Nibenon
Well-Known Member
So, back in 2015, I was in college, and I figured for the local Renn Fair that I'd make myself a Flynn Rider costume. Not just any Flynn Rider costume, mind you, but one made from genuine leather.
I'd never sewn leather before, much less quilted it. I had almost no pattern-drafting skills. The hooks were painted aluminum. I marked my lines with orange sharpie, cleaned them off later with acetone, and wondered why the colors were just smudging together. For the time, though, I was proud, and it was a hit. This was the result.
Remember, this is the OLD VERSION, the proof I needed a NEW, better one.
Now, the leather was a VIOLENTLY cartoon sky-blue, as you can see. I've seen some quality Flynn Riders online, especially from the RPF itself, and they always seemed to gravitate towards similar shades. This year I decided to go a different direction.
I've already sung the praises of Tandy's Waterstain dyes in my Jack Sparrow baldric thread, but the short story is that they're mixable, look natural (even with bright colors), and (best of all) they don't need a seal or finish. A few years ago, Tandy had a limited line of naked finish (i.e. open to water, dirt, oil, and yes, dye) leathers that were dubbed "biosilks." They've long since sold out.
During my post-college forays into leatherwork, I found a single turquoise biosilk hide. A 50-50 mix of Turquoise and Blue Waterstains produced a richer color than my baby-blue hide. It looks too dark at first, but just wait.
I'd never sewn leather before, much less quilted it. I had almost no pattern-drafting skills. The hooks were painted aluminum. I marked my lines with orange sharpie, cleaned them off later with acetone, and wondered why the colors were just smudging together. For the time, though, I was proud, and it was a hit. This was the result.
Remember, this is the OLD VERSION, the proof I needed a NEW, better one.
Now, the leather was a VIOLENTLY cartoon sky-blue, as you can see. I've seen some quality Flynn Riders online, especially from the RPF itself, and they always seemed to gravitate towards similar shades. This year I decided to go a different direction.
I've already sung the praises of Tandy's Waterstain dyes in my Jack Sparrow baldric thread, but the short story is that they're mixable, look natural (even with bright colors), and (best of all) they don't need a seal or finish. A few years ago, Tandy had a limited line of naked finish (i.e. open to water, dirt, oil, and yes, dye) leathers that were dubbed "biosilks." They've long since sold out.
During my post-college forays into leatherwork, I found a single turquoise biosilk hide. A 50-50 mix of Turquoise and Blue Waterstains produced a richer color than my baby-blue hide. It looks too dark at first, but just wait.
Last edited: