crankyoldman | Entries tagged with 3w4dw

Finally got this. I wanted to make a video to explain some of this, it ended up being two youtube videos because I babble.

Also important: if you want to store a pattern for later, don't stuff it back in the envelope! Put it in a plastic zip bag. The "gallon" (or whatever the metric equivalent is) size works well for containing most patterns. This helps to keep water off the paper and means that it won't get all scrunched up.

Some people prefer to take their patterns (particularly if they are dealing with OLD patterns) and trace them onto paper and not cut them out. This is up to you! Just because one person did it that way doesn't mean actually cutting them out is wrong. Or vice versa.

More info:

- Grainlines

- Better images for pattern symbols

- More definitions

- More explanations for things I didn't go over

-

Hey I'm back, was just doing things out of town and away from my computer and being a little emo shoopuff. Which was fun, actually. XD So time to continue this. I know I'm focusing a lot on materials, but materials are really really important if you don't want to be frustrated. Technique comes with practice, but if you're hindering by materials, well. You're not going to get much done.

I happen to be a big proponent for getting used or vintage supplies and tools. Some people will disagree with me on this and insist that you always have to buy new for everything. Some things used in sewing are better off new (scissors for instance) but if you're thoughtful there's really no reason you have to buy new for everything.

The key is being thoughtful.

( how to shop for used or vintage sewing materials )

( how to shop for new things, but cheaply )

Next time: Patterns, What Do They Mean?

So I live in Indiana. There are two fabric stores in my area: a Joann Fabrics, and a tiny independent quilting place. No fabulous places full of the costume fabrics like when I visited Phoenix, or bolts as far as the eye can see in a place like Mood. The majority of the people in my area sew for church quilts and things like that.

Nothing wrong with that, but when you're as theatrical as I am, you find it limiting. Or an interesting challenge.

So I'm going to go into where I get fabrics, several of the types of fabrics I think are good for different types of projects, and why you should say no to polyester.

( fabric types )

( places online to find fabrics )

I wanted to babble about more types of fabrics, but I need to get driving soon! Tomorrow's post will be odd due to my being out of town. Just so you know.

Oh and I'm crossposting to

sewing, so there's additional comments being added. Check out the first post here if you want to see some more tips that I forgot or didn't know myself!

Here's some of the cosplays I've liked on dA. I don't have enough spoons today to talk much or even video, so here's a lot of prety pictures. For me, good cosplay is not just about construction, it's about attitude.

( pretty pictures! )

Also, some pics of my Sorceress Selphie cosplay and my sister's Megumi costume. Pics were taken with a point and shoot camera with a flash, while I was probably drunk, so I do not look very graceful. I will take some better pictures of this costume on my own when I find a nice day out here... it's been raining a lot, so. May take a while.

( my costumes )

So I actually made a video for this post! I might make videos for some of the others, as things that I describe are sometimes easier to show that way. I think I may do a small project to demo some of the things to do when approaching patterns.

And here's another video that says a lot of the same things, but is better edited and less full of inherited vintage-y things. Though I disagree with her using an X-Acto knife instead of a seam ripper (you could easily cut yourself or parts of the fabric you don't want to cut... seam rippers are much safer, imo).

Also, the first of my videogame fashion sets... Final Fantasy IV! All lady clothes, but a couple of them are tomboyish and could be translated into men's looks.

( eight characters, several combinations )

So, my first week for Three Weeks for Dreamwidth is going to be sewing, costuming, cosplay, and style related. Hell, it may even go into next week because I have a lot to babble about these subjects.

Today is all about the trials and tribulations of beginner sewing, as I know several of you are starting out with machines. Keep in mind, I am basically 99% self-taught and am constantly finding better more finished ways to do things as I go along, which people who have had some formal experience would laugh about.

But hey, at least I'm doing it, right?

I'm going to focus on women's clothing, mostly because I'm just now getting to my first men's clothing project. Not because I forget about you menfolk. I just can't say. If you want a good source of talk about men's sewing projects, I suggest Male Pattern Boldness. During his sew-alongs he goes through things step by step, and has lots of comments on both mens and womens patterns, particularly vintage.

( things I wish I'd known when I started sewing )

Now for some beginner projects.

( good beginner projects )

Tomorrow I'll start my "real life cosplay" sets, which will consist of clothes you can find to mimic the style of some videogame characters. I'll probably have those throughout the week, in addition to commentary I make about other aspects of sewing and clothing and fun.

Also, if anyone wants me to play stylist for them, leave me a comment. ^^

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Cranky. Old. Man?

Sewing and Cosplay Week: Patterns, What Do They Mean?

Sewing and Cosplay Week: How to Sew Thrifty

Sewing and Cosplay Week: The Fabric of Our Lives

Sewing and Cosplay Week: Pretty Pictures

Sewing and Cosplay Week: Supplies

Sewing and Cosplay Week: Beginner Sewing

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July 2024

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