Hey guys!

I know it's been like...a year since I updated, but I have good news. Designs and Interfaces has changed their categories to include Theater Design!

Also be sure to check out the winners of the Artisan Crafts Halloween Costume Contest! [link]

LOOKING FOR CO-DIRECTORS!
If you would like to help keep ~costumeguild alive, and have some time to dedicate to it, please let me know by noting me at ^dedredhed.

HOW TO JOIN:
Send a note with intent to join, plus links to awesome costume work if you have them! I get no notification for comments on the userpage.

Overview Links
These are a few links that help spell out the basics for inspiration for do it yourself costuming.

First, if you can't sew or dont know anyone who does, but you still want to dress up, check out BuyCostumes.com [link] These guys have the best stock I've seen up to date. They carry costumes from reputed companies like California Costumes and Rubies, and their shoe stock is awesome. They even have pet costumes.

Next, Costumes.org [link] This lady in Fairbanks has compiled one of the best costume databases on the internet, including the celebrated Timeline of Costume History. Nearly every link on the internet pertaining to costume design, construction, resources, and research can be found on this page. Book lists, costume movies...everything. The best place to start if you are going to be making your own costume.

And for beginners to costuming, visit [link]

Adventures in Corsetry

If you dont have a corset, here are some great links to make your own:
[link]
[link]
[link] CA!
[link]
[link]
[link] UK!

Never built one before? This corset is a good pattern to use for the first time, plus great instructions! And you can buy it in a kit with an instruction video!
[link] Video
[link] Corset
[link] Simplicity pattern

Want some ren faire bodies?
[link] CORSET PATTERN ENGINE
[link]

Patterns
Everyone knows about the Big Three (Simplicity, McCall's, Butterick), and also Vogue and a few other pattern companies like Green Pepper. But what about patterns made from historical garments, or historical patterns in general?

[link]
Historical patterns by Richard the Thread

[link]
Farthingales

[link]
River Junction (for more turn of the century and on the range type stuff)

[link]
Truly Victorian

[link]
Past Patterns

[link]
Folkwear brand patterns, for more modern patters (20's and such) plus ethnic costume.

Not sure if your pattern will work for you? The Great Pattern Review has put these patterns to the test with real testimonies. [link] It also links to some of the smaller and lesser known pattern companies.

PATTERN MANIPULATION
[link]
Several pattern drafting engines. Just follow the directions and type in the
results, and you will get some base pattern blocks that you can further
manipulate into your own patterns.
[link]
Corset pattern generator (also listed under corsetry)

Findings
Although it's easier for me to make a trip downtown LA to find trims, not everyone can make it to LA to do so. When I can't, or if I need something better, I go to Firemountain Gems. These people have just about everything you could possibly need as far as beading goes. [link]

Fabric

[link]
Retro fabric listings

[link]
Real fur and leather

[link]
Denver Fabric Co.

More Ready Made Costumes
[link]
Historical Made to Order Costumes

[link]
The Very Merry Seamstress

[link]
Dress Like a Pirate

[link]
Swords of Honor; one of the largest catalogs of renfaire, medieval, and pirate type goods.

[link]
[link]
[link]
[link]
[link]

Accessories
[link]
Pirate and Renaissance boots and hats

[link]
More Pirate Booty

[link]
Handmade pirate hats. Very good. The only place to find a Barbossa hat.

Tutorials
[link]
A Lord of the Rings costume research website.

[link]
Pleating a 1700's type gown

[link]
Make a stormtrooper or other star wars armor costumes.

[link]
Making your own clown costume

[link]
Becoming Chewbacca

[link]
Do it yourself ren-garb

[link]
Become a gargoyle

[link]
Padawan's guide costuming
[link]

[link]
Fursuit making. This person is actually on DA!
[link]
[link]

[link]
Foam armor making! Very neato!

[link]
Using EVA foam to make armor.

[link]
Sewing lessons!


Books
A costume book list. [link]


TAKING GOOD PHOTOS OF TEXTILE ARTS
Got your corset or other costume ready for photography? Sometimes it's really hard to get a good, clean photo. We have some tips to taking crisp photos for submission on dA (some tips are taken from Threads Magazine):

1. Press your garment and make sure it is clean.

2. A neutral background works wonders. Black, white, grey, or taupe. Sometimes people take pictures in front of plants. Be sure to avoid putting things like cars, sidewalks, your dog, anything that distracts in the picture.

3. Arrange the garment attractively, in a simple way so the important details aren’t concealed. Very few garments look their best when hanging from a hanger or draped over a chair.

4. Aim for even, balanced, and adequate lighting. Underexposed and overexposed pictures hide details, as do harsh shadows. Try a variety of exposures if necessary, both with and without a flash, and move away room lights that create strong shadows. Natural sunlight works great.

5. Use either a moderate film speed (ISO 100-400) or set a digital camera to the highest resolution. This will enable you to make enlargements if necessary, without sacrificing image quality.

6. Shoot at least one full-length picture of the front and back of the garment. Try head-on views as well as three-quarter views -- you’ll then have the option to select the image that best conveys the look of the piece.

7. Take detail photographs as well. Others will appreciate seeing close-up views of distinctive elements of your work, such as fancy stitching, interesting closures, or surface embellishment techniques.

8. When in doubt, hire a professional. If you don’t own a good camera, or don’t like the results of your photography, consider taking your garment to a professional photographer. A quick trip to the local department store or mall photographer will do the trick -- just request a neutral background, and be prepared to style the garment as you want it. Bring along a dress form if you have one; if not, consider bringing a large design board (foamcore or insulation foam) covered with fabric. If you plan to use the photographs for more than entering the contest, be sure to inquire about the copyright.

9. Avoid taking mirror pictures. Have someone photograph you. Usually mirrors are dirty, and if you can't take the photo right, we can see the camera, the flash, and the dirt in the mirror. Plus, it's hard to get good detailed shots like that.

10. If it is a character, pick not only a good backgroun, but strike a good pose within character. The costume does nothing if you just stand there.



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