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Local Authors => Brandon Sanderson => Topic started by: Nessa on October 10, 2006, 05:00:55 PM

Title: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 10, 2006, 05:00:55 PM
Last week Shrain and I were IMing and she was wishing she had a cool costume for Halloween this year. In particular she wanted to be a Misborn noble (she'll tell you the name), but didn't think she could make the costume. She enlisted my help. So, this past weekend I began the planning stages for Operation: Mistborn Costume!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 10, 2006, 05:04:55 PM
We did some brainstorming and came up with a few concept sketches. My dumb, quick drawing, and Shrain's cool, colored one.

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn1.jpg)

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn2.jpg)

Originally I was thinking 2" wide streamers, but we decided on 4" to 5" wide streamers (they vary a little). It's less bulky that way and easier to wear (and to make). Streamers are *not* sewn on each other, but will be whip-stitched in random places.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 10, 2006, 05:07:47 PM
Whoohoo! My costume is going to be wicked awesome now that I have successfully enlisted the help of Nessa "Whirlwind" Christenson! We plotted, she did a quick sketch then had me do my own and wham-o! She was already done with the base layers. Sheesh.

Stay tuned for more pics! I've already scouted out some lovely obsidian blades and such. :D
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 10, 2006, 05:18:14 PM
So I bought the fabric and I must say here that grey fabric is not to be found in abundance in any local fabric stores. We decided to make it using a variety of fabrics in order to maximize on the grey fabrics that were available, and to give it interest.

Left ---> right

Black stretchy stuff: to be used for the yoke (the yoke is used as a base to attach the hood and streamers to for added sturdiness, although it will be mostly obsecured).

Black satin: Used in the streamer under-layer that 'peeks' from under the lighter grey.

Plain grey: For the top layer that will be mixed in and overlap with...

Grey pattern: Also part of the top layer.

Grey pattern #2: The hood and hood lining.

Black gauzy: Used a little here and there, mostly in the under-layer, for variety and added interest.

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn3.jpg)

Also included will be wooden toggle buttons. Sorry for the terrible picture.

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn4.jpg)

Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 10, 2006, 05:26:07 PM
You did good, Nessa. I hadn't realized it would be so tough to find good grays. The black silk will be especially awesome in contrast with the others.

Gee, I sort of feel like I'm this fabulously rich person who's having a one-of-a-kind designer outfit made for a trip to the Oscars. lol.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock on October 10, 2006, 05:27:32 PM
This is pretty cool. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on October 10, 2006, 05:56:51 PM
Who's making the glass knives?
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Spriggan on October 10, 2006, 06:54:31 PM
Lets keep everything Brandon Book related to his forum please.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 10, 2006, 09:54:55 PM
Quote
Lets keep everything Brandon Book related to his forum please.

Hey, it's okey dokey with us. Nessa and I just weren't sure if it would be "kosher" to put in in EUOL's forum. Actually, we asked SE what he thought and he suggested Rants or Everything Else. So there ya go.
Gemm, thanks! I can't wait to wear the finished product!

Quote
Who's making the glass knives?

As much as I'd like to say "me" or "my good friend and maker of exotic knives," I must say that I'll be relying on eBay. I haven't found anything that even came close in the costume shops, but I found some stunning obsidian knives on eBay.

Here's a very unique one with red and black obsidian. The red sorta looks like blood. I think my mistborn (*name withheld to prevent spoiler*) would like that. ;)
(http://www.obsidianarts.com/clsak111.JPG)

This one is cool too; the multi-colored stone looks like swirls of the mist itself, don't you think?
(http://www.obsidianarts.com/clsak113.JPG)

Sweet, huh! I also need to fill up some vials with bits of metal flakes, get myself a coin pouch (pennies will work for boxings I suppose), and a killer black outfit to wear under the cloak.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on October 10, 2006, 10:49:36 PM
Those are awesome knives, whether or not they're what's intended in the book, and I think they'd go well with the costume!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Spriggan on October 10, 2006, 11:35:43 PM
Quote

Hey, it's okey dokey with us. Nessa and I just weren't sure if it would be "kosher" to put in in EUOL's forum. Actually, we asked SE what he thought and he suggested Rants or Everything Else. So there ya go.
Gemm, thanks! I can't wait to wear the finished product!


Ya the reason why I moved this, and other brandon related threads, is he doesn't check the other boards as often so he may miss something that he'd want to see.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Fellfrosch on October 11, 2006, 01:27:10 AM
Those knives look great, but expensive. How much are they?

As for the costuem itself, I think it sounds like an awesome idea. I'm interested in seeing how you manage to make it not look like a Ghillie suit.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 11, 2006, 02:08:38 AM
After buying the fabric, I cut it into lengths, also basting the silky stuff because it unravels easily.

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn5.jpg)

I created my own pattern using Shrain's measurements (no, I'm not going to post them, don't ask!), cut out the pieces for the yoke and sewed it togther.

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn6.jpg)

Sure, Mistborn describes the cloak as "...hundreds of long, ribbonlike strips. They were sewn together at the shoulders and across the chest..." (pg 86) and I'm sure it could be sewn together that way, but not by a sane person with access to a sewing machine. The purpose of the yoke is as an anchor for the streamers and for a stable place to sew the hood, sleeves, and buttons; otherwise they would flop around and I don't have the couture skills to make it authentic as described.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Faster Master St. Pastor on October 11, 2006, 02:17:19 AM
Man, this looks cool, you so have to post a pic of what it looks like finished and with Shrain wearing it!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 11, 2006, 02:17:33 AM
Next I began sewing the grey streamers to the yoke (the top layer).

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn7.jpg)

Then I created the sleeves (which have their own little streamers), attached streamers to the underarm, and added the hood.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Chimera on October 11, 2006, 03:33:45 AM
Wow, that's really nice of you Nessa to make this costume for Shrain. I'm also excited to see the finished product. Yay for Mistborn!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Miriel on October 11, 2006, 12:02:28 PM
From someone who does know how to flintknap obsidian and make knives...it's a little hard to tell from the lighting in the pictures, but it looks like those were made from a grinding/cutting process, and not from actual flintknapping.  So, they're probably relatively fragile, won't hold an edge well, and won't take to resharpening well, and shouldn't cost as much as a real flintknapped knife.  Seeing as they're for show, probably not a problem, but I thought I'd pitch in my two cents on the knives.  (Also, if the one that looks like it's made out of chert really is chert, it should be more resiliant to fracturing than the obsidian).
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 11, 2006, 12:41:45 PM
Here's the hood:

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn10.jpg)

I think the fabric for the hood is the perfect shade and I love the swirly pattern. Unfortunately, the fabric was from a previous project and is no longer available at the store, otherwise I would have used more of it on the streamers.

The whipstitching detail:

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn9.jpg)

So all the streamers are on and trimmed and the whipstitching to the yoke is finished. I have a few more details to attend to and then it will be finished! Fell might come over today to pick up a book, so maybe he could model it for me?  ;D

And here's my cat playing in the streamers. He's grey/white, so blends in quite well, doncha think?

(http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/images/mistborn11.jpg)
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: EUOL on October 11, 2006, 02:04:22 PM
This thread is awesome to levels I cannot describe.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: CtrlZed on October 11, 2006, 02:10:54 PM
I've seen guys who flintknap with old glass bottles--in actuality creating glass knives.  Maybe there's something like that on ebay.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 11, 2006, 02:14:27 PM
Quote
This thread is awesome to levels I cannot describe.

Yay!! We have the "Maker's" approval, Nessa!

Quote
From someone who does know how to flintknap obsidian and make knives.... it looks like those were made from a grinding/cutting process, and not from actual flintknapping.

You know how to flintknap? That's awesome! But, uh, darnit... you think these *weren't* made authentically? Ack! The eBay listings say they were flintknapped by "internationally collected flintknapper Tony Stanfield" and the guy's web site looks legit: Obsidian Arts (http://www.obsidianarts.com).

Can you take a look? Give me your opinion? And, hey, if these are machine made or "fake," would you consider letting me pay you to make some killer Mistborn knives?? ;D

Quote
I think the fabric for the hood is the perfect shade and I love the swirly pattern.

Wow, the hood is neat. I like it with that fabric.

Quote
So all the streamers are on and trimmed and the whipstitching to the yoke is finished. I have a few more details to attend to and then it will be finished!

I'll say it again: sheesh, woman! How do you work so fast? How many streamers do you think you've used?

Quote
Fell might come over today to pick up a book, so maybe he could model it for me?  ;D

Hey, now! No fair! Fell can't be wearing my cloak before I do. /me pouts

Quote
And here's my cat playing in the streamers.

What a cutie. I bet stacer will like that pic too. :)
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: fuzzyoctopus on October 11, 2006, 03:14:48 PM
I am nowhere near this cool. However I have an undead warlock on World of Warcraft that I named "Elantrian".
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: stacer on October 11, 2006, 04:27:25 PM
Quote
What a cutie. I bet stacer will like that pic too.  


I just saw it and I do love it. Cute cat! One of my cats is having a tummyache problem and I put all the food away overnight to help it work out of his system, and he was not liking me very much. But he was still hilariously cute when I had friends over last night to teach knitting. Three women in the room, all with yarn--who does he attack first?
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Fellfrosch on October 11, 2006, 05:07:45 PM
I would love to model it, but I will refrain if Shrain wants to be the first. I am stopping by to get that book, though, so I'll at least check it out.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 11, 2006, 05:31:05 PM
Yes, I say! Shrain say refrain! ;)  
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Miriel on October 11, 2006, 07:05:16 PM
I went through his website, and there are definetly some pieces that look like they were taken off an obsidian core and thinned the old fashioned way.  So, you're probably fine.  The pictures posted here just looked really odd (like on the white one, where you can't see any flaking scars except for where the edge was put on) -- and a lot of commercial obsidian knives are cut and then touched up with some knapping to make them look authentic.  Really, I wouldn't worry about it.  I just thought I'd mention that they might be more fragile than ancient obsidian knives, which would probably be true anyway because these are for display, not butching game or decapitating prisoners.  Sorry for rocking the boat -- I hope your costume turns out great!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 11, 2006, 08:08:25 PM
Quote
I just saw it and I do love it. Cute cat!

Thanks, his name is Panda and he's 4 years old. He's been a good cat and gets along well with little kids. We're lucky to have such an agreeable cat.

He also likes to watch me when I'm hand quilting. He finds it waaay too fascinating.

Quote
How many streamers do you think you've used?

About fifty around the body and 7 short ones for each arm. It's not 'hundreds' of streamers like in the book, but I really didn't have the patience or know-how to get that complicated.  If you want, Shrain, when you get it you can 'rip' the existing streamers into narrower ones (nick the spot with scissors and tear the fabric until it's the length you want--that's how I did the original streamers). Since all the streamers have a rough edge (torn or cut and basted), this shouldn't be a problem, and you won't have to worry about hemming them. I would recommend you only try that with the cotton streamers, though, and not the silky ones.  ;)

Also, the finished piece is relatively long. I cut it to my ankle-length, and since I'm taller than you, you may want to shorten some of them (their lengths vary). I tried walking upstairs with it...and it's easy to trip on because unlike a skirt, you can't hold the whole thing up with two hands.

Of course I tried it on (no pictures, though, that privledge is refrained for Shrain) and I must say it's rather comfy.

Anyway, I sewed on the buttons today and finished the last of the whipstitching. I will put it in the mail by the end of this week. Yay! I bought the fabric on Friday, and spent the next 4 days sewing it. Yes, it took a while, and although it seems to have gone fast in this thread, it really did take a good chunk of time (heck, I'm a stay-at-home-mom, I had time).
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Fellfrosch on October 11, 2006, 09:54:01 PM
I dropped by after work and I can testify that it is indeed awesome. Well done Nessa.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 11, 2006, 10:18:03 PM
OK. Thanks, Miriel. :)

Go, Nessa! Those tips are helpful. I probably will do a little ripping here and there with the cotton fabrics. And I don't want to break my head open while falling down the stairs. So I might shorten the overall length. Anyhow, you're going to send me the scraps and the rest of the thread, right? then I can make a belt with pockets for the vials, etc.

But, hey, before you send off your masterpiece to me, don't forget to create your own designer label and sew it inside! ;) Hmmm. You know, some time I may even see if EUOL will sign one of the streamers of something. heheh

Fell, thanks for the thumbs up testimonial. I'm feeling like it's Christmas in October. ;D

Stacer, I hope your kitty's tummy gets better. Soon!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 11, 2006, 11:30:10 PM
Quote
I dropped by after work and I can testify that it is indeed awesome. Well done Nessa.


Thanks!  :)

Shrain, I also wanted to mention that it's machine washable! However, you may want to stuff it in a pillowcase or other large garment bag before you wash it, otherwise the streamers get very tangled, and threads get all unraveled (yes, I know this from experience).  Also, after washing, expect to spend a little while ironing it...all that cotton, you know.

Quote
Anyhow, you're going to send me the scraps and the rest of the thread, right? then I can make a belt with pockets for the vials, etc.


Naturally, although I think I used up most of it. There's also an extra button.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Sigyn on October 12, 2006, 12:53:33 PM
You have time as a stay-at-home mom?  That is not fair.  I'm a stay-at-home mom and I don't know what time is.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 12, 2006, 11:17:52 PM
Well (cough), I had time because I neglected other things in my house, like vacuuming (black threads littering my floor for days), leaving my kids in their jammies all day, and general cleaning avoidance.

Sometimes I just have to forget all that mundane stuff and let myself do something fun, desipte the disaster it causes.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 13, 2006, 01:23:15 AM
Ha! Don't believe a word of it, Sigyn. Superheroes always have to put on a "front" for everyone. All to throw us off the scent. ;)

Well, this weekend, I'm gonna hunt for some cool non-metal ring and maybe a bracelet. Do you guys think I should go with polished stone or maybe something all of wood? It can't be very "clunky" or biggish, though; that would inhibit fighting.

Anyhow, the way I figure it, the particular Mistborn (*name withheld to prevent spoiler*) whom I'll be impersonating is rather stylish. Hey, if I'm gonna do this thing, I'll do it right!

Besides, it sure would be swell to get my mind off the maddening stuff that life has thrown at me lately. I'm flying solo *again* in the perms dept at work because Amy got lured away by Houghton. waaaaa! :'( Plus, I'm embattled with Emerson over a ridiculous technicality with my internship. But, heck, I only stand to lose my scholarship, tuition, and my sanity. Nothing to stress about, right?
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 13, 2006, 07:10:10 PM
Shrain, it's in the mail. Should be there Monday or Tuesday.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Lost_Kyte on October 14, 2006, 03:35:58 AM
Wow that is just too awesome! I feel like my halloween plans pale in comparison xD That's beautiful work!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 16, 2006, 05:24:13 PM
It's here! My mistcloak is here! The mailroom just brought it to my cubicle. YAY. :D (I had it sent to my work--nerdy, I know--but sometimes the post office and other mail carriers won't leave my mail outside my door!)

/me yells in glee and tries to resist rushing to the ladies' room to try it on.

Oh, I love the "designer label," Nessa! It's so professional looking and everything. I'll post a pic of it tonight! I also found some metal flakes and so forth. Still need some glass vials and assorted other items. Look for pics later. :)

Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 17, 2006, 12:10:21 AM
Okey dokey. As promised, here are a few pics of my costume! The cloak fits just right, Nessa! Look at the great skirt I found--it looks like it's made out of paneling just like the mistcloak! Weird, huh.

Oh, but remember folks, I still don't have my knives, belt, coin pouch, and sundry metal shavings--yet. But I do have what's most important....

Got Atium? Well, I do. (I'm richer than rich, naturally.)
(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6lae%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPo0%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoeanJ0oP0JqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPo0%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,380,442)

Other Metals Have I..
(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6000%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPoQ%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoeanJ0QlnJqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPoQ%7CRup6aQQ%7C/of=50,184,442)

Oh, and lest anyone doubt the authenticity of this amazing mistcloak, witness the following:
(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPoQ%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoeanJ0PPG0qpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPoQ%7CRup6JnQ%7C/of=50,590,361)

Clearly, Nessa rocks!
P.S. Yep, that's me with *red* hair! :D My hair was reddish anyhow, and well, I went in just for some highlights and, uh, sorta decided it would be cool to amp up the color. hehe 8)
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: EUOL on October 17, 2006, 12:36:07 AM
So...can I post these on my blog?  

And, if so, do either of you want links to your blogs/websites along with the pictures?  

Let me know and I'll throw them up on Wednesday.  
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: stacer on October 17, 2006, 02:17:57 AM
That looks great, Shrain and Nessa!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 17, 2006, 02:19:58 AM
Quote
So...can I post these on my blog?  

And, if so, do either of you want links to your blogs/websites along with the pictures?  

Let me know and I'll throw them up on Wednesday.  

That's fine. I have blogged (http://www.vanessakchristenson.com/ba_aboutmyself.htm#101006) it, too (but unfortunately my comments section is momentarily down  :().

Edit: Oh, and Shrain, I can't believe you posted a picture of that label! That's too funny. And it shows off my shoddy quick hand-stitching job.  :-[
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 17, 2006, 09:13:45 PM
Thanks, Stacer! I wish I'd gotten a good pic of me with the hood up, but I can do that once I've got the rest of my cool gear put together. ;)

Nessa, that label is priceless! Shoddy? bah! I bet even Breeze wouldn't find fault with it. ;D

Quote
So...can I post these on my blog?  

/me ponders the scary yet also cool ramifications of that thought. Me wishes she'd taken better pics but then again...

Um... sure! Why not? It'll be awesome to show Nessa's handiwork off and to show how nifty the book is and all. Besides, I guess it's kind of a nerdy honor but an honor nonetheless, eh? ;) Feel free to post the sketches and "progress" pics too, if you have space and want to do that. I don't really keep my blog updated, so don't worry about linking to it.

Oh, and EUOL, I was also thinking it would be *very* handy to have some of those Elantris/Mistborn cards of yours. I am going to at least two parties, one at the publisher where I work and the other at the stake party. If I had some cards, I could stash them in my mistcloak belt and hand them over to folks who show some real interest. Nothing like a walking, talking character to create a buzz! What do you think?
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock on October 17, 2006, 09:24:00 PM
That is definately "pretty freaking cool." When you arrive in DC you must be wearing that garment, lest we decide instead some other insidious plot to capture you at the redevous point.

I can't wait to see the entire thing completely finished.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Chimera on October 18, 2006, 01:36:27 AM
I agree with Gemm and everyone, it looks awesome. Can't wait to see more pics!  ;D

Having cards to handout would definitely be a good idea. Free publicity for EUOL, if he wants it.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Tekiel on October 18, 2006, 03:11:45 PM
Shrain, you have no idea just how jealous I am of you right now.  That is the coolest costume idea!  And I'm with Chimera, can't wait to see more pictures!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Fellfrosch on October 18, 2006, 05:06:10 PM
Nessa should just post a price and offer to make more for anyone willing to pony up the dough. She'd make bank.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: EUOL on October 18, 2006, 05:33:15 PM
Shrain--and anyone else who wants some--fire me off your street address (via email) and I'll send you a handful of cards.  I'd be honored to have you passing them out.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 18, 2006, 06:58:06 PM
Quote
Nessa should just post a price and offer to make more for anyone willing to pony up the dough. She'd make bank.

Heh. If I didn't go crazy first.

The price of supplies isn't nearly as bad as the price per hour I would charge, because it's time consuming to make. I'd probably charge about $120 per each mistcloak (that would include supplies, but not shipping). But then EUOL would probably want a royalty or something and then I'd be in trouble.  ;)

I'm not telling what I charged Shrain. She got the extra-special rate because it was my first and because she's Shrain.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: EUOL on October 18, 2006, 08:23:20 PM
No royalty needed here, Nessa.  That's your art, not mine.  
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on October 19, 2006, 01:21:09 AM
Well, there is the whole "derivative work" thing in copyright... Plus, is the word "Mistborn" trademarked?
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 19, 2006, 11:55:08 PM
Quote
Shrain--and anyone else who wants some--fire me off your street address (via email) and I'll send you a handful of cards.  I'd be honored to have you passing them out.

Woot! Thanks, EUOL. I will email you my street addy this minute. :)

Also, check this out--a sleek glass (obsidian) "mistknife" of my very own! hehe
[Sorry the pics are so big... I tried to make them smaller but it didn't "take."]
(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPoJ%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoenPGaPlJnqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPoJ%7CRup60eP%7C/of=50,590,273)

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXPoo%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoenPlQQJ0nqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXPoo%7CRup6lQQ%7C/of=50,590,442)

Next up... coin pouch and glass vials filled with a cocktail of metal shavings! Plus I need to make a belt to hold the vials...
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on October 21, 2006, 01:50:58 AM
Quote
Well, there is the whole "derivative work" thing in copyright... Plus, is the word "Mistborn" trademarked?

Party pooper.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on October 21, 2006, 04:06:36 AM
;) If  the books suddenly become super-famous and Taiwanese companies start mass-producing mistcloaks, they might point to this thread as evidence that brandon given carte blanche for mistcloak production! (Not saying that's what he's done, but still.)
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: EUOL on October 21, 2006, 04:08:37 PM
Ookla,

Copyright gets sticky in this area.  First off, Mistborn isn't trademarked--you don't tend to buy any trademarks for books unless they get very, very popular.  Though if someone tried to use it and produce things based on my work for large commercial profit, then I might have grounds for a legal battle.

The derivative works clause also starts to lose power when you change mediums.  For instance, someone is allowed to do a drawing based on Lord of the Rings and sell it as their own work, with no copyright problems.  In fact, you can DRAW the movie poster exactly, and then sell it, and it's considered your own work.  

Copyright is a lot less clear-cut than sometimes people like to think.  Mostly, it depends on how the judge feels about whether or not the new work is cutting into profits of the original.  

So, if I were producing my own Mistcloaks, and I wanted to bay the ridiculous amount of money it took to register the Mistcloak trademark, then I could PROBABLY sue that company in China.  However, they could just change the name of theirs to "Mistgoer's Cloak" or something like that and be just fine.  They can be inspired by my work and create a product without officially infringing upon me.  Just like someone could read Harry Potter, produce and sell 'Wizard's Wands' that look like the ones described, and be in no trouble at all--as long as they didn't call them Harry Potter wands.  (And that's only because Harry Potter is trademarked.)

The long and short of this is that I--as I understand it--couldn't stop Nessa even if I wanted to.  She's not using anything trademarked, she's not competing with me, and she's not claiming to have official backing.  
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 22, 2006, 12:37:37 AM
Quote
The long and short of this is that I--as I understand it--couldn't stop Nessa even if I wanted to.

Yeah, Nessa *is* rather unstoppable, huh. ;D

/me breathes out in relief because being illegal and getting sued is not so good. ;)

EUOL, hope you got my street addy.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on October 22, 2006, 04:31:53 PM
You don't have to register a trademark to claim a trademark. Registering does help if it's being infringed upon though.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 24, 2006, 11:41:19 AM
Aaaanyhow....

Much to my disgruntlement, I have learned that the guys coming to TWG-East: The Gathering 2006 have yet to plan their costumes. Inconceivable! No way I'm going to wear my costume only once this year.

Of course, being the resourceful mistborn noble that I am, I have devised some .... proper motivation. They can either choose their own costumes (whether they be scary, goofy, or just plain dumb) OR they can dress up as my Terrisman stewards. Bwaahahahaha!
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Gemm: Rock & Roll Star; Born to Rock on October 24, 2006, 12:00:25 PM
How do you propose the Steward to be attired? I am not remembering the description of such persons?
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on October 24, 2006, 12:58:15 PM
Well, costume-wise, the distinctive thing that I recall are the layers of brightly colored strips of cloth that overlap to form a V-shape down the front and back of their tunics. I thought that would be really neat to see IRL too. Also, I think they wear more of a roman-type skirt rather than pants. Anyhow, those are the traditional duds of a Terris steward.

Plus, the Terrismen who are Keepers secretly wear lots of metal--until the Lord Ruler got snuffed, of course. Yep, earrings, rings, bracers, and the like for obvious reasons. ;)
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on November 01, 2006, 09:33:14 PM
Ta-da! My "mistbelt," complete with three vials of metal shavings, two vials of atium beads, and a coin pouch. The front of the belt features a strip of wavy fabric that's supposed to look kinda like swirling mist. The funny thing is that it turned out to look like an "S" too. Not a bad letter, imo. ;) Also, feast your eyes on my two glass knives. One of multi-flow black obsidian and one of skyscraper glass. I think I intimidated a few guys with these. hehe

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP0P%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoalPnl0PPQqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXP0P%7CRup6G00%7C/of=50,590,393)

While I haven't had time to upload all my pics, I do have one or two taken at the TWGE ("Twiggy") party:

(http://render2.snapfish.com/render2/is=Yup6aQQ%7C%3Dup6%3DzqH%3AxxqUD7qRUrKxzX7BHpUUKxgXP0G%3F87KR6xqpxQQ0Qx0nJxPPGxv8uOc5xQQQoalPnGle0aqpfVtB%3F*KUp7BHSHqqy7XH6gXP0G%7CRup6lG0%7C/of=50,542,443)
Others to come.

P.S. EUOL, thanks for the Mistborn calling cards. They're pretty cool.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on November 02, 2006, 02:46:01 AM
Awesome.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Nessa on November 02, 2006, 11:28:08 AM
Love the pictures!

*Nessa demands more.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: dawncawley on November 23, 2006, 04:22:04 AM
That was totally awesome!! Great concept, and fabulous look overall. I wish I was even half as gifted with a pattern, thread, that sort of thing.

I love the glass knives too. Even though I don't personally know you, I thought the overall costume was excellent, and it looked great on too.
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: Shrain on November 26, 2006, 11:24:10 PM
Thanks, Dawn! Nessa, of course, is the seamtress behind this project. I *am* quite pleased with the belt I made though. The knives were kind of hard to find and on the expensive side, yet they totally made the cloak and everything that much more authentic. All in all, a fuuuun project. :D
Title: Re: Operation: Mistborn Costume
Post by: dawncawley on November 27, 2006, 01:10:58 AM
Nessa did a fabulous job, and as I said, I wish I was even half as gifted as she. :)

Hopefully when I finish with school for the quarter I will be able to catch up on my "to be read" pile, which includes my copy of Mistborn, and various others. But I am totally intrigued, just by the elements involved in the costume, so even if I hadn't already bought the book, I probably would have on the strength of my curiousity after seeing your costume. Great work, both to you and Nessa, for getting down to the little details, and doing it so well. :D