Construction Details:

Where to start on this one? From the moment the promo shots for Sucker Punch were released I had wanted to cosplay Sweet Pea. Cyber knight? How could I pass up on that? So the movie came out, it was what it was and we'll leave it at that, but the desire to make this costume persisted. I kept saying that I'd eventually get around to it ... and then Yaya finished her Amber costume for SDCC and I was compelled to not continue putting it off and make Sweet Pea for D*C as we had discussed.

The biggest step was finally committing to let my friend Jeff make the armour and sword for me. It was pricey but worth it in the end.

The corset/jacket/thing -- eloquent? -- was made from a distressed dark brown faux leather which was further aged w/ black shoe polish. The pattern was drafted and made as a mock-up w/ muslin before I finally committed to cutting the faux leather. The inner reinforced layer was a raw silk and the lining a champagne dupioni silk. The bodice has spiral steel corset boning. There was also more top stitching required for this costume than I ever, ever want to do again.

I want to say that there are about 60+ grommets throughout this which were a nightmare to set.

Garter belt was drafted from the same faux leather. The harness from the sword was 4 layers of all weather canvas and attaches w/ matching webbing. The gloves are actually the same gloves worn in the film layered over black mesh armwarmers.

Once the entire costume was finished I went back over it w/ more black shoe polish to further distress/age it.

Everything for this costume was created through drafting patterns and just running with what ideas I had to make it all come together. It was a labour of love or something ... going w/ the latter right now. I will never make this costume again, I will not recreate it for someone else. It was the most time consuming POS I've made in years and then when I finally did wear it at D*C I looked like a hot mess due to scratching my cornea w/ glitter the day before. Also, it was uncomfortingly hot.

The one redeeming thing was the fact that we managed to get a full cast of stunning ladies together for a shoot. I just wish I hadn't been a wreck at the time. Next time, Gadget.

Personal Thoughts:

Oh Sweet Pea, I think you got some glitter in your eye during your last burlesque performance.

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