Finally finished! (Posted 4th December 2010)

Kilik (mark 1) is finally finished.

This was my first major sewing project, prior to this all I had done was a cat suit as I have tended to focus more on the props side. However, I have learnt so much while making this costume, especially in sewing techniques and patterning. It has helped that I really loved the design of the costume as soon as I saw it, so encouraging me to persevere.

I really enjoyed making this and I am very pleased with how it has turned out. I was so surprised to come second in the Amecon 2010 costume competition!

This has proved a lot to myself about my abilities, so onwards and upwards! I must try and schedule a photoshoot now it is completed.

Thinking about making a mark 2 of the costume, maybe, as its one of my possibilities for eurocosplay 2011. We'll see.

shoulder armour progress (Posted 20th November 2010)

Shoulder armour in progress. Given that it is going to be attached to the silk satin of the costume, I have had to choose materials that are very light weight. In the end, I've decided on a combination of card, paper clay and some air dough. Turns outs air dough can be sanded very well, but it doesn't like sticking to anything.

shoulder armour (Posted 11th October 2010)

Finally getting around to making a start on the shoulder armour. I had to make do with the quick armour piece for Amecon because I was moving house at the same time.

Now, hopefully, I have enough time to do a decent job on it before Auchinawa. Unfortunately, it needs to be as light as possible since it is attaching to silk, so some experimentation is required.

Kilik v1.1 (Posted 16th August 2010)

I have updated Kilik v1.0 I wore at Minamicon.

The upgrades weren't as comprehensive as I would have liked due to moving house, but I have made a new belt and the leg wraps with detailing, as well as adding detailing to the shoes. So Kilik v1.1 was wore at Amecon.

I still need to redo the shoulder armour as I didn't have time this time round.

almost complete (Posted 20th April 2010)

Well Kilik was worn to Minami 16. One of these days I will actually finish a costume with time to spare.

This was really my first major sewing project, all my other costumes have been basic sewing with armour. I am pleased with the results although there are a few minor problems which will be rectified before it's next outing.

I will post some photos when I get them, and thanks to everyone for their lovely comments, it has given me more confidence to attempt another difficult sewing project.

kilik progress (Posted 6th April 2010)

Well I have some reasonable progress on Kilik. After three mock-ups to make it fit properly, I was finally able to start cutting out the silk.

I have put some progress photos up of the jacket with the appliqued detailing. It still requires a lot of bias tape to go on yet bt that will be one of the last things to do, and it'll also cover up the fraying ends. Better continue with the rest of the costume...

Siegfried.........whoops I mean Kilik (Posted 29th September 2009)

Well I was originally going to do Siegfried, the crystal armour version. Partly down to very persuasive friends, partly the fact I look a lot like him, and partly because I have a tendancy to do the more difficult style costumes. My first choice was Kilik, but this costume had already been taken within our group.

I had done tests on the crystal armour which were promising, and I had even managing to give it that transparent blue tint to simulate the ice. However, a number of things have happened since the inital armour tests which lead me to change my mind.

Firstly, the person doing the Kilik costume changed his mind and decided to opt for another. I find it is much easier to work on costumes which are your favourites, so this was the main reason I changed my mind.

In addition, most of my recent costumes have been very restrictive and/or armour based. I wanted to expand my sewing skills and this was an excellent opportunity to do this. Although sewing silk is a little tricker than normal fabric (stop fraying!).

Finally, Tab has also decided to do Siegfried and I admire his work. With me currently limited on space at home and short on free time, this costume is not practical at the moment. I fully expect Tab to do a very good job and I would rather not directly compete with him at this time.

So I have started on Kilik, the lovely blue silk costume!