inspired. The next weekend, we found the rest of the necessary fabrics at Hancock Fabric. While I don’t have a favorite pony, Twilight is a bookworm, studious and a bit neurotic with a bad case of perfectionism. I can relate.

The bottom fabric pictured with the silver stars was the find that started it all. To better picture my plans, I’ve included a shot of my pattern packet. It’s Simplicity 3685, out of the costume section.

My plan is to make the skirt of several layers of the sparkly fabric with a bottom layer – perhaps silver – to make it opaque. It’s hard to see from the drawing, but the “skirt” is actually part of a dress. I’m undecided on what I’m using for the bodice as yet. I had a vision of purple and pink plaid for the jacket, but in the end Chris and I independently found the tweed-looking printed cotton in the quilting section at Hancock. Great minds thinking a like is a good sign, plus not needing to match up plaids is always a benefit. It’s one of those sewing things I’ve managed not to try for myself yet. It will be much cooler in Atlanta in September than most fabrics we saw in plaid.

The awesome pink with purple plaid wool pictured. It’s going to be the vest. In the pattern, it’s only the front piece with a elastic harness. I’m thinking of building a back so I can wear it without the jacket. The final and topmost piece is apolstry

First things first, I’m working on my muslin mock-ups for each item. We’re planning to make paper tape body doubles on Sunday which should make for easier fittings. I got The Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting and am learning a lot of methods I’d wished I’d had when we were making the Klingon wedding outfits. Of course, without the practical experience, I doubt I would have been able to make heads or tails of the advanced technique. Credit where credit is due, I couldn’t have done that without How to Use, Adapt and Design Sewing Patterns. I’m excited to see how this all turns out and what new skills I’ll acquire in the process.