Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8 - DragonCon 2013

[andveryginger]

So after seeing this awesome Hippolyta costume done by Contagious Costuming, I added "The Fearless Defenders" to my pull list at the local shop. I'm really enjoying it so far -- lots of strong women, cool plot, and tons of snark. Somewhere along the way, I stumbled onto the cover art for issue #8, due out in a couple of months, done by Mark Brooks. Gone are the metal boobs and the Wagner-like braids, though she's still got a pretty serious sword and furry boots. Needless to say, it caught my attention. Looking at my pattern for Black Widow (Jalie 2800 + 2916), I kept thinking it would be so simple...

So, yeah. I added another costume attempt to my DragonCon list for this year, pushing aside Margo Lane for still another year.

So here's our hero in her new threads:



I started by making modifications to the bodice (J2800) and skirt (J2916):



Once that was done, I threw together a muslin in a God-awful red and white striped lycra that refused to be photographed without causing vertigo. (Think Toby in Labyrinth, but with smaller stripes. Ugh.) The modifications took, including putting the zipper to the back instead of the front. Closer inspection shows Val has a seam in the front, however, so I may just leave the zipper there.

The pants pattern will definitely need to be adjusted. Right now, the waist cut for my size makes me look like Steve Urkel.

...and since I'm waiting for my blue spandex to arrive from the States, I decided to move on to the "hardware" -- the armor. Taking some craft foam, I used some Heat'n'Bond to adhere some cheap black broadcloth to the back of the sheet. I then drew a pattern on paper, transferring it to the foam. Cut it out, shaped it over the stove, and then "etched" in the back of the hand detail with my seam ripper:



I've ordered some Worbla, but I'm not sure if I'll need it or not. I won't decide until I get a little more done with this. I'll tackle the forearm and shoulder discs sometime this week.

In the order of fabric from the States, I should have a bit of black fur. Given past experience, however, I really didn't want to sew the stuff. So, I went browsing on Etsy and found a pair of black, hairy leg muffs. Together with the brown suede material I've ordered, they should do nicely to make boot covers for my Black Widow boots. (Yay for consolidation!)

I've also picked up a foam latex two-hander (about 47" long), as well as a foam latex short sword, for which I plan on making a scabbard out of various components and covering with extra brown faux suede material. I hope I ordered enough...

And yeah, this is what I've been working on since I didn't have the materials I needed yet to finish Black Widow and Hawkeye. By next weekend, I should be in partial sweatshop mode. I'm really hoping to not be sewing at midnight the night before we leave for the con this time!

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Before moving any further with the armor, I had to get the bracers done. My care package from home included a dark brown faux suede I'd ordered for just this purpose.

Using a bracer pattern (highly adjusted to fit my tiny wrists), I cut a back from the faux suede, then proceeded to cut a lot of 1.25" strips. I then laid the strips out in a random pattern, stitching them down as I went. Once I had enough to cover the base, I layered them, right sides together, cut off the excess and moved to the sewing machine. I then stitched around the 3 edges with a 5/8" seam allowance. Pressed; turned; and then pressed in the curved edge at the wrist. It got closed up when I top stitched around the edges.



If I have time, I'll rework these in some lightweight suede, as the faux suede ravels a bit much for my liking. I should have turned and finished the edges, but I wanted a rougher look...just not quite so annoying. For now, I'll add the velcro and then move back to the armor.

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

So the worbla arrived yesterday, and today I decided to try it out. This stuff is awesome! In about two hours, I managed to make a new pattern for the bracer portion of the half-gauntlets, then put them and the shoulder discs together.

The half-gauntlets, in progress:



On the hands, since Val has an inset of some kind, I opted to leave the impression around the edge of the foam. I still have some rough edges to work down, but I'm pretty happy with the way they turned out. I'll probably also work down the seams on the bracers a bit more, too. As it stands, they fit perfectly over the leather bracers.

With those done, I moved on to the shoulder discs. I started with the paper patterns I'd drafted previously, and put them together the same way as the gauntlets (worbla sandwich!). For these, I used the "bottom" as the top surface, which gave me a flatter surface to show. I then turned them over a paper bowl, wrapped in aluminum foil to help keep the worbla from sticking to it:



It ended up something like a worbla quesadilla instead of a sandwich! =)

Once the shaped discs had cooled, I cut out the concentric circles and added them to the top, slightly smoothing the edges of the layers into the previous layer.



And then, because I haven't tried smoothing, priming, and painting any of this stuff yet, I made a couple of small wrist pieces to test my efforts. They've ended up looking like -- and with the same texture as -- overgrown Frito corn chips!

After the test fit, I think I'm going to go back and redo the bracers to be smooth underneath the gauntlet; the wrapped effect is just kinda lost, and I don't want to have to keep pulling @#$% black and brown fuzz off my costume from the unravelling edges. For now, a bit of a late lunch and my run for the day. Gotta earn my spandex!

 

[Alpha Proto]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

I have always liked the way Valkyrie looked.
It is really nice to see someone build her.

 

[ChanceCrafts]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Oh yay! You are going to look phenomenal! I love your attention to detail- Are you bringing this to the Marvel shoot on Sunday at DragonCon?

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Alpha: Thanks! It's a different look for her, but one I want to try and do. The Wagner-ian version wasn't really my thing. On the other hand, it gives me a chance to strut around and make like "Shakespeare in the Park," as Tony would say. =)

Chance: Thanks! Your Hippolyta was amazing -- and inspirational! I'm hoping Val turns out as well! I'd thought about going to the shoot on Sunday, but I'm somewhat conflicted -- DH and I are also doing Black Widow and Hawkeye. I'll admit I'm leaning toward taking Val to the photoshoot, though, because there's likely to be at least 25,000 people dressed like BW and HE; not likely as many for the "new" Valkyrie. I also think I read something over on the hero forums about a TFD group. That might be fun...wonder if Misty will get to slap Hippolyta again for posterity?

 

[Alpha Proto]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

I am curious how you will make the pants. The way they look in the concept looks difficult to vision in reality.

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Apologies for the long delay... I was on travel and working my tail off!

Alpha: The pants will be part of the overall body suit, as per the Jalie pattern, with the skirt attached. I'm accomplishing the furry boot look by using a pair of black fur leg muffs that I found on Etsy, and will simply wear them over the boots I'm bringing for Black Widow. An easy way out, sure... but the last time I tried to sew fake fur, it was not a pretty thing...

I spent a large portion of my day working on both my Black Widow holsters, and Val's armor. The wood glue finish worked pretty well, but the paint still bubbled in a couple of places shortly after application. I've managed to sand them down, and will hit it with one more coat tomorrow before I let it cure prior to dry brushing and detailing. I'll try and upload a pic then.

This evening, I finally sat down to work with my wig for Val. It's an Eowyn from Arda Wigs in ginger blonde. Gorgeous color, and actually pretty realistic. It reminds a lot of Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Pots in the Iron Man flicks, actually.

Now, before I post my pic, I have to throw out a disclaimer: This is my first time really styling a wig. I do okay with my own hair, but this is quite a bit different, even with the heat resistant fibers offered by Arda. In retrospect, I probably should have had her commissioned, or purchased a different base wig (Matilda comes to mind), but I figured, how hard could three braids be?

A lot harder than I thought.

I hit the wig with the hair dryer, per the Arda tutorial on how to restyle the bangs. That done, I set about parting the hair into three sections -- left, right, and center. Those sections would then form my braids. Starting to braid, I quickly came to the realization that I would not be able to get things entirely accurate -- the braids wouldn't really start that low on their own accord with the weight and texture of the hair, so I'd have to start with low ponytails. I did buy some clear elastics, so they're not entirely noticeable as something else might be. I might go back and cover them with some wefts, if I think about it before DC. For now, they're functional, so I'll take it.

With the low ponytails in, I then set about braiding... Ugh. I'm not great at this anyway, but the weight and texture of the hair made this really interesting. And the fact that the hair liked to stick out worse than natural hair was something of a real downer, too. I'd get all the way to the bottom of the braid and then, as I tried to put the elastic in, I'd completely fuzz it up. Augh! Finally, with a touch of conditioning spray and a bit of hairspray, I figured out a trick or two to getting the elastic in, and finally had a single, solitary braid done.

Great. Two more to go.

The right side went much easier, having learned several lessons on the left. This side was also a bit thinner due to the part, so that helped a bit, too.

The back was a wholly different story. If the wig had been cut in layers, I probably could have managed a more accurate braid...though I still struggle with the reality of that much hair worked into a braid perfectly symmetrical to the other two on Val's head. The braid I ended up with is quite a bit thicker, incorporating the remaining hair not included in the side braids; it also starts at the base of the neck, rather than at the shoulder blades in the center of the back.

Prior to actually getting the left braid done, I'd also experimented with threading the silver spheres and incorporating the string into the plait so that the sphere hung at the end of the braid. This ended up not working as well as I'd hoped it might. I finally decided that, given the choice between the spheres and the braids, I'd rather at least have the braids. So, I cut the threads holding in the spheres and just braided the wig. I'm now trying to figure out ways to incorporate the spheres. My other thought is to simply make a few ponytail holders with some silver buttons to stand in for the spheres.

This is where I stand for tonight:



Apologies for the crappy cell phone pic. I didn't care to drag out the point and shoot this late!

For now, I'm putting things aside and about to get some sleep. I'm hoping I'll be recharged a bit tomorrow... Lots to do, and company coming on Sunday. Have to at least try and get the costuming contained to the sewing room!

 

[Roboshrub]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

That looks awesome! Love the series, glad to see that it will be represented so well at DCon!

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Thanks! I (think I) finished the wig tonight, and am hoping for some drier weather tomorrow so I can work on the armor again. The base coat brought out every flaw, so there will be some sanding involved prior to the next coat. I need to start on the unitard/bodysuit very soon, but keep procrastinating -- I'm intimidated by stretchy fabrics. I mean, really... Sewing leather and cordura for weeks, but intimidated by a little lycra. Go fig!

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Keeping the momentum going forward (I hope), I worked on the scabbard for my sword today. I don't have the experience or time necessary to completely fabricate a sword, so I opted to purchase a latex foam LARP sword with the approximate dimensions of Val's, proportionate to my own body. I ended up with a 46" hand-and-a-half sword. I'm currently planning on wrapping the handle in the same microsuede or suede that I'm using on the costume, and hoping to use some craft foam to mask the hilt a bit, maybe get it to look more like the one on issue 8. It got curved during shipment, however, so I'll have to try and get the curve out of it, if I can. If not, the curve does make it look like a talon already.

Because I sent the sword on to Atlanta (rather than try to explain it to the customs folks on the way back to the Great White North), I don't have it to make a pattern from. But, before I sent it on, I made sure to trace it onto some paper. Using that tracing, I then made a pattern, adding an inch on all sides, and stitched it together with the brown microsuede. It turned out pretty well, though it's laying a bit oddly in this pic:



Knowing that I would be constructing the scabbard when I got back here, I picked up a few spools of trim to try against the microsuede. The first, an ivory nylon web, is kinda like the lacings in a tennis shoe:



Not bad, but the variation was a little stark and, I think, a bit too neat for what I need for Val...which brings me to my second option, a "natural" woven linen trim:



This one I like much better. The brown flecks in the fiber draw on the brown from the scabbard, but it's still light enough to provide the contrast I need. I think that the natural feel to the weave also grounds it a bit, and is very earthy -- important for Val at this point. I really feel like I lucked out to find this stuff!

I'm planning on cutting two sheets of foam to reinforce the sides. Whether or not it'll be needed, I'm not sure, but I'd rather have them and not need them than get to DC and not have them. I'm hoping a quick test fit will help me figure it out. (Until I do that, I suppose it's a sheath instead of a scabbard, hm?) Given how long the sword is, I do have to wonder how much I'll wear it through the chaos that is DC. The pommel could probably create some issues in tighter spaces and crowds!

My current plan is to try and get the little bits and bobs off my cutting table so I can start cutting fabric for the bodysuit. That means I'm going to try and finish the scabbard and Val's belt tomorrow, as well as my holster rig for Black Widow. Then maybe I can get down to business!

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

I had wanted to get the belt done last night, but didn't... I simply ran out of steam. I did spend a few minutes cleaning and organizing my cutting table, so I can actually make use of it a bit now. Turned out to be a good thing because I needed it today, as I worked on Val's belt.

I started out cutting pieces 1.5" wide, plus a 5/8" seam allowance, in the microsuede. When I tried to turn the overall belt, though, I found it nearly impossible, and I can't find my bodkin to save my life. So, I dropped back and punted -- I grabbed the brown suede jacket I got at the thrift store a couple weeks ago, and started cutting pieces out to use to make the belt.

It took a bit of finagling, as none of the existing panels were long enough to accommodate a full length cut of the belt, so I divided it into sections. I ended up cutting two sides from center back, and then some extensions on the front to make sure I could attach the buckle. When I put it all together, I stitched down the seam allowances and attached the buckle with a joining stitch, similar to what you see on the seams of a baseball. I thought it lent a more "handmade" look to the belt, while still having the modern cut and shiny buckle.



You can see the back seam here, as well as the way I attached the buckle. Not entirely accurate to Brooks' artwork, nor is it the sturdiest thing I've made, but as a costume layer, I think it will work nicely. After seeing a couple of other attempts at this costume, I really wanted to make sure I managed to capture some of the finer details, and this was one of them.

Left on the list: Paint armor; construct bodysuit. I'm debating leaving the trim on the sword sheath until DragonCon -- pack a spool or two of the ribbon and my fabric glue. I think I'll get a better result if I have the sword to expand the sheath. OTOH, I really don't want to be working on too much in the hotel room. Last year, I only had a hem to do, and that was kinda nice. =)

EDIT: And, because I said I would -- pics of the finished wig and reworked bracers.

The wig, I ended up using some antiqued silver buttons and clear elastics to get the look I wanted on the ends. I'm limited with my tools and item availability, so I thought this was a good solution. I'm still debating whether or not I want to go back and get more buttons to cover both sides of the braids.



And the previous bracers, made out of microsuede, were unravelling too much for me. I opted for a simpler version in plain brown suede, recycled from the same thrift store find as I used to make the belt. I cheated and used velcro for closure. Decided it would be easier, considering they're going to be hidden by the half-gauntlets most of the time.

 

[Alpha Proto]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

You are really making good progress. This is going to look great when it is done.

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Thanks! I really hope so... Now that I have the cutting table cleared, I think I'm going to start cutting the top of the bodysuit. Hoping to have something more accomplished by Sunday evening!

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Spent most of the day out, running errands and enjoying some time with my husband. When we got back home, I opted to do a little more detail work on Val's armor. I'm not entirely thrilled with it; given more time and more worbla, I think I'd probably rework a few things -- the shoulder discs for example. Unfortunately, I think that will have to wait till after DragonCon.



I'm happier, at least, with the progress on the paint job. Two layers of Krylon Fusion (Nickel Shimmer), and then some dry brushing and detailing with FolkArt Metallics "Gunmetal Gray" and "Silver Sterling." I might still need some white to manage a better highlight, but not bad for a first attempt at a paint job like this, I think.



Going to let it set for a few days, see what I think before determining if I want to tinker with it more, or if I want to just seal it with the satin varnish.

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Finally started work on the bodysuit today, both to my relief and my frustration. Relief as I looked at a calendar and realized just how little time I have left; frustration because I attempted to install my first invisible zipper. In stretchy material. Oof.

For the black portion of Val's bodysuit, I chose a "high performance knit" I picked up at Hancock Fabrics. The stuff is fantastic -- I've sewn two pair of yoga pants out of it, and love working with it. Not only does it not slide all over the sewing machine, but it's incredibly forgiving if you have to take out a seam. This turned out to be a good thing.

For the blue, I stumbled on a t-shirt weight lycra blend that was the right color. It's not as heavy as the black, but, with time constraints and my order from Spandex House never shipping, I had to rely on what I could find locally. Still, I love the color and hope I have enough leftover for a tee or tank.

Everything went beautifully in the beginning. I had Batman: The Animated Series on in the background, and all the other pieces -- alterations and all -- came together without any trouble. I didn't even need my walking foot! Then I tried to install the zipper. The zipper I purchased didn't come with instructions, so I had to google them. With that done, the instructions still seemed as clear as mud! I ended up taking the thing out 3 - 4 times before finally giving up this evening. It's in, and it's off by less than 1/4" of an inch. I'm debating leaving it there. We'll see how well my OCD side deals with it tomorrow, when my red headded temper has a chance to cool. =D

Needless to say, because the zipper was stubborn, I didn't get nearly as much done today as I would have liked. I wanted to be done with the top. Instead, I go into tomorrow needing to cut and stitch the collar, as well as finish the armholes and twin-needle stitch the side and shoulder seams.

Regardless, I'm still pretty happy with the way it looks...even with the @#$% crooked zipper. (It's a little rumpled here, after I tried it on.)



Lessons learned for Black Widow:

1) Add 1.25" to all seams for greater ease. Tasha's suit has a bit more room in it than I gave myself with Val here. Some of that is the pattern; some is trying to accommodate 5/8" seams on a pattern originally designed for 1/4". While I tried to cut enough sizes larger, I apparently calculated incorrectly. (I'm a politics major, folks, not an engineer! )

2) The addition of a stabilizer for the zipper did help tremendously, but I need to make sure I stitch the zipper in the same direction on the other suit. Out of the 4 - 5 times I redid the zipper today, the only time I broke this rule was the final attempt... which is why it's a touch lopsided, I'd wager. ::sigh::

3) Take more breaks and eat better. I was a cranky bitca by the time I had dinner tonight, and I'm sure that didn't help the zipper situation.

4) I love my new seam ripper... a good thing, as we're getting to know each other very well!

5) I am so glad to be taking this time to work with the pattern some more. I'd hate to have dived in to the Black Widow suit and the level of detail required there, when I'm still encountering some issues with a much simpler suit.

6) My serger really did make this a lot easier. If I didn't need to learn to use the sewing machine for Tasha, I'd so bust it out and get this done in a day!

Tomorrow: Val's collar and skirt; finishing the armholes. Possibly resetting the zipper -- if I'm feeling that ambitious. Cutting the pants portion of the bodysuit. Getting off my butt and going to pilates.

I don't feel panicked. Yet. But that time is coming.

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

Almost daily updates? Must be getting close to DragonCon. =)

Finished off the top of the bodysuit today, adding the collar and edge-finishing the arms. I'm fairly happy with the end result, though I'm contemplating adding a hook and eye closure at the top of the zipper.



With that done, I started the skirt, which is likely to be the next most fiddly thing I have to do, what with the blue trim. I had already cut the pieces, based on the modified pattern, out of the black performance knit, and I had cut 1" strips from the blue as I cut the blue portions of the bodice. I took the 1" strips and ironed on a strip of Heat'n'Bond Lite on them, folded them over, and pressed them closed. I then stitched them onto the skirt edges with a straight stitch, finishing it with a top stitched zig zag or applique stitch. This helped the trim lay a bit flatter, and gave it a more finished look.



And then a full view of the skirt pieces:



I'm hoping to get the trim finished after dinner. The pants will be a breeze after all this -- just some really, really long zig zag seams. Meh. I guess my Batman: The Animated Series marathon continues!

EDIT: Skirt is done. Yay! Pants won't get done tonight, but ah well. I should have time tomorrow afternoon. Going to have to make some more serious alterations to the pants, anyway, and I'd rather have plenty of time to work!



Completed while watching more B:TAS -- and some eps I don't think I had seen in a long while. "Harlequinade" was fantastic! =D

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

So... about 90% complete on the body suit. All I need to do is permanently stitch down the top and bottom, with some minor adjustments to the waistline. Then I'll need to let it hang overnight so I can hem the pants tomorrow:



Left to do: Boot straps; complete the sword sheath (trim and chest strap); finish painting armor (varnish/clear coat); and attach strapping to hand portion of half-gauntlet.

Pics of me in it when there's someone else here to take the pic. =)

 

[Alpha Proto]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

I am looking forward to seeing the test fitting.

 

[andveryginger]

Re: WIP - Valkyrie - Fearless Defenders #8

...and one of my shots, courtesy Bryan Humphrey: Mad Scientist with a Camera. =)



I need to keep on my exercise routine, amp up the cardio, but not bad, overall. The wig ended up having issues once I put it on my head (wefting was too visible on the parts), so I released the braids and started over. Hoping to get it (and me!) back into proper shape before the next time I wear it, with some advice from the folks at Arda Wigs.