Meet Fuchsia... Magenta's sister

Personal project of mine to attend The Rocky Horror Show in the UK on the new tour starring Jason Donovan as Frank. Last year for the 50th anniversary I replicated Little Nell's 1973 costume, though I failed to get the response I was hoping for. I was later informed that because I attended the show on a weeknight I missed most of the hardcore (fan club) fans.

So this year I aimed to do better. I needed something more recognizable, but still a bit unique. I came across Mark's gorgeous space suit creations and felt inspired to go pink (I mean, have you seen my hair??)

Although I'm still nursing a toe injury from June and couldn't wear my pointy-toe stiletto boots, I found a round-toed option by the same manufacturer that was tolerable to wear. The wig was from my usherette costume, though I dyed it a tad darker. 

I was so excited that the Space Suits who inspired mine were actually there - along with so many other people in amazing costumes. My wings were actually just left-over prototypes - one was made with 3mm foam and the other side with 4mm foam. No big deal, I don't think anyone could tell. The buckle was 3D printed by my husband. First I sprayed the vertical bits hot pink, then I over-sprayed them with a darker (almost purplish) glitter spray to get it to match the tabard. 

Boot Toppers (Revised)

I've revised my previous method for modifying a pair of space boots - still using the same fabrics (black PVC vinyl and silver stretch lamé) but also sandwiching a layer of heavy buckram in between with spray glue.  Then I cut my pattern out of all three layers and edge-stitch (about 1/8") along the zig-zagged side only.  I then peeled back the PVC and lamé to trim the buckram out of the base.

I attached the PVC to the outside of the boot first with e6000 glue.  Clothespins or hair clips will work great to keep things in place while drying. 

Once the PVC is secure on the outside I glue the  lamé to the inside of the boot.  Because the inside circumference is a little smaller, it might have a couple wrinkles.

Finally I roll the points down and secure them with clips for a couple minutes.  When they come out, the petals will retain a nice curve without the aid of a wire.

My pattern has also been revised with longer petals.  You can download the new Boot Topper.pdf from here.

Modifying Space Boots

I have revised my space boot method - please visit my new blog entry here: http://columbiascloset.blogspot.com/2011/05/boot-toppers-revised.html

I can usually find a good base for about $40 on eBay.  Ideally you want a black patent leather ankle boot with stiletto heels that has a center seam running all the way down the middle.  But if you can't find that, aim for something with a pointed toe and a straight top.

I made my points out of 2-way stretch black vinyl and silver spandex - the forgiveness of the stretch is what will make them easy to work with. After you've sewn the black and silver points together and clipped the points and turns, you can turn it right-side-out and you'll probably want to steam them flat (with a pressing cloth!).  

Now you're ready to attach the topper to the boots.  With e6000 (or your epoxy of choice) apply the wrong  (inside) of the vinyl to the outside of the boot.  Yes, there will be a seam, but it's not going to be noticeable.  Do not secure the silver fabric yet.  Go slow - I recommend only securing a couple inches at a time and waiting for it to dry before you proceed.

Then I took some 16 gauge craft wire and bent it into the same zig-zag shape (but rounded the cut ends so they wouldn't poke through).  I put a dab of e6000 at the top of each 'point' before inserting them inside the fabric.

When the points are secured, you can begin gluing the silver fabric to the inside of the boot.  Careful not to obstruct the zipper.  Once it's set, you can bend the 'leaves' accordingly. 

I've added my zig-zag pattern to the Pattern Page, and you can see the finished boots in my original Space Boot entry.