Dawn- A Friendly Comission!
In addition to selling stuff, one of the ways I'v been saving up for a car is by taking lots of commissions. Most of what I have been doing is repairs, hemlines, curtains etc. So This past week and a half is when I finally got to the fun stuff :)
Today I finished drafting (completely from scratch!) the pattern for my friends Dawn Jacket.I have never read the Graphic novel Dawn is from: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607060248/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=1401205828&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=187KAG5NBMCKS6V8MEVG But I gather she is a goddess and fairly kick-ass. My friend plans to enter this years Dawn look a-like contest at DragonCon. Last year she won the Most Original Award for an Alphonse Much themed Dawn. This year she wants to win Best Reproduction or *fingers crosses* Best In Show.
If I stay on track tomorrow I should have this cut out in Heavy muslin, and have a date set for a fitting. I will also start on the mock-up for my other friends commission of an 18th Century Naval coat. I hope to get as much stuff done as possible before I leave Friday to deal with car stuff, then a few days in LA to deal with moving stuff. That way when I get back I can have the fittings (3 different people, 3 projects!) and start the final versions. The only one that has me worried is the Naval coat, the instructions for the pattern he wants me to use are in Gnome or something!
From the Comic:
My patterned Version:
Neither of us really liked the little odd utility belt thing happening only on the back of the original jacket. It has been replaced with a belt that matches the shoulder straps. The points of the belt continue into the front for decorative effect. I also continued the extended front piece into a little peplum at the back. I think it will make the jacket more comfortable and flattering when worn.
The one thing I am not completely sold on is the front bust shaping. In the comic the jacket has that Magically painted on look, with no indication of seams or darts. Rather than go with darts I patterned a princess seam going from the point of the back strap across the bust and into the neckline. I thought it might be a nice place to re-peat the the top-stitched seam detail. If we hate it during the fitting I will change it to an empire waist seam.
Attaching at the hips will be a chain that wraps around the back. The front has a functional a-symmetrical zipper down the front. We plan to control the Extended front piece through light boning, and snaps onto her flesh-colored leotard.
Swatches:
An assortment of Fake leathers, pvc and all the shiny green fabrics I could find locally. One of the leathers is promising, but a little thick, and a little pricey. One of the PVC swatches is also nice, but a little darker in color and very light weight. It might be perfect with interfacing?