I actually do have some pretty detailed pictures of his coat. I wanna do it myself if possible. I was thinking of doing something that would combine the first two. At the very least I want a long white coat with the blazer like shoulders and atleast similar collar. Even though i know that asking for even three things in a commercial product is a lot...Though in all honesty...Where the hell do I start?
A trench coat is, at its most basic, a bunch of rectangles - but it doesn't sound like you're ready to start pattern-making from scratch just yet. To get started, I recommend getting a basic coat pattern (in a fabric store or Wal-Mart's craft section). Here's some examples close to what you want:
http://www.simplicity.com/p-3069-mens-costumes.aspx(Good length; you'd have to leave off the duster-flap over the shoulders)
http://www.simplicity.com/p-2198-costumes.aspx(I can't see the collar on the coat in this, but it looks like there isn't one, which would be easier for modification)
(If you're lucky, JoAnne Fabrics and Hancock Fabrics both have sales sometimes with patterns for $1 or $3 instead of full price.)
Also at the fabric store, you can buy shoulder pads to sew into the shoulders of your coat. You'll need these to keep the shoulders from just sagging instead of being pointy like in the picture.
The hard part is learning to see how the pattern pieces are going to go together to complete the garment - how the edges fit together and what changes to the pattern will do to the finished product. There's not really a way to learn this other than practice and experimentation.
You're going to want to get a medium to heavy weight fabric for the coat and vest - the coat will need it so as to look like a coat. ^_^; I use a lot of cotton twill myself, but there's slightly lighter synthetic things (polyester) that might work for this outfit too. Go to a fabric store and see what you like the feel and weight and drape of.
For learning to adjust the pattern, you'll need something light (and very cheap) like unbleached muslin to start sewing with. Once you study the pattern pieces and have an idea of how they fit together, trace them onto other paper (like butcher paper, which you can get by the roll) and try drawing the adjustments you think you'll need.
For the coat:
The shoulders of the front and back pieces will probably need to be made wider at the outside/armhole side, but the sleeve pattern piece mightn't need to be changed at all. You'll probably have to make up the collar from scratch - use the collar pattern piece that comes with the bought pattern as a base, and make it as long and wide as you think you need. Straps are easy - just rectangles - and can be sewn on with buttons (can just sew the button on top if you don't have time/ability to do button holes) or gold snaps (easier).
For the vest:
Even without a pattern to start from, this will be much easier once you've done the coat. Just take in the shoulders and sides from the pattern pieces until you have a front and back piece that fit your body well, as opposed to being loose. The front two pieces will need to overlap for closure.
Once you have cheap-material "blanks" made that fit the way you want them to, take them apart and use them as the pattern pieces to cut the real fabric from, and sew from there.
...But anyway... I wouldn't call this a beginning sewing/patterning project myself. I learned sewing starting with pillowcases and tote bags. XD I'm afraid remote text help isn't awfully good, but I can try. ...If you wanted/get desperate, I'd make the vest and coat for $60 and can hand-deliver at the con, but I'd need to know by May 15. (I'll be in CA without my sewing machine as of the 24th, otherwise I could give more time there. ^_^; )
Oh, and, for the two belts - you'll want to attach them to each other so that they stay centered relative to each other. Making "loops" for them out of ribbon or spare material will help, and you can even sew the "loops" to the pants to help keep everything looking right during wear.
Home this helps at least a bit...
-Starherd
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Topic: The COSPLAY HELP ME! Who? Sewing? Buy/Where? Construction? Support thread (Read 54589 times)