I am new to the concept of costuming and I'm looking to create one for Halloween (and conventions/celebrations, etc). I have the look pretty much figured out, but I need to know where to get the items to put it together. I will need a hooded cloak (black), belt, boots, gloves, etc. The look I have in mind is very similar to my avatar. I would like to keep the total price under $500. Any ideas on where I can look?
I'm assuming you know how to sew, then? Truthfully there's lots of references on www.rebellegion.com in terms of cloak and tunic patterns, belt tutorials, good places to find boots, etc.
Some black clothes and a lightsaber should not run you over $500. At all. If you really want to go for it I guess you can find some $200 boots, designer leather gloves, etc. but you should be able to do this look adequately without spending tons.
He should be able to keep it under $500 pretty easily, but you'd be surprised how fast it can all start adding up, depending on the materials used. Jedi costumes use a lot of fabric, especially in the robe, which should ideally be made from wool. You can make it from other materials, but the weight and drape of a nice wool can't be beat for a good Jedi robe. And those things have huge hoods and epic sleeves. I'd say you can easily go through 7 yards of fabric for a proper Jedi cloak, possibly more. And of course lightsabers run the gamut of the inexpensive hardware saber to the crazy expensive custom sabers, and you've got the leather belt (less expensive if you do it yourself, of course), the inner tunic, outer tunic (which will look best if fully lined), obi, pants, boots, pouches, food capsules.... it can add up. It doesn't have to, but it can.
Lisa speaks the truth. One of my friends did the math and realized that his Obi-Wan costume, including all of his upgrades over the years to make things more screen accurate, had crossed the $1000 mark. And fabric is DEFINITELY where the price will hurt you. Subscribe to JoAnns mailing list for coupons if you have a store nearby, and always keep an eye out for discount stuff. That 40% coupon might not seem like a good deal until you suddenly have to buy 8 yards of wool at $18 a yard.
I love plant based fibers (bamboo rayon is my new favourite textile), but it's all about knowing where and how to use them. I'll refer you to Miana's Naboo Pilot thread for reference- at first, she made her coat from rayon to cut down on heat and cost, but it ended up looking pretty limp and kind of sloppy. The second version, made from wool, was a vast improvement. You just can't duplicate the weight and drape of wool with another fabric, and that's the difference between a good costume and a great costume. It all depends on what you're looking for. I'll grant you that I wasn't always this picky about fabrics, but once you start, it's hard going back. And if he's got $500 budgeted, I say go for the wool. You just feel awesome every time you put it on.
