Thursday, October 11, 2012

Mermaid Skirt

I had another commission! My good friend Taylor wanted to do an Ariel cosplay and asked if I could make her a mermaid skirt like one she had seen in a few pictures. I, of course, took the challenge because I had never made my own pattern for an outfit, just little things like pin cushions or the cut outs for the R2-D2 trashcan. It actually wasn't that hard. I googled how to make a pattern and even looked on pinterest and found a few good sites.

I used butcher paper (it was free from my mom's work) and the paper was so thick I couldn't put pins through it (also the fabric decided to not want to be pinned also which proved problematic throughout the process) so I had to devise my own pattern weights (coasters haha). I took my friend's measurements and did a few doodles and viola! a pattern emerged!


It came to 4 pieces; the front and back of the skirt, the fin (a circle skirt), and the top fin. We found really awesome fish scale fabric at Jo-Ann's and used that for the skirt (it didn't like being pinned) and a pretty stretchy lime sparkly fabric for the fin.




I had to do some minor adjustments after a fitting but nothing too big. I think the final product turned out great. Now I have a pattern for an awesome mermaid skirt for the future!



Until next time, happy crafting!


**UPDATE**

Here is a picture of my friend in her costume at the convention! She was a total hit, everyone wanted her picture. Even Felicia Day was impressed. I feel special!


6 comments:

  1. This looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! It was my first attempt at designing my own pattern instead of altering a pattern I found or bought!

      Delete
  2. That looks amazing, does she want to sell her costume? Email me jivinjazzyj@gmail.com How was the top made?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think she wants to sell her costume, but I might be able to make a new one. The only problem is the scale fabric is sold out until August. If you are interested I can totally work something out. The top was made from model magic and an old swim suit.

      Delete
  3. Where did you get the scaly fabric at?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bought it during the Halloween season at Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts. You might still be able to find some in the stores or on their website.

      Delete