Cloud City Leia Build Thread

[antoa ()]

I started this project a few months back and I wanted to finally start a build thread.

I have this pattern to use as a base for the tunic and pants:

New Look Sewing Pattern 6602 Misses Dresses, Size A (S-M-L-XL-XXL)
https://www.simplicity.com/simplicity-storefront-catalog/patterns/brands/new-look/new-look-pattern-6602-misses-dresses/

I will use view C with sleeves and a zipper or hooks at the shoulder(instead of buttons) and the pants with the bands added at the ankle.

For the fabric I have the Casa Collection Crepe fabric (for the tunic, belt and pants - 10 yds) and the Casa Collection Solid Chiffon fabric (for the cape lining - 5 yds), both in Chili Oil

https://www.joann.com/casa-collection-crepe-many-colors/16025868.html

https://www.joann.com/casa-collection-chiffon-many-colors/16023996.html

For the copper I trim I got 3 spools of Kreinik Heavy (#32) Braid in “021 - Copper“

http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Heavy-32-Braid-5m.html

For the cape, I am using the Spoonflower fabric for embroidery on Poly Crepe de Chine
https://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/5978487-princess-cloud-embroidery-by-princess_seams

For the embroidery I am using DMC threads colors:

Dusty rose - 3778
Rust Red - 400
Dark burgundy - 3857
Dark brown - 801
Butter Cream - 746
Light yellow - 745

Shadow stitch for everything but the Light Yellow, which is a stem stitch.

I was provided a rough ‘map’ of the color placement from a member of the Bun Squad Facebook Group who I was working on the updated standards. From that I pulled together this rough guide for myself with a photo of my spoonflower fabric



I hope to make a neater ‘map’ soon to share.

Here is my first finished panel:






And for those wondering what the back of a shadow stitch looks like,


I can go more into detail about the embroidery in a future post if people want tips. I like to pass on what I’ve learned, so people might not have to make the same mistakes I did.

The only thing I am missing is the material for the yoke of the cape, which might be hard to match, and the shoes. I plan on going to a local bridal shop with a fabric swatch and getting a pair of custom dyed ballet flats.

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Wow!

I think your progress on the embroidery and the colors are excellent. Very beautifully done!

And please share more about what you learned embroidering; we can always use more pointers.

We also look forward to seeing a cleaned up version of your color guide; that would undoubtedly be a great help to others.
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DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[antoa ()]

I wanted to share the pictures I took of my completed embroidery panel with the tunic and lining fabric

The lining is underneath, tunic fabric is next to it.






All the fabric


And a close up of the tunic fabric next to the rust red embroidery that it should match per the CRLs



I also got shoes. I originally was going to get the satin ones and have them dyed, but that turned out to be really expensive. Instead I am going to cover them with the tunic fabric and Modge Podge. I found this tutorial that looks pretty straight forward

https://www.practicallyfunctional.com/customize-your-shoes-with-mod-podge/

These are the shoes I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071VBVSFQ/

Since I am covering them, I just got the neutral colored ones since they were the least expensive. I didn’t want black or a dark color in case it showed through the fabric. The shoes are really comfortable.

[SongofAmazon (Jenna)]

Nice find on the tutorial and your embroidery is stunning. Beautiful stitches!
_________________


In planning and progress:
Riyo Chuchi, Havoc Trooper, Amilyn Holdo, Lilac Handmaiden

Charter Committee | Galactic Senate DCO | RLGS Web Site

[LeiaAurora ()]

This is coming along beautifully, Amanda! Can't wait to see the finished result. Great job!
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Community Member of the Year 2019
PR/Social Media Team for RL Strategic Command & Rogue Detachments
Costume Mentor
In progress/submitted: Padme Amidala Deleted Scene/X Wing Pilot/Clone Wars Padme (maroon vest)
"This is a Rebellion, isn't it? I rebel."

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Looking great! Very nice shadow stitching.
You've got this!
_________________
DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[AlCeRey ()]

I'm gearing up to start my own Bespin gown and found your thread and I've got to say WOW your embroidery work is absolutely gorgeous!
_________________
MTFBWY

[antoa ()]

Thanks! Unfortunately due to Celebration costume builds, this one has been on hold.

My first tip for the embroidery is to use a hoop with a stand. I hurt my wrist doing ten first panel because of holding the hoop with my wrist at a weird angle.

I also recommend wrapping you inner hoop - I used some bias tape that I had on hand. The fabric is so thin that it is difficult to keep the tension in the hoop if you don’t have it wrapped. I personally am not using interfacing, but I like to live (or embroider) dangerously.

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Great advice, antoa. Keep on embroidering dangerously.
_________________
DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[antoa ()]

Quick update.

I just finished the 3rd panel. I am really powering through this right now and I hope the finish the last 2 panel quicker than I have been going.



I actually tracked the time I spent on this panel and it was 120 hours and 38 minutes. Ugh.

[Lora Skywalker ()]

Well done! If it's any comfort to you, at least the two front repeats aren't full repeats as a little has been cut off of each side. But it'll probably still take many, many hours to do. XD
_________________
DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[antoa ()]

[antoa ()]

Hello! I am back! Still working my embroidery - I am almost done with my 4th panel.

In the mean time I am making this same costume for a friend. She is just using the printed spoon flower fabric, so no embroidery.

I am so lucky to get this opportunity to do a test build of sorts.

Instead of making a new thread, I'll just include my updates here.

*note her fabric is much more red rather than rust, but it matches the spoon flower fabric beautifully*

Her fabric is the Joann's crepe in Cabernet (now sold out, I believe). They were out of the chiffon in that color, so I had to improvise. Someone on Facebook had a link to some curtains from Walmart that were sheer and seemed to be a good color. I ordered the largest one, which was 59x108 or 3 yds of a 59" wide fabric. Perfect! It's the red ones here:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-Marjorie-Sheer-Voile-Curtain-Panel/44434384?fbclid=IwAR02w2jNKCTzdQBgLiDpFPb4BmXanRrp6JbOQGVbxhHgX-tDBCBgS1VYea8

Fabric with the spoonflower print:


Fabric with the curtains for the cape lining


I am using the same pattern mentioned in my first post. View A is the correct length (my mock up was view C and it was too short), but I ignored the pockets, added side slits, made it less A-line, lengthened the sleeves and did a full lining (except sleeves) instead of just facing.

Here is the original mock up (for sizing - 6 inches was added):



I used the pants pattern included and the only thing I added was the cuff at the bottom. Since the future owner has larger feet, but I still wanted it fitted at the ankle, I opted to add a small tab on the inside that will close with a pants hook:




Here is the mock up of my yoke without the quilting:



The I took the main cape fabric and started draping and pleating right on my dress form until I was happy with how it sat. I will tidy up the spacing of the pleats before I sew it.




The arm hole will go here - I will cut out a small wedge just big enough to get the arms through.



And that's all I have for my mock ups. I am going to break up this update and put the final tunic and belt info in the next post.

[Lora Skywalker ()]

That progress looks excellent.

I think you should make the wedge rounded under the arm like a normal armscye. Best of luck with both projects.
_________________
DXO of Royalty & Senatorial detachment

Detachment website: http://www.senate.rebellegion.com/

[antoa ()]