*Deedlit (Tunic)*
Record of Lodoss War
Event Worn At: Anizona 2005, Anime Expo 2005, Anime Expo 2006, Las Vegas Renaissance Festival 2006
Chara Info: Deedlit is only the most famous High Elf in anime history. Do I really need to explain any further? :P
Why Her?: This has been my dream costume for years ^^;;. I've finally gotten around to starting it, yay! Deedlit was the first anime heroine (besides the Sailor Senshi) that I fell in love with. If it wasn't for this character and this series, I doubt I'd be so in love with anime ^^.
The Story: When I decided to try making a Deedlit costume again, I knew it had to be special. She's one of my favorite anime characters of all time, AND my boyfriend loves her too :). So I, uh, went a little crazy on the details ^^;;.
I spent a lot of time picking out just the right fabric for this outfit. I finally decided on linen for the tunic. It's actually the same stuff I used for Chrno, but I found out it wrinkles a lot less if you prewash it ^^;;. It's also lined in broadcloth, just like Chrno. The boots and armbands are a GORGEOUS faux suede upholstery fabric I found at Joann. I fell in love with it at first sight, but at $20 a yard I didn't think I'd ever get to use it. But when it went on sale for 50% off I snapped it up VERY quickly XD.
Patterning was another thing I agonized over. I couldn't figure out how to get such a full skirt and not add seams not seen in the reference pictures. The solution actually came to me because I messed up the cut on my first try >.>. The skirt and the top are actually two pieces, with the belt as the waistband of the skirt. It gives the illusion of one piece while looking more true to the reference pictures :). The patterning for the boots was actually quite easy -- each leg of the boot is made up of two side panels and one front panel that swell out to allow the foot in. The soles are pleather, and the boots are EXTREMELY comfortable to walk around in. It feels like I'm wandering around in socks! :)
The tiara is gold-painted Sculpey with custom-painted jewels. The chain is attached to the same headband as my ears. The ears are made out of Paperclay, and glued onto the headband with JB Weld, a ridiculously strong glue. The glue and ears are nearly indestructable XD. They took a 7-foot fall and didn't even get a scratch!
The biggest part of the costume, however, is the design on the collar, sleeves, and front of the tunic. Every inch (and there are QUITE a few inches!) is hand-embroidered by myself in gold thread. I lost count, but I'm relatively sure that the entire embroidery process took me over 45 hours. This is the most time and effort I've put into anything since Sera Myu Sailor Jupiter, and I think it shows ^_^.
So what about the armor and cape? If I ever finish it, I think it will be a miracle. I'm considering this costume complete for now.
Pictures
