Rocky Wraps (Prototype)

I basically made leggings and attached the 'laced up' component as a façade on top of the leggings.  There are separating zippers running up the back of the legs.  They just go on like a pair of pants and will stay up really well. They look fantastic from the front. A bit of a compromise since they don't get unlaced... but I think the focus should be on Rocky's initial debut when he stands up, and not on Magenta and Columbia unlacing him.  I did the same for the arms/sleeves. 

But this is just a prototype - so the length is a bit long in the video... and the zipper wasn't shortened yet.  

 

Floorshow Boa Research

There are two known, extant boas:
1. The King's Road Boa owned by Ruth (and possibly used by Rocky in the film)
2. Columbia's Boa owned by Larry

They have a lot in common and appear to be made from the same materials, however the order of their layers is different. They both begin with a length of black twill tape (grosgrain will work well, too). Both boas also begin with pleated chiffon on the ends - it's a little droopier and gives the boa a more tapered appearance. Both boas have multiple layers of pleated (most likely) Organza, but the lengths and positions of the Red and Yellow are reversed. The tassels appear to be the same.

Floorshow Garter Belts

My best guess is the metallic red ribbon is attached with a zig-zag stitch to some elastic while it's being stretched.  This will make the entire garter strap curl up on itself, but you might be able to flatten it with an iron. Definitely test your ribbon/method with some scrap pieces first. 

Columbia's photo shows that the middle/side strap is attached on top of the garter belt (the other straps are likely sewn into the designated seam).

Rocky's garter belt gives some insight on the fabric - definitely stretchy (not a plain satin). 

Guest Post: Quick & Dirty Rocky Wraps by RM

I came up with this solution for Rocky wraps that look good, are fairly easy and quick to put on and take off, and don’t immediately start unraveling as soon as they’re on. Believe it or not, I used 3-4 yards of white polyester interlock fabric left over from my Princess Leia costume. It’s a lightweight, drapey, slightly stretchy knit that stretches in both directions (not super-stretchy Lycra or the stiff double-knit polyester they used to make leisure suits from in the 1970s). I had no trouble sewing it on a normal sewing machine with a standard needle. The raw edge can run a bit, but it doesn’t fray like a woven fabric. I bought this in Asia, but I think the US equivalent would be “Jetset” from Jo-ann Fabrics or “polyester interlock” from the now-closed Hancock Fabrics.

For the leg wraps, you’ll also need about 2 yards of snap tape and about 2 yards of thin white cord.

Rocky Tags & Bunny Cards

Shawn Hall has replicated these amazing tags for Rocky.  They are professionally printed and mounted on 1/4" thick sintra.

Bunny tag (on pommel horse) is 8" x 5.5". Happy Birthday (on weight rack) is 8.25" x 6.25".

Available for $10 each plus shipping.
Email design@shawnhalldesign.com to order. I saw these in person at con and they are very durable.

I have more vendor goodies to share as I get organized and unpacked from con.

Floorshow Corset

Here's my first proto-type floorshow corset.  I used cotton coutil covered with a bottom-weight (heavy) satin.  The edges are bound in double-fold satin bias strips.  13 grommets (set with an industrial setter) and a zipper in the back. It has poly-boning and is not intended to be tight-laced - as a zipper simply is not suitable for the strain of a tight corset.  The poly-boning is what you'll find in most store-bought bustiers - it's easy to find in mainstream fabric stores and easy to replace when it wears out.  You could also use flat steel boning - but with a zipper it would still be unsuitable for tight-lacing.

Columbia's corset ties at the top (pictured), though everyone else's ties at the bottom.  I used an assortment of flat and faceted sequins - though I'm glad to accommodate anyone's preference on the matter.  The sequins are glued on with jewel-it glue, though some people may prefer to sew theirs on themselves (that's a bit beyond my level of patience).  

Rhinestones On Leather

Pushing rhinestones even through thin leather can be a struggle. Especially 28 of them. Mark your placement (in reverse) on the back side of the leather. I recommend doing the rhinestones before adding the fleece lining to the leather.

Indent the leather with the prongs, but then go back and poke holes all the way through with a sharp pin. This will make pushing the prongs through much easier. Also, if you can find them, I recommend the rhinestone holders with long prongs.

I'm using size 7mm rhinestones and size 30 holders.

I secure the stones with a drop of Aleene's Jewel-It glue. Wipe off any excess after placing the stone and let it dry at least an hour before messing with the prongs.

Try to bend the entire prong inwards, down to the tips - you should be able to run your finger over it without feeling poked. Prongs not bent all the way down are likely to snag on... just about everything.

Gold Leather Shorts

I really wanted to get someone to model these for the photo, but being a holiday weekend I couldn't get anyone on short notice. The gold leather really is easy to work with, with the exceptions of the rhinestone holders (I gave up).

I used a layer of fusible fleece on the inside to give it a little more modesty, though I figure most performers wear their floorshow undies with them, too.

They look like gold diapers, don't they? :)

Rocky Shorts Pattern

First draft of my Rocky Shorts pattern. This pattern is designed to be used with a non-stretch fabric. You can find metallic gold leather on eBay; you want something thin (for making gloves and purses). I used 7 sq feet of Italian lambskin (~$35.00).

Leather doesn't stretch (much). Since the waist has to be pulled up over the butt, there's an elastic casing to close the gap. This is a very fitted garment - MAKE A TEST OUT OF SCRAP FABRIC FIRST!! I make no guarantees or promises this will fit. You may have to make your own adjustments.
Download Options
Size 30
Size 32

The waist and leg holes can be finished off with a separate elastic casing made from the leather (screen accurate) or by using single-fold, flesh-colored bias tape turned to the inside.

Rocky Wrap Tutorial

Finding a suitable fabric is tricky. You want something thin enough to maneuver around the cords, but not transparent. I used a satin cord in the tutorial because it slides out easier.



Materials used:
Muslin arm pad with fusible fleece layer for stability (18" x 3")
Satin cord (not screen accurate)
Length of 3" wide knit fabric

Rocky Wraps (Research)

Prompted by a thread in the LJ community, here's my thoughts on Rocky's wraps. (I don't play Rocky, so please feel free to share your tried and true methods in the comments!)

I can definitely see two cords running down his arm - and he has two cords in his right hand. I can't tell if the top end is tied to something else, but whatever the case Magenta and Columbia use scissors to free it. I think you could just tie it (if you don't want to replace the severed cords every show).

He also has an extra piece of fabric under the strips of cord - presumably to hide any gaps from the lacing and prevent any rope burn.

The fabric is probably some kind of knit - and knits are great because they're form-fitting and don't fray.

Rocky Pillow Case

This is for the person who has everything. You can adapt an existing pillow sham or just make your own. Standard size pillows measure 20 by 26 inches.

I printed a giant "R" off my computer (Roundhand font works well). Mine is about 9" tall. I traced my "R" onto a prepped piece of gold lamé fabric backed with light fusible interfacing (never let the iron touch the lamé directly, always use a press cloth). Cut out the design and position it on your pillow case. I used a bit of light glue to secure it's placement, then I went around all the edges with a zig-zag stitch using matching thread.

The trim can be pleated or gathered around the edge. A 4 to 5" wide strip of fabric folded in half lengthwise will look good. The length of your trim should be 1.5 to 2 times the circumference of your pillow case (depending on how full you want the pleats or ruffles).

Rocky's Gold Shorts

Stretch lamé is a suitable alternative to leather - and easier on the wallet. You can use any mens brief as your pattern - just add a dart in the front crotch seam, and diagonal seams across the cheeks.

I added 1¼" wide straps on the sides and center back. Be sure to secure them when you create the elastic casings.

To create the elastic casings in the waist and leg holes I used flesh-colored, single-fold bias tape - make sure you stretch the fabric a little as you apply it. Applying to the right side of the gold fabric I used a ¼" seam allowance then turned it to the inside to stitch. Insert ½" elastic into the casings (adjust to fit).

I recommend securing the rhinestones with a dab of jewel-glue. Once the glue is dry it'll be easier to maneuver the rhinestone mounting from behind.

Detailed photos of the original shorts can be found on the Anal Retentive Costume List.

Rocky Shorts (Research)

Good view of the front of Rocky's gold shorts. You can see the center dart seam in the crotch, and one of the side straps. The shorts are a thin leather and are padded on the inside (so we don't see any extra details).

The back of the shorts have diagonal seams across the cheeks, and a third strap runnin' down the crack. You can also see both side straps clearly here.