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| Trying to do the tree pose but failed because I was falling while taking a picture. |
Fabric choices: *Please bear in mind that decisions on my fabric purchases may be due to limited color choices or fabric quality* Another thing I would always consider is when I plan to wear the costume (e.g. fall, spring, summer, etc)
Orange (cape/sash/cuff) - I went with a medium heavy cotton blend, I believe I bought it as a white fabric and dyed it into the desired orange color. The reason why I would decided to custom dye my fabrics is usually due to the lack of fabric color choices that did not meet my desired color shade/tones; or maybe the color I needed did not offer the quality I look for. Tip: always go for a lighter color or white fabric to custom dye your fabric.
Yellow (top/trousers) - Not very sure of the name of the fabric but it feels like a satin and cotton blend - no stretch. Though I wish the yellow fabric did have some stretch because it was somewhat difficult to wear, especially trying to fit my head through the collar. Overall it was easy to work with and the weight and quality of the fabric met my needs.
Maroon - I purchased a pair of tights. Particularly thick tights with some lining inside. That is because I am planning to wear it during the fall - when I usually go to NYCC. More often than not, it is chilly if not windy cold.
- If you want to buy the same pair of tights/leggins, follow the link provided, I chose style C, with foot; and color: Burgundy: http://www.ebay.com/itm/171990421052?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
How to make an airbender/air nomad costume:
*Offering advise/suggestions - you must know have some experience or some knowledge of sewing and sewing pattern drafting*
TOP: Use your favorite long sleeve top, whichever fits you a bit loose, and trace your pattern. For cuffs, I decided that I wanted slits on the sleeves and sew piping around it to seal it then attached a rectangle along the brim of the sleeves as cuffs. Or you can try using a button up shirt sewing pattern with long sleeves, they usually have instructions on how to sew a cuff with slits. Add eye and hook to secure/close the cuff for the final look.
Trousers: Before you trace your pattern on this one, make sure how you want your trousers to look. For me, I did not want a seam along my crotch area nor along my bottoms area - so I decided to make a front and back pieces for these pants, as opposed to the usual four pieces pattern for pants. Use your favorite pair of sweatpants or PJ pants pattern and trace a pattern. Make a front piece and a back piece, then carefully trace a curve along the crotch area for both front and back. Once you sew the pants, do not join the crotch area, just hem along.
Around the leg-end of the trousers, that is where you will sew close as normal and if you want to use elastic to make that puffy effect you may, or you can use a ribbon or rope instead if you do not have elastic - just make sure to leave an open area to tie the strings to secure them.
Sash: decide how long and wide you want your sash; make a long rectangle and sew along - making a tube. Flip right side out and top stitch if you want.
Cape: use a cape pattern - just trace your own pattern shorter - once you have sewn the pieces to make your cape, if you wanted to add details like I did - the two sleeve things along the sides of the cape. All I did was to sew a tubing and fed elastic inside to secure the cape in place (as how it is show in the cartoon) and attach it along the cape on the sides that met my arms.
And to secure the cape, I sew a hook and eye, as shown below:
And finally for the shoes, I purchased the on eBay (of course!) and spray painted the shoes with shoe brown spray paint. The shoes I went with a pair of flat ballerina shoes, the link below directs you to where I bought the shoes: http://www.ebay.com/itm/131641455634?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Phew! This is all so far, its been tough, since I am somewhat slow with sewing now that I am not as active as before. But all what is left is to get the right wig and it will be complete. Oh, yes, I am planning to cosplay Jinora from Legend of Korra.
Hope this gave you some idea how to construct and put together your own air nomad costume! Anyway, have fun! Do drop me a comment if you have any questions and/or show me your work in progress~ I would love to see how yours turn out!
