Medusa Costume

   Okay, it's time to get spooky..... October has finally arrived which means Halloween is right around the corner. My favourite time of year. Also one of the busiest. There is decorating to do. Parties to plan and costumes to make. Lots of costumes.

   One of the costumes I have been working on is Medusa. That mythological gorgon that turns men to stone.The dress is basically finished and was rather simple to put together due largely to the fact that the fabric I chose does not fray. It is a synthetic, imitation snakeskin. At first I found the fabric gummy and hard to work with. It kept sticking to itself. (My solution: douse it with baby powder). The powder not only alleviated the gumminess, it also dulled the finish giving the fabric a dusty, aged look. Just perfect for Medusa.
   There is only minimal sewing on the tunic. Basically it is a rectangular piece of fabric folded around the body and then tacked together in two places to create the armholes. One side is left open which is tucked around the body when worn. The belt holds it closed.

    I did no hemming or finished edges since, as I said before, the fabric does not fray. (Note: if using a fabric that does fray, sew a narrow hem along all edges.) Also I cut my rectangle to have a angled drape. (See diagram at left). Straight or angled is entirely up to you. This pattern works well for almost any Grecian costume and is really easy. Here is another photo of what the finished tunic looks like off of the dress-form.

   The under skirt is a simple straight skirt with one seam down the back. I left a vent opening for walking ease and the waist is elastic set into a fold-over casing. To finish it off, I added some gold appliqués and decorative buttons on the shoulders where the fabric is tacked.

    The belt is a piece of black vinyl with attached gold trim. I also made a arm band (not shown) with some of the black vinyl. I think I am pretty much satisfied with the dress so now I can focus on the headpiece. I'll post details of that project next week. I have some ideas and it involves chicken wire. I guess that could be considered fabric, right? ......Stay tuned...and Happy Adventures !