Good question Skymouth. I was writing about Dr. Horrible today anyway, why not talk about the coat?

Dr. Horrible wears the classic mad scientist smock. Some call it a Dentist smock or a Howie coat. Also consider Chef’s coats as a possible match. The reason it is not a Dentist smock, but is very similar, is Dentist smocks are typically short-sleeved. Horrible’s coat is long-sleeved, white, buttoned at the shoulder, and long with side slits. Don’t fret, I have a suggestion.

We ordered our coat (product MCCX1) from a UK supplier. I can not testify to its quality as it has not yet arrived. International shipping is notoriously hard to track. My fingers are crossed. Some costumers have taken to sewing the gown/coat. Admittedly, it’s a simple pattern for an experienced sewer, but us regular folks are better not to try it. My last suggestion is to buy a costume smock and modify it.

The Mad Scientist is very close. Remove all the black buttons. Next apply velcro (sew or adhesive) along the edges for an invisible closure. Then attach four buttons to the shoulder. Basic white or clear buttons are fine. Check the length and sides. You’ll want to hem if it hits below mid-shin. Add slits up the sides if none exist. The slit should be at the hip. This is an easy fix requiring only scissors and a straight seam (sew or heat bond). Finally, add the caduceus logo right front pocket area.

Skymouth, Dr. Horrible’s coat is likely Dr. Simon Tam’s coat from Firefly. They look identical to me and the costume designer is the same. It could mean the coat was a custom job inspired by the antiseptic Frankenstein look. Let me know if you find something.

Good luck.

My Dr. Horrible post was going to be about the ever troublesome goggles. We had some on order. Back order, actually. That wasn’t a big deal because we knew that all the major suppliers were being overrun with orders. Just a few days ago we were finally notified that the back order that was supposed to take 10 days (ordered in July) will not be available until the first of September. Since we need them for Dragon Con which takes place Labor Day weekend that date was unacceptable. The order is now cancelled.

I’ve called all the local welding supply shops only to find none of them carry a model similar to Dr. Horrible’s goggles. I have found them online but most are international shops and can not be trusted to arrive stateside in two weeks. I’ve ordered them from a questionable little discount store. I have an order number but no tracking number as yet. The order will need to ship by Monday if we have any hope of taking the goggles to D*C. My fingers are crossed and I continue to call stores looking for the goggles.

Here’s a quick rundown of how I made my Wonder Girl costume breast plate.

Supplies:

1 Fun Foam, yellow (light color preferred) less than $1
1 pair sew-in bra cups, less than $5
White glue
Fabric Stiffener
Mustard, Rust/brick, gold, silver craft paint, $1-2 ea.
Sponge brush , pack of 5 for $1
Marker or pen
3-D fabric paint in silver

I think that’s it. I was not confident that I’d be able to form foam to match my chest shape. I started brainstorming on ways to get around that task and thought about the shoulder pads I always see in the sewing aisle. Then it dawned on me that I could just use bra cups. I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that.

I sketched out the breast plate bird design on the foam. After cutting it out, I stitched it to the cups. Once it was one piece I began the sealing process. It took several coats with the sponge brush, front and back, of white glue, fabric stiffener, and water to seal the design and stiffen it. The cups are hard now (you can knock on them, heh).

That process took a week or so to make sure everything dried. Then I started the paint process. I wanted the cups and foam to start at a similar color so I painted the cups yellow. Then it was just a matter of layers. Several mustard for a good base. I used the marker to draw the lines onto the piece. I traced the lines with the 3-D paint (some people use low-temp hot glue for this). A coat of red, gold, mustard, gold, silver, and gold to finish the painting. Whew.

As I mentioned in the last post, I’m still working on finding the metallic finish. When I get that figured out, I’ll update you. I had most of the paints in my craft cabinet so there was very little expense for me on this project. It was time consuming because of all the drying time. I like the bra cup method and will use something similar for the armor.

Let me know if this is helpful. Don’t forget to include a pic!

I finally have a body form.

Mannequins and sewing forms are a little pricey. What’s a hobbyist to do? While make your own of course! I used the duct tape method of creating the form. The gals over at the WolfPack suggested this method and website. You need an oversized tee, a roll or two of duct tape, and a helper. Be kind to your helper. They have the hard job in this endeavor.

Go to the bathroom before you get started. It might take a while. You get to try to stand still while the tape is jerked from the roll…it’s sticky stuff. You will be squeezed and immobile. I found I couldn’t raise my arms because my rib cage was taped down. Wrapping the sides was a little frustrating because of this. We made three layers. After I was cut out of the form, I put a hanger in it and taped up the seam. Lastly I filled it with stuffing so it wouldn’t collapse in on itself.

I like my form. It’s still smells like duct tape. But I like it. I can’t wait to use it to mold my body armor.

I must thank ManWithPez for all his help on this project. The tape was more than a little hard to work.

Updos: Some are easy and some require ten hands. Today I’ll show you how to create a classic updo. It can be worn with period dress: old South costumes, Edwardian (Titanic Remembrance Day), or even prom.

You will need hair bands, hair pins, and hair decoration such as a comb, barrette, or pin.

Step 1. Secure hair in medium height ponytail.
Step 2. Flip ponytail in on itself. TopsyTail makes a gadget to help, but it’s not necessary. I find it easiest to lean forward with my head down. I gently coil the tail around my finger then tuck in down behind the band and pull through.
Step 3. Divide tail into sections and braid. Secure braids with bands. Then band them together.

Step 4. Tuck ends of braids down in the hole of the flipped ponytail to hide the band. Secure with hair pins.
Step 5. Hide lose ends. Comb over part. Finish with decoration such as a comb, barrette, broach/pin, or flower.
I’ve also included a slight twist, changing Steps 3-5 only slightly.
Step 3 Alternate. Twist the tail. Secure the twist with a band. Do not let go of the twisted tail.
Step 4 Alternate. Tuck band down in hole of the flipped ponytail. Secure with hair pins.
Step 5. Hide lose ends. Finish with hair decoration.

There are many variations you can build starting from the flipped pony tail. If the twisted tail hits at your collar and tangles, twist and coil the tail into a knot at the base of the flip (braid it before coiling for a Little House look). Secure with pins or combs. You’ve turned a basic bun into something a little extra.

Instead of one twisted tail, divide the hair into three or four parts. Then twist each section. As you pull them up and tuck them under, they will wrap around themselves.

You don’t have to twist or braid anything. Section the hair and curl it. You’ll have soft ringlets a la Scarlet in no time. To finish the look, gently push or knit the pocket hair together to cover the hair band. Secure with a clip or comb.

Here’s one for shoulder length hair. Pull the flipped tail gently to loosen it. Then flip it in on itself once more. Gather the lose ends of the tail and tuck them into the tail pocket. Secure with pins or combs. If you’re hair is too long, it will not fit in the pocket. You’ll have a modified Gibson Tuck.

If Edwardian style is your goal, before you make a ponytail you may want to back comb or rat your hair to give it some height and body.

Now you’re ready for the next costume party, date night, or wedding.