Mando Mercs Costume Club
Mandalorian Armor => Female Armor => Topic started by: Caorann on Oct 01, 2017, 02:25 PM
-
This is my first attempt at making armor and using sintra. So far I've only got the codpiece template but I wanted to get some opinions. I think it's too big but it could be fine with the belts once it's all put together.
(https://i11.servimg.com/u/f11/13/15/46/99/codpie10.jpg)
-
Height looks good, remember the top half inch/inch will be covered by your belts, and the width at the waist is good. You may find you need to take a little off on the curve at the thigh/groin bend for better movement and comfort. Mine is about the same overall size but has a thinner profile and I can sit down in it.
-
Thanks for the pointers!
-
Ok managed to get a few more templates cut out last night (I'll post them tomorrow) and also got the codpiece cut out.
(https://i11.servimg.com/u/f11/13/15/46/99/codpie12.jpg)
(https://i11.servimg.com/u/f11/13/15/46/99/codpie11.jpg)
-
Hello, vod, i suggest checking this link http://mandalorianmercs.org/get-involved/costume-templates/ for templates and tutorials.
-
Thanks! I'm using the Boba Fett template from that list but I'll make sure to check out the other links.
-
Finally got a chance to take the progress pic. So far I've got the neck plate, knee, and codpiece. Codpiece still needs to be shaped and I plan on making the chest piece templates next. I'm tempted to leave the shoulder bells till after I get my vest (I'm planning on buying it, just waiting to build up the funds for it and the helmet).
(https://i11.servimg.com/u/f11/13/15/46/99/armor_10.jpg)
-
Good progress. If the collar is still a template, do add a little more on the inside of the tabs over the shoulder. Looks like you've trimmed from the outside to fit smaller shoulders but not adjusted for the smaller neck size.
-
Was hoping to post some more pictures today but the chest plate templates I made were way too big. Also doing some redesigning and I'm going to change my flight suit as well. As you can see in the photos it's quite bulky on me so I'm probably going to go with the leggings and turtleneck style.
-
Better too big than too small :)
And I'm a flightsuit lover so will refrain from commenting on switching to legging and top :P ;) except to say that whichever feels best for you is the one to use.
-
Better too big than too small :)
And I'm a flightsuit lover so will refrain from commenting on switching to legging and top :P ;) except to say that whichever feels best for you is the one to use.
Maybe what I'll do then is wait till I get the vest then since that might help.
-
Hey all, I've been reworking my concept into something I really like and did a post about in my concept thread https://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=139776.0 (https://mandalorianmercs.org/forum/index.php?topic=139776.0)
-
So I posted this picture in my soft parts wip but I also wanted to put it here. I decided to go for the turtleneck/leggings combo flight suit and I'm liking it a lot better.
(https://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/13/15/46/99/flight10.jpg)
I also have a question regarding helmets as that's the next thing I need to get. How do you measure your head for one? I've seen people offer smaller helmets but usually the measurements are for the outside dimensions.
-
Contacting the supplier and asking what head measurements he/she'll need, to see if it'll fit properly is your best bet. Nice work on your soft parts, looks good. :)
-
I'm a firm believer in two-piece 'flightsuits' myself, so I approve of the turtleneck and leggings. My only concern for the latter is they may not be sturdy enough to stand up to long wear with armor. Are you going with thigh plates and shin armor? The shins will be supported by the boots, but for the thighs and the knee plates, you'll want at least a little patch of velcro to keep the plates from sliding down, even though straps will take up much of the weight.
-
My old flight suit was a 2 piece. I used suspenders to keep my pants up. The weight of the thigh plates always made them drop :laugh:
-
I also have a question regarding helmets as that's the next thing I need to get. How do you measure your head for one? I've seen people offer smaller helmets but usually the measurements are for the outside dimensions.
It’s my understanding that you measure from shoulder to shoulder, and then your helmet should be about half that number (radius measurement). If in doubt, always ask the vender for additional sizing and/or try on a clan mates helmet to see how they fit!
-
I'm a firm believer in two-piece 'flightsuits' myself, so I approve of the turtleneck and leggings. My only concern for the latter is they may not be sturdy enough to stand up to long wear with armor. Are you going with thigh plates and shin armor? The shins will be supported by the boots, but for the thighs and the knee plates, you'll want at least a little patch of velcro to keep the plates from sliding down, even though straps will take up much of the weight.
I wasn't planning on thigh plates since I've got a kama in the mix but I'll keep that in mind for the knee pads.
-
So here's the templates I did for the chest armor (5'3" Boba Fett template). I honestly can't tell if they're too large on me or it it will be better once they're molded.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/chest_10.jpg)
-
The 2 chest pieces look a bit to wide. They should line up with the outside edge of the collar.
-
This is a (very) rough picture of what Aden's talking about.
(http://i.imgur.com/OtMI3Ar.jpg) (https://imgur.com/OtMI3Ar)
-
You beat me to it vod, was actually playing around with this in paint.
Yes, once you do some trimming to the outside edges it'll look loads better. I'd start trimming a half inch into the chest pieces.
-
Well today I learned that I have a tiny torso. Just to keep everything even I tried the different templates until it looked more like the photo (thank you for that) and ended up on the 4'6" one.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/chest_11.jpg)
-
The size is much better. They look like they might still be a little wide - if you try and touch your right shoulder with your left hand, and the paper crinkles up a whole lot, you might want to trim a bit off the sides. Placement is a bit off, but that's natural when working on paper templates. :) You'll want to move the collar up a bit, to where it's almost choking you.
This is, again, rough, but I hope it helps.
(http://i.imgur.com/uQaCjGh.jpg) (https://imgur.com/uQaCjGh)
-
For the collar, you may want to take some material from the centre and tape it back together so the tabs are closer to the neck all the way round. The wider the collar the less motion your arms have before you start shifting the collar out of place just to reach for things.
-
So I did some adjustments and I think I'll have thin out the collar from the outside a bit. The armor plates will hopefully be ok once they're shaped and while they did crinkle a bit when I moved it was in the areas that would be shaped down. The belly plates fits a lot better now as well.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/chest_13.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/chest_12.jpg)
-
We have progress! I managed to finally get my chest pieces cut (feat. my cat) and shaped the armor pieces I had! Honestly the shaping part was what worried me the most since I've done a lot of fabric based costumes in the past. Now to note I did cut out my pieces with a lip that'll be sanded down so the pieces are looking a little rougher and larger then they should be. I have plans to do shin guards, just need to sort out their style, and I'm still deciding if I'll make or buy my gauntlets. I'll probably be buying my bucket early next year.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/armor_10.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/shaped10.jpg)
-
Glad to see you making progress, vod.
-
Life's finally given me a bit of a break between traveling and work so I've made some progress.
First off I finally ordered my helmet and I'm super excited to see what it looks like. I just got a primed version since I can do the painting but I don't have the stuff to cut out the visor. I also got my shoulder bells, shins, and boot plates cut out and I might try shaping them indoors with the bathroom fan on (please let me know if this is a bad idea). I'll have to wait to do anymore sanding and to get started on painting since Canadian winters don't allow for much outside work and I don't want my cat breathing in sintra.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/mando_10.jpg)
-
Heating inside with the fan on and the cat in the other room should be ok. Honestly, though, it'd probably be better to work on soft parts until the weather warms up again. I'm really glad to see you're back at it, though.
-
I'll do that then. My bucket's shipped and once I have that I'll be working on my cloak. Plus I got some thermoplastic foam (for the design on sintra) so I can get started on the belt buckle.
-
Awesome. Looking forward to more updates. :D
-
Any progress is better than no progress! Winter is definitely not the ideal time for this kind of work D:. My girlfriend and I built a fume hood in our living room just so we could get stuff done without cutting it too close for Celebration Chicago.
-
So I got my bucket a couple weeks back! It's a bit bigger then I was anticipating but I'm hoping once I get some foam in it and have on my armor it'll fit me a bit better. While I can't get straight to painting it I can get started on my cloak now that I can get the measurements for the hood.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/bucket10.jpg)
-
After you've put your armour on the helmet should fit better, but if it'll be still too wide for your frame, you could add extra/ oversized shoulder armour or a pauldron. This can help a lot, it worked wonders on my kit.
-
Having the armor on will definitely make a big difference in making the helmet not seem so big, and as Falke suggested there are options if it's still a bit too big, other than the expense of just getting a smaller helmet :P.
-
Having the armor on will definitely make a big difference in making the helmet not seem so big, and as Falke suggested there are options if it's still a bit too big, other than the expense of just getting a smaller helmet :P.
I got the MK1 helmet from Demon Dogs thinking it would be small enough but if I do have to get a smaller one I'm sure this one would fit my boyfriend who'll be working on his kit once he's moved in.
-
That works too; I believe there are a few options out there for smaller helmets, but I also thought the DDS Mk 1 was among the smaller ones D:. To go smaller, you might have to scratchbuild, or get someone with a 3d printer to scale one down a bit for you.
-
Finally some progress! I've got all the armor pieces sanded, a few still need to be shaped but it was finally warm enough and not rainy so I could get some painting done. I've also made my cloak which I posted in my soft parts thread and I've been doing some embroidery on it while I was waiting for it to warm up. (Ignore the heart that's for a different costume for an upcoming con.)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/armor_12.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/armor_11.jpg)
I've also got a question regarding the codpiece. How do most ladies wear a hard cod? Mine's got the belt piece on it so I'd think it's that but it's hard to tell from photos. I'd go for a soft cod but I'd probably have too many flowy elements at that point.
-
Belt around the waist and the cod is attached to that at the top and the bottom of the cod has an elastic strap to the back. If the cod is too small it can be hard to wear as the belt will be lower on the hips and either dig in or try to slip down.
-
So of course I forgot to take photos until after I'd put everything away. I went to Anime North this weekend and briefly met a guy who's also working on his application and he told me apparently Ciry'kurs is doing a troop at FanExpo this year so I have deadline now (I also liked the Facebook page finally). I did a bunch of painting yesterday, all the chest pieces aside from the diamond (I cut it wonky so I'll have to do a new one) are painted in the base purple as are the knee caps and collar. I've also put liquid latex on them for weathering but I'll be doing the yellow detail work by hand before I take it off. Cod, shoulders, shins, and boots are all primed and have a coat of silver on one side, bucket has two silver coats. Contemplating keeping some pieces as silver since I really like the look of it with the purple.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/armor_13.jpg)
-
So I have been spending pretty much any moment it's been nice outside painting. Purple is now on all of them, hand painted the detail in yellow (would not recommend doing this with spray paint, it's a pain. My neighbor suggested model paint for next time.), liquid latex taken off, black weathering put on, and clear coat put on. Only armor parts left are the helmet, which the tape covered certain parts so it's a bit uneven, and sorting out the bracers (thanks to my dad for giving me leftover pvc piping for my bracers and rifle). I've also decided to change to a loin cloth instead of a cod piece. Not sure what I'll make it out of yet.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/painte10.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/painte11.jpg)
-
Wow! I really dig the purple armor with those details. Great progress :like:
I also use model paint for the small details on my kit and it really works well for me, some colors do need a lot of layers before it is nice and bright but that probably just depends on the brand.
-
Sorry to have missed some of your previous progress, but you've definitely made excellent progress! In regards to the loin cloth, they are certainly much more comfy than cods :D. For materials, I recommend either a heavier base material to begin with, or either multi-layering or adding interfacing to lighter materials. You still want it to look substantial, and there are a few minor rules like hemming the edges to make it look fully finished and such. And helmet taping is the worst!
-
Wow! Nice progress. Awesome colors and pattern! Keep up the great work! :sabine:
-
yay purple! :D love the honeycomb geometric shapes! def following this!
-
We're getting there! The bucket is finally painted, black washed and clear coated. I was able to cut the pvc pipe to the right length but I don't think I can cut it in half safely with my jury rigged set up and a very old handsaw I found in the garage. So that'll probably change to either a purchase or be made out of sintra. Still have a few soft parts on the go and I'll be trying to mount my armor with velcro this weekend.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/finish10.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/finish11.jpg)
-
I need more velcro but I had enough to get most of the chest plate done. I know it looks like the right plate is crooked, it's just the way it was sitting when I took the picture. I need more velcro for the sides of the belly plate (which I'm now noticing needs to move up) and also for the shoulder bells. I'll also be getting some nylon strapping for the knees, shins, and boot plates.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/armor_14.jpg)
-
gosh, I love this so much! I can't wait to see you all kit up and everything together :D
-
So it's been a little over a month but I've gotten a lot done, I'll get more photos later cause some should go in my soft good wip. Essentially I found out that the con I was using as my deadline is A LOT sooner and not at the end of the month like the last 2 years. So I'm in full panic creation mode.
Velcro sewn on flak vest: check
Gloves and velcro dyed: check
Loin cloth made: check
Things dirtied up: check
Cloak finally finished edge embroidery: check (to the appreciation of my fingers)
Girthbelt redone: check
The only things left really are the half gauntlets I'm currently working on (one of them was a scrap piece I used to test colours and not wreck my floor cutting sintra so it's got some great damage already), my sidearm (I now know how to use bondo!), the belt buckle, and just getting the velcro/elastic to the boot and leg plates (and arms when they're done).
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/finish12.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/mando_12.jpg)
-
IT'S DONE!!!!!!
It's been two years but everything is finally together! I'm going to redo my app photos today because looking back I realized I placed the plates all wonky (it was almost 2am and I was just really excited to see everything together). Also not pictured is the pistol I finished last night.
(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67923581_10214919312680150_7321871426573565952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_oc=AQmeAcrOpSw50-WDP2-w1wbg38ZAqcXY1xmIMKBAY2FJIiIL0Qp_Te5Y3PkrExWp5f0&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=8593738995625bfe3a050663b7d502e0&oe=5E12F5C8)
(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/69002009_10214919313000158_1604587188941488128_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_oc=AQnAkZHTRcReyEGA78YVuo-HlJ17Opwjgldj5UGCYbNI1hYa4B58xni_8pgL5-BfiGg&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=21cb58faffcb11ee06ca301d35775962&oe=5DCF455A)
(https://scontent-yyz1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67953922_10214919313520171_2252496294171901952_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_oc=AQlpg-Aue0JrrK784TX7NuidgMhaHHTWzr5qt-TfAnmob3bF7brsKpoRi3aNs2kyzaI&_nc_ht=scontent-yyz1-1.xx&oh=e437e306239217b268ecee91e4b18e74&oe=5DCADF49)
-
Alright so I did some app pics and then was told by someone helping me that my plates were off. I've been trying to get them sorted cause I was really hoping to join in on a troop next weekend but I'm finding it difficult. I think I've sorted out the chest part after doing some reshaping but the ab plate doesn't want to sit flat or as I move it's almost like things shift. Anyone got any advice? Also to note I do have some minor scoliosis in my spine, could that be something affecting it?
App photo I took before realizing the chest plates were off
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/mando_13.jpg)
My boyfriend's attempt at placing them after I reshaped the pieces (don't worry the stripes are my pjs, not a new flight suit)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/connor10.jpg)
To note, usually the top part of the ab plate will pull forward so no matter how close I put it to the chest plates, it always ends up looking like more space is there.
EDIT: So I don't double post, I did some more tweaking by shaping the top of the ab plate in more and that seems to have helped. I also cut down the diamond. I can confirm all the spaces are 1/2 an inch after measuring.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/mando_18.jpg)
-
Also to note I do have some minor scoliosis in my spine, could that be something affecting it?
Hi Caorann, how are you doing?
I also have scoliosis. You can mention it on you pre-app/app if you want. I did ;)
And yeah, scoliosis isn’t easy to deal with, mostly on plates placement. Yet you did a great job.
AJ
-
As a future upgrade - I have an ab plate made of two parts which overlap each other, it allows it to shift a little more. Really useful with a bad back as its just a touch more forgiving with my terrible posture.
-
Well I am very happy to announce that my kit got accepted! Just waiting for my number and I'll be a proper official member (and my boyfriend and I can start working on his kit ;D ). I've added some photos of the final kit and close ups of the belt and pistol.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/helmet10.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/belt_b10.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/pistol11.jpg)
-
The upgrades have begun! I'm so thankful I managed to go on a few troops before covid started because it let me get a feel for what I liked and what I didn't. First big one was the helmet. Whenever I looked at photos the bobble-head effect bugged me, and then season 7 of Clone Wars came and I knew I needed a night owl style helmet. I managed to get a nice one from Kal-Props that better fit my tiny shoulder width (my old one is going to my best friend who is working on concepts for her kit and it fits her much better).
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/new_he10.jpg)
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/new_he11.jpg)
I'd added the writing to the old helmet just before the Rise of Skywalker premier and did the same with this one. It says "beekeeper" in futhork, Naboo's informal written language, and the bee is the same as the one on my belt. My Ruu'salor printed me some little droids that I'm working on to be my "bees".
Next is a new rifle. It's nice but I feel like it's missing something, I'll probably make a scope but I also want some hanging greblies since I'll be wearing it on my back. The wood sections are expanding foam and a loooooot of bondo. Kept shaving off too much and the bondo had a habit of soaking in, next time I'm going to use plastidip or something first to seal it.
(https://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/13/15/46/99/rifle10.jpg)
While I don't have photos yet, I have made a new sash to replace my girth belt and am currently embroidering it with flowers I identified from the bottom right corner of this photo:
(https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/009/027/456/large/daniel-henefalk-swbfii-danielhenefalk-02.jpg?1516722238)
And the flowers in the background of this movie still:
(https://clonecorridor.files.wordpress.com/2016/01/ani-and-padme.jpg)
The ones I settled on are bachelor's buttons, monk's hood, gladiolus, pansies, and millaflowers. Am I crazy? Yes.
Now the biggest thing I noticed with troops was that my back always started hurting about an hour in and it wouldn't go away after a break. I work a job that requires me to stand a lot at points so the standing isn't new but the pain is. However, I came to the realization that my cloak is very heavy. The material is pretty thick and kinda stretchy so the weight really pulls on my shoulders and back. I've gotten a linen bed sheet I plan to dye a similar colour and remake the cloak out of but that will likely be a winter project.