Costumes Plus Patterns

Jedi Robe

If you are looking for traditional Japanese clothing references for turning into Jedi robes, there is a book called "Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear" by John Marshall. There a lot of good diagrams, pictures and patterns in there. Granted, they need modification to do the ANH Ben Kenobi robes, and even more modification for doing TPM Jedi robes, but it is a great reference. Simplicity 8311 has a number of costumes including a simplified gi and kimono, also good for converting into Jediwear. Luke's black cloak from ROTJ can be made from Simplicity 7438 or McCall's 8936. Simplicity pattern 8745 is for a set of 50's costumes: greaser, 50's girl, etc., and most importantly, it has a pattern for mechanics coveralls. The coveralls pattern could be altered and enhanced and used as a pattern for the jumpsuits for an X-Wing pilot, TIE Fighter Pilot, Boba Fett, Darth Vader, AT-AT pilot, Death Star Gunner, technician, or anyone else who uses the ever fashionable, ever popular jumpsuit. Want to do Rebel troopers like in the opening of ANH? McCall's 9583 is a set of patterns for hunting clothing, so it has patterns for a large vest and for cargo pants. (Sorry, it doesn't tell you how to make the clamshell helmet.) If you wanted to be a Wookiee or some sort of fur covered critter, try Simplicity 9810. It's meant for doing costumes for a bear, cat, or rabbit, but with the right fake fur, some tailoring, and a good mask, you should be able to look decidedly "non cute," and ready to pull droids arms out of their sockets. I've also wanted to do an Imperial Officer's uniform for quite some time. Since it is an officer's uniform, it should be thought of as a regular suit: good quality fabric (probably a wool or wool blend), lined, tailored, etc. Since it is a suit, essentially, one could take from any of a number of suit patterns that are available, and then modify the heck out of it. One thing that should be noted on the officer's uniform is that there is a pair of seams on the back that run from around the shoulder blade area and come down and inward, tapering in at the waist. I think this is just to give it that much more of a tailored, serious real live uniformy look (okay, so I sometimes make up words), instead of a baggy tunic. Some suits do not have these seams, just some vertical seams that run from the shoulder area straight on down. I apologize to any real costumers and sewers out there who know the terminology and can describe it better. So, all that in mind, my suggestions for costume patterns would be as follows: * A suit pattern. * The Belgian Military Chef Jacket (Folkwear pattern 133) is available from Larkbooks.com and also at Alteryear.com, and from some specialty fabric stores. This jacket would need to be lengthened, but should look quite sharp. * A modified Star Trek II uniform coat should also work quite well. The New Eye Studio used to have patterns available, and may still have them. You may still be able to locate this pattern at some SF conventions, too. * Probably the simplest conversions would be to use a Civil War uniform. McCall's 9425 or Simplicity 7274 should fit the bill quite nicely. These patterns are unlined, however, and also have the straight, non-tailored seams in back. None of these patterns have the little mini pockets that the code/rank cylinders go into, of course. For the jodhpur style pants, well, you'll either have to get some riding patterns from Alteryears.com, make some patterns off some old style riding or Cavalry pants, or I expect that there are some old style riding pants patterns available for those who like horses. Or just get some regular pants patterns, and figure out how much fabric you want flared out at the hip. I hope this helps. Bob