New recruit questions for ROTJ build

[TJS1138]

Hello,

I'm new here and would like some help answering a few questions.

1) I'm 6'8", and have somewhat of a long neck. My head tops out on the inside of the helmet, leaving a gap between my shoulders and the helmet. This creates a free floating/swaying look to the helmet. I've thought about building up the shoulders just enough to allow it to sit properly, and I'm wondering if anyone has had similar experiences, or can shed light on an acceptable course of action.

2) I have 4yds of burgundy stretch velvet for the inner robes. I know velvet is not recommended due to lack of breathability. However, is stretch velvet allowed?

3) For the sewing of outer robes, and outer robe lining what are the rules on stitching showing? Can hem stitching be visible on the outside, etc...

Hopefully I've been specific enough, and I eagerly wait your wisdom.

MTFBWY,

Trevor Sherk

[stripes]

I will try to answer your questions in as straightforward a way as possible below:

Hello,

I'm new here and would like some help answering a few questions.

1) I'm 6'8", and have somewhat of a long neck. My head tops out on the inside of the helmet, leaving a gap between my shoulders and the helmet. This creates a free floating/swaying look to the helmet. I've thought about building up the shoulders just enough to allow it to sit properly, and I'm wondering if anyone has had similar experiences, or can shed light on an acceptable course of action. Your best option here would be some shoulder pads... depending on how big the gap is... you may be able to get away with simple cloth shoulder pads available at a local fabric store, or you may need to go the route of hockey/football pads

2) I have 4yds of burgundy stretch velvet for the inner robes. I know velvet is not recommended due to lack of breathability. However, is stretch velvet allowed? Stretch velvet is not allowed. Stretch velvet, outside of the fact that it stretches and deforms, tends to be a shiny material, which as per the CRL is not permitted.

3) For the sewing of outer robes, and outer robe lining what are the rules on stitching showing? Can hem stitching be visible on the outside, etc... You should do your best to not have stiches showing on the final product. This can be accomplished in several ways, including matching the thread colour as closely as possible to the colour of the fabric. You will also want to make sure that the material doesn't pucker as it is sewn as this will cause the costume to look sloppy and off in appearance.

Hopefully I've been specific enough, and I eagerly wait your wisdom.

MTFBWY,

Trevor Sherk

[TJS1138]

Thanks so much for the input. I'm actually relieved to have the stretch velvet option rejected. Too much heat. I've read gabardine is a good route to take for the lining/thawb. What are some other heavy materials that might be suitable, in case I have trouble tracking down the right colour?

[JesterTDA]

I was going to throw out the shoulder pad option as well...they could be the sports type or just padding but whatever you do, make sure you have them chosen before you make the robes so they'll fit.

[Darth Munchies]

There is always the option of having the robes custom tailored. I received some great advice on custom vendors that make the robes to order.

We ordered a full set from an eBay seller names FP. His prices are pretty reasonable for what you're getting and he custom makes each set to measurements your provide to him. I've ordered some of my Vader leather parts from him and have been very impressed at the quality.

It's funny you're having the problem of the helmet off the shoulders, my wife has the exact opposite problem where the helmet rests square on her shoulders and doesn't touch her head, but then she's only 4'11" lol. I think the guidance to pad out your shoulders would work just fine.

[TJS1138]

I was going to throw out the shoulder pad option as well...they could be the sports type or just padding but whatever you do, make sure you have them chosen before you make the robes so they'll fit.

Good call! I will certainly take that under advisement. I didn't even consider it being a problem, but then, that's why i'm here asking questions. I'm making a mock-up set of under-robes today using Ang's "quick and dirty", and i'm using the stretch velvet to do it. So, it won't be a total waste of the material.

[TJS1138]

Well, I did mock-up the under-robes using the stretch velvet, just for practice. Boy am I glad I did. I needed it!

Also, can anyone tell me if the outer robe liner comes to the edges of the robes, or if there's a border of outer robe causing the liner to be inset?

[stripes]

Most linings should have a 1" border. This can cause some puckering issues if not careful when sewing.