Project Runway Chat Thread

Elfmoon...I totally missed this! Dropped off the face of the earth for a couple of months. This sounds fantastic! The magic of photoshop, yes?

And moving over from the specific thread to the generic:

I REALLY want to. I got a new addiction for XMas that had to be indulged for awhile...GuildWars2. We've got a group that "meets" on free long distance every night and takes on the evils of Krytan as a group each night. I'm trying to balance that social outlet with all the other necessaries...like writing, taxes and garden...and of course, Wiishu. He really is my sewing inspiration, tho Pook inspires some cute quickies. But Wiishu's got his first official Doll of Honor gig at SpoCon this year and I've got to get him (a) his actual scale Dr Who scarf finished (b) his Naruto outfit (and Pook wants a Pervy Sage outfit) and (c) a tux. If I can manage to turn a challenge into one of those, for SURE I'll be in. I LOVE the ideas the judges are coming up with. And even if I don't take part, I'll try and be more of a presence. I adore this challenge/thread.

I wonder how much of the lack of interaction is a human tendency to want to "spring" their treasure on the world. I don't even think it's a conscious tactic, but I think creative synergy w/b a great addition, not to mention helping people like me not to procrastinate!

 

nah not a conscious tactic for me at all, well most of the time anyway...I'm just a procrastinator at times and have other hobbies that take up my time that I'm normally doing everything all in a weekend so not able to post work in progress or anything..its cool to see other people's sketches and such, but then I'm like oh drat I was thinking of that and now I don't want to feel like I'm copying. So I can see it going both ways as a motivator for some and maybe a drawback for others. But all and all I just like to keep being creative so I keep joining. Its always great to see such diverse ideas on the themes...I'm looking forward to many, many more.

 

I got that same addiction for Christmas; it's still being indulged nightly.

Anyway, back to Project Runway: I think that for the most part it is a conscious tactic, just by a few comments that have occasionally been left (not wanting to spoil the surprise, the final look, etc.). Many people are naturally secretive, which can either be in a good or bad way. I've tried to post at least the materials that I'm using. I'm not that good at drawing and patterns can be deceiving (like the 10 pieces for the shirt I just made). And often I change slightly once I start the outfit. Even the materials will change almost every time. But I will agree that there is little feedback from most of the participants, or even them joining in a conversation. Sometimes I wonder if they are truly interested in sewing.

@Kitty Blue
It doesn't bother me if another person has the same train of thought that I do, I just don't believe that there will ever be two exactly alike outfits posted. Everyone has their own flair for detail. What does bother me is that most of the projects are better suited to female dolls; I'm not saying that they can't be done for male dolls, it just limits what can be done. Over 60% of my dolls are male, over 70% of my 1/3 scale are male, so I am at a bit of a disadvantage. That doesn't stop me from entering though.
I am also a stickler for authentic detail. I research the topics that have such information, such as the Peruvian Day of the Dead, the Circus, and Mount Olympus. Hermes was a good example of research; everything he wore or his accessories came from authentic pottery art from circa 6c BCE, including the lame hat. Everyone sees him as Mercury but they were two distinct personalities with a few similar traits.

Oops, sorry I got so long-winded. I leave for now.

 

Hi everyone! Glad to see some conversation starting up with the PR projects here. I know we aren't allowed to chit-chat in the game threads and I almost forgot about this one. It'll be nice to get to know some of you better outside of our (friendly) competition.

I was one of the participants this last challenge who didn't share my progress but it was more out of laziness than tactic lol. I just kept forgetting to take photographs of the materials and in-progress outfit so towards the end I just said forget it I'll post my entry as a "surprise". I really enjoy seeing other folks' ideas and progress though so I am going to try harder to share mine in future challenges as well.

It would be nice to see a challenge that had a female and male winner. Even a challenge just for men would be fun! Hint hint judges? lol

 

I think I've probably been guilty of all of the above: procrastination, forgetfulness (thinking about getting it done rather than recording the process) and sometimes, in the details, a bit of the "spring it on them", and, yes, if I'm honest, the occasional fear that someone will steal an idea and do it better, tho that's definitely the lowest on the list. Especially now. I've come to realize everybody has so much creativity, they're going to be battling to the end of the month to realize their own ideas.

One of these days, I've got to get off my behind and let my two girls be part of the fun, but a just for guys w/b neat. I think all of the challenges since I started taking part could be adapted for the boys, but the "wow factor" with girlie outfits and frills and sparklies is hard to compete with.

Says the person who dressed their little dude in gold lame'. Hmmmm....

In the interest of getting more people...I should say it was a little disconcerting, at first, to realize I'd be competing a YoSD directly with SDs and even MSDs. Details at that size are hard and even harder to show. An LTF outfit MUST allow posing of that torso, which means a whole centimeter for a waistband! My first challenge, I made him cargo pants that had three different kinds of pockets, all usable, bound button holes that worked, and the tiniest expletive deleted waistband imaginable...all made out of rayon because it was the only thing that would hang right and pull up on the sides. (Just as an "I love this challenge because" aside: I'd never made a pocket in anything before and had to figure out how to do all of them. I'm not sure if I hadn't been competing if I'd have gone to that trouble...and I LOVE those pants!) It was a real challenge to figure out how to show that within the limitations of the allowed picture sizes. (Another time, I'd have opted for a different color, because on my other monitor, these are washed out. On this computer, the detail is completely lost.)



Thinking about it...one of the things we can do in our discussion of a challenge is to put past experience to use and explain why we choose a light color over dark...if we do. Help those with less experience avoid our mistakes!

Having said that, I've made clothing for POoki, and can say that it's far more fair to put the YoSD with the SD than with the Tinies! Waistband? What waist? I just assume now that the judges take all of the above into consideration, because they've certainly been kind to me and my little guys!

And then there's tailoring for the CLine! OMG! Tiny waist, broad shoulders...and forget about finding a decent pair of shoes! You're making them. Period. I really wanted to do the day of the dead with Morgaine....I was going to paint her blank FP with the skull patterns and make her a live human mask! Darned respiratory infection....

But it w/b great if we could get enough people participating so we could make the standard three divisions. Not necessarily a winner in each, but the assurance to people just getting into it that the judges aren't judging the YoSD details directly with an SD.

Ladyfeather: isn't it an amazing game? I've got to find a guild so I can take on some of the really big bosses. Our little threesome just isn't enough. I'm using one of my characters for my avatar on FB and one of my friends said she thot at first I'd made a new outfit for Vanye....and she's right. I might have to turn it into reality for him. He'd look gorgeous in it. Which suggests another topic: cosplay. Maybe I'd finally get Wiishu's Naruto done....

Sheesh...talk about nattering...

 

I've only taken part once - and really enjoyed it - it was the greek gods challenge and felt as if there was quite a bit of discussion going on that time, which did add to the fun I think... But even when I'm only browsing the thread, I love seeing people's initial fabrics etc and then what those eventually transform into!
As a novice at sewing, one of my motivations was to make myself do some sewing and learn as I went along - which I definitely did, and felt the discussions and feedback were supportive and open to all levels. I can understand the desire for the big costume reveal - but I wonder whether it might be possible to have a bit more discussion after people have posted their costumes, eg to share how people tackled particularly tricky parts of their costumes or even share learning experiences / how they'd tackle things differently next time? (self-interested suggestion as still wanting to learn ).
I also have more of a YoSD and tinies focus in terms of little dudes needing clothing - but find the tinies very difficult (sooooo fiddly, and I'm pretty clumsy at the best of times!).
Still, definitely hoping to take part in more project runway challenges - and enjoy seeing everyone's chat and costumes, fab outfits this challenge, congrats all!

 

Needless to say April is thrilled to have been placed 3rd…..here is a few words from the model:

Oh wow, after hanging out on that shelf for years, yes, years watching all those tinies have fun, it was finally my time! I don’t know when I will be a model again (hope it’s soon) but now I have some new clothes, I’m happy

Well, let me just say this....I have enjoyed doing the challenge twice already and really hope for round 3. Participating the first time forced me to re-organized my storage containers in the craft room as I had such a mess looking for things to use. It's also forcing me to do something I hate...and that's making patterns, but on the brighter side it's making more clothes for my dollie kids plus getting to enjoy my hobby more!

Let's see what the next challenge will bring and what models will be selected

 

Thank you to elfmoon and the judges for taking time out of your busy schedules to let us have a creative fun outlet...always a pleasure to participate in the challenges. Congrats to all the designers, everyone did such a great job and you are all winners. Looking forward to the next and seeing what theme you come up with and hoping I'll have some free time to join in on the fun again.

 

Ok, here I go….

A Wedding...great challenge for all sizes and sexes, maybe preset a color scheme! The choices are endless when deciding to be a bride, groom, bridemaids...oh, the list goes on and playing around with themes!

A weekend getaway...a challenge to make mix & match item, light travel theme!

I put in my two cents worth Let me just say, I have wanted to join in on the challenges for sometime but kept forgetting about it, out of sight, out of mind! I think with posting some pics elsewhere will be a silent reminder and maybe more people will join in. I posted some pics on flickr, no comments but lots of hits so I know people are looking!
I don’t think there is anyway to satisfy all sexes and sizes all the time, let’s see if someone comes up with a solution!

 

As a repeat participant of Project Runway whose usual entry is both male and tiny, I can't say that I have felt at a disadvantage because of Mookie's size and gender. I will admit it is more of a challenge to find appropriate fabric that is soft enough and thin enough that it can still drape and not have bulky seams. Even soft trims look stiff when they are applied to such a small circumference. There have been only a few challenges since I have been following PR that I felt wouldn't be appropriate for me and those were the logo challenge (when a glamour outfit was the requirement) and the paper doily challenge because I couldn't find doilies that were in scale for Mookie. Otherwise, I think the challenges have been fair for both male dolls and tinies.

 

yes and even fantasy dolls I entered in my male soom centaur and he won one of the challenges.

hmm..I'll have to think of some themes to throw out there...

I'm very much a comic book geek so one I'd like to throw out would be super hero/villian either remaking an actual known character or better yet coming up with your own character kinda like a few of the ones you've done in the past like the planet one where we had to create a character to fit the planet, or like the fairytale one where we had to make them in a band and name the band. If its creating a new character you'd have to name the character and the superpower. hmm or maybe you could have a list of powers and then we'd have to choose from them.

 

Just throwing this out there…..I don’t know how much trouble it would be to keep changing the logo every time a new winner is selected, have 6 winning models rather than just 1 for the year! Now I’ll go run and hide

 

Kitty Blue, love the comic hero/villain idea!

 

Just edited my post, I have no questions now

 

My love is magic not superheroes so I'll sit this one out; but I will keep an eye on your creations! Good luck everybody!

 

Sorry to hear that LadyFeather, I think the last time I read a comic was maybe 40 years ago and that was Archie! lol I'm going to go with the flow with this one and see what I can make up, ain't got nothin to lose! ( think I watched the Sopranos too much with that lingo?)

 

@PRGerry,
A change of mind; I'm in! At least if it works. Mwah -ha -ha!
I'm not into American comics, I'm a Japanese manga otaku and a rabid Godzilla fan.

 

So glad you had a change of mind! We have lots of days to wait it out before making plans.

I'm working on a new project, so that should keep me busy til the end of the month. What's my project you ask....General Store for either my puki's or pukifee's, I'm gathering up supplies while I wait for the kit to come plus just cleaning stuff up. The question I'm waiting for myself to answer is 'where the heck am I putting it'?????? lol

 

Good luck with the general store PRGerry! (I've got several shops and stalls for my little guys, love the tiny props!).
I spent a bit of time trying to decide which of my dolls to enter for this challenge - and came to the conclusion that almost all of my dolls would be super-villains if they could, barely a hero amongst them (except for just possibly one or two of the pukis) - oh dear!
Now I need to unearth my fabric stash and sewing machine - I hope this will prompt me into making something for one of my poor clothes-free girls in the run up to the challenge, as a warm up!

 

That logo outfit is awesome! I'd love to see pictures of her final band together.

I've added my materials picture and some costume/superhero information in the PR23 thread.

 

Nice to see other's are getting started I'm confused (easy for me now-a-days) as to what I'm doing as I'm not a comic fan but I do have two things floating around in my head. We have to come up with a story line, right? I'll start working on fabric selection tomorrow....dollhouse store in painting progress today!

 

Okay I am about to sound really weird but I have not been to a mall ever lol! My parents didn't shop any "chain" stores since we lived among the Amish and bought all of our stuff from them and local owned businesses. But I am going to give this challenge a shot anyway!

 

lol I gathered that through my research! Thanks elfmoon.

 

For those who have been following the Poobanator, I got his post winner announcement story up. Enjoy! http://www.denofangels.com/forums/s...u-and-Pooki-adventure&p=10870746#post10870746

 

new challenge..yay...hmmm who amongst my dolls would like to go to the mall and do shopping, I must discuss this with them..lol. hmmm either Patience my Dollmore Trinity or Syringa my Resinsoul Rong.

 

You can't buy patterned material but I assume you can make your own. I am torn between making a 'photo' t-shirt out of printable fabric sheets or a hand drawn graphic shirt. Maybe I'll make both and choose the best one.

 

Elfmoon: Please clarify about SteamWitch's post. I took the "use of commercial patterns is prohibited" to mean dress maker patterns that are purchased and not made by the participant. I have some patterned fabric I was thinking of using for Mookie's shirt and would not want to be disqualified for using it. Patterned fabric has always been allowed in the past.

 

I probably misread the instructions,

Edit: looking at the last PR challenge there are patterns on the fabric so I misread the pattern instruction.

So sorry for the confusion - senior moment here in Texas.

 

I just bought the fabric for this challenge and they all have patterns so I started to sweat a moment there lol!

 

Yeah sorry about that. Now that I'm on the right track I'll rethink my design.

 

Thanks elfmoon! Hmm that gives me some new ideas...lol!

 

congrats to everyone on challenge 24 and can't wait to see what you have in store for the next challenge I hope time permits me to enter again.

 

I took on Tia Dalma for the newest challenge...hope I didn't make a mistake but either way it's going to be fun for me to push myself into a new area with making a wig for the first time! So far everyone has selected great charterers!

 

As promised here is Edmund Dantes, the other half of my PR25 entry, although not included in the entry.



And the details


These pants were the test pair I made. The sailor's outfit was from at least 15 years before the Counts, so there are differences in how the pants were styled. What I found interesting was the back. The small pleats and the lacing were their way of adjusting the waist of the pants. When you're out to sea for months at a time you don't have a tailor to run to for adjustments. The pants also had pockets, but not like the ones we know. The button on the side was the closure for the pocket. I didn't make it exact but you can see that a small pocket could be made. The watch pocket was placed on the waistband but at sea you told time by the stars so no watch pocket for Edmund.

 

Looks awesome, love the attention to detail you always do. Those pants are particularly wonderful. I am amazed you were able to complete such two outfits in the time allocated.

 

LadyFeather beautiful work on both. Researching the past clothing is so interesting. You did very well, the details are wonderful.

 

LadyFeather: Your attention to detail and authenticity is amazing. I can't believe you made two outfits in the time frame when I barely got my simple one done. Outstanding work.

 

Thank you all for liking my Edmund (and my Count). As to your comments about how I completed two in the time span allotted for one - I must confess.
First, I am retired so I have much more time than a working person. Two, I've been sewing for over 50 years, so some things are quite easy to do. I swear I could make shirts in my sleep. Three, the vests were from the same pattern, just different cut on the lapels. Finally, the pants here were the mockup for the Count's pants, I just put them to use for Edmund. And the blue jacket was created yesterday, just before I put up the pictures. So I actually had a few days more.
What really took the time were the buttons and snaps - at least 50 of each between the two outfits. Size 4-0 snaps using a 28mm needle which I put the end through my finger at least twice -ouch! - I can't use a thimble very well. Then the pant and sleeve hems, and minor tacking on the vests and the tailcoat. There was a lot of hand stitiching, thus the extension I needed.
Research is necessary for most anything I put together. All of the entries I've put in have been thoroughly researched; the Day of the Dead, Mt. Olympus, the Black and White, even the superhero was researched for Magician costumes to make sure that I was on the right track. Perhaps this is not the most 'original' way to create the outfits but they are, at least to me, the most correct for what I'm displaying. Originality is based on something that exists; you need to have something to veer off of, to make your own, even if it is only in the choice of fabrics and trims like this project.
Again, thanks for your support. I should be around for the next Project Runway, hope you are too!

 

LadyFeather, that's some outfit Edmund Dantes has on, both outfits are outstanding! I love those pants

 

elfmoon, how and when do you get a critique by judges or is it for winners only?

 

LadyFeather: I just saw this. You truly do boggle my pea brain. Absolutely wonderful, as always. And love the idea of doing the dual personalities for the same character.

 

Vindalootoo - thanks for the compliment. It also helps if you have a doll that has two faces like the Lemkin, though I think he will be the Count most of the time.
The other dual personality character I thought of using was Aramis from the Three Musketeers. He has a titled older persona in the Twenty Years Later story by Dumas.
Let's have fun with game 26; I won't win but I'm going to have fun making a 'spirit'.

 

Oh, very cool. I'm in absolute lust with the new Musketeers. The costumes are anything but accurate, but WOW! are they wonderful. Love all the fancy leatherwork.

 

Got my fabric finished and most of the detailing done. I really am having fun with the cemetery specter theme.
It's the storyline I having problems with. Can't connect a to b yet but I'm sure I will before the end of the month. They have to blend into their background, cool.

 

Trying to make one of my accessories I sliced my finger with a knife. Hazards of starting too early in the morning.
I have to start over on it because I now know it won't work the way I thought it would. Glad I still have plenty of time.