ValkyDesigns Veronica Dare Build Log
- Thread starter valkydesigns
- Start date
valkydesigns
Member
Thank you so much
Lojak
Member
Oh heck yeah! nice
valkydesigns
Member
Almost done Next it's the spine!
valkydesigns
Member
So I worked for a LARP leather artisan a couple of years ago, developped a certain knowledge for leather and I ended up using some stuff I had bought from those days^^
Here's what I used:
Wood Handle Awl that I used to make the wholes in the piece! It's very sharp and goes really well through foam and the fabric I used^^ (Metal piece with wood handle) If you poke the wholes well, you should not even need to force the needle. Just make sure that you follow the wholes instead of going with too much strenght and poke wholes where you aren't meant to. It's not a super thin piece so figuring out where your needle will end up might take some practice
Diamond Lacing Stitching Chisel that I used to help me mark even distances for the stitches
It just helps me work faster and I already had it so always helpful! You can also use a hammer to possibly make wholes directly with that tool but I prefer using the Awl. (The metal tool)Leather needle. Their thread whole is definitly bigger and is way more sturdy.
Thread wise, I didn't want to go with a leather one because they have wax on them and can dirty your faux leather. They are also harder to knot at the end in my eyes so you'd need glue to fix the knots in place. I used what I believe is a machine embroidery thread? It's thicker then regular machine thread and also a bit thinner then leather thread. I thought it did the job beautifully and I already had it cauz of a previous project of WZProps so why not save money while reusing something we already owned XD
I was thinking of filming myself the next time I finish it so you guys can see how I do it
figured it might help some. It's relatively simple once you know what to do 
Last edited:
Parzival
Member
I was thinking of filming myself the next time I finish it so you guys can see how I do it
Oh please do film if you can, as a visual learner that would be spectacular to see! Beautiful work! I have to hand sew for the first time my Sean Bradley gloves and ODST foam shoulders. Eventually an ab wrap as well, love the explanation in the last post as well! Great documentation of the process, this is really cool.
valkydesigns
Member
I should be continuing it tonight^^ Will do! Makes me really happy to know it might help!
valkydesigns
Member
I should have totally filmed horizontally but I never think about it lately and I could not upload the video directly here. I think it was too long for that >< The video should be in HD in about 30 mins it's still uploading but I'll be doing other things tonight so hope it helps^^
Also excuse my voice I'm French Canadian and I'm terribly tired lately so I struggle more then normal with english XD
Also excuse my voice I'm French Canadian and I'm terribly tired lately so I struggle more then normal with english XD
Last edited:
Parzival
Member
An awesome explanation video. As I’m learning different sewing things, this’ll help to look back on.
valkydesigns
Member
I'm glad to heard that thank you^^
MicaHusky
Member
- Member DIN
- S621
That ab wrap looks KILLER. I've been thinking of doing something similar for my suit, but haven't gotten past making a wrap that is just a layer of canvas, then quilt batting, then pleather on top (with the pattern stitched on; the quilt batting adds a "3D" look to it when sewn but man, that 3 layers of stuff gets *toasty*
valkydesigns
Member
Thankfully its just at the belly and back. I was hoping to use breathable fabrics for most of the rest
valkydesigns
Member
I swear I'm still slowly working on the costume XD Proof! I've been really busy so it's a bit nuts O_O
Abs are done stitching, the spine is done sanding! Now next step is to glue the spine pieces to a back 2mm piece to keep it in one piece instead of multiple separate ones and then it's faux leather covering time! I'm a bit more nervous for this one. I hope the glue will stick nicely on the corners.
Abs are done stitching, the spine is done sanding! Now next step is to glue the spine pieces to a back 2mm piece to keep it in one piece instead of multiple separate ones and then it's faux leather covering time! I'm a bit more nervous for this one. I hope the glue will stick nicely on the corners.
SamuelHan
Member
I've been lurking this thread for a bit, so I suppose I should say something lol. I'm working on the spine piece for my recon ODST as well, and I was wondering if you had pointers. What's your process for skinning your foam pieces in fabric? I'm having issues with cementing one layer of foam to another that's already been covered in fabric.
valkydesigns
Member
Do you just need to attach them from behind or you want to layer them? Also what parts exactly? Do you have photos? Would help me to give you the best answers
I'm making my abs and my spine in one big foam piece all assembled and covering the entire thing in stretch faux leather. There's just my abs that will have a top layer and I was thinking of simply putting some snaps cauz gluing them is gonna be almost impossible and the bottom will be sewed together.
valkydesigns
Member
I tend to avoid velcros sometimes cauz of wigs and the need to sew them properly. Snaps are easier to sew by hand.
Arithen
Well-Known Member
Amazing work valkydesigns ! Do you have any progress photos?
valkydesigns
Member
Hey thanks I appreciate it^^ All of my progress photos are on this post
You can look on other pages too! I had to pause the project for a bit, I should be resuming it starting January 2025. If you want to follow me for more progress, I suggest checking out my Instagram I tend to make a highlight for my builds. I don't plan on posting the future progress here. Feel free to contact me on socials if you have any questions^^ I'll be happy to help!
