ratherobscure

[ratherobscure]

Hey i’m a fashion design student so i have tons and tons of pdfs and docs with basic sewing techniques, pattern how-tos, and resources for fabric and trims. I’ve compiled it all into a shareable folder for anyone who wants to look into sewing and making their own clothing. I’ll be adding to this folder whenever i come across new resources

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16uhmMb8kE4P_vOSycr6XSa9zpmDijZSd?usp=sharing

[ratherobscure]

No Sleep for Kaname Date

📸 raingodseiji

👁 Coat pattern by Indigo Injo

[ratherobscure]

With JoAnne Fabrics going out of business I feel it is my duty as a cosplayer, historical costumer, and general sewing gremlin to help teach y'all how not to be reliant on evil overpriced mediocre big box stores for fabric and cosplay supply, cause if I catch y'all going into Homophobia Lobby to get cosplay fabrics imma have to start throwing hands. And frankly you guys all deserve better.

- Find a neighborhood full of brown people. Probably a slightly poorer neighborhod. I know, I know, but they will have small independent fabric stores. Selection in each may vary. Hispanic and Caribbean areas will give you prints that EAT. Muslim areas will give you fabrics with amazing drapery. Indian and Southeast Asian areas will give you beading that would make the House of Worth wet with envy. (Try to avoid oldwhitelady quilting stores unless you are a knitter or are specifically trying to cosplay Kirsten Larson.) (Also ask while you're there for lunch/dinner spot recommendations. Your fabric store guy usually has a buddy with a joint nextdoor with the best *insert relevant ethnic food here* you'll ever put in your mouth.)

- DEVELOP A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OWNER OF SAID STORE. This I cannot stress enough. Abdul, my fabric guy, can and will get me whatever I want cause he knows me, knows I bring in other young people, and knows I will be back every month for more. Indie fabric stores tend to have older clients. They are anxious to see faces under 60. Just chat with whoever is in there about the kind of stuff you want and need and they will help you. This also frequently leads to discounts. I have not paid listed price for fabric in years and just walked out of Abdul's with 7~ yards of gorgeous teal satin for 10 bucks. Not a yard. Total.

- Do not be afraid of mess. The best shit comes from stores that look like a hurricane went through them. Don't try to understand the organization. (One day, 4 years into your relationship with the store, suddenly the fabric gods will reveal the knowledge to you.) Again, talk to whoever is in there about your project. They'll help.

- Give up on one stop shopping. Get your crafting supplies elsewhere. Like a small independent hardware store. There's usually an old guy in there that reminds you of an uncle who will also help you.

-Worbla and whatever other Cosplay Specific Material you're using is a fatphobic material straight from Satan's hot taint, you do not need it, and any old hardware/tractor supply dad will help you find better, more durable armor/weapon/detailing material. Don't snub your nose at paper mache and plaster of paris. Venetian Mask makers have been using it for years. Balsa wood is also your friend. Hardware store Uncles will teach you to work with both.

- Elderly people are your bffs. If you see an old person TALK TO THEM. They know how to do all kinds of shit. I know there's a hesitation around old people because of the political climate and a fear that they may be homo/trans/whatever-phobic, but hey....minds are changed by making friends. My elderly Muslim fabric supplier is an Our Flag Means Death fan because of me gushing about the teal I needed for Stede Bonnet. He wishes me happy pride now. He put bolt of rainbow in the window in June and kept it up all summer. And he'd never had a thought about queers before me.

- Don't feel limited to Craft and Fabric stores. Hardware stores are cool. They stock outdoor fabrics and umbrella and furniture covers that are very durable....my first cosplay was made out of patio furniture covers. Also upholstery stores and upholsterers have velvets and damasks and faux leather and real leather and all sorts of rich textures. Most of them will part with a few yards pretty cheap. Second hand sheets and bedspreads and curtains also make some really cool garments. A significant amount of my ren fair garb started as household goods.

- If you are forced to order fabric online, please for the love of all that is holy DO NOT BUY FROM MOOD or any other famous store. You're paying for their branding and their place on certain reality shows I will not mention. Indie is always cheaper for the quality and usually not abusing their workers.

- If the fabric/hobby/hardware/upholstery/etc store you develop a relationship with is inconveniently far from you, see if said owner is willing to take your order via phone and send it to you. You'd be surprised how accommodating people in the crafting and sewing world can be.

It all really comes down to having to form a community. I know finding multiple small stores is a lot less convenient than Joannes. But forming a relationship with a local supplier will, in the long run, yield you much better results AND put money and good back into a community near you.

(And if you're in the NYC area DM me and I'll put you in contact with Abdul. He's the absolute best and I'd do anything to help him and his business grow!!!)

[ratherobscure]

"Going to a theme park when it's not even a holiday is seriously the best. How could I have ever chosen to study at a desk over this?"

📸 antihe.ro | ♥️wig peculiar.nox | ♥️ cosplay by me

[ratherobscure]

🥀⚽️ "From now on, I'll be keeping an eye on you. So, you better keep an eye on me too, got it?" ⚽️🥀

Happy birthday, Chigiri!!

📸 photosbynox

[ratherobscure]

“What do you do when there is an evil you cannot defeat by just means? Do you stain your hands with evil to destroy evil? Or do you remain steadfastly just and righteous even if it means surrendering to evil?"

C.C. @arisa.cos

Lelouch made by @steffvonschweetz ; worn by @ratherobscure

📸 @starsandswords.jpg

[ratherobscure]

👽 "Whatever this game is, I don't know the rules!"👽

👻 "Aw shucks, what're you talking about?"👻

📸 raingodseiji

Momo Ayase - notniless

[ratherobscure]

♥️👻 "It's pretty creepy out there tonight. You never know who might come crawlin' outta their grave." 👻♥️

📸 alexandcompany333

Wig by peculiar.nox

[ratherobscure]

👁⛓️ "Hold on, don't get hasty. I have some preparations to take care of." ⛓️👁

📸 raingodseiji

👁 Jacket pattern by IndigoInjo

HAHA!! Finally sharing one of my favorite cosplays of all time. My ultimate comfort cosplay. I've worn him to almost every convention this year. I love your horny ass, Kaname Date, you will forever be special to me. 💜

[ratherobscure]

🏹 ⚜️ "I'm honored to have been chosen for Pomefiore Dorm. Of course, every dorm has its own unique appeal." ⚜️ 🏹

📸 wingedwoof / uxieu

Can I be honest? It took me 2 years to come around to Rook Hunt. I did not like him for the longest time but...he's fascinating. I wanna study him like an organism on a petri dish.

[ratherobscure]

🫒📚“Ah, what a lovely day to read a book... don't you think, my dear?" 📚🫒

📸 cos.gogh

Bonus post library coffee date:

[ratherobscure]

❤️🌹The guest of honor has arrived! You gotta make sure this is the best party ever, okay? 🌹❤️

I may be late to the party (pun intended), but in my defense! I shared these on Instagram first, ON his birthday! Ace very quickly became my favorite TWST character, I had to celebrate him in a very special way ❤️

📸 jellographyy

Wig by peculiar.nox

Vest fabric by The Dangerous Ladies

Bonus: nui tea party!