Saying Hi, wondering who is out there

[scouter181]

Hi, My name is Paul McPherson. I'm from Ft. Erie, Ontario. I've been collecting Star Wars toys since I was very little but I just recently decided to try my hand at doing a costume. My wife is not really very supportive of this hobby. She thinks I'm a bit too obsessive. When I was part way through building the costume I ran into the Assembly. It has been a great resource. I have not yet posted a pic of myself as I am still waiting on my lightsaber. This is also giving me some opportunity to tweak my costume and play with the colour and design. I've found the hardest thing to find at a resonable price are the boots.

My main question is where can I get good brown leather boots for under $400 USD? Right now I have a not bad looking fake pair.

My other question is, is anyone actually active on here? I see alot of not so recent postings. I'm hoping I haven't come to this hobby to late. It would be great to attend an organized event and see run by the TJA.

So I'm hoping someone responds to this and offers me some advice.

Regards,

Paul. No Jedi name yet. - I could use some help in this dept too. (lets keep it clean here kids) - thx.

[JediKai]

Welcome. Glad you found our site helpful in making your costume. Boots do seem to be the biggest problem. Most people will advise watching ebay.

Yes, we've noticed that things are a little slow. We're not sure why that is.

Unfortunately, the Assembly is small, by comparison to the other groups. It is rare you'll find an event run solely by the Assembly as our membership is too spread out.

[Kryy Jacobi]

Hi Paul and welcome!

Master Kai is right.... I think we're just spread kind of thin just like the Jedi in the Clone Wars. There was more "chatter" right after ROTS when everyone was trying to figure out how to make things. But we've analyzed and re-analyzed so unless there's a new fabric or vendor or costume (i.e., Clone Wars armor) or something to discuss, the "conversations" seem more limited to the "social" threads. (Plus credits are tight for most folks right now. Personally I'd like some Jedi armor but hubby decided to go back to school, so it will be slow.)

But no, you are not too late! This is still the best place (IMHO) for prequel-era costuming help, and this group is very friendly and helpful. If you meet TJA members at a con, you'll find that true "in person" as well.

OK, commercial over (LOL). But as I've said before in other threads, if not for this group, I'd still be in "civilian clothes" and wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet and troop with not only TJA members but RL (of which I'm a member) and the 501st as well.

So welcome!

_{P.S. I'm on my way to the Outer Rim for a week+, so I'm not ignoring you if I don't reply to your post for a while.}

[Darryn Varson]

Welcome! Everyone has been so friendly here. I look forward to being a full member as soon as there are credits to spare.

[Zhar Tah-Jot]

Welcome Paul,
Glad to have you! ;D
No doubt, you have tons of questions and these Jedi's have tons of answers. You'll do well.

[scouter181]

Thanks everyone! You bet, I have tons of questions...Like where can I get some quality pouches for my belt. I'm still thinking about boots that don't cost a fortune and really does Park Sabers ever deliver? It feels like I've been waiting forever for my saber! So I could really use some guidance in these areas. Though I may just give in and get some motor cowboys boots when the money's right.

On a separate note, I've noticed some other members up here in Canada, nice to see you and are we linked together in any way?

P.

[Zhar Tah-Jot]

Scouter181,
Welcome! ;D
I, too, have ordered from 'ParkSabers' and yes, they do deliver! It'll come in a tube. I've ordered two; one for myself and the other for my godson. Be patient, it does take 10-12 weeks and once I received it, it was awesome!
Good luck.

[JediKai]

Agreed about Parks. I had the same experience. I waited the estimated 3 mo then emailed and got an immediate reply with an update. I had it soon after. In retrospect though, now I would go with another maker as some have excellent product at lower cost.

For belt pouches, watch here
apfoister.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=TTA&action=display&thread=5231

and the Buy/Sell/Trade forum in general. On the other hand, make your own. If you don't care about replicas, then Tandy has a nice, cheap and easy kit. I've never done leather working before I figured out how to make my own belt, followed by the Tandy pouches. It shows tooling but it actually comes plain,
www.tandyleatherfactory.com/home/department/Kits/Handbag-Small-Bag-Kits/44345-00.aspx?feature=Product_13

public.fotki.com/kait/star_wars/tutorials/jedi_belt_tutorial/newpouchsm.html

[scouter181]

Wow! Those pouches look fantastic! Is Therebelagent still making them? I can't tell from his post. Perhaps I should contact directly? I have no handy craft skills or I might try myself.

Thanks for letting me know about Park...I was starting to worry.

I'm sure I'll be on later with my next hundred questions. Thanks for your patience, one and all

[Jan-Qui Coran]

bows

Greetings & welcome to the Jedi Assembly.
Convention season has just started but the economy is not helping. You have come to the right place to learn about Jedi clothing. We have some great Jedi here who can help you. If you have any questions feel free to ask. We're here to serve.

Boots as has been stated can be found on ebay & other places. 2 things you need to be sure of is this:
How wide is your calf? What I mean is most boots have a standard calf---so those who have a standard width---up to 15 inches around can get into almost any boot.
If you have a wider calf then it's more difficult but not impossible to find. I have a wide calf, so I speak from experience.
Also make sure your boots are comfortable to wear & stand in--otherwise you will pay dearly with very sore feet at conventions.
There are plenty of insoles that can be put into a boot to help that issue.

Check around where you live 1st to see what you can find & test out your calf size besides measuring it. Then check on the web to see who is out there that has something that will work for you.

Pouches either need to be made by yourself or as with many Jedi have to be purchased from someplace, leather places, shoe repair places or sometimes you can be very lucky to locate pouches that might work just by keeping your eyes open in stores & then they might only need some correcting to add to your belt.

It sounds like you are not going to be a face character Jedi so being generic is very much easier all the way around.

[Nova Darklighter]

I'm going to be in Toronto next Sun., not to far from you I guess.
Welcome to here. costume questions answered promptly in the related forums.