Michael Lee: Cmdr Jun Sato

[Incom-FreiTek]

Thanks for the tips Empathy.

Re: Back seam, I think I have to be realistic and invent a seam here. A part from the side seams from the armpit, there's not much else. I understand there is a bit of leeway from the Judges with animated characters. I'd rather not compromise the shape or crispness of the tunic silhouette by putting a dodgy zip somewhere, and at least I'll be able to get in an out of it all relatively easily with a back seam. Correct me if I am wrong here though - this is my first RL submission.



Cheers,
Michael

[tenebris]

Sorry Michael, I though there were two back shaping seams, in the top of the torso, but i can see its just the shading now you've enlarged the picture. I can check with a detachment judge if you like, But generally with animated it's accepted that you need to get into it.

You could put a zip under the arm and have a shoulder opening as it will be hidden under the chest armour.......But I think like you say it will effect the tailoring of it.

[Incom-FreiTek]

Hi all,

This project is alive... and well, I guess.

Having a bit of a meltdown over fabrics today - my first, second, third and fourth choices were all no longer available

I have had to settle for something not miles away, but impossible to photo for colour matching. I'd say it was firmly 'biscuit' coloured to my eye.



It is shocking that it has such a range of colour in different lighting (that is a photo of the same piece of fabric taken minutes apart)

I've pulled the trigger on 6 yards, and it is going straight to my seamstress for work. We've mocked up some designs together and will be opting for a hidden zipper as previously discussed.

Mr. Sandground is now working on the belt parts for me, so that's another step forward.

Next focus: Armour parts. I have had some excellent tips recently, and I need to play around. Will need to watch some cosplay tutorials working with foam, but I'm dreading it, I'm really not that practical.

Until next time,
Michael

[tenebris]

I think that fabric looks good, I would send that pic as a ref when you apply and mark it colour/fabric ref.

You will be fine with foamex......its not like cutting into an ABS kit where one mis-cut and you have to replace parts. its fairly cheap so you can practice. Do some templates in foam or cardboard then we can see if the proportions are right. Are you getting a muslin from the seamstress? As it might help to shape the final one over that.

[Incom-FreiTek]

Chugging along now...

Belt on the way to me from David, so I can match up some PU for the gloves and boots.

Material has arrived from China, and is in the very capable hands of someone more talented than I. Should be done with the soft parts by Christmas.



Very happy with the colour now I have seen it in hand.

Next thing to think about, is the armour.

Cheers,
Michael

[tenebris]

Great, I look forward to seeing it all come together.

[Incom-FreiTek]

First fitting session today, and I'm pretty thrilled. It fits perfectly and the work is top-notch.



Trousers need a bit taken off and tightening up round the waist but the jacket is nearly done as far as I am concerned now. Just need a top stitch detail from the bottom hem line up to the waist as per the refs.

Went for a hidden zipper up the back to get in and out of it in the end as per my image at the top of this page.

Belt will hopefully turn up this week, then I'll go shopping for some PU for the glove and boots.

Then just the armour to tackle. Think I'm back on track for Chicago now

Cheers,
Michael

[Incom-FreiTek]

Progress this week!

[Jerrick Sunrunner]

That looks cracking work,

[tenebris]

That looks fantastic......that colour really works.

Hows the invisible zip looking?

[Incom-FreiTek]

Thanks both.

Empathy, zip is as discreet as I think it'll get. Runs from my belt line to collar, but not below the waist.



Found these gloves on eBay, grossly overpriced for some cheap rubbish, but I'm fed up of looking, and I think they fit the bill.



Just boots and chest armour to go, 3 months to do it in

[tenebris]

Really nice job on that zip michael and Those gloves look fine.

I'm sure you'll get it done :)

[Incom-FreiTek]

Moving onto my spats now, found some nice faux leather, which I'll buy 2 yards of in the week.



Need to make some mockups from foam, and find some similar colour/right shaped shoes to use now, which could potentially be another wild goose chase. They're round toes, so will start off with workman boots and go from there.

Edit: Just a thought, how much artistic license do I have here? While I want something as plain as possible, finding a pair of boots with little to no tread or sole detail seems unrealistic.

Cheers,
Michael

[tenebris]

Do you have any more refs of the boots? The asset pics look to be more like a smart boot/riding boot from the side pic.......Having a quick look at all the other clonewars/rebels builds with spats most have gone for a chelsea type boot.

Maybe something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boots-Chelsea- ... 4603&psc=1

If you want to get the flat sole look, you could have some shoes resoled, but it will be like a slight wedge all the way across. Sanding around the edges of the sole to smooth is something else I've seen on mercs clone wars builds.

I'll message Kristina she's a judge and the DCO....so she can advise.

[Incom-FreiTek]

Cheers Empathy. As I look over at my TK boots, I wonder why I didn't think of using Chelsea boots For this.

Widely available and in a choice of browns too...

Keep me posted, I'll hold off this week on shoes, but need the Faux leather either way so will get that sorted.