Alice through the Looking Glass – ‘Time’ – for Asylum 2017

This was probably my most adventurous make, and the first time as a known character – a cosplay. It seemed like a good idea at the time, when I was planning a ‘family’ theme. I managed to ‘sell’ it to Robin, but no-one else, and he still wanted to go as Time. For those of you who haven’t seen it:

How on earth was I going to do this? There were some relatively simple bits – a silver / grey waistcoat – which I somehow made a size too small. Too many versions of the pattern and I just selected the wrong one. Nightmare – but it just about fit! I had made it reversible (again), silver / grey outside and pocket watch inside. Proper welt pockets on both sides (I hate fakes). And matching buttons 🙂

The jacket was again based on the ‘planes’ jacket I had previously made for my son, but instead of the shaping at the back I added in some contrasting godets. The jacket is lined with matching pocket watch fabric and has silver / grey cuffs matching the waistcoat. Then came the more difficult bit, how to do those fabulous shoulders? The reason for these extra buttons will become apparent.

I bought some buckram which I thought would be stiff enough. I wasn’t sure how I would fix them to the jacket (or how it would fit in a wardrobe) so decided to make them removable. Lots of issues here!! Sewing through the buckram being one of them! I decided to try and button them on!! Why?? Buttonholes through the thickness was really difficult!! But it just about worked. I also added some silver piping to try and create the look of Time.

I had only recently got my embroidery machine, so I wanted to use that to add something, and to make it clearer it was Time in case it didn’t turn out well. I wanted to create something steampunky and time related…. erm maybe a cog / clock. Now there are PLENTY of embroidery designs you can buy on the internet, but I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted, and I had paid a lot for the design software so had to try it myself! I would re-use the design I created here for something else for me! Note that each cog has a different time on it!

I added a furry ‘cape’ for additional effect, and tried to create a similar chain. Parts thanks to Skewers Steampunk. The hat was difficult too, and involved buckram, trim and lots of hot glue!!