I've already informed a local wig shop about the need for strange and oddly colored wigs. I'm going to bring her a bunch of coplay photos so she can stock some that can be altered for different costumes. She may be at the con. I have to see if she's still interested in a booth.
I think having some base patterns would be nice, as it would get more people involved in making their own costumes without a lot of training. I'm learning how to drape my own from scatch. It's a pain, and I could not do it with out help from the fantastic Dash. If I didn't have any sewing background or friends in design, I would love to have a pattern that I could alter available. At the very least, if a fabric store were involved, we could get percents off, and maybe specialized classes on making props, bodices, skirts, maybe even altering wigs. There's one I could use.
some of the people working at fabric stores don't know that much about fabric. i have an example: i spoke with one of there customers randomly (a guy had a bag from the Mill End store so i inquired). "what kind of fabric" i asked. and he responded, "the gal told me it was a Lycra-Spandex blend."
Lycra is Spandex is people (sorry Soilent Green moment) it's actually made from oil all synthetic fibers: polyester, nylon: made from petrolium
not rayon= rayon is reconstituted wood pulp Tencel is the trade name for Lyocel which is a HWM (high wet modulus) rayon. viscos rayon is weak when wet, so they played with the solutions to make it stronger and HWM means it's stronger than the original when wet.
Lycra is the trade name (only one company can use the name because they own it) of Spandex. (spandex is the generic name= anyone or comany can use the name)
any set up idea for asking a fabric store to do anything for you wouldn't work, a good portion (i can't say all) of the employees wouldn't have a clue as how to work anything out. Also i agree the fabric selection is poor.
forgive me for being opinionated but i had a class in textiles and for 4 hrs a week for 10 weeks totaling about $1000 dollars I learned that little bit.
:shock: i think i have said enough for a while... eccept
Ah, guess I'm just uber-hardcore, lol!
Yeah, I hate it when you go in there and you can see the fabric in your head and then they don't have it!!! Makes me want to cry . . .
I know exactly what you mean. looking for something specific, an effect, and they can't provide. and the little i like i can't afford. i have expensive taste, and i'm really picky. it's a hassle really!