The Witching Hour: Voting!

The hour is nigh! Voting for our 12th Anniversary Couture Contest is open!

Please take a moment to look through all of the amazing entries below. Contestants were challenged to sew a complete ensemble based on the concept of the Witching Hour. The concept was open to interpretation and materials were restricted only by yardage allotments based on doll size. When you have finished checking out the entries, please vote!

Voting is open to all members, including contestants! Voters have four points to distribute to four different entries based on the following criteria:

• Which design has the most original concept?
• Which design used the material most creatively?
• Which design demonstrates the most technical complexity and skill?
• Which design best captures the chosen witch concept?

Each entry can only receive ONE point from each voter, so please choose a different entry for each criteria. If you vote for the same entry multiple times, ALL of your votes for that entry will be thrown out. Contestants are allowed to vote for themselves with ONE vote point.

Voting closes on Sunday, August 28th at Midnight EDT

 

Entry #1
Concept:
A witch who prides comfort and modern trappings over living in the 'dark ages' and blends the esoteric with the digital and fashionable.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I used black velvet to create a vaguely harem-style pair of pants which sit loosely above the knee and are more fitting below the knee. They are held up with elastic sewn into the seam. I used a stretchy grey knit material for the top which is a weird, halterneck-crossed-with-a-cowl-neck combination. I wasn't sure if I had enough room for sleeves and erred on the side of caution to create a sleeveless top. The off cuts I used as arm warmers rather than sleeves, these were the only pieces that were hand sewn rather than machine sewn. I kept the seam inside out because it turned out looking nicer that way, go figure. The arm wrap on his left wist is made from a small length of leather cord, and silver jump rings with gemstone beads threaded on. The hooded lace coat was a way of adding to his 'mysterious' side. Initially I thought of a heavy cloak, but chose the lighter lace as it looked surprisingly dramatic.

 

Entry #2
Concept:
A mage and a necromancer that lives among demons and sundry other unsavory creatures.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:
Materials: silver taffeta, lilac duponi silk, black chiffon, 2 kinds of black lace (1 for trim, 1 for decoration), navy blue polyester (for lining), 3 hook & eye closures in front.

I cut my own pattern pieces and did a mock-up with cheap scrap cotton before cutting out the final pieces.

I used a sewing machine for most of the work. I hand sewed the trim on & tacked down the decorative lace by hand. Also had to attach the sleeves to the armholes by hand.

Originally, the plan was to fully line the coat; due to fabric restraints it's only partially lined--the sleeves, the collar, and the front half. This actually made things more complicated. I've never tried to do only a partial lining on anything so figuring things out was interesting and I kind of had to take it step-by-step.

 

Entry #3
Concept:
Steals Children and turns them into buttons, she is the button witch.





Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I used the following items: A Stretch Jersey Knit for the under dress, a see through fabric with velvet halloween embellishments, a lace trim and a white ribbon with a large bronze button.

I did not use a pattern for this piece, I took the fabric and cut it into a circle and then added the arm holes and the neck hole. I left the edges raw because I felt it suited the character much better. On the lining dress I sewed the sleeves together using small buttons to create a tunic style. I then placed the dress on the doll and added the see through fabric on top in the same style. I sewed snaps on a lace trim and used it as a belt adding the white ribbon with he large bronze button on top for effect. I then added the choker using the same lace trim and snaps method.

The shoes were pre - bought. This project took me a total of 6 hours to complete and all sewing was done by hand.

The hat was made from paper and elmer's glue was used to add the buttons onto the hat.

In my style shot I chose to use the coffin to show off her character and have the buttons dripping out of it to show her latest victim, I then used the pukifee faceplate to give the effect that she was the last victim.

 

Entry #4
Concept:
She is an automaton witch in a steampunk universe, built for general fortune telling and spell casting.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I created my own patterns using the pin-and-drape method. I used two cotton fabrics, one in black and the main fabric in an elaborate halloween witch print. my goal was to carefully bookend-match my pattern pieces to create unique designs that were pleasing to the eye. I gathered nattow black lace and added it to the neckline and wrists, and attached antique black netting at the neck and as a band on the hat. I embellished the hat band with a bat decoration I cut and sewed from the main fabric. I used a combination of machine and hand sewing for the basic hat, bodice and skirt construction, and then added the steampunk wire and gear embellishments which were permantly sewn into place with matching threads.

 

Entry #5
Concept:
Inspired by Pagan rituals my witch is at one with nature, celebrates the changing of the seasons and collects plants and berries to make potions for healing and love spells for the local villagers.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I made my own pattern and made a "test" outfit out of scrap material. I made a few adjustments to the fit and cut out all the pattern pieces. I chose a suede fabric in dark green and off-white cotton for the front panel. I hand embroidered the sleeves, bodice, and bottom of the dress using green thread (this was the most time consuming part of the project). I used the "eye" part of a hook and eye for the ribbon to pass through in the bodice area and sewed on some pearls on either side. I sewed the trim around the edge of the green fabric, hood, and sleeves by hand. In fact, most of the sewing on the project was done by hand. It takes longer, but you have more control that way. I tried the dress on the doll and measured the hem. I used snaps to do up the outfit in the back. I made the hood separately and faced it with the off-white fabric (I only did it at the front where it shows as I didn't have enough to line it completely and that was somewhere I could take away from to have everything fit in the allowance given). I gathered the hood at the back and attached it to the outfit with more snaps. I used the shoes that the doll came with as I thought they went well with the outfit. I made the pentagram pendant out of polymer clay. I was very happy with the final product. I enjoyed the challenge of having a limit to the amount of fabric I could use.

 

Entry #6
Concept:
For the right price this witch will make you any potion, curse, or tell your fortune.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I started drafting flat patterns and cut them out on muslin. I sewed the pieces together with the trim along the edges and hand stitched the beads on the skirt. I made the necklaces and beading for the headpiece and sewed the hat. I applied beading for the hairstyle as well. I sewed fur as leg warmers to go over her shoes. The top is made of chiffon, the skirt organza and jacket a faux snake skin.

 

Entry #7
Concept:
An occult shop owner with a specialty in divination techniques!




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I hand drafted my patterns and decided to use selective patchwork to match tailoring skill with decorative embellishments. My main fabrics were a brocade printed cotton and hand dyed Indian cotton. I used black silk as a contrast and a gold and black ribbon for some of the trim work. I disassembled my lace trim to create appliques and used metal studs and beads for the final details.

 

Entry #8
Concept:
Robes for an archaic male witch, based on the styles and fashions of a modern female witch.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I stated off with a sketch of my concept, and then I drafted a pattern for my guy. I laid the pattern pieces in my "allowed fabric" box as I went to help me keep space limits in mind. I cut the pattern out of muslin to check spacing and make a mock up, and found that I could actually take in all the pieces by quite a bit. I fixed my pattern and cut out my real fabric- navy/black damask, textured faux leather, and two toned crepe. I then cut a bunch of strips, both on grain and bias out of the faux leather and fit them into every open space left. The bias strips became the finish along the neck and sleeves, and the remaining strips were sewn into the front for the braid detail. Finally, I used some pieces of old chain and a variety of small found trinkets to add the chain details. I also made all the jewelry.

 

Entry #9
Concept:
Under the moonlight this young vampire witch hunts creatures that feed on depressed souls.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I first made his outfit out of paper, like a paper bag princess : ) then put them out all flat creating a pattern. Much of it I ended up doing by hand because my sewing machine decided to die on me. his hat is made with a thicker Burlap material, the rest some sort of coton, His socks was a weird transparent mystery material I found in my scrap bin. I'm just a beginner at this sewing thing, so much of it was trial and error.

 

Entry #10
Concept:
An 18th century witch's apprentice, a young girl only beginning her journey with magic.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

The keynote for this outfit was the colour purple and its association with magic.
The set is based on 18th century European fashion and consists of: a hooded cape, made from satin cotton dressed with hand-dyed lace and decorated with Czech glass beads; a pure cotton dress, hand-embroidered with a pattern resembling sage and lavender flowers; and tulle gloves.
The outfit is completed with matching accessories: bracelets, a necklace, and a belt with small purses for carrying magical ingredients and dried herbs. Everything is decorated with raw amethyst and rose quartz crystals.

 

Entry #11
Concept:
A modern age warlock skilled in potions and spells but with a flamboyant touch acknowledging how the new century perceives practitioners of magic.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

First, I like using duct tape to get the pattern fitted perfectly to the body. I wrap my boy in seran wrap and then wrap him again in the tape almost like a mummy. I trace where I want the seams and cut it out and add borders for the hem and even more for extra details like the coat length. I lay those onto poster board and recut those out for more stiff pieces than what duct tape offers. Then I cut the fabric with these and sew them together. I sewed the pockets in simply by adjusting the original pattern to include a back facing and interior area to hold the hand or such. The coat was made using a wooly kind of material that looked very aged and loose threaded and I inserted several nickel plated rivets for accent. In the back is a plastic buckle secured with ribbon for a more form fitted look. The top was made using some leftover stockings from Halloween last year. I did not have alot of it but thankfully what little there was could stretch to cover this big guy no problem. The pants are of a black slack material. Boots are from Iplehouse of course. I also included a quick 4 skull necklace mounted on thick guage wire.

 

Entry #12
Concept:
Not all witches wear black , this young lady is rather fond of all things purple !




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

Machine and hand sewn finishing , hand embroidery . Dress and jacket are silk with lined bodice and jacket ,lace and hand embroidered accents .Hairband with silk roses and lace bow . She also has a new 'moon' pendant necklace .

 

Entry #13
Concept:
The dirt witch deals with potions, but never takes mundane money as payment.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I bought stretch suede for the pants and the vest, and this fraying, see-through kind of grungy looking fabric for the shirt. The shirt itself was a bit of a trial and error as I had never done any kind of real ruffles to a shirt ever, and that was just gathering strips and attaching them at the cuffs, hem and neckline of the under shirt.

 

Entry #14
Concept:
A dystopian necromancer imbibed with dark tribal magic.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

Method: I really wanted to explore the idea of a character twisted by black voodoo magic, so I used that as the theme for my design. Since the it worked well with my Doll Chateau boy, I started out with a few concept drawings to flesh out the character more. Then I made a rough pattern out of paper, gathered my fabrics, then cut them accordingly. I knew I would make changes and mistakes, so I cut out basic shapes. When I began to sew, I started cutting the fabric down to more accurate shapes and improvising my design as needed. Meanwhile, I was also working on the bones, which were sculpted, baked, and painted with acrylics. When all the main pieces were done, I sewed on extra details, put together the props, and tied on pieces of cord for added texture.

Materials used: Fabric remnants (black w/ gold sparkles, grey knit) recycled old clothes (brown fabric, stretchy brown fabric, plain black fabric,) dark red felt, silver/black wire ribbon, black cord, brown cord, Super Sculpey clay, staff prop (feathers, a stick, a piece of lamb bone,) acrylic paint.

 

Entry #15
Concept:
Queen Witch of the Raven Kingdom, She is the Queen Raven Witch of the Moon and the dark skies.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I started with the bodice part which was lined with grey satin
and overlayed with a small piece black lace. I then created the bust area with a small piece of lace that went round her neck. I then sewed on dozens of tiny glass beads on the bodice, because I wanted them to look like tiny stars.
The skirt was tricky as I wanted to recreate raven feathers. So I hit upon the idea of a rubbish bag. I cut a rubbish bag in half, as I was conscious of the yardage allowance. I then cut out every single feather individually, I wanted them to have a glossy look to them as real ravens do. They were then all sewn onto a half underskirt, because I wanted the skirt to stand out. The arm sleeves I wanted to look like leather, so I chopped up an old pair of black Lycra leggings, and sewed on the silver charms by hand. The silver charms at the top of the bodice represent North East South and West. Her necklace was made from an old broken chain and a bird skull charm, her key to the Raven Kingdom was made from a black key charm mounted on a silver chain with a gem.
The headpiece was was created by sewing the bird skulls onto a thin band. The sceptre/staff was made from a piece of wooden dowling which was covered with silver ribbon and I hand sewed the various blue glass beads and wires.
I wanted her eyes to mimic the Moon
The cauldron was decorated in glitter and I used an old hair-slide for the top. I was lucky enough not to have to buy anything, as I rifled through drawers and under the bed to see what I could find.

 

Entry #16
Concept:
A Meso-American Quetzal Nagual (in transition).




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I used light stretch cotton satin in red and green sewn by machine and by hand as a 'basic' dress. The pattern was drafted by me. The dress is embellished with tons of feathers, first in strips of white, red and dark and light green. After that i added about 200 loose feathers, sewn on by hand in dark green light green medium green and red. (While sewing the on i felt like i was petting a chicken .) I made the claws (yes, with 2 toes for a quetzal) from light grey felt and created some jewelery from light metal plate. The bias tape in the materials compilation is to show the amount of ribbon on the feather strips, the strips are double so it was really hard to show a measurement for them in the big picture of all fabrics that i used. So i used the bias tape in the picture but not in my finished work. the grid is exactly 100cm by 60cm. I choose this design because i didn't want to make a typical witch and i always like to challenge myself with something i haven't done before. So after a big seach on the internet i chose a concept that really spoke to me a beautifull bird that can transform into a woman or is it the other way round? The Quetzal is seen as a bringer of good fortune and may not be harmed. i really wanted to make a high couture witch and i hope it worked.

 

Entry #17
Concept:
She is a woodland witch that specializes in collecting the best ingredients for potions and spells.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I used broadcloth to make all the pattern pieces, and then cut them out of the real fabric. All of the edges of the harness and leg pieces are sewn with a blanket stitch, I felt that it gave it a more rustic look. I embroidered the flowers on the front to tie in the colors from the lining of the coat and the little dress shirt. The basket has sewn on buttons that loops go around to hold the basket in place.

 

Entry #18
Concept:
Keeper of the forest, she guards the flora and the fauna and hunts the hunters who dare to enter her sanctuary.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

My concept was to create an ethereal, yet down-to earth witch, a sensitive soul who cares for her forest deeply, using her magic to make all flora and fauna prosper. But there's also a dark side to her, as she will hunt down hunters mercilessly, not allowing anything to harm her beloved animals. Her parts of the woods are a sanctuary for all animals, and humans dare not enter.

I first drafted the patterns for the skirt and the corset. I then used three different colors of satin and three different colors of thread for the dress, and thin cotton for the corset's lining. I did some beading with a forest theme along the seams in the hem of the skirt and in front of the skirt as well as in the collar. Snaps were used for the closure, both for the corset and the skirt. Almost everything is machine sewn, with some minor parts and the beads sewn on by hand.

Photos were taken at different times of the day; front, back and detail photos during the day and the style shot just before sunset to achieve a 'dark' athmosphere without using Photoshop. Pictures were color corrected, cropped and resized only, no other picture manipulation was used.

 

Entry #19
Concept:
North European witch with chthonic powers.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

My witch concept comes from myths and legends of one of the north European countries. A word that the witch is called there is derived from words “see” or “horns”. She is a chthonic creature. This witch communicates with gods and spirits of the deceased. The witch is the first doctor. She brings life and death to nature and humanity.

So the main points in this concept were horns, eyes, sculls and the symbol of the witch (immortal frog), black colour.

The black colour of the dress symbolizes darkness, unknown and fertility of the earth.
On the back of the headgear a symbol of immortal frog is drawn. Footwear is, spirits holding the witch in the air.

Method and materials:

Headgear and footwear are sculpted using air drying clay JOVI, painted with acrylic paints. Headgear has ropes with bells, witch I got from my old skirt. This ropes are attached to headgear throw holes, what are barely width enough not to let them slip away. Headgear is attached to the head like a hat (basically not attached with anything).

The dress is mostly machine sewn. Only two parts, one at the back, another one at the head are hand sewn. Dress has folds in front and back.

Jewelry on the doll is made from bronze coloured metal chains, rings and crows head. Also rock beads were used.

Not all pictured materials were used, because this cute little witch cast a spell on me and demanded more mature dress.

Photos were taken after sunset, using two table lamps, witch resulted in interesting shadows.

 

Entry #20
Concept:
An illusion witch made of shadows and smoke.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

My witch lures travelers with illusions in order to devour the time they have left to live. I represented the smoke using a black billowy silk over skirt, tacked throughout and embellished with glass beads. The pleated front is from the same silk and connected to the skirts at the back by a hidden hook and loop fastener. I wanted the seams to be airy and organic looking so I either rolled the hems by hand or added fray check to thin seams. Her "shadow hands" are made of black wire connected to chain and the veil also works as a cowl.

 

Entry #21
Concept:
Sorceress of the Sea




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

This alluring witch has washed ashore in a polyester blue gown with hand-painted details. The pattern was made completely from scratch. The fabric was dyed to give an ombre look. Sea foam and coral silhouettes were painted on with acrylic paints. Seaweed ruffles, seashell sleeves, and an imposing collar were made with netted green and purple satin.

 

Entry #22
Concept:
Baby Goth Witch




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I wound up not using some of the material (on the left in the materials picture) and used velcro instead of snaps (but I still sewed on the buttons cause they were cute!) It was mostly machine sewn with hand-stitching on the collar and to attach the buttons.

It was kind of inspired by Wednesday Addams.

 

Entry #23
Concept:
The Seer of the Forest uses her third eye, her talismans, and her messenger moths to protect the creatures of the woods.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

The costume is made from wool blend felt, first cut then dyed and embroidered with various types of floss. The dress is embellished with feathers and strands of left-over thread and floss which were sewn into the waistband. The mask and shoes are also felt, cut from the original allotted yardage and treated with fabric stiffener and paint. The mask is sewn to its base (as shown in the collage). It has an acrylic teddy-bear type eye which has a stem that pokes through the mask (not glued). The base and antlers are apoxy sculpt and paperclay, perforated along the edges to allow for hand-sewing the felt face onto it. The shoes have apoxy-sculpt soles, also perforated and hand-sewn to the felt uppers. The talismans are trinkets from the shop of a recently passed-away friend. They are tied to hand-braided lengths of embroidery floss, then sewn to the waistband. There are small acrylic eyes along the hem which are studded directly into the fabric. The dress is wearable: laced up the front with floss through little hand-edged button-holes and using one metal snap at the waist in back. The moths are made of paper, painted with fixative and studded with an acrylic eye, not glued.The original pattern on which this design is based is by Making Memories. My influences were Froud, Rackham and Del Toro!

 

Entry #24
Concept:
A witch living in the hot Florida forests just trying to stay cool and hide in the shadows.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I used repurposed fabric to make this outfit. One sheer blouse and a black t shirt and some old black felt. I tried cutting the strips out of cotton for the top and accessories but they curled up and weren't accurate to size so I cut out big pieces (shape not significant because they would be cut into strips). I also have four rectangular pieces of cotton that I sewed into shorts. For the cape and skirt I used the sheer fabric. The skirt front and back are sewn to the shorts with some accent strips in cotton. I ended up having some fabric left because I needed less than I thought for the strips. I used the left overs to make socks. I also have rabbit fur in this piece. It was donated to my art department at school. I see this character living in the woods and hunting for food. This fur I used for the trim on the top of the cape. I then attached that to the shoulders of the top. Finally I used the felt circle and cone to make a witch hat. I hoped to take advantage of the concept and limitations by designing a witch that lived in the heat and needed less clothing.

 

Entry #25
Concept:
A sultry look in darkest blue and black lace infused with a tribal fusion feel.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

The larger pieces were sewn together on my machine: cloak, bustier, thong, and the band for her skirt. The cloak has double folded hems as that material really likes to fray. It gave it some nice stiffness at the bottom edge so it can hold positions well. All the silver flairs were hand sewn in place as were the twisted rings that hold the lace and chain of her skirt as well as the lacings on the back of her bustier. The silver chain is threaded through the lace of the skirt to help provide appropriate drape and exposure of the teardrops about her waist. The chains from the center flair of her bustier dip about her ribs with meager separation which is common with tribal fusion garments designed for dance. These lie loose to allow for movement while she is posed. Each bit of navy ribbon has a knot at the end and has been left long as dances dances burlesque and often employs crowd participation in her acts. Her thong and the back of her skirt were made to easily slide over her tail. Her staff, though I know it to be an accessory and so not a true part of her outfit, is a river tumbled forked piece of branch that I wire wrapped to house an agate. It fit perfectly within her grasp so how could I deny my witch her staff.
Materials: Rayon/polyester black/blue material, Rose detailed lace, Rayon/spandex smoke grey material, black and blue knot-work ribbon, 1/8 navy satin ribbon, silver chain, silver jump rings sm and lrg, silver flairs, silver twisted jump rings sm and lrg, fire-polished teardrop crystals, gutterman thread allpurpose black polyester.

 

Entry #26
Concept:
Peruvian Witch Doctor




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

What is in a name? The Witching Hour means to me, a special time. A time for a Witch Doctor! I went a more primal, tribal route and decided to channel a medicine man. Using all natural and real materials, I have created quite the snazzy shaman. His rabbit fur lined vest is decorated with tiny bones(coral) and from the front, hang tassels made of fish vertebrae and glass beads. He slinks around in silky skirts, an aboriginal design of plants and patterns gathered over a black and silver striped underskirt. An ornate belt circles his waist, stones, bones, and teeth dangling from loops and chains. A long gaggle of blown glass beads hang from one side and he carries a bundle of shrunken heads over his shoulder.

Most of the outfit was sewn on a machine, with other hand sewn embellishments and details. Jewelry all created with standard tools.

 

Entry #27
Concept:
Bewitching beauty, You are now under her spell!




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I made a relatively simple dress with a fitted strapless bodice and a high slit skirt out of scraps of black stretch velvet left over from full size dresses. I added some red beading at the top of the slit for a bit of fanciness. All machine stitched with a special stretch stitch setting to prevent warping and the rage that comes with sewing stretch velvet.

 

Entry #28
Concept:
They tried to drown him, they tried burning him at the stake, he kept coming back.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

Materials used: Satin, black denim, pinstripe denim, leather, metal chain, brocade silk, paint, bronze studs, jewelery clasps, zipper, tiny buttons, and iron on scrapbook skull decals. For closures I used snaps, hook and eyes, and a grommet trim with a shoelace. Although the broom isn't part of the costume it was made with a stick and the roof of a chew hut for small animals

I started drafting the pattern using cling wrap for the shirt and added the layers to it. The sleeves were made in three pieces, sewing short strands of chain between the red parts for accents. These little monkeys liked to fall off, so many many stitches were needed. The design on the upper back of the overjacket is the Nordic rune for flame or transformation. The magic circle on the lower part was inspired by a clasp for a necklace, turned upside down. Both designs were painted on with bronze acrylic paint. Then watered down paint was splattered onto the black denim of the jacket to add texture. Once the jeans were constructed they were attacked with sandpaper and a seam ripper to give them the worn out look

 

Entry #29
Concept:
Patchwork punk witch




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I used a needle and thread for all sewing. Unless otherwise stated, I used black thread.

Hat: I used navy blue woven fabric, some floral wire, fabric scraps for patches, and embroidery floss. I first sewed together the two rings of fabric that form the brim of the hat, then turned it inside out and inserted a ring of floral wire into the brim. I then sewed on the cone of the hat. I distressed the fabric of the hat by cutting some holes with scissors and roughing up the edges of the cut holes with my fingers. The larger holes I then "repaired" with two-tone blue embroidery floss. I attached some patches using thread and orange embroidery floss.

Shirt: I used a black ribbed knit fabric and velcro. I sewed together the front, back, sleeves, and collar (I did not hem the sleeves or waistline), then attached the velcro to either side on the back of the shirt, all using a needle and black thread.

Skirt: I used a thin denim-like fabric, black ribon, orange ribbon, strips of navy blue woven fabric, fabric scraps for patches, and embroidery floss. I started by distressing the panels of the skirt by cutting and tearing them, and then roughing up the edges with my fingers. I also roughed up all the cut edges of the fabric with my fingers. I then "repaired" some of the larger holes with two-tone blue embroidery floss. I attached the pocket and patches and assembled the panels all with orange embroidery floss. I cut the black ribbon to form a belt and treated the cut ends with anti-fray glue before stitching the cut ends together with orange embroidery floss. I then sewed the skirt to the belt. At the back of the skirt I left a cut slit, where I attached a square of demin fabric hidden behind the opening, and sewed velcro on either side using a combination of black thread and two-tone blue embroidery floss, so as to hide the stitching as much as possible. I sewed the orange ribbon onto strips of the navy blue fabric using orange embroidery floss to create the suspenders. I sewed the suspenders to the belt.

Socks: I used a black and white striped knit fabric. I sewed along the back and hemmed at the top.

Necklace: I used a chain, a pentacle penant, jump rings, and magnetic clasps. I cut the chain to the right length and attached the penant and clasps with jump rings, using a pair of pliars to open and close them.

I did not make the shoes

 

Entry #30
Concept:
The Prince of Dreaming is the Great-grandson of Nyx, the beautiful and powerful goddess of Night, and grandson of Sleep; he inherited his father Morpheus' positive powers - inspiring humans through visions in dreams is his magic.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

Methods: 60% hand and 40% machine sewing approximately. The patterns were drafted with slopers made by me.
Fabric: scrap/small remnant lycra, embellished poly, velvet and lace pieces and an old t-shirt with gothic print; the materials and color were chosen to convey mystery and the night, with glittering stars, and fantastic dreams. The style and ornamentation were inspired also in part by historic court dress, befitting the Prince of Dreaming.
Notions/embellishments: Clear snaps, buttons (painted iridescent with fingernail polish), elastic, thread, scrap trims, sterling silver jewelry parts, eye hook.

 

Entry #31
Concept:
The Morrigan is the ancient queen of the witches who often takes the form of a warrior-crow and who is feared for the spells she casts in battle, and because she is an omen of death.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

My dad died recently, and it happened suddenly. I have had a hard time saying goodbye. I chose the Morrigan and the bronze age era to honor him, because he the archeology and myths of northern Europe and the British Isles. The Morrigan is a story my dad told me when I was a child, so I thought it would make a fitting tribute to him. The Morrigan is both a warrior crow-witch honored by some practitioners of Wicca and a goddess who takes the form of three different sisters. For this reason, figures like triple spirals and the triskelion are associated with her, so I included them in my design. Because the triple spiral motif is found on ancient structures all over Europe, it seems possible to me that the story of this witch has also been around as long. For that reason, it didn't seem unreasonable to dress her in a mix of bronze age-inspired artifacts from several countries. I customized my own textiles for this project. I dyed and deconstructed wool fabric to make an interpretation of the cord skirt worn by a bronze age German priestess found in Denmark. The waist jewelry is also from this grave-- my version is made of gilded Sculpey. The bracelets are also gilded Sculpey, and are based on those from other bronze age hoards. As I blew my budget on feather trim and chain and could not afford metallic gold leather, I gilded a scrap of thin leather, sewed it to felt to make it sturdy, and then sewed glass bugle beads and ball chain to it to make a simpler interpretation of the Mold cape, the most precious gold artifact of the bronze age. I spent most of my time on this. I dyed and hand printed the inside back of the cape with triple spirals found at Newgrange, one of the oldest manmade structures on Earth. As the Morrigan can also take the form of a crow, I sewed feather trim to the back of her cape and gave her a headdress to signify her avian nature. Lastly, each of her shoes is made from a single piece of thin leather, laced together with ribbon. They are in the style worn in the bronze age. I drafted my own patterns for the shoes and the garments shown.

 

Entry #32
Concept:
The will of darkness overflown; mischief of one who practice, and of the envious one.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

Materials: Olive & Gold silk-essence , velco, snap closures, deka perm airbrush paint, fish leather, plastic beads.

After drafting a muslin mock-up I scanned my pattern pieces and modified them in AI adding triangle centric cutout patterns. I cut the pieces out on a laser, I had originally intended to laser engrave texture on the shirt and skirt but time was not on my side so the overall design was simplified. The crop top was carefully sewn by machine then fixed with thin velcro at the back. I used a drawing of a retro manga to design a djinn familiar for the front. using very small stitches I attached it to the front by hand using a matching thread. Using a cut out originally intended for the legs as a stencil, a corresponding pattern was airbrushed on the front of the skirt. The orange fish leather was airbrushed with a gold metallic to look like "gold fish leather" and fashioned into a belt using a snap closure

 

Entry #33
Concept:
She is the youngest apprentice of famous herbalist witch Madam McGillicuddy, so she has the unenviable task of gathering moon mushrooms at midnight... but fortunately she has an outfit ready for the job!




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

As soon as I read about the witch concept I thought it would be fun to do a bright, happy witch, rather than a dark one! Herbs and plants have always been borderline witchy, so a nature-loving witch seemed like a fun idea. I realized I had two mushroom-themed fat quarters and the rest of the idea sprang from there! Materials include thread, quilting cotton, cotton jersey, and microsuede, as well as buttons, snaps, batting and a bobby pin. I adapted patterns by Adams-Harris and FleeceFun.

 

Entry #34
Concept:
Kitchen Witch, a modern kitchen witch with style who helps out with my baking!




Materials:

Materials and Methods:

Mostly hand sewing, some machine sewing. Fabric I had lying around, probably polyester and cotton, silicone for hair and shoes

 

Entry #35
Concept:
He is a Mongolian shaman.




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

He is wearing a Mongolian-style leather hat and suede leather vest with faux fur trim. His deel (coat) is of embellished sari silk. His belt and gauntlets are made of leather with metal grommets. All pieces are sewn.

 

Entry #36
Concept:
She is a Voodoo Priestess with a difference...




Materials:


Materials and Methods:

I made all my own patterns from pin and drape method. I made a halter neck top from t-shirt material (a 1 piece pattern), added a tulle interfacing and ebellished the bottom edge with bead detail, the closure is press stud. The skirt is made from Taffeta a 2 piece pront section then 2 side pieces which echo the shape of the old jewelry I used to embelish. I also added a chain accross and a mini silver bird skull, the waist is edged with rik rak braid and closes with a press stud. The Lond sleeveless coat is made with velour, the font section is made with 4 pieces and the back section is interfaced with tulle. I shaped the back to allow for the long body then added 2 layers of long tulle whcih I gathered and stitch int place. The back is embellished with black feather trim and a real bird skull. The shaped back edge is bordered with black flower edging. Due to not having a suitable wig, I knit up eye-lash yarn and tied it onto her head like a mohawk effect for the style shot and made a small draping necklace form an old piece of mine.

 

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