Romana's Sonic

This is jumping ahead a bit, but I decided to make Romana's sonic. It took me about 2 months to decide, and less than 5 minutes to make.

 

I ordered a basic sink retrieval tool set after seeing it suggested on a forum (sorry, I can't remember which one!) off eBay for about $13.



Pop off the mirror, and you have an awesome looking sonic that costs less than $20.
I've held expensive $50-$1,000 sonics before, and I have to say, this has a nice weight to it and is pretty solid. It's still lighter than say, 11's sonic, but it's already more delicate to begin with.

If you notice the SA, there is a round tip on the end.

Using the shrink tubing was very easy, and I ended some extra black bits to prevent the tool from retracting.

The BOOTS

One of the best parts of this look are Romana's feminine version of The Doctor's boots. I originally purchased fold-over flat heeled boots, but after watching this video, realized that they actually have a heel. (If I was paying better attention to pictures, I would've noticed it sooner...)

 

So after seeing this I thought: "man, they do have a striking resemble to Frye boots."

I started scouring eBay and found a pair of vintage Frye boots, in the style "Jane." They were my exact size, and unlike any other pair of "Jane" boots I have ever come across in my searches. There is no buckle in the back, and though the color is off, I think they look pretty freakin' amazing. The heel is just right-not too thin, and not too tall, either. They're also very comfortable. I plan to dye them a more cognac color, but as I don't have any cons coming up any time soon, I am wearing them as-is.

 

Suspenders

Romana's suspenders. They are...a beautiful thing to behold. Fantastic 1970s floral print jacquard, about 1 1/2" to 2" wide. I have been looking, no joke, since probably January. It's November. I looked for the right fabric or ribbon or almost a YEAR. And then the other night, I just found the right ribbon. Like, where was this months ago?! I used 1" ribbon for both cons I attended, so it only makes sense that I find it now. Oh well. Here is what I bought from eBay (still haven't gotten it, so I hope I am not jinxing it!). Sure, it's not SA, but it looks dang good! It is 2" wide. Once I actually receive it, hopefully, I will give an update.

Destiny of the Daleks or What the Frock?!

Before I begin, I want to give many thanks and all my praise to Steve Ricks and his blogs on all of the Doctor costumes. Had it not been for him, there is no way I could have even attempted to create Romana's pink frock.

Next, the fabric. I'm really, really bad, and rather than make a muslin pattern, I just dove right in. Since I knew from Mr. Rick's blog that the fabric used was a coarse wool, and because I was pressed for time and resources, I chose a tan colored wool. After cutting out all pieces* I would need, I attempted to dye the fabric. And I used cheap-o RIT dye in a washer. Fuchsia. I wanted to make sure the color was even, and so I would let it agitate for awhile, let it sit, agitate, and after about 2 hours, I finally let the washer go through the whole cycle. And the result was PERFECT (at least for me).

*It took me several attempts to get the right lapel shape, which I did actually do out of muslin. I'm not completely bad...

There was no shrinking, but obviously that is a risk taken when dying 100% wool.

Next began the construction. I have altered frocks before, but never constructed one. I wanted to be true to cosplay standards, so I resolved to serge NOT ONE SINGLE PIECE.

Construction was fast, but then...the lining. Oh the lining. I used cotton. Because I'm dumb. DON'T USE COTTON! We use cotton in a lot of costumes for the opera because they're more conducive to being worn a lot. After constructing the whole darn thing, I had to rip out the lining and start over again with a silky polyester.

I used a maroon velvet for the collar and trim, but after further research, I have decided to replace it all with a more orangey/pink color so that it is more accurate...eventually...at some point...

The pants were faster to construct than the coat because I didn't line them. Romana's pants are VERY high-waist, with a seam down the front of the legs, a front zipper, and contrast on the waist.

 My pattern didn't call for a front zipper, but since there was some room in the fit, I was able to make it work. Because I did this, my waistband is not right. Again, because I was pressed for time, I assembled with what I had. I will one day re-make it.

Small items to mention: Covered buttons from the fabric and front piping.
Button holes were not added to the front lapels. Apparently I don't own a machine that does them. They're decoration, but I need them there.
Suspenders: They now have their own blog post.
Scarf: Cut from two pieces of polyester, with fringe trim
Blouse: From Goodwill. Soon to have their own blog post.
Boots: From Burlington Coat Factory. They also have their own blog post.

This is the first product, as worn to Robercon, 2015.

Beginnings

Ever since a fellow Whovian mentioned to this once new Whovian a strange, oddly coincidental resemblance to Lalla Ward's Romana II, I have been fascinated by her fashion. A long time cosplayer and now professional costumer, I decided to construct EVERY SINGLE Romana II costume. I don't expect to finish this within a year, or even several, but I figure I may as well document my progress, and what better way than to begin a blog!