How can i make a Talim cosplay costume?

Question

I really want to enter the anime detour cosplay contest for 2009, and i want to enter as Talim. the problem is that i have no idea how to make the costume(and i am pretty sure you have to make it ur self-even if you don't i cant buy anything online) and i REALLY want to enter. can any one help me out or give me some blue prints or something?? anything that can help me make her costume, i have the money, i just don't know how.

Answer 1

You're probably going to need to know the basics of how to sew. Don't worry, it's not that hard to pick up and you have time! The best way is if you have someone close like a friend or a relative to get you started. Also, some JoAnn Fabrics offer classes.

I suggest getting a sewing machine, it really speeds things up. You might want to go with a cheap one first that can do the basics before you decide whether it is something you will be using often (for more cosplay.) Then you can get a more fancy one.

Next, you need to decide which Talim costume you're going to do, since she has a few. Try to get screen shots and artwork of that costume from multiple angles, including the back, so you know what the costume looks like from all sides.

What I usually do from there is browse patterns for similar pieces. You won't find a single pattern that is exactly like Talim's but you will find elements. For instance, a belly dancer costume might have the pattern for pants like hers that would only need a little altering an embellishment. A completely different pattern might teach you how to do the sleeves.

http://www.mccall.com/

http://www.simplicity.com/

http://www.kwiksew.com/

Note that these pattern companies usually have less on their website than in catalogs in the Fabric Stores. Since you have time, you may be able to wait until they go on sale. Every other week or so, both JoAnn and Hancock Fabrics tend to have patterns for like $2/piece, so stock up!

Be sure to read the patterns over several times before you start cutting fabric. (Measure twice, cut once! ...as they say) and look up anything you don't understand.

You will need to pick fabric and trim out too. Most patterns will not have trim like you intend to use... so think long and hard about what step of the process would be the best for adding trim.

I know it sounds like a lot but once you get in there and do it, it all begins to make a lot more sense.

Also, you'll want to make Talim's weapons. I suggest looking into foamies. Amethyst Angel has good tutorials and examples here:

http://amethyst-angel.com/armormaking_su...

Good luck! Have fun at Anime Detour!