5th January 2013: Pointe shoe - making toe box inserts I have been asked how did I make the toe boxes which go inside my soft dance shoes to give them a pointe shoe appearance, so here is the explanantion...
What I did for my pointe shoe lookalikes was first I bought practice dance shoes - these look like point shoes but have no stiffeners inside at all. But the shape and general appearence is just like pointe shoes. So what I did was cut some thick cardboard shapes to fit over the top of my toes and bent the outer edges over at the edges. Then I PVA glued a few layers of normal printer paper over these wrapping all around my toes, forming the box shape. I added some more paper layers around the sides and top. The glue helps to stiffen and hold the box shape - a bit like real ones.. The toe boxe were formed over my toes and held in place until the glue dried sufficiently to hold the shape. (I wrapped masking tape around my toes first so the glue wouldnt stick to me.) Then when the toe boxes were glued enough to hold their shape I took them off and left them to dry completely. When they were completely dried I slid them up into the front of the dance shoes - the appearence is like pointe shoes with real toe boxes. The only thing was because the PVA glue dries hard the toe boxes feel a little hard and rough on the inside (just like the real ones) so when I put them on I first wrap a bit of kitchen towel around toes - this also helps prevent tights snagging on hard rough edges inside the toe boxes.
I have taken a pic of what the cardboard toe boxes look like in case it helps..
24th February 2009: mking the tutu - step 5 Final step of turning the puffball into a classic pancake tutu is to sew through the 4 layers by hand. This pulls all the layers together and is what gives the tutu its firmness and is how it manages to defy gravity ^-^
It was a magical moment to slip the tutu around my waist - I have a Tutu!! ^-^
- attatched pic shows the complete tutu, next stage to fix it to the bodice.
24th February 2009: making the tutu -step 4 I made up the second frill layer and fixed it to the same bias so it overlaped the first layer and faced the opposite way..this adds support to the top layer.
Then I made up frill layers 3 and 4 and secured them to another strip of bias.
Now..if my bodice had been made out of stong fabric I would have sewn the frill layers straight on, but I was using streatch velor for the bodice and I was worried the weight would simply pull and streatch the fabric, so I added an extra waist band of doubled over net tulle (incorporating a short strip of wide elastic for a bit of give) and fixed all the layers to this.
Note: getting this lot through the sewing machine was REALLY difficult. In fact I had to turn the machine slowly by hand most of the way!
- attatched pic shows all the frill layers now joined to the net waistband. The fril layers are all splaying out at this point.
24th February 2009: making the tutu - step 3 With the frill layer held in tight gathers by the strong cotton thread I then fixed it to a strip of bias binding through the sewing machine.
- attatched pic shows the gathered first layer now fixed to the bias.
24th February 2009: making the tutu - step 2 Each very long strip of net tulle has to be gathered right down to the hip measurement.
I simply passed an embroidery needle with some heavy cotton in/out - in/out the net tulle close to the edge, gathering the net tulle as I went ... It worked.
attatched pic shows threading the needle along the long edge of the net tulle in order to pull the gathers.
24th February 2009: making the tutu - step 1 For each frill layer I cut 4 strips of 56 inch wide net tulle and joined them end to end - it is awfully long to start with but all this is eventually gathered down tightly to fit my hip measurement of 35 inches.
1st frill layer - 15 inches by 56 inches net tulle x 4 strips joined together
2nd frill layer - 14 inches by 56 inches net tulle x 4 strips joined together
3rd frill layer - 13 inches by 56 inches net tulle x 4 strips joined together
4th frill layer - 12 inches by 56 inches net tulle x 4 strips joined together
- attatched pic shows just a plain zigzag through the machine to join the 4 pieces end to end into one long piece.
19th February 2009: 19 feb - 2 days left!! Oh no's..the market didn't have any black interfacing..darn there goes my idea for the feathers around the tutu!
I experimented painting white interfacing with black fabric paint but it is soaking it up like a sponge. I'll have to try something else..
2 days to go - Ok mild panic is setting in now. @_@
Tutu frills are done. Wow, battling with the net tulle under the machine - it really wasn't happy with it, especially when it is double layered and gathered. Most of the time I had to slowly hand turn the machine to get it through! 4 widths of 56' net joined end to end to make one layer! Suprising how it gathers up though. I think I may stick with 4 layers - I held them around my waist and looked in the mirror last night, ..magical moment! *Yay I have a tutu* ^-^
Ok now to sew the tutu frills onto the bodice and I will have a workable costume...
One thing I did find in the market was some large black feathers for the head-dress. I need to fix them onto the hair spring clip somehow..
Lots to do still.
17th February 2009: 16 Feb - bodice done! Phew, bodice is now joined successfully to knickers at last, it's starting to look like a costume. Zipper and fasteners also done, and I had to put boning up the back to stop the zipper buckling. :/
(Forgot to mention that the material I bought is a streatch velor fabric rather than stiff material, just cos I liked the look of this stuff when I saw it. :)Working with streatch fabric has its problems though, and I've got to use shoulder straps because the bodice won't stay up on its own. Ah well..
Now on to the tutu frills (looking forward to this part). That will leave just detailing.
Running out of time quickly, but I'm confident it will all be finished in time.
Oh, wig has come, and I fitted some hair slides to the Tiara. Tested it all on, woohoo! I'm pleased how it looks. :)
Shopping tomorrow in the city market for the 'Feathers'. I have a few cunning plans to try for the main feathers on the tutu. ;)
12th February 2009: 12 Feb - still working on main bodice The main bodice of the costume has been Reeeeally difficult with me. I have unpicked,trimmed re-stitched it 5 times now! Finally, it is lying across my bewbs nicely now and the front seams are where they should be ..running diagonally across the nipple.
New dilemma - since I am sewing a bra into the costume should I also follow the bra strap height around the back?? It's higher than where the back of the tutu should be.. hmmmm, *is running out of time fast....*
aaargh, tutu bodices are HARD!
Aha! - how long is my zip? that will settle it. ^^
23rd January 2009: Ballet shoes done. The ribbon ties kept going slack after wearing the shoes for a while. So I took them off then re-attatched them to some black elastic which I fixed too the insole. So now there is a little give when the ribbon needs it and it doesn't go slack anymore.
16th January 2009: Pointe Shoe lookalikes The soft dance shoes look similar to pointe shoes but have no stiffening. So I made up some toeboxes which fit inside and make the shoes look stiffer. I also added some black ribbon ties.
I'm happy how they look, and I think it's a good compromise between real pointe shoes and something more functional.
One last thing - I used normal black ribbon and it looks good but seems to undo itself and become slack even when the knot is tied very tight! Maybe ballet shoe ribbon needs to be a special kind..need to check this out.
11th January 2009: 11 Jan 2009 I'm going to try to cosplay Kraehe for Midlands Expo in Feb 2009. I watched the anime recently and just love her character so I have to try.
- progressing with making a 'rough' preliminary costume to experiment on. I found a pattern for a tutu in one of my ballet books and enlarged it on my PC. Some of the info is missing however. Still, enough to make a start and make something that looks like a tutu.
Experimented with addition of Nylon boning up the side seams. Looks like I might get away with having the bodice strapless. :)
- I decided not to use my pointe shoes for the Expo. 1)because they are pink, and 2)because there is lots of advice from real dancers against using them for cosplay.
Instead I have bought some ballet 'soft dance shoes'. They are made of soft black leather, have a full suede sole and they look like pointe shoes except without any of the stiffening. I bought some black ribbon and am sewing them on to complete the illusion that they are proper pointe shoes. :P
Captain_Marvelous - 15th January 2009 isnt the least bit ashamed to say that I have first disc of this anime ^.^ this will look cool, cant wait to see progress *needs more crossplay ideas but dont know what would look good* lol
Ranma1-2 - 16th January 2009
Wish I could find it on UK DVD.
The tutu is still at the 'constructing a rough' stage.
I'll add some wip soon though.. :)
*more crossplay ideas - just go with the female characters you like because of their persona, or their costume. Then just make it happen. :) *
Captain_Marvelous - 16th January 2009 Yeah I dont think its set for uk release any time soon O_o I got mine over statestide ^.^ and thank you its not a difficult outfit but its easy to get wrong ^.^ Ive tried the makeup and it looks ok ^.^ I just dont want it to be mega-jokey-drag O_o
stripey_dani - 16th January 2009
Princess Tutu <3
I want to do a costume from it now too xD I miss my ballet dancing days ;_;
Ranma1-2 - 17th January 2009 Yeah Tutu is great. Which character would you most like to do?
stripey_dani - 17th January 2009 Id so do the Princess ^^ Or DUCK! x3
Ranma1-2 - 17th January 2009
I so love Ahiru! She's so adorable and kind hearted, and Tutu's costume is beautiful. Hmmm hard to choose. :)
If there's time I might just make a plushie of Ahiru to carry around with me at Midland Expo (now that we've made up). I can imagine it now "...AAAAAAH, so KAWAIII!"
angel aiko - 17th January 2009 ooooooooooooooooo i always loved Kraehe!! cant wait to see it ^^
Ranma1-2 - 18th January 2009 Weeeell just over a month to wait now. ..aiming for Midlands Expo in Feb. :)
Adamoluna - 16th February 2009
omfg excellent!!!
I can't wait to see this! <3
Ranma1-2 - 17th February 2009
^^ Thanks Adamoluna. The costume is coming on nicely, ..will def be ready for Expo in a few days time. (got a confirmed place in the masquerade so it had better be..)
Oh but I have gone for the DVD cover version of Kraehe's costume rather than tackle her more familiar 'bodice of doom'. (Didn't want to use flesh coloured leotard). So the bodice is more like a classic ballet tutu, (which I have a pattern for..) and there are some extra gold and feather details..
So yeah, it's not the standard costume, but I hope people will like this version too. ^-^
..I'll add the DVD cover pic in the photo's section..
angel aiko - 17th February 2009 aww pretty i think the dvd cover is nicer ^^ shall see you on saturday, i shall be super sailor mars for it!
Ranma1-2 - 18th February 2009
Thanks, yep see you Sat, looking forward to seeing your Mars. I WANT pics. ^_^
This time I have a conscript with me..I'm bringing my neice..she doesn't know it yet but she is going to be my bag lady and chief photographer.. :p ha ha ha
CU there. :)
goodbyeworld - 22nd February 2009
OH MAN
YOU WERE AWESOME!!
Congrats on winning best performance!
Ranma1-2 - 23rd February 2009
Aw thanks Lucy, I'm glad you enjoyed it. ^-^
I dont have any pics yet! My neice had the camera and has to upload them to me - and also her batteries died just before my performance! *how annoying is that!*
I'm gonna have to do the same as Mars and get into the costume for a home photoshoot to upload into the gallery here.
Anime_Angel - 23rd February 2009
Yeah unfortanatly I wasn't feeling very well to join the masquerade as I got up at 5am and didn't get sleep attall so I thought I'd duck out as they have yer waiting for a while so you can go on stage, I was wearing the same boots as last time so I didn't want to remain standing for all that time aswell, yup they wear painfull at the end of the day lol but Yeah I will be at the memarobilia event as the same character but in a different costume, so I hope to seeyou there^__^
Yer performance was dramiticly interesting aswell, you are probobly the first guy to crossplay as that character in the UK lol
Ranma1-2 - 23rd February 2009
"dramatically interesting" ..thanks. ^^ cos I was going for a real ballet feel. I also wanted it to be interesting so I tried something a bit risky..it took a lot of rehearsing and developing to get to that stage. The music was also moody because Kraehes story is quite moving ..so there was a chance people would just turn off and think "boooriiiing". I'm glad it went down so well. In truth there was a lot more to come in my rehearsed routine but I had problems with the stage surface (carpet this time). The ballet shoes I had are proper dance shoes with a full suede sole which is meant for smooth surfaces, on carpet they grip like glue! - so I couldn't perform any of the pirouettes and ended the routine about half way in fact.
You could be right aout first UK Kraehe crossplay. ..making tutu's is really HARD though! (I know now..) So maybe that's why. ^^
See ya at Memro then. I might have my neice again cos she had such a good time seeing all the cosplays.
Anonymous - 24th February 2009
I love the journal entries on the tutu- thank you so much for sharing!
Tab
Ranma1-2 - 24th February 2009
Yeah I hope it will help others wanting to make a tutu. :)
I'm still trying to get some pics of the full costume. I desperately want to show everybody how it turned out..I'm so pleased with it. ^^
Manga Girl - 24th February 2009 I'm really looking forward to seeing photos of your Kraehe cosplay :D
Ranma1-2 - 27th February 2009
I'm still waiting for the photo's.
But Tonyo has put his vids of the masquerade up now.
Here is the actual performance (which is a bit embarrassing from this very low camera angle! ^^) I assume the judges saw a much more elegant version :P
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZy_3BakZQ8&feature=channel
Here is the awards, straight after junior award or jump to 1:30
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXmxXcJjE4M&feature=channel
Sephirayne - 27th February 2009 Stuning cosplay. You've done an excellent job. I'm gutted that I didn't get to see this in person.
Ranma1-2 - 27th February 2009 Thanks Sephy. I hope your audition went well. :)
Wildeth - 28th February 2009 Gorgeous! ^^
Ranma1-2 - 28th February 2009 Thankies. ^^
Anonymous - 28th February 2009
Wow, I saw you haha~ you were awesome and totally deserved that award!
I'm glad you liked my cosplay btw :3 thank you very much! <3
Ranma1-2 - 1st March 2009
Awww thanks for saying, PandaaPaws. I'm really encouraged. ^-^
Yeah your Miku Hatsune looked FAB! And I've seen your cosplay plans so I'm looking forward to seeing your next ones too.
Captain_Marvelous - 1st March 2009 I really want to see ^.^ when are you posting pictures up of it, im afraid i missed the convention ^.-
Ranma1-2 - 2nd March 2009 Just got these pics sent. There should be a few more coming.
Sephirayne - 2nd March 2009
Love the new photos. You look great. Love the poses as well.
The audition was okay. I'm not sure I got it. I will know soon. XX
Uni - 2nd March 2009 wow looking wonderful! Congrads on winning the performance! you rock!
Captain_Marvelous - 2nd March 2009 Love the photos ^.^ I love masquerades there so much fun :)
GunstarVixen - 2nd March 2009 awww pretty!!! wish I could have been there to see this!
Ranma1-2 - 2nd March 2009 You're all very kind, Thank you. ^-^
Anonymous - 2nd March 2009
I love it! Any chance I'll get to see it in real life? I'm going to minami and may expo and ayacon this year.
Tab
Ranma1-2 - 2nd March 2009
Awww Tab, ^-^ ..truth is I wanted to wear it again for May London Expo. But if I get a place in the masquerade I have to be something new. Sun I'm down to do a group skit and Sat I was planning on a new cosplay for the masquerade.
I wonder if I could cosplay Kraehe around the expo and then quickly change into my new costume for the masquerade performance.
I didn't actually finish the tutu costume like I originally wanted (the Gold details and feathers are still missing). It'd be nice to add the extra's and wear it again. ^-^
Plus! I had an idea to cosplay Raven-Mytho (under Kraehe's spell) because I still have some dnace elements I'd love to perform. That would be a very warm costume to wear all day cos it is a whole head covering and lots of feathers!
So this might be a good plan. What say you? ^^
Anonymous - 2nd March 2009
I'm sure you'd be able to change- though don't do it in the men's loos! They tend to look at you odd if you come in as a guy, then go out as a girl...
And anything with more feathers sounds fabulous. I'd love to see some extra sparkle put on this.
Tab
Ranma1-2 - 2nd March 2009
You're right! Talk about running the gauntlet. Especially at Excel - the toilets down stairs are so far away from the Expo hall and last time they were full of non cosplay public visiting other events... Hopefully there will be cosplay changing rooms in the Expo hall, I'll use them again.
Looks like you might get your wish. ^^
Anonymous - 2nd March 2009 That's so cool - wish I could have been there to see it in person. YouTube isn't the same - but thanks for the links.
CrystalNeko - 2nd March 2009 Love your Kraehe cosplay!! It looks so elegant, the poses look great as well! If you do wear Kraehe to May again I'm definitely gonna have to get pictures of you =]
Ranma1-2 - 2nd March 2009
Thanks Lunar Kitten. Yeah when I first saw it on Youtube I was dissapointed. At eye level it looks better.
Well it looks like you will have another chance to see the costume at May Expo, (but not in the masquerade because of the rules).
CrystalNeko, thanks. Just look above heads in the crowd for a bunch of black feathers sticking up and that should be me. ^^
Silantre - 4th March 2009 I'm not sure if you remember me, we spoke a little after he masquerade (I had white hair and a red scarf). Even though we spoke before I didn't have enough time to say all I wanted,, when you walked on that stage with the music you were so gracefull, (I know you were worried about the carpet)your arms moved sooo smoothly,, and DOn't you dare ever stop cosplaying!! *hug*
Ranma1-2 - 4th March 2009
Thanks Silantre *needed that hug* ^-^ *hugs back*
Nooo, I'm not quitting yet. The day I feel no loving will be the day I quit - *dear God hopes that never happens* Cosplayers are so nice to me I kinda never want it to end.. ^-^
Fables - 5th March 2009
Ahh I only just noticed you had all the photos of this! You look great! And Congrats on Best Performance- I'm sure it was well earned! (I'd check the vid if darn yuotube werent blocked hehe!)
Can't wait to see what you're trying next ^^,
PS. And Thanks for the commment on my Refia! THe encouragement is a major confidence boost!
Amy-Lou - 5th March 2009 You look so lovely! I'm glad you'll wear it again, I would have loved to see the performance in person. I must check out you-tube :D
Adamoluna - 5th March 2009
congrats on the win, you look great :D
I was just thinking, looking over these photos, you should do a Cammy cosplay!
If not that, then Chun Li. I think those two would look really good on you :D
Ranma1-2 - 6th March 2009
Thanks for the compliments.
Cammy! Hmmm yes I'd consider it definitely, ..and Chun Li.
Oh gosh I think if I did all the cosplays I wanted there aren't enough Expo's in the year. I might have to do some just as photoshoots..
Manga Girl - 8th March 2009 You look so wonderful as Kraehe, I saw the masquerade performance was amazing. Congrats on winning! :D
Ranma1-2 - 8th March 2009 Thanks. ^-^
Fishyfins - 8th March 2009
just finished this anime myself, both series, and i must say this cosplay is most magnificent! was a little upset i couldnt find many cosplays from this fantastic series on here. but this more than makes up for it. sterling work ^^
im hoping to cosplay as Mute-senpai's Prince Seigfried form soon :)
Ranma1-2 - 11th March 2009
Thanks Fishyfins. I think its still a bit new to UK. I still haven't been able to buy a copy that plays on UK DVD. The only way I was able to watch it was on Youtube, and it's so scary when you think there is an episode missing.
If you are going to London Expo in May you will have another chance to see this costume, I said I'd cosplay Kraehe again for all those who missed out. I might have added the extra Gold details and feathers like I wanted so it will be more like the artwork. Prince Seigfried sounds COOL. *is slightly jealous now cos you are gonna get extreeeeemely Fangirled for that!* :P (only jkg about the jealous bit ;) ) SUPERB! I'll keep a lookin on your gallery to see how he's comin.
Anonymous - 17th May 2009 Ahh this is so cute! Just watched the video too, absolutely awesome.
Ranma1-2 - 18th May 2009
Thanks Nathan_Dorian. I see you are going to be at London Expo on Saturday..I will be wearing this again during the morning. Well, it's been revamped a little, I added some gold detailing ..and since it isn't being judged this time I'm a be wearin heels with the costume - actually these high heels go nicely with the tutu. So if I see you I want some piccies together. ^__^
I hope you will also be watching the masquerade competiton in the afternoon. My Raven Mytho costume is nearly finished, and I'm booked in a place to do a performance. It'll be like a dance drama. I hope it goes down well.
Anonymous - 18th May 2009 Awesome! X3 You're going to look amazing, I'll be keeping an eye out for you.
Relion - 30th May 2009
Loved seeing this on stage!
Also my original plan with the plugsuit was to have a long zipper down the back -- but i currently get into it now because the arm straps at the top aren't sewn together. I think im just going to keep it that way and have them attach with snaps or velcro or something, because there's another part of the suit that goes on the back, haha.
Ranma1-2 - 31st May 2009
Thanks Relion ^_^
Yes your plugsuit is looking really nice. :)
Nathan_Dorian - sorry I didn't make it to Expo on Saturday, especially as you were looking out for me. :( ..Horrid traffic!
I still want to wear this again sometime..
Saffron - 21st August 2009 So lovely <3
Ranma1-2 - 21st August 2009 Thank yoooh ^_^
Bambi. - 14th January 2010 Yay Princess Tutu! So cute :) hehe xxx
Ranma1-2 - 14th January 2010 Thanks Bambi. ^_^