Steampunk 8th Doctor - Latest incarnation!

So I started out with using what I had already. The tea dyed shirt. The green waistcoat. The cravat. The green skirt.

I also upgraded my steampunk sonic. Adding some wire and 'gems'. I also took a broken watch that was on a necklace, snapped off the front cover then glued a safety pin to the back (so I can use it as tie pin) and set it to just before 12.00midnight.

I also restyled a cheap wig. Trimming the fringe and curling it. Then platting the rest then folding it over at back and sewing in place leaving curls to show on top. I also added a green ribbon.

Now back to the skirt I have several options: I can either use green skirt alone

That's when I had a lightbulb moment. I'll make it into a bustle dress. So I added a peplum to the back of the waistcoat, a ruffle to the skirt hem and made a bustle support.

I also found an old watch chain, added a key to it. Sewing it to one of the waistcoat 'points' and then used a safety pin to attached to the other point.

Green 8th Doctor Coat

Sooo...I've not had much success with tailoring. Mainly because I just can't find/afford the right materials.
This time I was determined not to use it as an excuse I may be using non horsehair iron on/sew in interfacing but I was going to do all the right prep and no skimping on the pressing.

Took ages to cut out and interface the peices. First I did the collar making sure I trimmed the seams (but doh! forgot to understitch) and pressing. I also staystitched the neckline and armhole on the main peices -even though it wasn't suggested on the pattern instructions- as last time the neckline stretched.

 I basted the seamlines and tried it on the dress form and on me. It fitted ME better than the dress form...but I know that if something is snug on the dress form it will fit me close but with breathing space.

 I pinned on the sleeve and collar to see how it would look - obviously this is with seams on outside.

I was releived that it was long as I wanted it to be. As the original pattern just sits at wrong point on me so its more flattering with modifications.

 I basted in the collar but can you see my mistake? No? Well I didn't till I'd sewn it on the machine...the collar was the wrong way round so the interfaced side would show rather than the non interfaced. Ooops!

 You can see where I basted in the pleats for the vents then sewed them down on the machine.

 I basted in the sleeves. But there was just something not quite right....so I cut up some wadding and put it under the shoulders.

Still not right. I unpicked the basting and tried again.

This time it was further up the shoulder. Sewed it all in, clipped the seams and...

Spot the mistake....yep the sleeve seems don't match. The left arm and fine but the right one must have slipped round.

After much muttering under my breath and struggling with seam ripping I got the sleeves sorted.

Next was the lining. I added some secret inside pockets for carrying sonic screwdriver etc.

I slightly misunderstood the instructions...and attached the sleeves wrongly. So I had to bodge it a bit with some handsewing.

Then I sewed the hem. Next step is a good press and to find some buttons. It took me a while but I kept finding the right colour but wrong size, right size but wrong colour....fustrating. So I went for a compromise and got buttons that reflected the colour.
Here it is finally finished!

Oh, you wanted to see me wearing it...you'll have to wait to see it all together I'm afraid. ;)

8th Doctor Cosplay - Version 2 - Part 1

So yes I successfully finished my 8th doctor cosplay and wore it to the 50th anniversary celebration at Excel London.

That was based on mixing both the movie version and the big finish version. Now, since then I've seen 'Night of the Doctor.' And well....can't resist recreating that outfit in my own inimitable way, and where better to wear it but LFCC 2014. I've booked a photoshoot with the eighth doctor himself Paul Mcgann.
My first choice was do I go for trying to replicate closely or do I go for a clever historical inspired re-interpretation.
The answer was a re-interpretation. First thing I did was isolate the elements, and what time they came from as near as I could....

Waistcoat - 1870's, looks like its been aged. Paisley print maybe?
Shirt - The collar is attached not removable. Probably modern.
Trousers - Hard to tell. But they seem to have seen some wear and tear. I'd guess it was nearer early 20th century.
Boots/Gaiters - Early 20th century again. Laced at front not buttoned at side.
Coat - Has hallmarks of victorian/edwardian. Curved back seam, vents, interesting collar, double breasted. Covered buttons? Couldn't see if it had waist seam or not.
Neckerchief - Blue worn.

My options:
Waistcoat - Self drafted (using modern waistcoat as a base I added curved back seams and darts) to imitate 1870's bodice. In paisley, lined and boned with self painted buttons.
Shirt - Modern. I could make my own from scratch but I thought this one worked well. Tea Dyed to give aged look.
Trousers - Instead of trousers chose skirt 1909 pattern. In tan material worn over a petticoat. The skirt has two 'watch pockets' near the waistband.
Boots/Gaiters - I already have boots quite similar. I just need to make the gaiters.
Coat - I have a 1909 based jacket pattern that came with the skirt pattern.
Neckerchief - Easy to make with some leftover blue cotton.

Concept sketch (with coat)

Concept sketch (without coat)

I've take a few nods from this 'travelling suit'. Or should I call it a 'time' travelling suit. ;)

Doctor Who Eighth Doctor Cosplay - Update

For those of you who have seen it or haven't seen it but already know the big surprise about the Doctor Who minisode.

Let me just say how pleased I am. Totally loved it. Full spin off series please?

Anyway back to what I was planning on talking about. The Doctor's outfit in that mini episode is a bit different to the tv movie one.

Which leaves me in a quandy...my cosplay outfit was based on the TVM. I'm thinking with a new shopbought coat. I can't find the combination of right material, colour and cut. But I have found the right cut of coat even if the colours different.

I found the above one on the H&M website. I hope they have it in stock in the shop. Turned down collar, double breasted and kneelength.

I also found this right colour but the cut is too short.
I have a blue headscarf I can use for the neckerchief. Got similar boots but ankle height. I'll be wearing my trousers that are different to the minisode ones so they will cover the fact they aren't kneehigh.

I can tack on my shirt collar rather than pin it and wear it more open.
What do you think? Will it work?

Shirts and collars...now with wings!

Sorry that just sprung to mind when I was searching for a winged collar to finish off my Doctor Who costume. ;)

I looked everywhere for a ladies winged shirt. Nowhere could I find one. I was contemplating buying a men's one and adjusting it. When it dawned on me I could just get my 'go to' shirt pattern and modify the collar. The thing is I needed the flat plan of collar shape to at least reference.
Doing my research I came up with a few images.
This one shoes a detachable collar detached and yay I can see the back. And this one the collarless shirt.
Looks like if I add a button hole to back of the collarless shirt and corresponding button on the stand up collar then find some way of attaching the front. Maybe I can cheat and used a split pin?

I also managed to take a look at some collars at the Beamish Museum and ask a few questions on holiday. Should have taken come close ups really. Also stumbled across a blog post from someone making one (at last).
Looking at the top image and comparing it to a few book images. I think his style of collar is maybe Newmarket?

Historical people I'm sure you'll know.....
Next question is sleeves I have a shirt pattern in my stash with long sleeves and cuffs. eeep! Cuffs. One of my nemisis. Those will not be detachable though.

Doctor Who Costume - 1 month to go Status Update

So just wanted to update everyone as to my progress. With around a month to go I have the bulk of the outfit done.

Last time I checked in I was going for full Edwardian ensemble. But I've had to make a few compromises due to time and fabric limitations.



 The Jacket is close to completion. It needs hemming and buttonholes added.


The Waistcoat is done. But the skirt has become trousers due to lack of fabric. I think it might be more practical too.
I have finishing touches to do on those. Then I can start on making the wing collared shirt. Which will involve a little redrafting.

Doctor Who Outfit - Final Design

Finally got all my patterns and most of my fabric. Some greeny-brown suiting and also some gold lining for the waistcoat.

For my waistcoat I'm using Mcalls 6149 (link)

For the jacket S&S Beatrix Jacket (link).

I wasn't able to find green in the shop so went for some burgandy fabric and suede type fabric for contrast collar.
I just need to draft myself the walking skirt (in same fabric as the waistcoat or in the grey not sure yet.).
My concept Image....looking a bit steampunk-ish. lol! Or maybe its a bit 'Charley Pollard Edwardian adventuress'?

Waistcoat for Doctor Who Outfit - the fitting process

I've finally decided that I needed to go for the eighth doctor style. It suits me more than elevens outfit. And eight is my fave doctor after all.

Now I originaly planned to use a different pattern but why try to make a jacket a waistcoat if I already have a waistcoat pattern. (I found I had one on my spring clean up. lol!)

Now I had a few fitting issues. I tried to use fit for real people just just ended up confusing myself....

So resorted to good oldfashioned trial and error. Even added a little pocket for my pocket watch.

Tried it on over my shorts I made from the pattern I'm gonna use for the high waist trousers. So I get the right fit.

I took out the dart and used it to add more material so the CB was actually centred.

Trying to figure out if I could add a godet for a flash or colour or maybe a kick pleat?

Here it is over a shirt and with 'cravat' of course this is to give idea of shapes. And they will not be used in the final costume.
What do you think?