Wig (Posted 7th October 2010)

This journal is just to show off the before and after photos. My mum trimmed it for me whilst I was wearing it.

Again to point out (if you didn't read the information tab) that I chose a blonde wig because Emma Watson actually has dark blonde hair in the later films. If I was cosplaying the book version I would of course get a brown wig.

Robes adjustments (Posted 6th October 2010)

I had to remove one of the button closures and re-sew it back on as the original seamstress did it wonky.

Also I tried to adjust the hood a little as it is really big and heavy so I wanted to lift it up a little so it feels more comfortable and looks less huge. However the only way to do that was to make it so the hood was sewn slightly in the middle preventing it from actually being placed over the head and I worried this made it look even worse or stupid so I've unpicked the stitches and left it as it was originally.

Gryffindor crest patch for robes (Posted 6th October 2010)

I bought my patch from Blue Tiger Trading on ebay which is where I get my S.T.A.R.S. patches for Jill from. In general it's an accurate design apart from the outline shape of the patch (it's suppose to have a point at the top) and from further inspection of references they've changed the colour of the lion in the later films to a white/grey colour instead of yellow.

Being a picky arse I had to change it so I covered the yellow thread of the lion with a white paint pen I had used before to touch up areas of my S.T.A.R.S. patches. The shade obviously doesn't match the helmet and on close inspection you can see something has been put on over the thread but otherwise it looks okay I think.

It's an iron-on patch but I sewed it onto the robes due to not wanting to iron over the paint and I've always preferred to sew my other patches anyway, feels more secure.

Wand (Posted 3rd October 2010)

"Hermione's wand is made of vine wood and dragon heartstring core; vine is the wood ascribed to Hermione's fictional birth month (September) on the Celtic calendar. It is 10¾" in length."

I bought a replica of Hermione's wand from The Noble Collection which comes in an Ollivander's box made to look like the ones used in the films =) The leaf detailing on the wand itself is beautiful and when it's not being used for cosplay I shall have it on display in my room. It's made from a hard resin and although at 15 inches in length it's not accurate to the books description I believe it's the same length as the film version.

Tie (Posted 3rd October 2010)

The tie I first bought was an officially licensed one made by Rubies fancy dress but I wasn't too keen on the colour, it just didn't look right to me.

Then we got a delivery from the Noble Collection at work which included Gryffindor House ties. They are 100% silk and come in a collectors box which says "Madame Malkin's Robes For All Occasions" and has the Hogwarts crest also. Now £30 is obviously a lot for just a tie... but I was twitchy over my current one and I do love Nobles stuff and have a few of their items in my collection already so thought when it wasn't in use it could be put on display with my other pieces.

The photo is a comparison shot of the old tie on the left and the Noble replica on the right.

Shoes (Posted 29th September 2010)

Shopped around for shoes. You would think it wouldn't be hard as she just wears basic girls school shoes but my pickiness as usual made things difficult. I found a suitable pair in Tescos apart from the bows on them. As they were quite cheap I bought them anyway and tried to remove the bows without destroying them. It's left some tiny holes where the bows were stitched on but I'm hoping that's not too obvious, I mean I'm sure people won't be staring at my feet! lol

Cardigan (Posted 29th September 2010)

The cardigan was made by Lochaven Of Scotland (http://livelochaven.com/store_main.asp?int_category_id=6) who make all the cardigans, jumpers and tank tops to be worn by the cast and extras for every film in the Harry Potter series.

Yes it was expensive... but I am one of those people who are drawn to authentic things ^^' It's made from 100% natural lambswool and like with my robes comes with proper washing instructions and company labels. Obviously the Gryffindor stripes and number of buttons etc are all accurate to the movies costume design, this is exactly like the ones the actors wear =3

I think this costume is going to be the one that feels most "realistic" to me.

Robes (Posted 29th September 2010)

I brought my robes from Whimsic Alley (http://www.whimsicalley.com/) as after searching the net and checking supplier lists on cosplay sites they seemed the best ones available.

They're mid-calf in length and have a massive hood! It's all lined in a nice shade of burgundy and has an accurate button closure at the front with an inside wand pocket also. I was a little worried the sleeves are too short but double checking references I can see the students jumper sleeves sticking out a fair bit from the robes sleeves so should be ok. I like the fact it comes with a washing instructions label, the shops logo label and a replacement button. Overall it feels a very professionally made item and worth the money.

I just need to add a Gryffindor patch and they'll be complete =) Trying them on I got rather warm so it's good to know I won't freeze at Expo for once haha.