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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did you learn to sew?
A: Mostly trial and error, although I took a few classes and did a few
workshops as a child (your standard make-a-pair-of-shorts in middle school home
ec. XD). I've been sewing since I was at least 10, but I only seriously started
creating costumes and garments when I was about 18. I'm very independent and would rather hack something out than take a class,
so I do a fair amount of book/internet research. I make it a point to learn
something new - or improve an old skill - with each project.
Also, I have this really bizarre habit of mulling over something forever, and
then finally whipping it out in a week. I call that "meditating" on
it. XD It seems that the more I think about it in my head, the easier it gets
done in the real world. I'm sure there's some beautiful psychology behind that,
but I can't go into it. XD
Q: Where do you get your fabrics and stuff?
A: I get most of my fabrics, notions, patterns, and tools at Joanns
and Denver Fabrics so I can be there to see the fabrics first hand, which is
important! If I already know about a fabric (texture, weight, shine, etc.), I might order
from one of the following online stores:
- Denver
Fabrics
- Dharma Trading
- Murielle Roy
- Dollar Fabric
- Fabric.com
- FabricMart
- Sewing
Central
- Spandex House
- TrimFabric.com
Q: Where do you get your patterns?
A: I buy most of my base patterns at Joann Fabrics, again because of
location, but most of those are highly altered before they're useful for costume
patterns. So, in the end of it, most patterns end up being quite custom. ^^
Occasionally I draft a new pattern, but not often, because I'm not all that
great at it. o.o
Sewingpatterns.com is a
great place to research patterns from lots of different companies, though I
recommend purchasing patterns from a place like Joanns because they'll be much
cheaper (watch for the $1 sales!). They have all of the standard commercial pattern companies, and many of
the smaller companies, as well, and you can absolutely place orders with them.
Q: Where do you get your wigs?
A: I've purchased and styled most of my wigs myself, and I've learned a lot
with each one! I get a lot of wigs from eBay, through a few particular stores
there, as well as some online stores.
- Wildcat Wigs
- Amphigory
- Doctored Locks
Make sure you get some accompanying
accessories, too, like wig caps, foam wig heads, and especially a bottle of
synthetic wig hair detangler. It will save your life (and your wig's life, of
course). ^^
Q: Will you make a costume for me?
A: Probably not. ;_; I was taking commissions for a while, but
now that I'm a working stiff (and making
jewelry besides), I barely have time for my OWN
costumes. So I won't be for a while, but you never know. ^^
Every once in a while I throw something up on eBay, so just keep a lookout.
^^
I might, however, be able to make you some accessories or jewelry, and I'm
always taking orders for Sailormoon wigs. Please see faeriewings.net
for more info!
Q: Will you tell me how you made *insert character*'s costume?
A: Well, I can't exactly. ^^ First, like the fabric choices, how you make a
character's costume should reflect your style, not just mine. ^^ Second, making
a costume is usually a long, drawn out process, and I can't always put the
process into text. There's too much guessing involved, sometimes major edits are
required, sometimes things just don't work at all. And really, sometimes the
whole process is a mystery even to me (Hello, Terra!)!
XD If you look on the costume page, there will probably be enough information
for you to get started off of... Just remember to do your best, and make your
costume special to you! You'd have better luck asking me a very specific
question on a specific part of a specific costume, like how I made the circles
for the Serenity dress. ^^
Q: Tell me your secrets!
A: *laughs* Well, if I had any secrets, I've given them away at the Tips
& Tricks section!
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