<PERSON>
Introduction: <PERSON> Costume
This took a little more creative juices to figure out how to transform my 6yo into a glowing dragon. I'm really happy with the overall look and having her wear it for a little while it seems to be holding up. The only thing I want to add is lights to the mane.
Supplies
2 - bodysuits (one to use for tail piece)
1- yard light blue glitter mesh fabric
1-yard light purple glitter mesh fabric
1-brimless ball cap
1/4 yard of light blue fabric
6 yards - Ostrich Feather Boas
5 yards - Marabou feather boas
Turquoise Fabric Dye
Royal Blue Fabric Dye
2- strings of battery powered flexible rope light (blue)
10 2pks of gel super glue
Stuffing
2 Horns, 1 slightly larger than the other
Acrylic paint in light blue and slightly darker (I mixed my own from a light blue and white)
Large clear plastic Christmas ornament
1 strand of wine bottle fairy lights
Fine and chunky glitter in light blue, silver, and dark blue
1 bottle shiny Modge Podge
Tools:
Sewing Machine & Serger (Serger makes it easier to work with stretchy fabric but isn’t needed)
Needle and Thread
Hot Glue Gun
Dremel or hack saw
Step 1: Tail Construction
1. Cut one body suit from the seam below the arm to crotch and trim down the width to make it skinny. I was told by my daughter that the tail has to be skinny.
2. Make a template for the tail fins. The concept art for Sisu shows 5 fins at the tip of her tail, I cut 10 pieces (5 of each color glitter mesh making the purple slightly larger all around) to layer them to simulate the color change. Sisu also has the same color fins that run along her tail but in a wave shape, I used the same fabric for these and did the same, making purple slightly larger. I made it the length of the tail only because I didn’t want to mess with a zipper.
Step 2: Tail and Light Placement
Next I had her put on the other body suit and marked where the tail will be attached and used a marker to draw where the lights would go. I stopped once the arms were drawn because I wasn’t sure how much (if any) of the EL rope would be left, but for the design I used and the size of my daughter one 15 ft length was enough to do half her body.
Step 3: Attaching the Tail
1. With the tail fabric cut and all the fins ready to go you will want to pin the tail right sides together (RST) and place the fins in-between them with the base of the fins sticking out. I’m not going to lie, this was tricky because it was a lot of thin fabric in a tight space so take your time sewing it and you will get through it. 348
Sew (Serger if available) together the edges along the length and tip but leave the end open that will attach to the body.
2. Turn the tail right side outing check that all the fins are securely attached (if not sew it the spots that need it and remember RST for that). If the tail looks good go ahead and stuff it, I left it a little under stuffed but that’s a preference. Stuff it until you reach about an inch from the open
3. On the body suit cut the fabric where you marked the tail and then feed the open end of the tail into that opening. Pin the tail in place (RST) and sew (serger) the pieces together. I double checked that it was a good seam and correct any gaps if need be. I went back over the seam with the sewing machine to make sure it was a sturdy seam.
4. At this point I had her put it on and decided I wanted to be able to hook the tail to the upper body so it wouldn’t be dragging around. I marked on the body suit and tail where they should meet and once my daughter took it off hand sewed the hook and eye in place
Step 4: Attaching the Rope Lighting
I tried a few different ways before settling on using GEL super glue. Gel worked the best on this fabric and the plastic used in the lighting rope. Figure out where you want the battery packs to be and if you care if they are visible. I wanted them by her ankles and didn’t decide to hide them until after everything was done which caused a headache adding a pocket to disguise them, my advice if you want to do that, do it before adding the lights! I placed cardboard inside the bodysuit so I could pull the fabric tight as I glued. 316