Spandex Simplified: Sewing for Superheroes

by Marie Porter, Michael Porter Ba Mphil (Photographer)

Overview

Sewing for Superheroes is the fifth title in Marie Porter's Spandex Simplified series, and is all about designing and creating flattering, comfortable, and show-stopping spandex cosplay. (BAM! POW!)

This sewing manual is written from the experience of not only a spandex designer, but a former "performance" athlete. Written in layman terms, Sewing for Superheroes features carefully explained, step-by-step instructions and more than 250 full colour photos and diagrams. Requiring only basic sewing knowledge to get started, beginner and advanced seamstresses alike can enjoy using this book... and produce spectacular results from it.

Learn how to design costumes, and how to alter patterns for shape, size, and style. Learn the tips, tricks, and techniques to make many of the design elements that can be used to design and create almost any style of spandex costume imaginable!

Please note: As spandex patterning and sewing techniques are largely the same across many styles of costuming, a large portion of each Sewing with Spandex title is the same/similar to the other Sewing with Spandex titles. We recommend consulting the Table of Contents for each book you're considering:

Foreword

Basic Principles of Spandex Design

- Proper Fit & Design Considerations
- Figure Flaw Camouflage
- Designing for the Character
- Visibility
- Functionality
- General Colour Theory
- Choosing a Posing Suit Colour
- Unity
- Selecting Fabrics

Pattern Alterations

- Measuring
- Using a Pattern
- Sizing a Pattern
- Adding Length
- Removing Length
- Adjusting Curve of the Back
- Adjusting the Butt Length
- Adjusting for Leg Openings
- Adjusting the Skirt Line
- Ruching
- Base Pattern Alteration Final Notes

Sewing Techniques

- In the Beginning
- Cutting the Fabric
- Seams
- Elastic Application
- Thread Colour Selection
- Colour Blocking
- Applique
- Piping
- Contrasting Elastic Binding
- Lining
- Zippers
- Closures
- Making Straps
- Making Strings
- Hems

Style Techniques

- Backs and Necklines
- "Monokini" & Cutaway Design
- Skirts

Costume Assembly

- Basic Order of Operations
- Applying a Sleeve
- Tights
- Booty Shorts
- Unitards
- Skirted Costumes
- Basic Bikini Bottom
- Strappy Bikini Bottom
- Basic Mens Trunks
- Basic Triangle Top
- Basic Underwire Top
- Underwired Bodices

Embellishments

- Getting Started
- Hand Painting
- Foil Embossing
- Glitter
- Crystals
- Sequins

Accessories

- Scrunchies
- Wristlets, Leg Warmers, Padding Covers
- Gloves
- Shoe & Boot Covers
- Stockings

Proper Care of Spandex Costumes

Resources

Note Pages

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780985003647
Publisher:	Celebration Generation
Publication date:	11/01/2013
Pages:	202
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

Marie Porter began sewing spandex costumes as a way to finance her figure skating training, starting at age 11. By the time she took an extended break from the fashion industry at the ripe old age of 25, she had created stretchy works of art for various entertainers, Olympic athletes, the Canadian national synchro swimteam, WWE wrestlers, and more. Marie wrote "Sewing for Skaters and Gymnasts and Dancers... Oh My!" at the age of 21 - the first sewing manual of its kind. Due to popular demand, it was followed by "The Skating Dress Style Book" a year later - focusing on pattern alteration techniques for style. She was soon touring North America, teaching people her techniques in seminars. 10 years later, those basic, black and white photocopied manuals - featuring hand drawn sketches - were combined, expanded on, and updated to become "Sewing for Skaters" - one of the first books in the Spandex Simplified series. Upgraded with more information, full colour photography, and digital sketches, the Spandex Simplified series is THE go-to resource for anyone looking to sew with spandex.

Michael Porter (Who goes by "Porter") is a food and commercial photographer located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Porter's work has appeared in local, national, and international magazines, in catalogs, corporate websites, and as well as in many online media outlets. He is responsible for the vast majority of photos on the Celebration Generation blog, as well as all of the photography in Celebration Generation books. In addition to being an awesome husband and photographer to Marie, Porter is Celebration Generation's "Chief Engineering Officer", responsible for all custom builds, equipment repairs, and warp engine emergencies. His most recent large scale project is rebuilding the Porter house kitchen after the tornado... using lumber milled from the 100+ year old black walnut tree that landed on the house! In his spare time, Porter is an avid homebrewer and is pursuing a degree in engineering.

Table of Contents

Basic Principles of Spandex Design

- Proper Fit & Design Considerations
- Figure Flaw Camouflage
- Designing for the Character
- Visibility
- Functionality
- General Colour Theory
- Choosing a Posing Suit Colour
- Unity
- Selecting Fabrics

Pattern Alterations

- Measuring
- Using a Pattern
- Sizing a Pattern
- Adding Length
- Removing Length
- Adjusting Curve of the Back
- Adjusting the Butt Length
- Adjusting for Leg Openings
- Adjusting the Skirt Line
- Ruching
- Base Pattern Alteration Final Notes

Sewing Techniques

- In the Beginning
- Cutting the Fabric
- Seams
- Elastic Application
- Thread Colour Selection
- Colour Blocking
- Applique
- Piping
- Contrasting Elastic Binding
- Lining
- Zippers
- Closures
- Making Straps
- Making Strings
- Hems

Style Techniques

- Backs and Necklines
- "Monokini" & Cutaway Design
- Skirts

Costume Assembly

- Basic Order of Operations
- Applying a Sleeve
- Tights
- Booty Shorts
- Unitards
- Skirted Costumes
- Basic Bikini Bottom
- Strappy Bikini Bottom
- Basic Mens Trunks
- Basic Triangle Top
- Basic Underwire Top
- Underwired Bodices

Embellishments

- Getting Started
- Hand Painting
- Foil Embossing
- Glitter
- Crystals
- Sequins

Accessories

- Scrunchies
- Wristlets, Leg Warmers, Padding Covers
- Gloves
- Shoe & Boot Covers
- Stockings

Proper Care of Spandex Costumes

Resources

Note Pages