Tips & Tricks Ask Biba-Fett (AKA Mrs Darth_Manos) Dressing A Galaxy questions

I can pass on that Biba Fett has informed me that the pockets are functional. I'll let her answer in detail later. We've been very busy. And then there was that hospital visit I had for chest pains the other day.... They tell me its "stress".

See what all these questions are doing to me???? Just kidding. This is one of the more fun aspects of life.

 

Sorry to hear about the chest pains Darth_Manos. Hope it's just a minor thing!

 

I also hope all is well Manos...sorry to hear you've had stress pains!

Biba-Fett...so for Anakin's sleave they had a black spandexy fabric that was attached to the innertunic AND attached to the outer tunic? Or how did the outer tunic work to allow forthis material to hold it down for the glove?

 

Oh no! Chest pains! Not good! Hope you are able to de-stress some! Who would have thought Star Wars Costuming could be so stresful?! Feel better soon!

 

Oh Geez, hope our incessant questions on these costumes didn't contribute any to your chest pains, Darth Manos. Its supposed to be entertainment!! Hoping everything is well and benign for you.

Paul

 

Just think the same thing happened to Lucas on the set of A New Hope.

 

Yeah, its one of those things that reinforces my lack
of trust in medical professionals. Sorry if anyone hear
is in that field. When I had my first collapsed lung,
nobody believed me that I had this horrid pain in my chest.
Walked around for ONE WEEK with it. When my knees were giving me
problems, no one could figure it out. Until I was sitting in
the darkened room looking at x-rays with the guy who was
supposed to be THE specialist in that field. He sat there
stumped. I looked at the x-rays and pointed at something
that caught my attention, and said; "Whats that?" His reply
was; "Huhnh? Oh... I didn't see that." There are other stories
related to being "tested" for Marfan Syndrome. Turns out they
took the blood but never ran the test. And then gave me
a BS reason for it that I shot down immediately. Thats when
they began to stutter and sputter.

So when I tell the doctor that I get these pains that are very
similar to a collapsed lung that last a few seconds... All the guy
did was offer this evasion of;"Oh but those REALLY hurt."

As if I wasn't familiar with that concept.

So despite the fact that a simple chest x-ray would elimnate the
collapsed lung/complications from some broken ribs stuff...Nuthin.......

Thats what I get for having Kaiser I guess...

But aside from that, I've been going through my photos, and
will hopefully get a major amount organised in preperation
for burning a few discs for those of you that have asked for them.

And some more for posting.

Later kids, The boss who thinks its my coffee that is causing the problems (must be nice living on that river named Denial) is hovering.

 

Yikes Manos! I've witnessed the pain and problems that a collapsed lung can cause a person. My dad has had it happen to him three times. It's no fun. So I hope that you never have to go through another one!

Ah, Kaiser. I used to have Kaiser when I lived in California. Sometimes the service was great and other times less than optimal....

Feel better soon!

 

Please take care of yourself, Manos!
Chest pains are some scary stuff.
Good thoughts are being flung in your direction.

 

I hope you're doing better Darth_Manos!

Hello Biba-Fett! You are amazing for fielding all of these questions! It's fantastic to have somebody as passionate about these details as the rest of us working on the inside!

Ok, my questions... They're only about the 'Aqua' Tatooine gown.

Is there a zipper in the back of the undershirt?

Is the cape also sewn to the hood and shirt? (I would assume so) It's probably seamed at the back of the neckline, but is it tacked down when it comes around the arms to meet in back?

Do you get to touch the costumes? What does the fabric feel like? Is it velvety or silky smooth? Is it stretchy? In one or two ways? Is it heavy or light?

The beading, are the discs truly clear, or slightly gray? Do they have an Aurora Borealis (rainbow) finish? Like this http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/PrincessofMars/CzechglasscrystalAB.jpg as opposed to this http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/PrincessofMars/Czechglasscrystal.jpg

What is with the drawstring?? We can see it poking out here. http://www.padawansguide.com/padme/cape/padme_cape_nohood.jpg Where does it enter the costume?

Is there a drape (extra piece of fabric) sewn into the back seam of the skirt? (similar to the drape in the front)

Is the headpiece symmetrical with the back portion of the diamond matching the front?

Ok, I think that's all... for now, lol. I hope that's not too many! Again, thank you so much for doing this for us!

 

Also, I've copied and pasted all of Biba-Fett's responses into a word documnet, categorized by costume. I only have the Padme costumes though, because I was confused enough trying to keep track of those! If somebody else wants to see it, or organize it when this is all done with, please tell me! For me (who has only researched one costume thoroughly) all of this together is quite overwhelming...

 

I would like to ask a few questions about the Padme Dark Senate costume, please. I believe you called it the "Snow White" gown, Biba-Fett.

1. How many and what pieces make up this gown? Is the moire underlayer a complete dress, a blouse and skirt or a front panel only? How does the moire layer close at the neck?

2. The book talks about 'discharge painting' being used on this costume. Was that for the gold symbols running along the front edges of the outer robe, or are they embroidered?

3. In terms of construction, does it appear that the front panels with the gold designs are seperate panels from the rest of the outer robe? If so, were they then seamed to the outer robe (wrong side to right side), flipped to the outside and tacked down to the robe? (If that makes any sense. )

4. Finally, any and all detailed photos would be greatly appreciated. Especially close-ups of major construction details that show any seams, those hook and eyes on the front, both parts of the sleeve, the appliques that hold the shawl below the shoulder on the front (outside of the collar) and the gathered part of the shawl in the back, and the back of the hairpiece.

Huge thanks for everything you've done for this forum, Biba and Darth. It's appreciated more than we can possibly say!

Regards,
M.

 

I'm doing just fine. Thanks!!! I can answer one of you quetions.
The others will have to wait until Biba Fett gets back from her mountain
outing.

Well... They look clear to me. Check your PM's.

 

The beads are silver lined! ack! That's never gonna happen *sigh* Well, I'll just do the best I can ;o) From what you showed me, Darth Manos, it looks like there's no rainbow finish (kind of like an oil slick), though sometimes it's hard to tell from photos. Thanks so much! : o)

 

Biba Fett and I have been VERY busy as of late.
Please don't think that the unanswered questions
are being ignored. I'll see if I can pry open a
crack in the space time continuim and make enough
of a gap for Biba Fett to be able to answer some
more questions.

Just wanted to keep folks sort of up to date
on the recent silence.

 

Thanks! I did mine as faux pockets (with hidden pockets inside). But I am curious to see how they're made... and I say SEE because it looks like I will be traveling to the exhibit myself for the last fan day! Any chance of meeting you and/or Biba?

Take good care of yourself, both of you! In the grand scheme of things, that's most important!

 

I'm so glad this thread exists.

Padme's Naboo Nightgown & Smocked Velvet Robe

Is the robe lined at all, so that the threads from the smocking don't show? Or is it just bare?

How are the edges turned under? Are they sewn in place, or some kind of pins used?

Do you know if the velvet was starched or steamed, so that the lattice smocking kept its shape? That's my biggest concern with the robe.

Are the sleeves of the robe separate pieces that were attached to the main body after smocking? Or is the entire robe just one gigantic piece of velvet smocked into a particular shape?

What are the materials used for the nightgown?

The embroidery on the nightgown - from pictures, it looks like a snowflake, but it's hard to make out anything else. Are there any other details on it?

Thanks in advance, and feel free to take your time with the answers - I'm still sloooowly smocking away. Hope you're feeling better, Manos!

 

I believe the Dressing a Galaxy book said that the vintage trim was sewn over the seams - but you can probably double check that! The night gown most definitely has a layer of silk chiffon on top, which is what is embroidered. I think the underlayer is silk satin. Kay_dee got a good closeup of one of the "snowflakes" the last time we were at FIDM...

 

Pre-Senate Kimono: You said the Obi is snapped into place. Is it just looped over fabric with snaps hidden beneath, and are the loops on both sides or just one? (I have seen a hint of loop in a photo). How long is the Obi? Is there anyway to get a photo of the Obi from the back when it's time to dismantle the exhibit?

Does the extra fabric in the back of the Kimono just get scrunched up/pleated when the Obi is snapped on. Or are the sewn in pleats/gathers at the waist line?

All the photos we have give no real answers to what is really going on, on the Obi back.

And the Headfan for that costume, approximately how much does it weigh?

Thanks so much for any details.

 

PADME'S EP II NIGHTGOWN

Sorry, I know I'm sitting on a few photos that will probably help people out.

Firstly, if anyone has gotten the Star Wars Poster book you may notice the Italian poster in which Padme's robe is coming off her shoulder to reveal more of the nightgown.

[image=http://kay-dee.net/costumes/padme_misc/night-low.jpg]
High Resolution >

[image=http://kay-dee.net/costumes/padme_misc/night-close.jpg]

I know Maggie has a mountain of photos to sort through so here are a few good shots I got of the embroidery on the nightgown.

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad-night/pad-night-emb1-low.jpg]
Embroidery high res >

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad-night/pad-night-emb3-low.jpg]
nightgown high res >

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad-night/pad-night-emb2-hi.jpg]
nightgown high res >

Hope that helps!

(I'll post a copy of this in the nightgown thread as well).

- Kay Dee

 

Heather D's Padme Blue Tatooine questions

Is the cape also sewn to the hood and shirt? (I would assume so) It's probably seamed at the back of the neckline, but is it tacked down when it comes around the arms to meet in back?

I know I'm not hands on with these costumes, but I've been studying the photos I took at FIDM and I believe that the way people have been making their fan made versions of the cape is not quite the way it's really constructed. Think of making a big circle skirt that's lop sided (front hem shorter than the back hem.) Your arms go under the side seams of this 'circle skirt' and it just lays over the arms. The shorter hem is close to the body, while the long hem in the back (pointed shape) is the part of the cape we see. I don't think it's tacked down on the sleeves at all (just at the armcycle near the shoulder) and just flows free as the arms move.

Here's a crude diagram highlighting the 'hem' of the circle skirt in hot pink, the side seams of the circle skirt, and the point at which the hole in the middle of this circular piece follows the arm cycle of the fitted sleeve underneath it:

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad_tatmid/cape-diagram-low.jpg]
Cape Diagram High Res >

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad_tatmid/cape-low.jpg]
Cape High Res >

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad_tatmid/pad-tatmid1-low.jpg]
Underneath Cape High Res >

I'm only guessing that the cape piece is attached up near the neck somewhere. I'd like confirmation on that as well Then as what I call the 'center hole of the circle skirt' comes down and over the arm, it follows the arm cycle seam of the fittied sleeve underneath. I'm kind of guessing it follows the arm cylce seam part way up the back of the bodice, but I'm also not sure how it is attached and finished off and if the under half of the cape goes all the way back up to the neck or perhaps is tacked on around the shoulderblade area?

This is a confusing costume and I'm sure my description is confusing as well! Hopefully the photos help.

- Kay Dee

 

I have a few lingering questions about 2 costumes I plan to make. Any hands on insight would be appreciated Especially on the closure for Luke's shirt (jumper top).

LUKE RETURN OF THE JEDI

1) How does the bib in the front of the jumper (his shirt) stay closed? Are magnets used to keep it in place? Velcro? Snaps? hooks?
2) Is the vest lined? If so what sort of fabric?
3) Is the 'scarf' piece self lined or lined with a differnt fabric?
4) Is the top of the Jumper (shirt) fully lined? Or is it just his bib flap that is lined.

PADME LIGHT BLUE TATOOINE BARE MIDRIF (The one that is front row, far left)

1) I noticed there was a side seam to the skirt but, but wondered if there was perhaps a triangular shaped gore worked into the side seam on the bottom half. Or does the side seam just flair out to give it fullness?

2) Does the top fully open in front when the wrap is unhooked from the back? Or does undoing the back hook just loosen the top enough to allow it to be taken on and off like a pullover? Are there any hidden zippers or other hooks and eyes on the top?

3) I spotted some lining material that is light greenish-blue on the bottom edge of the top. Is the lining fabric also a stetch knit or is it a woven cloth that adds stability?

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad_tatmid/bodice-lining-hi.jpg]

4) I'm wondering if the skirt is lined, and if so with what? I spotted some of that greenish lining fabric on the edge of the waist of the skirt. How far down does that lining go? Or is it only a facing that is a few inches deep to finish off the edge of the waist?

[image=http://kay-dee.net/fidm/pad_tatmid/skirtlining.jpg]

5) Repeat of Heather D's Question regarding the inner section of the cape close to the body - does it go all the way back up to the neck and get sewn into the neck seam? Or does it stop just sort of the neck and perhaps get tacked on around the shoulder blades across the back?

Thanks!

Kay Dee

 

Oh my gosh, I missed out on this news back in October (I know I was swamped sewing for Halloween and not able to keep up with the bboards). I hope the chest pains have gone away. I had no idea you had a collapsed lung Darth_Manos

So as some of you might be able to tell I'm just trying to take one last look at questions before I head back to LA. Although I know questions in this thread are more of the hands on behind the seams variety.

- Kay Dee

 

Hey DM,

watch that health, man !!! Running around with chest pains for a week is kinda ... not so good ? Get better soon ! Did your lung reinflate itself ? Or did you have a heavy pneumothroax, i.e. chirurgy needed ?

@ The rest of you

Since the exhibit is going to close in a few days, and stupid me didn´t manage to go, what do you think of the chance of getting good pics of the costume take down process ?

I bet this is less stressfull than answering all of the questions, since a pic says more than words

Thanks,
Michael

 

Nah I'm fine, although I have something in my life that makes
my heart skip a beat like crazy.

I'll let everyone know why I haven't been on as much
lately. A few people have been informed, but I wanted to
make sure everything went well before letting the cat out of
the bag.

I still have your address, and will compile a disc for you when
I get the chance.

I'm going to see if I can get in and take pics of a few of the costumes
in full take down mode. And I'll see if Biba Fett can get detail shots
on a few of the others. The size and scope will of course prevent full
coverage, but hopefully it will answer a few more questions.