After organizing and unpacking for a day or so, I decided my next big project would be a Bilbo outfit- the one he wears throughout the first film and most of the second. It's actually not my favorite of his clothes (the blue coat with the fuzzy trim is really hard to beat), but it's more iconic, and certainly the under layers would need to be made for either costume, as Bilbo wears those throughout all three films. I will be remaking the blue coat after I'm done with this project. I've already purchased the fabric for it and prewashed it. *super excited*
Having already completed a mockup of the coat pattern in a hideous orangey linen, I've made good progress on that aspect of the costume, which I'd argue is the most important, as it's more visible than any of the other pieces. I already tried it on its intended recipient (my good friend Juno will be cosplaying Bilbo/Billa, which excites me to no end), and the fit is decent. Just a few tweaks to be made.
Tonight, then, with the entire costume in mind, I decided to start on prewashing all the fabric I'd received in the mail (it was like Christmas morning when I got back from my trip and all my new fabric had shown up; my bed was practically buried in packages), to ensure it wouldn't shrink when it needed to be washed after garment completion. I also dyed the corduroy (for the coat) which began as more of a rust color and is progressing toward burgundy. I will probably dye the finished coat rather than the whole fabric piece again.
Then I set to work on the undershirt, since it's always best to start on the bottom and work one's way outward in an ensemble. There are some very good shots of Bilbo's undershirt available online, mostly taken from the part in the first film where he's interacting with the dwarves before the unexpected party and reading the contract. I generally strive for accuracy - even in layers that won't necessarily be seen - so I spent a good deal of time analyzing screen shots of the shirt. It's made of what seems to be a thin cotton or linen printed or woven with alternating stripes in shades of cream and biege.
I'd spent a while seeking out such a fabric, to little avail. Eventually, I found a linen online that had a very nice stripey weave to it, in the right colors. When I received it, I realized it was quite heavier than what Bilbo has in the film, but as far as I'm concerned, that's a bonus. It will be very durable for wearing, and since it's linen, should breathe nicely. It also looks reasonably accurate.
Thus far, I've cut out my pieces and assembled the front and back. It looks more like a poncho right now than a shirt, thanks to the unusual placement of the sleeve seam. However, once the sleeves are sewn in, it will be very comfortable to wear. Lots of room to move. I wasn't able to find a pattern that was terribly helpful for making this shirt, though, as always, I started with a base pattern to modify. It was an 1800's Western pattern with frock coats and vests and such, but the undershirt didn't have the right sleeves or collar. It had a placket, though, even if it was too long. Basically, the pattern was more like a guideline, and I didn't use it much beyond a size reference.
Bilbo took a trip south of the border...
Anyway, now that all the pesky stuff is out of the way, I'll be installing the sleeves, collar, cuffs, and placket. Which will probably try to make themselves equally annoying. With any luck, I'll have this finished by the end of tomorrow and be ready to move on to the green wool vest/waistcoat.
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