Strider/Aragorn build

[RamonvanVeghel]

I just want to clarify something so the thread isn't derailed! There's no need for the sad faces, I just wanted to specify, as in all the years we were together she made no effort to teach me anything and therefore deserves no merit in anything I have created. I was simply stating that because of that relationship I have a basic knowledge of pattern cutting and sewing. I put a laughing emoji after that reply to show it was jovial but it didn't appear for some reason, which completely changes the context of the reply! I appreciate everyone's support through this build, without it I would have given up, so I don't want to come across as rude or anything..

All the items I've made so far, I used rudimentary techniques to work out the pattern and not something that someone doing it 'properly' would do. For the shirt, I drew the yoke and pattern onto a big white tee shirt and cut it out. For the vest and coat I adapted an old sweater. Everything was then altered through trial and error to ensure a correct fit. As mentioned above, I made everything on the big side so I could alter it to get a good fit to what I was wanting. If you're new to sewing, I'd suggest doing the same. I didn't make any mock-ups because I'm lazy and impatient haha!

Also, I have a wonderful, beautiful and supportive girlfriend that will be accompanying me as Arwen, so like I said, no need for any sad faces.

Agreed with what greenmachines said!

I'm experiencing some of the issues with the emoji's dissapearing as well, I think that happens when you post on mobile for some reason. You didn't come across rude at all!

Those are definitely some good tips regarding the sewing and I'm kind of impatient as well and cut my patterns at XL size so that should be large enough lol since normally I'm a L.

 

[greenmachines]

Agreed with what greenmachines said!

I'm experiencing some of the issues with the emoji's dissapearing as well, I think that happens when you post on mobile for some reason. You didn't come across rude at all!

Those are definitely some good tips regarding the sewing and I'm kind of impatient as well and cut my patterns at XL size so that should be large enough lol since normally I'm a L.

on thicker materials an xl pattern simply gives me the extra space to struggle through the seam allowance without having the proper leather capable sewing machine.

 

[greenmachines]

bad memory alert but if I shared this before, my apologies:

This webpage and forums are an incredible resource for build pics and high detail closeups from museum displays and the like:

https://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Things/Vambrace/BoVame0016_YukNM.jpg

Aragorn

It is like therpf so it has many pages partially linked to one another and these folks are serious fans, tracking down museum or traveling displays of the originals and posting from multiple angles and often with their own patterns as followup.

It has many characters, not just our two leading men, and even other movies. Lots of promo shots from interviews and other events as well.

 

[Alfoe92]

Redid the shirt

 

[greenmachines]

Redid the shirt

You actually found something you DIDN'T like on the first shirt? Now I really want the specs.... not kidding, point out what changed. I would have first and second glance confirmed it as a match. If you really held me to the fire I could go down to stitch type, lengthand else but would rather you told me what changed.

 

[joberg]

You actually found something you DIDN'T like on the first shirt? Now I really want the specs.... not kidding, point out what changed. I would have first and second glance confirmed it as a match. If you really held me to the fire I could go down to stitch type, lengthand else but would rather you told me what changed.

Exactly! I'm afraid I cannot see the diffs

 

[Alfoe92]

I redid the smocking and adjusted the sleeves for a better fit

Also started the coat

 

[JohnSpaceUK]

Thant reminds me. I need to get some thick thread and over-stitch the seams in my leather jacket - there's another con this weekend! (Port Solent in Hampshire UK anyone?)

How are the vambraces going? I found a pattern on the internet and a bit of trial and error printing out on various sizes and wrapping over my forearm - eventually just took the plunge and tried something on 4mm veg tan that I could buy in around A4 size. I spent ages carving and stamping, but should have spent more time stamping relief into the feathers - they didint really stand out once they were painted.
I actually enjoyed hand sewing them onto the bottom layer - i found some thinner leather on amazon (because it needed to be a bigger piece for mounting the straps).
The straps were tough on the fingers, going though 4mm strap, 2mm hide, and 4mm top layer in some places!
Also, i have to skive my own straps to make them more flexible. No idea if you an buy ready skived leather straps. And I just used bronze buckles that were readily available - only the perfectionist would notice that, and that I did rectangular stitching to attach the straps, rather then a teardrop shape.

I was thinking about how these would have been made pre-industrialisation, and went with the rough, hand made look.

You are clearly a talented maker, but one tip, particularly if you are hand sewing, is to pass the thread on the same side in each hole, I did it by sheer luck, but the stitching looks way neater if they are all going in the same direction. (Hard to explain)

 

[greenmachines]

Thant reminds me. I need to get some thick thread and over-stitch the seams in my leather jacket - there's another con this weekend! (Port Solent in Hampshire UK anyone?)

How are the vambraces going? I found a pattern on the internet and a bit of trial and error printing out on various sizes and wrapping over my forearm - eventually just took the plunge and tried something on 4mm veg tan that I could buy in around A4 size. I spent ages carving and stamping, but should have spent more time stamping relief into the feathers - they didint really stand out once they were painted.
I actually enjoyed hand sewing them onto the bottom layer - i found some thinner leather on amazon (because it needed to be a bigger piece for mounting the straps).
The straps were tough on the fingers, going though 4mm strap, 2mm hide, and 4mm top layer in some places!
Also, i have to skive my own straps to make them more flexible. No idea if you an buy ready skived leather straps. And I just used bronze buckles that were readily available - only the perfectionist would notice that, and that I did rectangular stitching to attach the straps, rather then a teardrop shape.

I was thinking about how these would have been made pre-industrialisation, and went with the rough, hand made look.

You are clearly a talented maker, but one tip, particularly if you are hand sewing, is to pass the thread on the same side in each hole, I did it by sheer luck, but the stitching looks way neater if they are all going in the same direction. (Hard to explain)

And that would be advice well received because I very much like the outcome on your vambraces JohnSpaceUK . I knew I was looking at a great replica when I saw all the layers. Very authentic, very real world strong and could take a great deal of abuse in actual use.

Tandy stores do have pre trimmed and ready edged straps but I would advise caution on their use as they need to be matched thickness to the hoped for screen match. They exist, I am not trying to put down the possibility of purchasing. I am just saying be picky. They have numerous thicknesses at Tandy, pre made.