Bellatrix Lestrange Costume...Finished!

Well I got the Bellatrix costume done just in time for the library's Harry Potter Library Bash! Literally at 11:30 the night before I decided it was good enough. I had to eliminate the hood and the painted on swirls, but I'll add them in at another time. when I have some more time.

My favorite part was making the bird skull necklace. I couldn't find one I liked and I didn't want to pay the money for a replica one. So I did what any normal person would do...I sculpted my own out of clay. I'm actually shocked about how good it looked at the end. I was quite impressed with myself!

(Unpainted...just clay base)

 (Finished product)

(Stick I found outside that I used for the wand)

(Finished product...sanded down, added extra clay and painted)

(Corset stitches)
 
 

Happy Birthday Harry Potter! Next year, I'll have the costume 100% completed!

Bellatrix Lestrange Costume...part 2...the corset

And I've moved onto step 2 of the Bellatrix Lestrange costume: the dreaded corset. With looking at the refernce pictures I saw that it didn't look like there were any front panels or boning in the design. So I wanted to make it as sturdy as possible with the least amount of panels. I opted to divide the corset into 4 pieces. So I drew out a rough idea of what I think corset pieces should look like. And somehow it actually worked. 

I still need to go back in to shape up the top and bottom edges, or better term to make it more ragged, and to add in all the cuts and stitches, but I'm pleased with the shape. It's not perfect but I think it's pretty good for not really knowing what I'm doing. I even managed to get the front lacing to work properly. 

Next step, get those small black eyelets and make up those sleeves.

Bellatrix Lestrange Costume...part 1...the dress

I probably should not be taking on any more projects at this time, but that's what I do so, I'm making a new costume. The library I work at is having an all day Harry Potter Day event on July 31st. So of course I'm aiming to get a costume made up for it. I do work a 10 hour shift that day, so I may as well have fun while I'm there!

Since I do tend to be drawn towards the darker characters, I chose to go with Bellatrix Lestrange.

I chose this dress version because 1.) I just like it 2.) construction shouldn't be too complex and 3.) very importantly, it's distressed. So when I have a million other projects and I need to get a fast costume made: chose one that doesn't need finished edges. 

I zoomed into my reference picture and saw that the fabric has faint scrolls all throughout it (not counting the dominant painted or embroidered on ones). And so I knew exactly what fabric I was going to use, because I had already bought some years ago because I liked it. I had to run to the fabric store to get more yards, but at least I didn't have to make any decisions. Though they didn't have enough fabric to make the hood that is attached in the back. So if I manage to find more fabric and time, the hood may get added.

Cutting out and sewing the dress took only about 2 hours which was nice and I sewed in the front gathered stitch. I still need to shape the neckline a bit and cut off, and distress, the hemline. But all in all, the shape is good.Also note, that is not the corset in the picture, it's a random piece of black fabric I put on just for reference.

I was hoping to be able to start working on the sleeves but all the stores I checked today didn't carry 5/32 black eyelets. I was hoping to get small black ones so they will blend into the fabric. I'm going to check online to see if I can order them and have them shipped in time to finish up all the lacing.

Still to do:

1.) Corset

2.) Sleeves

3.) Distressing

4.) Final details (painting on scrolls)

4. Wig...or decide to destroy my own hair

5.) Wand

6.) Jewelry