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[Nishi Ja'tejag]

It's been a while since I've sewn through pleather, and I didn't really pattern this out. But since this is my first officially completed component for my kit, I thought I'd share.

[Echo Darklighter]

It's been a while since I've sewn through pleather, and I didn't really pattern this out. But since this is my first officially completed component for my kit, I thought I'd share.

Looks good, but this really belongs in the Soft Parts section, vod.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I am pretty sure that it is in the Soft Parts section. (at least, that's where I was when I hit post and that's where it show me in the navigation bar)

[Jaing]

It was in armor planning. I moved it.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

It was in armor planning. I moved it.

Ah, whoops. Thanks. Still getting my bearings. I didn't see a location for overall WIP thread, so I'll put my soft parts WIPs here and start separates for helmet and armor, shall I?

I just won two eBay auctions for boots that I think will work well. I have my preference, but let's see what you guys think:


The listing said brown, but compared to the table and the chair, they sure look olive. Grey or Brown dye may be necessary. Obviously, the strap with English on it will have to be replaced.

These will definitely be used on any Firefly cosplay, but with armor over the instep, or perhaps an armored cuff; they might work for Ja'te Jag as well.

I am stopping by the tailor to get measurements taken for my Flak vest this afternoon.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I've got the materials for most of my soft parts:

• Flightsuit
• Flak vest fabric (also for neck seal)
• Girth belt
• Boots
• Belt Pouches
• Also visible is the ammo belt for my son's kit.

My attempt to dye the Girth belt orange/red with chili powder was largely a failure. It is no longer bright white, but only very barely orange sherbert. Will have to resort to synthetic dye.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I got some work done on my flak vest today. I know the CRL says no visible zipper, so I hope this counts:



Full body view. How's the fit?


Shoulder caps quilted, but not yet attached:



Two by two, gloves of blue. I had to use Duplicolor Vinyl and Leather dye to get all blue gloves that were not Nitrile or heavy rubber.


Girth belt is under way, but still lots to do. That 'belt' leather I bought from Tandy Clearance is a LOT thicker than I expected.


The girth belt still needs some dark red-orange and bright yellow yarn added. Probably over the brown and/or something to keep the leather portion held down. The leather will get dyed brown probably.

[Ralin Voth]

That vest looks great! The hidden zipper is just fine as it'll mostly be under the plates, and the flaps hide the actual zipper. Just to nitpick (it's great as it is, but if you want to go for perfect), you might try playing around with another dart a few inches up from the first ones. It's a *tiny* hair baggy around your arms. If you could pull that it, it would be perfect!

The girth looks good too, you'll get the color right eventually. Careful with yarn though, I braided ropes of yarn for my girth, and it got nappy over time. I'm in the process of redoing it with cord instead. Good choice on the boots too, I like those better than the Wellingtons.

Nice hands of blue reference btw.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I will definitely put in another set of darts. I wasn't sure how fitting most vod wore the vest.

I hadn't thought about the yarn napping, but I can see that happening. Friend gave me the yarn I have, but I'll see if I can find an appropriate color cord instead. That or maybe seal the yarn with a clear acrylic dip so it holds up better.

Anyone got suggestions for how I can better work the leather belting portion (soften, thin, or otherwise get it to cooperate)?

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I saw this comment on another thread.

There are two different styles of vest: Jango and Boba. Boba's vest ends at the navel. Jango's vest is a couple inches longer and is tucked into the belts.

Is a longer flak vest that tucks into the girth belt acceptable? I didn't see anything particular in the CRLs, but maybe I missed it.

[Echo Darklighter]

I saw this comment on another thread.

Is a longer flak vest that tucks into the girth belt acceptable? I didn't see anything particular in the CRLs, but maybe I missed it.

I got approved with a longer vest, the first time around.  You should be fine.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I've got two ways to buckle the leather to the girth belt.

Tucked behind, minimal buckle holes visible.


Or buckled traditionally (excess length can be shorted some)
 

Also pictured is one of several Trophies Nishi Ja'tejag carries.

[Mavik]

The girth belt looks good. I would go with having the leather tucked in it gives it a more finished look.

[Niabi]

Yuuuuup Noce work vod and deff tuck the Leather in

[Ralin Voth]

Yeah, definitely tuck that leather in, you don't want to hide that awesome girth belt.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

Should I remove the two D-rings in the front? Or at least the top one? (I was thinking the lower one might be useful for attaching the cod piece).

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

I am considering using these Gloves of Blue instead of the loose fitting leather work gloves.

What do you vod think?

Obviously the Irwin branding has to come off, but that shouldn't be too hard.


http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/516VXQ8AGWL._AC_UL320_SR290,320_.jpg

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

So I started working on my neck seal. I wanted something unique and also breathable, but with enough sturdiness to stand up on its own without heavy interfacing inside. Plus, this is a subtle nod to Inara's wardrobe style hidden in my design. The fabric colour is Shepard Book's shirt colour.

Laying out the grid and then the stitching pattern:



The first four rows (of about 40) done:

[Kavryn Falco]

I like the new gloves much better, personally. They look less like work gloves.

Also, wow that's a lot of sewing. You sure have your work cut out for you!

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

Also, wow that's a lot of sewing. You sure have your work cut out for you!

I got it all done, and realized that it didn't reduce the overall size as much the instructions said, so I had to undo about a quarter of the stitching. Gah that was frustrating.

[Nishi Ja'tejag]

So I started working on my neck seal.

I got a comment on this on another page saying that this smocking pattern might not be approvable. Only the middle repeating pattern would be visible once completed. Anyone have thoughts on that? I've seen nothing in the CRLs about fabric texture.