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Post by tayjuswinn on Aug 24, 2008 8:18:06 GMT -5
Greetings all! I've just finished my son's costume. It was a mini-prototype for mine, but made the robe from flannel; not authentic, but certainly excellent for Halloween here in Colorado (which is ALWAYS cold!). I made the outer-tunic from natural-colored muslin, that, once washed, looked pretty good (and was $0.99/yd).   Of course, making anything for someone that grows at least an inch every year was interesting, but he'll probably get 3/4 years of wear out these. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. (No boots yet; again, because he's growing like a weed!) At any rate, I found some really nice 100% wool "fall suiting" fabric at Joann's. A little pricey, but was just perfect. Nice drape, dark brown and had the rough texture of the movie robes. My question all the veterans out there is: should I wash it here in the machine (front-loader) in cold water and air dry it? I'm thinking the amount of fabric might dry by the time October rolls around; I really have no place to layout the amount of material for a robe flat. The label said dry-clean only, but that's probably just CYA on Joann's part. However, dry-clean would probably be more convenient. I also have a "sweater-drying rack" for my dryer and was thinking perhaps it could go in there on "ultra-low" heat. Just looking for some input before I start cutting this stuff up. Thanks, Tayjus |
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JediKai
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Post by JediKai on Aug 24, 2008 20:47:26 GMT -5
Your son's costume is EXCELLENT!
Hopefully you had one of JoAnn's 40% off coupons. If not, sign up for their mailer and you'll get one every couple weeks. You then have to turn in your address label bar code in order to keep getting it.
re washing wool: I actually always wash (in cold and on gentle) and machine dry (on low) my wool fabric. Wash before you cut it out. Depending on the weave, it might shrink some. Hopefully you bought a little extra. The wool gabardine didn't shrink at all.
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Post by Ani-Chay Pinn on Aug 24, 2008 21:34:07 GMT -5
Your son's Jedi costume looks terrific!
I always pre-wash my wool fabric before making a robe -- cold water, delicate cycle and air dry.
The only places in Colorado I've been to have low humidity and that makes things dry quickly. Even wooly robes. It's a lot of trouble for me to drag things to and from the dry cleaners and a bit spendy, so I just avoid it for my costumes.
FYI: In the movies, Qui-Gon Jinn's robe is wool crepe. So, I had to make one.  That might be a little light if you want a warm robe, but the drape and flow is nice.
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Post by tayjuswinn on Aug 25, 2008 11:30:04 GMT -5
JediKai and Ani,
Thanks very much for the feedback. I've read a lot of the posts (many of them by the two of you) and saw a couple conflicting posts. Hence my questions.
I put the fabric in the wash on cold (no soap at this point) and discovered the dryer had an "Air Dry" feature! It's a relatively new washer so I haven't played with all the features yet. Seemed to be very little shrinkage, so I'm pretty stoked. Will post pix when I get it done.
Any recommendations on detergent? I've seen some sites say to just make sure you don't use powder. Others suggest kookaburra(?) or Woolite or similar gentle cleaner.
-Tay
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Post by Nova Darklighter on Aug 25, 2008 16:42:51 GMT -5
Your son looks like a proper padawan, very nice job.
I kind of like the double brushed cotton flannel for robes, if enough is used, it's got a good flow, and is light enough to wear in-or-outdoors.
I'd use a gentle liquid detergent and cool water, and cool air dry it and then hang immediatly as soon as the dryer stops or it will wrinkle like mad. Do not press with an iron unless you use a press cloth, or you'll get shine.
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JediKai
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Post by JediKai on Aug 26, 2008 1:25:01 GMT -5
Actually, I've used my usual detergent ("free" Arm and Hammer powder) with no apparent ill effect. However, you could get some liquid Woolite if you like.
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Post by tayjuswinn on Sept 8, 2008 17:17:18 GMT -5
Well, here are some shots of my finished robe. Turned out pretty nice. This wool just looks and feels great. And, I'll be nice and toasty on what is always a cold, Colorado Halloween.   I ended up doing two blind-hem stitches on all the areas that needed it because I left too much "extra" on the seam and they just didn't feel all that sturdy to me. I put in a pleat on each side of the back seam, about 1-1/2" wide, and a couple tiny ones on the front, that were just to reduce the neck opening. The hood, sleeves, bottom and front hems are all about 2-1/2". You can view bigger images here. Next up are the tunics, tabbards, and obi. My expression leaves me with one question: Are Jedi always so serious? ;D -Tay |
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Post by Kryy Jacobi on Sept 8, 2008 20:34:29 GMT -5
When we're trying to look fierce and intimidating... which I have a hard time doing for more than a few seconds w/o cracking up! Remember Kit! ;D Very nice robe and Padawan costume.  |
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Post by Ani-Chay Pinn on Sept 8, 2008 22:45:11 GMT -5
Looks very nice!
Yep, Jedi is a good costume for a cool Halloween night. I always have a wide facing on the inside hood, front and sleeves of my robes that I tack down with a blind hem stitch. That's where I put my concealed pockets. But my hem is always curved on my robe, so it's a very small hem there.
I also will sometimes safety-pin a comb to the inner facing of the hood to keep it up. You'll find out right away that the least little breeze will push that hood right off your head. They must have done something like that to the actors to keep them on for the movies.
Jedi are most serious when wearing robes. ;DWell, here are some shots of my finished robe. Turned out pretty nice. This wool just looks and feels great. And, I'll be nice and toasty on what is always a cold, Colorado Halloween. I ended up doing two blind-hem stitches on all the areas that needed it because I left too much "extra" on the seam and they just didn't feel all that sturdy to me. I put in a pleat on each side of the back seam, about 1-1/2" wide, and a couple tiny ones on the front, that were just to reduce the neck opening. The hood, sleeves, bottom and front hems are all about 2-1/2". You can view bigger images here. Next up are the tunics, tabbards, and obi. My expression leaves me with one question: Are Jedi always so serious? ;D -Tay
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JediKai
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Post by JediKai on Sept 9, 2008 2:14:13 GMT -5
Oh, well done! Your robe looks great.
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Solinbeb Newau
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There are many ways to learn the ways of the Force, but only those who have joined it may know best.
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Post by Solinbeb Newau on Sept 10, 2008 8:22:56 GMT -5
When we're trying to look fierce and intimidating... Fierce and intimidating? Why not calm and contemplating? |
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Post by Jauhzmynn Enz on Sept 10, 2008 19:26:47 GMT -5
Ahh wow, nice robe, awesome job.
Are Jedi so serious? Nahh, we've a sense of humour. :-D Mainly when someone snaps a pic of me it's usually after I've had very little sleep and appear a bit disheveled.
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Post by Nova Darklighter on Sept 11, 2008 0:49:15 GMT -5
The robe looks fabulous. A really good start to the finest of Halloween garbs. You'll have a great time trick or treating.
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That might be a little light if you want a warm robe, but the drape and flow is nice.
