JennyRuth's Scout Build

[jennyruth]

I don't normally do WIPs like this, but I've been lurking around and asking questions for some time now, and have found this forum to be incredibly helpful, so I thought you all deserve a peek into my build, and I also hope that it could be helpful to someone in the future.

I'm a 5'3" lady with a smaller frame, so this is completely out of my comfort zone, but I'm really excited to vary from my normal soft-only costumes. This is also my first 501st costume (I have several in the RL.)

My armor has been ordered since the end of May from RS Propmasters and should be arriving to me in the near future, so I thought I'd get started on my soft parts. After much deliberation and getting input from others, I decided to go with a two-piece undersuit, making potty breaks easier and tailoring easier for my shape. (Side note: I did try on a RedKap coverall, and it was quite ill-fitting and uncomfortable, so it affirmed my decision to make my own.

I was itching to get started, so, for tonight . . . I cut out my trousers.

They are a black twill cotton, and the same fabric will be used for the top.

[MrsPoopie]

I don't normally do WIPs like this, but I've been lurking around and asking questions for some time now, and have found this forum to be incredibly helpful, so I thought you all deserve a peek into my build, and I also hope that it could be helpful to someone in the future.

 

I'm a 5'3" lady with a smaller frame, so this is completely out of my comfort zone, but I'm really excited to vary from my normal soft-only costumes. This is also my first 501st costume (I have several in the RL.)

 

My armor has been ordered since the end of May from RS Propmasters and should be arriving to me in the near future, so I thought I'd get started on my soft parts. After much deliberation and getting input from others, I decided to go with a two-piece undersuit, making potty breaks easier and tailoring easier for my shape. (Side note: I did try on a RedKap coverall, and it was one of the most ill-fitting, uncomfortable garments I've ever put on, and it affirmed my decision to make my own.)

 

I was itching to get started, so, for tonight . . . I cut out my trousers.

They are a black twill cotton, and the same fabric will be used for the top.

That's really cool! Where did you find your pattern?

 

[jennyruth]

4 hours ago, MrsPoopie said:

That's really cool! Where did you find your pattern?

 

Thanks!

This is the base pattern that I've used for four costumes so far: https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6361

Like armor, commercial patterns have to be modified to fit you, and I had to make modifications for specific costume looks as well. But, this is now my fifth pair with my modified pattern, and I think I'm finally not hating making pants so much this time  

[jennyruth]

These patches are gonna drive me bonkers. I'm sure I'm making them more complicated than they have to be. Anyway, I think the back side may need to extend along the bottom of my bum a little more. Maybe? And the front seems a little too wide, maybe? Input would be appreciated.

[Frank75139]

I think they look good. It’s nerve racking I know.


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[Whiskey]

I know what you mean. 

I went through several iterations 

 

 

 

I think it looks great!  The length to just above the knee looks good.

 

i extrended the leather under the “bum area” for the practicality of the trooper on extensive riding on a bike in the form of an upside down taco shell

 

It it also helps avoiding getting a wedgie from the elastic from the cod piece 

[jennyruth]

12 hours ago, Whiskey said:

I know what you mean. 

I went through several iterations 

 

 

 

I think it looks great!  The length to just above the knee looks good.

 

i extrended the leather under the “bum area” for the practicality of the trooper on extensive riding on a bike in the form of an upside down taco shell

 

It it also helps avoiding getting a wedgie from the elastic from the cod piece 

Avoiding wedgies--definitely a good thought! haha

[jennyruth]

Here is the progress on my bottom half so far--primarily the patches and straps. I have a big question about the straps, though. I took a close-up of the back area, in which the strap seems to pull at the back patch a bit. The strap is not at all tight, but it is not the same length as that area between the front and back patch, obviously. But, if I pull some of the length out so that it doesn't pull, the strap will be droopy. So, my question is: Should the strap be more taut, like in the picture (with some pull) OR should it be not pull and be droopy/loose on the sides?

I've tried to look at pictures, but that black on black in less-than-ideal lighting makes it really difficult to see.

 

[Frank75139]

Not sure how it’s “supposed” to be but my straps aren’t that tight. I can fit my hand in between the strap and my pants with ease. They aren’t loose, and there is no pull, they just kinda sit there.


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[jennyruth]

1 hour ago, Frank75139 said:

Not sure how it’s “supposed” to be but my straps aren’t that tight. I can fit my hand in between the strap and my pants with ease. They aren’t loose, and there is no pull, they just kinda sit there.


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Thanks! I went ahead and fixed it, and it turns out that the straps weren't very droopy after all--just like you said  I don't have a new pic, but I'm much happier with the alteration. I'll try to get a new one up when I get the pants more completed and add the flap in the back.

[CatfoodRob]

I was worried about drooping straps also , so I put a small invisible stitch in two places along their length to keep them in position . 

 

[Chopper]

14 hours ago, jennyruth said:

Here is the progress on my bottom half so far--primarily the patches and straps. I have a big question about the straps, though. I took a close-up of the back area, in which the strap seems to pull at the back patch a bit. The strap is not at all tight, but it is not the same length as that area between the front and back patch, obviously. But, if I pull some of the length out so that it doesn't pull, the strap will be droopy. So, my question is: Should the strap be more taut, like in the picture (with some pull) OR should it be not pull and be droopy/loose on the sides?

I've tried to look at pictures, but that black on black in less-than-ideal lighting makes it really difficult to see.

 

Hi Jenny. Overall, I think you've done a fantastic job. Those suede patches look dead on.

And...as you've discovered, the odd ways that the elastic straps pull at the fabric is one of the more frustrating aspects of the scout coveralls.

The rear photos are a bit small, so I can't zoom in much, but I think if you let them out slightly, maybe 1/2" (?), it should alleviate the issue. They don't need to be super tight -- but there's a happy medium between bunching, and just secure enough that they mostly stay in place.

[jennyruth]

24 minutes ago, Chopper said:

Hi Jenny. Overall, I think you've done a fantastic job. Those suede patches look dead on.

And...as you've discovered, the odd ways that the elastic straps pull at the fabric is one of the more frustrating aspects of the scout coveralls.

The rear photos are a bit small, so I can't zoom in much, but I think if you let them out slightly, maybe 1/2" (?), it should alleviate the issue. They don't need to be super tight -- but there's a happy medium between bunching, and just secure enough that they mostly stay in place.

Thanks! The suede was frustrating, but I underestimated the power of the dark side of those straps  The hard part is knowing I can't infinitely keep sewing over those suede patches or they'll start to get compromised. I think I've got it fixed, but I'm having trouble posting my pictures in a reasonable size. I'll post one below by itself. 

[jennyruth]

[Chopper]

That looks great! Good work Jenny!

[jennyruth]

2 minutes ago, Chopper said:

That looks great! Good work Jenny!

Thank you! For the butt flap--will the bottom of it hit around the top of where the straps are?

[Chopper]

No, it shouldn't go down that far, though it'll be easier to gauge, once you get your belt on. If you look at the CRL image, it should drop to about where the top of the suede patches are.

[jennyruth]

1 minute ago, Chopper said:

No, it shouldn't go down that far, though it'll be easier to gauge, once you get your belt on. If you look at the CRL image, it should drop to about where the top of the suede patches are.

Gotcha. I may wait on that part until my armor comes in, then. Or, make it too long and trim it when i can try it all on. Thanks!

[jennyruth]

Sooooo . . . long story short, I received armor from RS Propmasters in July, and their pulls are just extremely large for my frame size. It is an absolutely beautiful set, but no amount of work or shaping would get it to fit me. They were gracious to work with me to send it back, but I had to start over on that front, and it kinda sucked the wind out of my sails. However, I've started back on my soft parts and have gotten my gloves and balaclava. After conversations and sending back and forth measurements with Jeff, Studio Creations has been super helpful to help  me get armor that actually fits. Hopefully that will be coming along soon.

I did stick with the red label helmet from RS and their blaster, and they are lovely pieces. They arrived with my original armor purchase with paint issues, but I received my replacements a couple of weeks ago, and the paint is good.

My biggest challenge at the moment is boots. The ones most people use are men's, which is fine, but I can't find them in a small enough men's size to fit my foot. Haha, the story of my life with this armor project. So, I have seen these and would like to know if they are suitable for the base sole that I can alter for lancer status. I know they have to be carved. I'm not sure at this point if I'll ever make it there (right now I'd just be happy with armor that fits), but I'd like to have all my parts in line in case I do.

[Retrofire]

I’m sorry the RS didn’t work out but I am happy that they worked with you to take it back. It’s just a minor setback and we all get them so don’t be discouraged. Your boots look like they will work just fine. You don’t need to worry about the cuts unless you go for Lancer (which we hope you do) so this base boot is good. Too many troopers neglect their feet so make sure they are comfortable on yours for those long stints in armor.

If your researching armor types that will fit I would recommend dropping by the Recon Fatale thread on the forum and see what providers they used for a smaller frame.

Keep chipping away at that soft armor and I would suggest to use the Lancer CRL specs even if you don’t have any immediate plans to go there yet. It makes for an excellent looking scout. As always you’re not alone on this journey so keep posting those questions and let us know how we can help.

[jennyruth]

2 minutes ago, Retrofire said:

I’m sorry the RS didn’t work out but I am happy that they worked with you to take it back. It’s just a minor setback and we all get them so don’t be discouraged. Your boots look like they will work just fine. You don’t need to worry about the cuts unless you go for Lancer (which we hope you do) so this base boot is good. Too many troopers neglect their feet so make sure they are comfortable on yours for those long stints in armor.

If your researching armor types that will fit I would recommend dropping by the Recon Fatale thread on the forum and see what providers they used for a smaller frame.

Keep chipping away at that soft armor and I would suggest to use the Lancer CRL specs even if you don’t have any immediate plans to go there yet. It makes for an excellent looking scout. As always you’re not alone on this journey so keep posting those questions and let us know how we can help.

Thank you for the encouragement! It's taking longer than I wanted, but I know I'll eventually get there  I've talked to several other smaller females about armor, and I think I'm on a good path now. However, I didn't know that forum existed, so I'll go check that one out.

I'm definitely using the Lancer specs for my soft parts because, like you said, it makes the whole costume look good. 

So, would these boots work for the Lancer cuts? Or is it just a good base without them? I'm trying to figure out how things will work for Lancer before I buy them. And, yes, comfort is definitely a priority, too!  

 

 

[Retrofire]

Those soles will be fine for Lancer with the correct cuts. Keep in mind that the dog bone part of the boot does not cross over the soles so that’s a measure twice cut once part. It’s best to cut out a pattern from something like a paper grocery bag to check the fit before you cut your vinyl. If/when you decide to do your cuts a Dremel tool makes fast accurate work of them so if you have one or can borrow one I would recommend it. You can cut them out with hobby knives but you got to go slow and be careful to just cut the boot and not you.

[mickeymark34]

On 11/4/2019 at 10:23 PM, Retrofire said:

Those soles will be fine for Lancer with the correct cuts. Keep in mind that the dog bone part of the boot does not cross over the soles so that’s a measure twice cut once part. It’s best to cut out a pattern from something like a paper grocery bag to check the fit before you cut your vinyl. If/when you decide to do your cuts a Dremel tool makes fast accurate work of them so if you have one or can borrow one I would recommend it. You can cut them out with hobby knives but you got to go slow and be careful to just cut the boot and not you.

Awesome build thread so far. I am waiting on my SC armor kit, and cannot wait to dive into my build. I never thought of using my Dremel to carve the boots. I think I'll go that route next time. 

[Retrofire]

Heh I learned the hard way cutting my boots with x-acto knives and took an unplanned trip to the ER to get stitched up. Funny look on the docs face when he asked me what I was doing. Best of luck with your build and make sure to start up a build thread. As a GML I see a huge difference in ease of approvals when folks spend time with the detachments building their rig. Don’t forget we’re here if you need us so reach out if you need any help.

[Tinker]

On 11/4/2019 at 6:53 AM, jennyruth said:

Sooooo . . . long story short, I received armor from RS Propmasters in July, and their pulls are just extremely large for my frame size. It is an absolutely beautiful set, but no amount of work or shaping would get it to fit me. They were gracious to work with me to send it back, but I had to start over on that front, and it kinda sucked the wind out of my sails. However, I've started back on my soft parts and have gotten my gloves and balaclava. After conversations and sending back and forth measurements with Jeff, Studio Creations has been super helpful to help  me get armor that actually fits. Hopefully that will be coming along soon.

I did stick with the red label helmet from RS and their blaster, and they are lovely pieces. They arrived with my original armor purchase with paint issues, but I received my replacements a couple of weeks ago, and the paint is good.

My biggest challenge at the moment is boots. The ones most people use are men's, which is fine, but I can't find them in a small enough men's size to fit my foot. Haha, the story of my life with this armor project. So, I have seen these and would like to know if they are suitable for the base sole that I can alter for lancer status. I know they have to be carved. I'm not sure at this point if I'll ever make it there (right now I'd just be happy with armor that fits), but I'd like to have all my parts in line in case I do.

I have Jeff’s armor and it fits me well. You might need to swap the biceps for his older biceps, depends on the fit. I am 5’2” and his standard biceps were too big on me. Jeff was great about helping me get the biceps exchanged. My helmet is also SC and fits me perfectly, I tend to wear kids size hats.

 Still building my scout and your photos of the suede patches are so helpful! Thanks for posting this build thread.