Dany Pattern Update

Hey guys!  So, I finally wrote out more instructions for compiling your Dany costume from Season 3.  I decided to just edit my original post so all that info is one place.  I'll be uploading instructions for putting together your final costume.  Stay tuned!

Daenerys Wig Guide

Hey guys!  So, I had a lot of you messaged me asking for advice on Dany wigs, so I thought I'd just make a post about it!  Now, I'm no wig expert, but this is just some data I was able to gather from searching for a wig of my own.  

It's worth to note that Dany's hair changes considerably between the seasons, so your wig selection will depend on which costume you'd like to cosplay.  (PS: cosplay is just short for costume play, i.e. dressing up) As the seasons progress, her locks transform from tight waves, to crimped strands, then to loose curls.  Really, you can use whatever wig you find cutest!  But if you were looking to stay accurate, I thought I'd mention that!

W I G  F I B E R S : HOW DO YOU WORK?!

So there are ton of different wig fibers out there, but you're mainly going to run into the same few.  Those are Hiperlon, Kanekalon, and Modlon.  What's the difference you ask?  Well here's a little break down:

Hiperlon

• Heat resistant for styling at ANY heat
• Less likely to tangle
• Less shiny than other fiber
• Usually more expensive

Kanekalon

• May be heat resistant for styling at LOW heats only (Note: hot water styling can work well on these wigs, but hair dryers, straighteners, and curlers at even low heat may melt the fibers)
• More likely to tangle
• More shiny than Hiperlon
• Less expensive 

Modlon

• Low quality wigs
• Usually the fiber used for party store wigs
• Not heat resistant at all

Overall, if you're really into making a great cosplay, I'd definitely recommend hiperlon or similar fibers.  However, many of my wigs have been Kanekalon and they're just fine (besides the tangling... especially on straight wigs)  Some people even prefer the Kanekalon wigs 'cause they tend to be shinier than Hiperlon.  If you're just looking for a Dany wig for Halloween, Kanekalon is definitely a reasonable option.  As for Modlon, please, for the love of the Old Gods, please do not ever buy Modlon wigs!  They're such bad quality and they will always ruin a good cosplay.  Buy these only if you're super desperate! ; )  

T O  L A C E  F R O N T  O R  N O T  T O  L A C E  F R O N T 

That is the question!

What is a lace front wig you ask?  Well, it's a wig that has the synthetic or hair strands threaded through a sheer lace front.  Check out this wig from Arda-wigs.com below to see what I mean:

This creates a realistic hairline that's best for cosplaying certain characters.  It also lets you part the hair in the front any way you want, and it will look totally natural.  You won't see an ugly wig base at your parts!  Because Daenerys' hair is pulled back into braids, a lace front wig will really lend itself well to her hair styling.  However, because lace fronts are generally hand ventilated (the process of threading strands of hair into the base), these wigs tend to be a bit pricier.  

So, you really need to ask yourself how much money you intend to put into your costume.  If you're willing to spend the money, then I definitely recommend purchasing a lace front.  If you're just looking for a quick wig for say a small costume party, then a non lace front can be perfect for you. 

H O W  D O  I  E V E N  W E A R  A  L A C E  F R O N T

Essentially, you will be fitting the wig to your head, cutting the lace, and gluing the front with an adhesive such as spirit gum.  Here's a good video for how to wear a lace front wig: How to Wear a Lace Front Wig 

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So there's tons of wigs out there that are probably good options for Daenerys cosplay, but these are just a few I came across during my search... Ahem!  Let the wig options commence!

S E A S O N  1 - 2  W I G S

Wig Name: Lunar Dragon Fire Resist 20 by The Five Wits

Cost: $40 + shipping

Fiber: ?

If you're going to cosplay season 1 or season 2, a lot of people recommend using this wig.  A lot of the great Dany cosplays you see on the internet have used this one.

Pros:

• Accurate length
• Heat resistant for styling (low heat)
• Thick so you can't see mesh cap underneath
• Many Dany cosplayers have recommended this wig

Cons: 

• A touch too silver, Dany has slightly more golden undertone in my opinion

Purchase: Lunar Dragon Wig

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Wig Name: Rhapsody by Dolluxe

Cost: $64 + shipping

Fiber: ?

This is another great Dany wig that many cosplayers rant and rave about.  However, it's unfortunately not a lace front wig, but it does have extra wefts sewn into it, creating good volume.  This volume could help hide the wig cap at the hairline if styled properly.   

Pros: 

• Accurate length
• Good texture that mirrors Dany's
• Thick to cover mesh cap
• Heat resistant for styling (low heat)
• Many Dany cosplayers have recommended this wig

Cons:

• A little too poofy (maybe this can be tamed when you add your princess braids)
• No golden undertones
• A little pricey
• Not lace front

Purchase: Rhapsody Wig

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Wig Name: Crimped Wavy Long Platinum Blonde Wig

Cost: $26  + 28.15 shipping

Fiber: ?

This is a wig I found on Ebay, but I can't speak to the quality or the customer service of the seller, however. 

Pros: 

• Good crimped texture
• Looks to be an accurate color from photos

Cons

• A little short
• Can't speak to the quality
• Not lace front

Purchase: eBay Auction

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S E A S O N  3  W I G S

Now, here a few options if you're wanting to cosplay her Season 3 style.

Wig Name:  Dany

Cost: $72 + Shipping

Fiber: Hiperlon

This wig is from Arda Wigs.  It's a lace front, so it will give you a very realistic hairline as you style.  It has good tones (Titanium Blonde), and a good length.  The long layers will also make braiding a piece of cake. (braiding short layers and trying to manage fly aways can be a nightmare! :p)  I have ordered a handful of wigs from Arda, and they always have very solid quality.              

Pros:

• Perfect golden undertones
• Nice loose waves
• Lace front (realistic hairline)
• Good length
• Long layers make for easy braiding
• Heat resistant 

Cons: 

• More expensive than non-lace fronts

Purchase: Arda Wigs

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Wig Name:  Queen Lacefront by Lockshop

Cost: 59,95 € (~$80) + Shipping

Fiber: ???

This wig was shared with me by one of my readers.  I've never ordered from Lockshopwigs.com, so I can't personally comment on their quality and service.  However, the color tones are gorgeous and the lace front will really give you a realistic hairline for your Dany cosplay.  However, the info on the site states the fibers are lot more course and consequently will take much care to get it styled just right, and brushing will be more difficult.  Remember, you will need to glue or tape down the lace front of this wig, so it will take more time wear.  "These are not wigs that you can simply put on out of the bag."         

Pros:

• Perfect golden undertones
• Nice loose waves
• Lace front (realistic hairline)
• Good length
• Long layers make for easy braiding
• Heat resistant at low temps

Cons: 

• Expensive
• Course wig fibers that are harder to brush and style 

Purchase: Queen Lacefront

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Wig Name:  24" Long Pale Blonde Curly Lace Front Synthetic Wig by Wigfashion

Cost: $65.89 + Free Shipping

Fiber: ???

This wig is available from Wigfashion.com and through their ebay storefront.  I can't be sure of the quality, but based on the photos and ebay feedback, it could serve as a perfect Dany wig.  Reminder: this is a lace front wig, so you will need to either glue or tape the front to your forehead; it'll take some time to put on.  (Thank you Laurams07 for the link!)        

Pros:

• Perfect golden undertones
• Nice loose waves
• Lace front (realistic hairline)
• Good length
• Heat resistant at low temps

Cons: 

• Pricier than non-lace front wigs
• Sold on eBay, so can't be sure of quality 

Purchase: wigisfashion.com and eBay Auction

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Wig Name: Long Platinum Blond Cosplay Wig

Cost: $29.55 + Free Shipping

Fiber: Kanekelon

This is actually the wig I purchased for my own Dany Cosplay.  While it's a decent wig, I may consider another wig in the future.  It's Kanekelon fibers, which look pretty good in person (A lot of cosplay wigs are made of this fiber).  However, the shortened bangs were tricky when braiding, and the wig wasn't the thickest.    

Pros:

• Perfect golden undertones
• Nice loose waves
• Inexpensive
• Easy transaction with seller
• Good length
• May be heat resistant at low temps

Cons: 

• Not very thick (this was tricky when adding princess braids so that you wouldn't see mesh cap)
• Not all one length (bangs made it tricky to braid)
• Not lace front, so wig cap was hard to cover

Purchase: http://goo.gl/OaUxaV

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Wig Name: Arwen (in Titanium Blonde) by Arda Wigs

Cost: $70 + Shipping

Fiber: Hiperlon

This wig has great texture despite its length.  It will need some cutting to get it to the appropriate length, but it has a lace front, so I think it's worth the extra trouble.  Remember, a lace front will require gluing or taping of the front to your forehead, so it'll take more time to put this wig on, but it will look much more natural.      

Pros:

• Nice textured waves
• Titantium Blonde has perfect golden undertones
• Lace Front (natural hairline)
• May be heat resistant at low-high temps 

Cons: 

• Will need cutting
• More expensive than non lace front wigs

Purchase: Arwen Wig

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Wig Name: Esther by Amphigory

Cost: $28.90 + shipping 

Fiber: Blended Toyokalon/Kanekalon fiber

I would order this wig in 613 (the swatch to the right of the wig)  I can personally speak to the quality of this company's wigs having ordered several from them in the past.  I'm always super happy with my wigs from Amphigory.  However, this is not a lace front, so again, styling to cover the unsightly wig cap at the hairline may be tricky.

Pros: 

• Long loose waves that mirror Dany's
• Personally know this company has good quality
• Thick fibers
• Can order in several blond shades
• May be heat resistant at low temps

Cons:

• A bit too long
• Not lace front 

Purchase: Esther Wig

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Wig Name: Platinum Blonde Wavy Lolita Princess Cosplay Wig

Cost: $25.34 + Free Shipping

Fiber: ?

Pros:

• Good shade of blonde
• Nice loose curls
• Inexpensive 
• Good length

Cons: 

• Can't speak to the quality
• Not lace front so no natural hairline

Purchase: eBay Auction

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Wig Name: Luthien (in Titanium Blonde) by Arda Wigs

Cost: $40 + Shipping

Fiber: Hiperlon

While I can't speak personally for Arda wigs, there are a lot of cosplayers that rant and rave about their quality.  Titanium blonde seems to be the most agreed upon color when cosplayers purchase a Dany wig from Arda.  

Pros:

• Heat resistant for styling (any heat)
• Available in multiple shades of blonde 
• Nice loose curls
• Good length
• Less likely to tangle
• Many cosplayers recommend Arda wigs

Cons:

• A tad too long
• Not lace front so no natural hairline

Purchase: Luthien

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Wig Name: Matilda (in Titanium Blonde) by Arda Wigs

Cost: $65 + Shipping

Fiber: Hiperlon

So this is a common wig cosplayers have been purchasing for their Dany costume.  I do love its lace front (so you'll have a natural hairline), and its length and color (ordered in titanium blonde) are perfect.  However, I do find the waves to be a bit messier than Dany's.  Perhaps reshaping the curls into more tamed waves with your curling iron could make this a perfect wig. 

Pros:

• Heat resistant for styling (any heat)
• Available in perfect shade of blonde 
• Good length
• Many cosplayers recommend Arda wigs
• Lace front, so natural hairline

Cons:

• More expensive than non lace front
• Messier curls than what Dany has

Purchase: Matilda Wig

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Okay, so I hope this quick guide is able to help some of you on your wig selection!  If you guys have found other wigs for Dany, leave me a comment below and I'll add them to this guide!  

Shoot me a comment or an e-mail if you guys have any questions : )

Daenerys Cosplay Pattern and Makeup Tutorial

UPDATE: I've updated this pattern to make it a better and more comprehensive guide!  If you were in the middle of this tutorial as I'm updating, just email me and I can send you the original one. : )

Hi there guys!  So this  ^  is my makeup attempt at Daenerys.  (Eyes were digitally changed violet because I didn't have time to order the circle lenses for this cosplay : | )   She is easily my favorite cosplay to date, because, well, how can you go wrong with the Mother of Dragons?!

Anywhos, I've been getting messages for advice on this cosplay, so I decided to just write one big post with my tips and suggestions.  Ahem, let the cosplay goodness begin!

B R E A K D O W N  of   M A K E U P : 

Her makeup is a very simple look, but what I've found is most important when cosplaying is highlighting and contouring.  It really makes a huge difference!  So I put together a simple tutorial on Youtube for anyone that may find it useful.  

Here's a list of the makeup I used in the above tutorial:

• That Gal by Benefit ( Primer / Highlight )
• Super BB by Skin79 ( BB Cream Coverage )
• Lucidty in Light by Estée Lauder ( Translucent Pressed Powder )
• Naked Palette by Urban Decay ( Eye Shadow / Contouring Powder )
• They're Real! by Benefit ( Mascara )
• NYX Lipliner Pencil in Nude Pink
• Bella Bamba by Benefit ( Brightening Blush )
• NYX Pump It Up ( Lip Plumper ) 

  

If you want to be true to the books, I'd recommend purchasing violet circle lenses.  My favorite for this cosplay are the G&G GBT Violet ones from Candylens.com.  I highly recommend this company to order lenses from!  They personally emailed me to make sure my lenses arrived and that I was happy with them.  AND they sent me a hand written 'Thank You' note for my purchase.  How many companies do that now-a-days?

These ones have a 14.0 mm diameter meaning they're about the size of your own iris and consequently will look very natural.  (Note: this brand is not designed for those with astigmatisms.  Please do some research if you're a first time circle lens wearer, because your eyes are very precious!  ^_^ ) 

B R E A K D O W N  of   C O S T U M E :

So here is my initial sketch of Daenerys' blue dress from season 3.  After careful inspection (pausing the DVR in a million spots) I decided that instead of princess seams her dress merely had front and back darts.  I also decided a side invisible zipper would be best this fit.  

  

Below is a rough pattern for the dress.  PLEASE, if you use this guideline, use it on a cheap piece of muslin or fabric first to draft your own pattern for your body type.  That way you can make adjustments as necessary without having to cut into your expensive costume fabric.  Also, this pattern does not contain seam allowances, so you will need to factor those in.  I recommend using a lining fabric for each piece, but if you're in a hurry you can save time by only using lining (or doubling the same fabric) for the front bodice pieces and the back for the keyhole.  

D R A F T I N G  Y O U R  P A T T E R N 

Okay, these are directions for creating your pattern.  This will be done on muslin or cheaper fabric. Essentially we'll be putting the pieces together, trying it on, mark it where it needs adjustments, adjust 'til happy, pull the pieces apart and VOILA!  You'll have your pattern!  Since this is just a pattern, no need to worry about hemming or anything like that.

You will need:

• muslin/cheap fabric
• sewing machine
• thread
• measuring tape
• scissors
• seam ripper 
• dress form (this makes things so much easier, but you can manage without one)
• pattern pieces 
• front
• right and left back panels
• right front bodice
• left front bodice
• side/back skirt x3

1. Iron your pattern fabric.  
2. Measure your body and figure out the measurements for pattern piece on my pattern guide above.  
3. Use your tape measure to draw out your pattern using measurements onto your muslin/cheap fabric.  Remember, this is just a pattern, so you can mark it up however you like! And don't forget to mark the letters, darts, and name of each piece. 
4. IMPORTANT: my pattern guide does not include seam allowances (the area between the edge of fabric and the stitching line), so you will need to add this.  I would add at least 5 inches to give you plenty of fabric to work with and to put in the dart.  (It's a lot easier to cut away excess fabric than it is to repair something with too little fabric) Draw this line in a different color to distinguish the two lines.  It should look something like the red and black lined drawing.  
5. Cut your pieces at the red line!
6. If you have a dress form, rejoice!  This step will be a lot easier.  Set your dress form to your measurements and begin pinning the pieces together on your form as I outline below.  If you don't have one, you're gonna have to do more guess and check.  Pin your pieces together as I have outlined below before sewing.   
7. Sew your darts!  Here's a good tutorial if you're not sure what these are: here!  We're going to be doing Double Point Darts.  

1. Front Darts:  Top points at f and g.  Mid point (1") at waist line.  It should look something like this >
2. Back Darts: Do the same as the front darts with the widest part of the dart at the waist line.  Measure the darts so that they are the same lengths as your front ones.  

W H A T  P I E C E S  S E W  T O  W H A T

This key uses my pattern measurement guide above.  If this gets confusing, refer to my diagram of her dress to make sense of it.  Make sure you use a basting stitch for your pattern (A loose stitch that you can easily pull out if you make mistakes).  Remember, these are directions for designing the pattern, not the actual costume.

F =  Front
FB = Front Bodice
B = Back
1SS = 1st Side Skirt
2SS = 2nd Side Skirt

Example: F a-b will indicate the front piece of fabric from point a to point b.

10.  After everything has been sewed, try it on in a mirror.  Mark/pin where you need to make adjustments, and then adjust it.  You may also need to deepen your darts for a better fit.

11.  Once your costume fits you well, take a new colored marker and mark the seams.  Wherever there's stitches, mark it!

12.  Cut where you've marked excluding the darts.  You should have 8 pattern pieces total.

S E W I N G  T H E  F I N A L  C O S T U M E

Alright, now that we have our pattern ready, we can begin work on our actual costume (Finally!)

You will need:

• Costume fabric 
• fabric lining (if you want a better quality costume)
• sewing machine
• scissors
• thread
• Bias tape or piping (if you're not lining your costume)

1. Iron your costume fabric and lining.  
2. Pin your pattern pieces to your fabric/lining.  Mark your pattern.  (IMPORTANT: your pattern does not include the seam allowance, so that will need to be added!) 
3. Pin and sew your darts as you did above for the pattern.  (Make sure to sew the same darts in your lining as well)
4. If you're using lining, pin the matching lining pieces to the costume fabric.  Make sure you're pinning the "bad" sides facing together.  Begin sewing your lining pieces to your fabric pieces where the green is highlighted below.  Then turn the pieces right side out and iron your creases.   
5. Begin sewing pieces together!  

If you're not using lining, you can use bias tape to give a neat hem to your keyhole.  Here is a good tutorial for that from an amazing lady at Sugar Tart Crafts: Keyhole Dress Tutorial

If you're not familiar with adding an invisible zipper, here's a really helpful tutorial at Coletterie: Invisible Zipper Tutorial

E M B E L L I S H M E N T S

The bodice was the trickiest part.  I ended up sewing in a bra and building the bodice around it just so it would fit perfectly without unsightly puckering.  However, I soon realized this would not have been necessary if I placed the bodice ends lower on my hip.     

For the detail, I painted fishnet stockings a blue/silver color and used fabric glue to secure them to the shoulders.  I then used arrowhead smocking to create the triangular "dragon scales".  This website will give you great insight on how to achieve this. 

B R E A K D O W N  of  J E W E L R Y 

I made Daenerys' dragon claw necklace out of polymer clay then painted it with acrylic paints and varnish.  (insert shameless plug: I have this and more available in my Etsy shop!  Click the link to your right!)  You can buy all of these materials at your local craft shop as well.

 Here is my version of her single dragon claw necklace that comes in a cute little rustic pouch.  ( I also have the golden double claw version for sale.)

Dany's slave collar is also available in my Etsy shop in case you're doing her outfits from later in the season.  This collar also goes with her long draped white slave dress she wears.

Check out my other blog post to see other Dany jewelry I've created (her ring and bracelet!).  Check these out here: Daenerys Swag

Anywhos, I hope this post can help some of you along your way to awesome GoT cosplays.  I would loooove to see how your cosplays come out, so shoot me some pics when you're finished.  ^_^  If you guys have any questions, email me at n.jellyfishsoup@gmail.com!  Good luck and remember, fire cannot kill the dragon!

Daenerys Targaryan Make-up Test

So this is my make-up test for my Daenerys Targaryan cosplay.  I'm somewhat pleased with how it turned out, but I do need to work a little bit more on the highlighting and contouring.

I really wish I had the time to sculpt and cast some dragons for this cosplay!  Ravendark Creations on Etsy sells A M A Z I N G dragon props that would be great for any Daenerys cosplay, but alas, I'm super cheap.

Ravendarkcreations.etsy.com

Anywhos, I hope to post a few tutorials this week in the Daenerys variety so stay tuned : )

Daenerys Season 3 Dress Cosplay

Hi there!  So for the upcoming Comic Con in my area, I've decided to sew Daenerys' Season 3 blue dress that she wears in Astapor.  I've also decided to document everything along the way so I can share with you guys an (hopefully) easy to follow tutorial. : )  31 days 'til the con, here goes!

Braided Skull Bracelet

Happpppppppppy Spring!  I think it's actually the second day of Spring now, yay warm weather!  And with the warm weather comes cute Spring fashions, and what better to celebrate the change of season than a braided skull bracelet?  That's exactly what you were thinking, right?!

Each skull is hand sculpted out of Sculpey clay.  

And so far I've done 4 different colors: grape, strawberry, blueberry, and vanilla.   This with the rest of my jewelry can be purchased at my Etsy shop -------> I hope you guys like them!

Conversation Heart Earrings

Valentine's Day is almost here!  Whenever I think of V-day (and every other holiday for that matter) all I think of is the adorable candy and chocolates I get to eat!  NOM NOM NOM!  So what cuter than conversation heart earrings?!  

If you're spending this Valentine's solo or sharing it with a special someone, either or, you can put together a super cute V-day outfit with these cute earrings as accessories.  

I'm pretty sure polymer clay is non toxic, but I wouldn't advise nomming on them X )