Wreck-It Ralph introduced us to the lovable and insanely adorable Vanellope von Schweetz. Cosplayers often tackle the outfit she wears for most of the movie – the light aqua hoodie – but Kaye Cosplay went for the gold to make Vanellope’s princess ensemble. As you can see from the above photo, it’s not a simple design. Kaye had to figure out how to make all the layers of the skirts, the crown, style the wig, build the scepter, and she applied the beading by hand. Whoa.
Here’s how she fabricated the big collar piece:
The collar is made from: Wire, SUPER thick interfacing, White satin fabric, Scalloped ruffle trim, and Ribbons
I started by cutting out a heart shape from some wrapping paper (or any pattern paper you may have) to use as a base for the heart. I had to cut about 3 or so before I got to the shape I wanted. Then I used a cape/collar pattern that I already had (I’m sure you could find something at Joann’s) to draft the back of the collar and the structural bits. Basically, the heart shape sits on my shoulders, and two straps come down on the sides of my neck, wrap underneath my arms, and ties around my pack. I had to alter the collar pattern I already had so it could do this, but it was nessisary in order for the collar to stand up straight. Then I cut out the heart and the collar shapes out of my white fabric, and fused the interfacing to one side, and then sewing the ruffle trim into the seams around the edges. Then I inserted wire into the collar and hand stitched it around the edges so it would not move. The wire extends from the heart and wraps over my shoulders, like a harness. Once the wire was bent to where I liked it, I closed the seams of the collar, and sewed in ribbons to it could tie around my back.
Check out more step-by-steps on the Vanellope costume over at Kaye’s Tumblr.
Photo by Chou-Wa Photography & Cosplay.