Sailor Moon? No, Just a Uniform

Now finally, the last project on my craft project list.  This one was necessary for an event that’s happening this very weekend,  Phoenix Comicon!

I have been going every year for the pass few years wearing some of my pretty dresses each time (see Catching Up - Conventions Anyone?), and I wanted to make something different this year.  What special item did I sew for this year?

A school uniform.

A sailor style one to be exact, seen all over anime and manga and a classic for cosplay.  Plus they are super cute even for everyday wear.  To make mine I used multiple resources.

My main source for inspiration was this video tutorial for making a sailor style top with a t-shirt.  This instantly made my task easier.

Instead of using the pattern from the video, I found a great free pattern for the sailor collar here.  It came with a a sleeve pattern too for a Sailor Moon/Sailor Scout costume.  Whatever, it works great for this.

The fabric I used it a dark blue poly poplin I got at SAS.  I decided to use poplin because of how well it worked for all the purple bags I made before (see Purple and Lace).  I chose dark blue because I thought it was more versatile than my first choice for color, pink.  Still I may try that in the future, wouldn’t that be adorable?

Anyway, the collar is ready to sew!

  I found this cute video tutorial for making a pleated skirt made by the same person who made the first video.  It helped a lot, at least for the pleating part.  I did my own thing for the zipper and waistband.  The piece I cut for the skirt is approximately 14 inches by 60 inches.

Just need to pin the pleats (I had to do it over cause they went crazy on me)…

…and add a zipper, waistband, and hem it…

…then make the collar with ribbon trim…

…deal with the cuffs, add accessories, piece things together and then…

…It’s done!  Looks great all put together.

The bow on the front came out a little bigger than I expected, but I think it still looks good.

Plus if I change my mind about it later there’s no problem.  It pins on.

The collar came out well too.  It is only attached to the top at the back.  The front ends can be unhooked to make it easier to pull on and take off.

The cuffs were tricky because not only did I have have gather the sleeve slightly to sew them on, but I forgot to add the ribbon trim before sewing the cuffs on.  I sewed it on by hand afterwards. 

I couldn’t make up my mind whether I wanted the ribbon along the bottom of the cuff or the top end.  I guess it looks fine like this.

And to complete the look I made simple little bow hair clips from scraps of fabric.  I have a ton of this blue poplin leftover, will they be more uniform style outfits in the future?  Only time will tell.

Here’s the updated list:

• lining
• patterns
• lace
• pins
• scraps
• fabric
• supplies
• uniform

Eight down and out.  All that’s left is Phoenix Comicon and a little surprise afterwards.  Look forward to it.