Blackstar Squadron: Battlestar Galactica costuming group.

[monolith21]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/monolith21/blackstarbanner801.jpg

Greetings fellow Warriors!

As some of you may already know, Reaper, Kronus, Mieal Deneb, Bradley Fett, and myself have all been working on launching a Battlestar Galactica costuming club. I wanted to open up a discussion here about our progress so far and get some ideas.

The first draft of the club charter is nearly finished. We're working hard to build this thing on a strong foundation. We've also come up with a plan for the organizational break down of the club. All of this will be available for you to see in the near future barring unseen complications.

We have a good idea of what sections we will have within the boards and we've been gathering resources to help make putting together a costume a bit easier. some of that has gone on here like in the gun belt thread.

What we're planning is pretty big. Global in fact. There are already a number of people interested from around the world.

Here is the mission statement...

The mission of Black Star Squadron is to create and support a community as the public face of Classic Battlestar Galactica fandom. Through costuming, public appearances, promotion, and charity, our aim is to celebrate, represent and support the original vision and themes of Battlestar Galactica past, present and future.



We're hoping you'll join us for the ride! If you would like to help out and are able, our immediate need (other than finishing our costumes) is some art work for a web page (even just an index page that links to the discussion board we're setting up).

We eventually want to have a page similar to the Rebel Legion and the 501st with profile pages and pictures for all our Warriors.

www.rebellegion.com
www.501st.com

We're lucky enough to have some very experienced members on board with this sort of thing already and we'd love more!

So lets open up some discussion about this! What do you all think? What would you like to see, or even do within a group like this? Charity events, fan films, conventions, parties? Its going to be a lot of fun!

[Kronus]

Well if someone has a Cylon costume I know it would go over HUGE at an event I am going to in May, (09 May 09) in Mira Mesa California. It is the "Chalk the Walk (http://www.mmwomensclub.com/ChalkMain/ChalkAnnualFestival.html)" event put on by the Womens Club of Mira Mesa. They are raising funds for the visual arts programs for the Mira Mesa city schools. This would be great way to start off our efforts. I know the director of the event and I could ask her if our BGCC could also participate?

In fact to be a non-profit sponser for their event it just requiers a $25 donation and they will provide a10'x10' space for the club to set up their own information booth and a 3'x3' side walk square to draw a picture of our choice on and get it published on their website.

Something to consider...but it maybe a bit too soon for some of us...BUT you know if someone has a Cylon costume and get one or two warriors there this would be such a success to what we are wanting to do.

[Reaper]

I know I couldn't make the walk, seeing how I'm on the other coast, but you can count me in on submitting a donation. Even if it's just to cover the table. Just getting the info out might help.

[Kronus]

I know I couldn't make the walk, seeing how I'm on the other coast, but you can count me in on submitting a donation. Even if it's just to cover the table. Just getting the info out might help.

If this is something we would be able to pull off in this short amount of time we will need some art work to add to some flyers and brochures.

Also will need some ideas on how to design the flyers and brochures (which we should create a separate thread topic to do this right).

Art work is going to be key and any web type cgi/flash would be a plus. We would also need a web address to add as a link to the flyers/brochures so those who inquire will have a place togo for more information and to be added to our roll here at CF as well.

A Costuming Guild Category added to CF would make this much easier for us here if the staff at CF would be willing to allow this. I'll send a request to Dawg and see what he suggests.

[KamikazeAthena]

I am totally down to join this club! Maybe it will get me to finally finish my whites. :salute:

[Reaper]

I am totally down to join this club! Maybe it will get me to finally finish my whites. :salute:

It would be an honor to have you among us my lady :)

All would be welcome :)

Whites huh? :) very nice and rare, nice choice :)

[monolith21]

Having Kamikaze on board is good luck! I'm glad you're into it!

I'll have to look into the dates for "Chalk the walk". It is definitely something I'd be into!

[clanger]

Sounds like a great idea.

There are quite a few costuming groups here in the UK that have BSG elements to them.

The UKG (part of the 501st), The Star Warriors, UK Frakkers etc, etc.

Mostly New Series but quite a few costumes from the Original, mostly Cylons!

They may be interested in a central costuming group for old school BSG, but obviously I cannot speak for them.

There are several of us from the Aliens Legacy board that are working on Colonial Warrior Costumes, one is even having a go at an Ovion!!

Good luck and keep us posted on the Black Squadrons progress.

Andy:salute:

[Kronus]

Having Kamikaze on board is good luck! I'm glad you're into it!

I'll have to look into the dates for "Chalk the walk". It is definitely something I'd be into!

The dates for this event is May 9th from 9am to 4pm. No cost to attend.

Mira Mesa Women's Club (http://www.mmwomensclub.com/ChalkMain/ChalkAnnualFestival.html)

[Reaper]

Sounds like a great idea.

There are quite a few costuming groups here in the UK that have BSG elements to them.

The UKG (part of the 501st), The Star Warriors, UK Frakkers etc, etc.

Mostly New Series but quite a few costumes from the Original, mostly Cylons!

They may be interested in a central costuming group for old school BSG, but obviously I cannot speak for them.

There are several of us from the Aliens Legacy board that are working on Colonial Warrior Costumes, one is even having a go at an Ovion!!

Good luck and keep us posted on the Black Squadrons progress.

Andy:salute:

Andy, definately sounds good, seems we'll have a great Uk presence in the group!!

I'm already talking to friends in my Garrison of the 501st and other local ones. I'm getting some interest here as well. I think we have some good momentum going right now!

[Mieal Deneb]

Like Reaper, I'm on the wrong side of the country to participate in the walk. :(

When you say "artwork", are you thinking images from the show Photoshopped into a collage sort of thing, or are you thinking drawing/painting?? I have Photoshop, but rarely get the time to use it. When it comes to art, I mostly draw with colored pencils. See my little Geocities site for some examples:

Angel Monkey Studios (http://www.geocities.com/rae_rae1701/gallery.html)

[Kronus]

Like Reaper, I'm on the wrong side of the country to participate in the walk. :(

When you say "artwork", are you thinking images from the show Photoshopped into a collage sort of thing, or are you thinking drawing/painting?? I have Photoshop, but rarely get the time to use it. When it comes to art, I mostly draw with colored pencils. See my little Geocities site for some examples:

Angel Monkey Studios (http://www.geocities.com/rae_rae1701/gallery.html)
I am at work and their network blocks Geocities sites so I'll check it out tonight when I get home.

As for artwork, I was refering to artwork we can include on flyers and brochures (preferably black-n-white or stencle since this would be cheaper to make multiple copies - xerox)

Now if we can get a booth there this year I would donate one of my laptops with my wireless broad band card and set it up to just browse to our websites and so we can display and show some favorite fan flicks of oBSG and other artwork. This would be a great way to promote CF and what we are doing with our costuming club...and even our up and coming RPG that we have been discussing.

If we do this we will need a portable generator to provide power for the laptop and possibly an external monitor for easier viewing??? Anyone have a large external monitor and a portable generator to donate for the day?

[Reaper]

when we have fliers and such, I can do some of the printing for the group.

And then mail them out to whoever needs them.

I can even do simple B&W business cards.

[Kronus]

Does anyone know who has a functioning oBSG cylon costume? And who would be willing to either come to the Mira MEsa event or allow someone to wear it to the event?

[KamikazeAthena]

Me? Good luck? WOW!

As for the Cylon costume, you might want to start a new topic asking about it just to get some attention. I know there are people on this board with them. I have no idea where they are located though.

I wish I could break away and go to the walk but sadly I will be stuck in the bay area packing that weekend. sigh!

[monolith21]

Absolutely you are good luck! You are a bringer of AWESOME! That and you have awesome costumes! I don't know many that have almost the full array of uniforms from the tans, blues, and (nearly) the whites! Very cool indeed. Don't you even have a helmet or two?

John, are you a member over at ASAP? We could request a Cylon there!
-Mark

[monolith21]

Absolutely you are good luck! You are a bringer of AWESOME! That and you have awesome costumes! I don't know many that have almost the full array of uniforms from the tans, blues, and (nearly) the whites! Very cool indeed. Don't you even have a helmet or two?

John, are you a member over at ASAP? We could request a Cylon there!
-Mark

[Charybdis]

I have had this thought for several yahrens now. Make a club just like the 501st, etc. only classic BSG instead. Problem is that it won't ever be as large as the 501st but we could have a nice little group, that's for sure.

Count me in!!!

[Kronus]

John, are you a member over at ASAP? We could request a Cylon there! -Mark
No I am not, what is the web address and I'll go and register there...or is this the one that only allows new members once in a while?

Either way give me the url and I'll do this ASAP...:rotf: I made a funny...:D

[Reaper]

John, here is your URL

http://propreplicas.yuku.com/

You wil have to create the Yuku account first. If you have problems after creating the account, let Mark or Myself know and we'll find out how to get you onboard.


Charybdis, Welcome to the group, The Squadron's forums should be up by the end of the weekend, once they are up, I look forward to seeing you over there! I do have to say, I do love your Film shorts!!

[Bouri-Plwel]

Does your costume need to be completed before you can join????

[Reaper]

Does your costume need to be completed before you can join????

To be a full "active" member, your costume does have to be comeplete. But we are going to have a forum open to everyone, so you can get to know everyone, make suggestiosn if you have any and see how the group is coming along.

To be honest, all but one of the 5 people organizing the group right now are workign on completeing our costumes as well, so, no worries about not having a finished costume.

[Bouri-Plwel]

Sweet....thanks....I am excited to be involved...especially being a base commander for the Rebel Legion....perhaps I can help with some insight while your organization of territorial Battlestars or Squadrons, or how ever your going to organize like how we have Bases....

[Reaper]

Sweet....thanks....I am excited to be involved...especially being a base commander for the Rebel Legion....perhaps I can help with some insight while your organization of territorial Battlestars or Squadrons, or how ever your going to organize like how we have Bases....

oh, I have had some experience with that too, having been LCO for the Rebel legion, as well as a founding member... well, along time ago, that is,

how you doing man? :) I thought that might be you :)

Ed

[Bouri-Plwel]

Good...I had no idea it was the same Reaper...I am doing well thanks...it has been too long!!!!..well it seems like this group will be in good hands then....just let me know how i can help.

[Charybdis]

Looks like half the Rebel Legion are becoming the Colonial Military!!! Let's do it!!!

[Reaper]

the more the better, that's what I have to say :)

I'd love to get more 501st and RL people involved :) as things progress, I'd like to be able to provide more and more serices from within the group. To provide costuming help, like members of the 501st provide armor.

And to even do custom style uniforms, much like Richard Hatch's Green jacket, or the old Olive Green jacket offered in Starlog mag all those years ago. :)

a source for the Blue/Black jackets for bridge crew :)

And let's face it, if you wanted to do a blackshirt costume, there is ALOT of custom work there. I don't think you could even find a replica of the vest anymore, even if you tried for a vintage one.

[Charybdis]

In wanting to keep this new club rather simple, I would suggest keeping all uniforms strictly to what was seen on the TV show (let's face it, there isn't hardly any EU stuff for Galactica!) and anyone who wants to create variations or special types of Colonial uniforms can join under a "Special Ops" category. I would strongly suggest not to have as many rules and regulations as we see in the 501st or RL...

OK, here is Col. Charybdis planetside just to whet your appetites!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/delachic/100_2664.jpg

[Reaper]

Al, that costume ROCKS!!! The ONLY thing I can say is I think the screen used costumes had a rivit on either side of the belt buckle. I was thinking about adding a false Screw post (I prefer to them to rivets) to the tongue of the Belt to give that look. but that's about the only point i can make about that unifrom!!

Andf yes, keeping things simpler then the 501st and What the RL has turned into is the goal. As is keeping things canon.

That said, I for one do have some interest in certain custom things. The "Blackstar Squadron" itself is have a custom set of pins and a patch (we have been leaning towards something overlayed on the Galactica Patch, similar to the Atlantia. but the main focus is stuff seen in the series.

The blue/Black Jacket was planned for COlonel Tigh in the second season, from what I read. And the green jacket Hatch has is from the Second Coming Trailer. Unfortunately, you're right, this does constitute just about all the Galactica EU out there.

We are just starting to talk about how we're going to organize the Member Gallery now, but any and all custom costumes that are made, would not be displayed with the reproduction costumes. I liked the idea of seperating the custom costumes fromt he canon ones in the RL gallery (and did suggest it myself lol) so at the worst, we'd do somethign similar, having a custom gallery.

[Charybdis]

Just took some pics of me in the warrior outfit. I'll try to get one up soon...

[Charybdis]

OK, will this qualify me for membership?? :)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/delachic/100_2705.jpg

[Gemini1999]

I think that we have a winner!

[Bouri-Plwel]

Al..you are the man...that costume...both of them are AWSOME!!!!!!!! Classic BSG is IT!!!!!!!

[monolith21]

Love the costume! Mind if I ask the source? Oh and we will definitely be keeping this thing a tad simpler than the 501st. As of now, we're definitely going to be in the same spirit but we sort of trimmed it up. I think this is most definitely going to be a lot of fun.

We may not have the numbers of the 501st, but that sort of goes with the underdog spirit of the rag tag fleet! Plus it'll be easier to get to know everyone. I just can't wait for that first group photo.

By the way Charybdis, that fan film you did was great! I'm hoping that this club will help with similar ventures.

[clanger]

OK, will this qualify me for membership??

:yikes: Wow!


That looks amazing, congratulations.

Andy

[Charybdis]

Thanks guys! I definitely expect some of you to star in some of my upcoming adventures aboard the Callisto!!!

As for the costume, the jacket is an old JK2 model which I got back in 1998 just before Kathy Pillsbury and Joseph Kerezman broke up the company. The actual uniform itself was originally ordered through JK2 but I got caught in the breakup. Kathy Pillsbury did the costume for me on her own and it is excellent.

For those who saw my blue bridge uniform, that's a bsg.org outfit. Also done very well...

[Gemini1999]

When it comes to uniforms for the original series, I've noted an interesting place to buy them. I don't know if they're custom made or not, or just made in generic sizes though. I was on a website called "Monsters In Motion", which is a SciFi memorabilia store in Southern California. I did a search for Battlestar Galactica to see what comes up. They had uniforms, gun belts, insignia (including Pegasus stuff), jackets and a few other small items as well. Here's a link (you have to scroll through to see everything TOS related):

http://www.monstersinmotion.com/catalog/advanced_search_result2.php?keywords=a&products_type=0&manufacturers_id=14&x=23&y=10

I don't know the source of the items, but the prices aren't bad (relatively speaking). If folks aren't capable of doing their own, it might not be a bad idea. The only items that would need to be found or made would be the uniform belts and the boots. From the pricing on the website and comparing them with the pricing on BSG.org's website, that may indeed be the originating source.

Just a suggestions - I've been keeping the webpage for the site on my PC for future use when I have the funds available.

Bryan

[Charybdis]

Isn't that the store that uses the exact same pictures as those featured on the bsg.org site? I remember something about this on another thread...

I also wonder if they use the same source or if they purchase them and then resell them? An email to them might reveal some interesting information.

At least there are vendors out there still selling the stuff!

[monolith21]

BSG.org and Monsters in Motion are great resources. Anyone have any other links they know of? Reaper already came up with a uniform resource I had no idea about (costume base). Mieal Deneb is working on patterns as well! By the time we get all these resources together we'll have a list that works with a wide variety of budgets from about $200.00 (full costume) to $600.00.

In all fairness, we do want to have some costume standards in place. Charybdis' costume is a great example of the quality we are hoping for! The cheaper costumes definitely reflect the price, but we'd rather have someone involved than not. Therefore we'll probably have a "rank" limit for those costumes. The Katarra, BSG.org, Monsters in Motion, and other uniforms of similar quality should be considered the higher quality and I think our ultimate goal.

[LordStarFyre]

Bravo Monolith!!! And all the Rest!!!

This is EXACTLY what needs to be around here.

A couple of requests.

1 - Detailed Measurements and reference material for the Helmets (for the more "adventerous" who wish to embark on creating one.) Also Patterns and reference for the Tunics and Jackets.

2 - Links and reference for purchasing Costumes / Helmets / Blasters / Boots with various price ranges and ratings for quality, for those that may or may not have the ability or time to hand-make theirs

I know you guys have probably already discussed this, so if it's in the works disregards my meddlng.

Bravo to all again!!!

[monolith21]

Thanks man! Truth be told, Reaper, Mieal Deneb, and Kronus have been the ones "in the know" and deserve most of the credit for getting us this far.

Actually, a system of rating for costumes isn't a bad idea. For points of reference it would be good to do side by side pictures. I'd say your costume Charybdis as a reference for screen accurate. The "AF blue vs. Steel grey" belts vary according to taste and opinion. So lets say for a point of reference that is an A. BSG.org's uniforms would count as maybe A-.

I'll post some uniform resources in another thread with prices and ratings just by my opinion. Maybe someone can vouch for a uniforms that I may think is pretty off.

[monolith21]

In wanting to keep this new club rather simple, I would suggest keeping all uniforms strictly to what was seen on the TV show (let's face it, there isn't hardly any EU stuff for Galactica!) and anyone who wants to create variations or special types of Colonial uniforms can join under a "Special Ops" category. I would strongly suggest not to have as many rules and regulations as we see in the 501st or RL...

OK, here is Col. Charybdis planetside just to whet your appetites!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/delachic/100_2664.jpg

I'm glad to see and it is worthy to note that the Battlestar Galactica.org bridge crew uniforms do not seem as blue as they do in their site's pictures. Seems a bit more accurate than I thought it would be. Cool!

[Lara]

sweeet, sweet stuff! (drooool)

Wishing my costuming skills were up to playing at this level. And they never sell the girls versions of the gear :-( I have coveted a jacket for soo long

Don't mind me if I stay on the side and shout encouragement??

Cheers,
Lara

[Charybdis]

ANd also, remember that lighting plays major havoc with the color of these uniforms! I actually wish that the bridge uniform was just a little bit more darker blue than it is, but it is pretty nice overall...

I even hate to mention this other vendor given that their uniform is inaccurate and otehr issues besides, but starfortress.com also has BSG stuff...

[monolith21]

Yeah, I put down costume base because the quality seems about the same and to avoid the other issues with the whole Universal Armorer thing.

I can't really think of any other costume where the lighting makes such a difference than on Battlestar. You quite literally have to choose between what you see on screen and what actually was...and even then the right colors aren't easy to find. I'm going for as screen accurate as I can.

I was hoping in the beginning that we could come up with some official colors to that we would all match as closely as possible, but that really isn't fair to the people who already have their uniforms. In the end I'd just rather see a bunch of people in uniform!

[Charybdis]

Given that each vendor probably uses some different form of cloth, color matching of these uniforms is going to be impossible at this stage...

[Reaper]

Given that each vendor probably uses some different form of cloth, color matching of these uniforms is going to be impossible at this stage...


I have to agree, coplor matching between those that have and those who don't will be near impossible.

then you have people working on their own costumes, People buying from places such as BSG.Org, and the handful of other people who sell the costume.
What we can do to try and get as many matched as possible is listing the material, and colors that the "home made" costumers are using and recommend that to others.

[Gemini1999]

When I first saw the post about "grading" the costumes, I kind of winced a bit. Then I saw the discussion turn in a better direction when people realized that with costumes coming from different sources, that it's just not practical to set a benchmark or standard in terms of construction, materials, etc.

As someone pointed out, there are folks that have made their own, others that have bought theirs from a few semi-professional sources and then there are those that have yet to either make or buy theirs. As for costumes that are purchased from someone else that makes them, if they got it from someone that still makes them, by all means, post links to that source and provide pricing info. For those that have already made them, if you have patterns, fabric sources or any other info, also pass those on here to those that would benefit from your experience.

Generally speaking, the uniform pants are a pretty easy deal as they are just a standard pants pattern without any pockets. I notice tailoring seams on original series costumes on the backside to make them fit properly, but that's the only real variance from the original pattern. The shirt pattern for the most part is also pretty standard, it's the front placket with the padding and seams that's the most work, along with the collar. I remember a friend of mine doing quite a bit of measuring and practicing on cheap fabric to come up with a proper fit for the collar as it has a "pie slice" design to it and you want it to look right. The jacket itself is also pretty standard in a basic sense, but with all the "patchwork" pieces and piping in various areas, it's a fair bit of work. I've seen some homemade jackets that look terrific and others that look all droopy and don't fit right.

If I was going to spend money on having something pre-made, it would probably be the jacket. As for the uniform itself, once the patterns are sorted out and the right kind of fabrics have been sources, if you know someone that's willing to make a custom fit uniform if you provide all the materials, that would be the best option. If you have the skills and the time, the satisfaction of making your own can be a lot of fun. In the end, being happy with the result and how it looks and makes you feel is what's most important.

Bryan

[monolith21]

I agree, the color match thing would be a nightmare. About the only thing I can think of is coming up with a list of suggested resources for the material and what not. I count my current jacket as outside canon. The shell material is nearly as dark as the shoulders. It is still a very well made piece, and I think things like this will definitely fit into the club. Some degree of uniformity is a necessary, but I think we have a lot of room within that.

If you look at pictures from Galacticon 2003 of fans in costume, there is quite a bit of color variance, but nothing all that drastic. Something as dark as my jacket for example, would stick out like a sore thumb! I think that is a good guide line, keep it within reason. It may not be exact, but ball park unless it is a "Special Ops" type uniforms that goes outside of canon.

I think it would be hilarious to have a bunch of us show up in all white uniforms as well.

[Reaper]

I think I'd look Dreamy in white!!!

And we can do the wites in G-1980 style. lol

Just get white jakets and keep them closed lol

[Gemini1999]

I found some costume pics over at BattlestarZone:


http://www.geocities.com/sjpaxton/adama.jpg http://www.geocities.com/sjpaxton/apollofulldress.jpg



http://www.geocities.com/sjpaxton/starbuckgun.jpg http://www.geocities.com/sjpaxton/apollodress.jpg

I know that the pictures vary in color tone and lighting, but it's not bad considering the age and quality from that
era.

I also found a really great article where someone researched the materials used on the original costumes. It's a bit long, so I'm just going to post a link:

http://www.geocities.com/sjpaxton/uniforms.html

Bryan

[monolith21]

That article definitely has a lot of great info in it. I think the only thing that has really been debunked from that article is the Ultrasuede. Chris Pappas wrote up an equally informative post over at the RPF that had a pretty interesting idea as to why the Ultrasuede myth began in the first place. If we're lucky maybe he'll re-post some of that info here.

Buttersuede is an almost exact match. However, a few years ago they stopped making it in the correct color. It is certainly cheaper than the Ultrasuede.

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Buttersuede_stcVVcatId538896VVviewcat.htm

The tan is a tad light for the pants and tunic, but definitely looks close. The brown is the darker material my jacket was made out of. You can see a picture of it over in the uniform resource thread.

Now, having said that...I think it would be awesome to make a jacket out of Ultrasuede! There was a guy a few years back doing them that way and they looked sharp! However it would cost close to two hundred bucks in materials.

[monolith21]

I think I'd look Dreamy in white!!!

And we can do the wites in G-1980 style. lol

Just get white jakets and keep them closed lol

I'm not wearing the bell bottoms man. I won't do it. :rotf:

[Reaper]

I'm not wearing the bell bottoms man. I won't do it. :rotf:

You know you want to!!! You know you do!!! lol

Yeah, I'm not either, but it would be easier to find plain white pants and a White long sleeve T-Shirt to wear under the correct white jacket. I'd still blouse the boots, which means white boots lol.

[Reaper]

ok, The initial Squadroin forums are up and we invite everyone to joint he forums ther as well. Not that discussions will end here. :)

http://blackstarsquad.proboards.com/index.cgi?

Until we can set up the actual squadron website and create a gallery, there is no "official" membership yet. But rest assured that Charibdis is going to be accepted as soon as there is. lol

[Gemini1999]

That article definitely has a lot of great info in it. I think the only thing that has really been debunked from that article is the Ultrasuede. Chris Pappas wrote up an equally informative post over at the RPF that had a pretty interesting idea as to why the Ultrasuede myth began in the first place. If we're lucky maybe he'll re-post some of that info here.

Buttersuede is an almost exact match. However, a few years ago they stopped making it in the correct color. It is certainly cheaper than the Ultrasuede.

http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Buttersuede_stcVVcatId538896VVviewcat.htm

The tan is a tad light for the pants and tunic, but definitely looks close. The brown is the darker material my jacket was made out of. You can see a picture of it over in the uniform resource thread.

Now, having said that...I think it would be awesome to make a jacket out of Ultrasuede! There was a guy a few years back doing them that way and they looked sharp! However it would cost close to two hundred bucks in materials.

I'm not too sure about that "buttersuede" fabric. I went to a Hancock Fabrics at lunch today and took a look at it. The fabric has a stretch to it and is really too lightweight for this kind of use. It might be okay for a uniform shirt, but the fabric is overly soft and very lightweight - not to mention the fact you can't find the right color.

As for the debunking of Ultrasuede - back in 1978, Ultrasuede was a very new fabric that is produced in a variety of colors and fabric weights. When BSG first came out, most of the people I knew that were making their own costumes were using Ultrasuede as their fabric of choice for the jackets, uniforms, capes, etc. Ultrasuede wears very well, does not stretch, does not sag and it has the right texture. Ultrasuede is actually the forerunner of microfiber fabrics that are used quite extensively today. One of the best features of Ultrasuede is that it is machine washable, but still maintains it's texture and color if you wash it according to the recommended instructions.

I remember buying some blue Ultrasuede to make a bridge uniform back in 1979. The color was a nice dark midnight blue and the texture was perfect, but the costume never got made and the fabric found its way into other hands for lack of use.

Ultrasuede may not be the actual fabric according to certain sources, but it's probably the closest in color, weight and texture in today's fabric market. I went on their website and they have colors that look very close to what some of us might need or want to make uniforms with. Of course, not knowing what today's prices will cost, but it's still a good choice.

Bryan

[Reaper]

doing a quick search, Ultra Suede is about $50 a yard, while the buter suede is $6 a yard.

I'd say for uniforms (the tans and the blues) The Butter suede might be the better choice, since the color matches decently.

Doing the entire uniform in Ultra Suede would make doing it at home more expensive then buying one of the available Costumes.

[monolith21]

Oh the buttersuede is definitely too light as is. The originals were HEAVILY interfaced. They also and they had the lining added on top of that then the piping. The originals are heavier than any replica I've ever seen. The jackets are almost as heavy as a motorcycle jacket. I was really surprised.

Hancock also carries "stretch" suede which is way off. The main thing with the ultrasuede is the pile and feel. The buttersuede has the right look to it, the right feel (very slightly course to the tough, but still "suedeish") and is pretty darn close to the real thing which was a suede cloth.

I agree though, ultrasuede would be cool. Might be easier to find the correct color as you said. Though I still haven't found it!:mad:

I'm actually more concerned with the color and the weight than the exact match of fabric. In the end I suppose it is personal preference.

Are you planning to make a uniform our of ultrasuede Bryan?

[monolith21]

doing a quick search, Ultra Suede is about $50 a yard, while the buter suede is $6 a yard.

I'd say for uniforms (the tans and the blues) The Butter suede might be the better choice, since the color matches decently.

Doing the entire uniform in Ultra Suede would make doing it at home more expensive then buying one of the available Costumes.

Yeah, I think that would put us up at about $800 or so just in fabric. Not counting buckles, braid, lining, or patches. Throw boots in, belt, gun belt, and a blaster and you're well over grand.

I love the stuff and I think it would wear great. It would also be durable, but I know I can't afford it. The screen used items I got to examine a few years back at the auction were definitely not made of ultrasuede. I've heard "contour suede" was what they used as well.

Gary's Upholstery has some suede cloth that looks pretty decent color wise. Its not cheap either at around $35 a yard.

I'm actually thinking about custom dying some buttersuede. I've got some extra tan that is very light. Might cut a yard of it up into swatches and trying different dye mixes. Could turn out interesting!

[Matador]

Hello,

Reaper invited me to come join.

Someone sent me a private email and wanted to see what my blaster looked like.

http://cid-a857486651b87acc.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/CG%20Airwolf%20by%20Danakinobi/IMG%5E_0781.jpg#resId/A857486651B87ACC!168

[Reaper]

welcome, Great blaster!!!

Drop by the main forums for the Squadron!

http://blackstarsquad.proboards.com/index.cgi?

[Mieal Deneb]

Nice. Does the end of it light up?

[Matador]

Nice. Does the end of it light up?

Yes, the end lights up and it has a built in sound card that makes that classic blaster sound from the show.

I got it a couple years ago from ebay... I haven't found another since.

[Mieal Deneb]

Cool that it makes the sound! :cool:

[Captain Chirri]

Instead of spending waaaay too much for Ultrasuede, how about using microsuede?

I've got a body pillow cover made of microsuede, and it's a smidge off of the color of the bridge uniforms, but could pass.

I'm going to check around and see what kind of prices per yard are available.

[Captain Chirri]

I've been checking out a couple of sites, and there's one called kjsinteriors.com that sells microsuede in gorgeous colors, for a very reasonable price per yard.

Yeah, the fabric is intended for indoor furnishings, but why quibble? We don't want anything too light that has to be interfaced up the yin-yang, do we?

They've got a range of brown shades from light to dark, and there's one there that's a chocolate brown that would do well for the Warrior's jacket.

I also checked out prices for Ultrasuede and YIKES! They want $60 per yard!

That's nuts!

The stuff is pretty, but pricey.

[Colonel Archon]

Here is Colonel Charybdis planetside, just to whet your appetites!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b83/delachic/100_2664.jpg

By the Lords Of Kobol, where did you originally get that uniform? And how many cubits did it cost you? I'll wager it must have been more cubits than I've had available to me in YAHRENS!!

[Charybdis]

Hi guys! Nice to see my pic has been around!!

The bridge uniform I'm wearing is from battlestargalactica.org with custom sizing. Although when I received the order, the pants were way too big in the waist. But since you wear the tunic over the pants, i just pull tight on my belt and it wears just fine...

I just checked and it is available for order right now for just $299.99USD. So what are you waiting for? I need help on the bridge!!

[Colonel Archon]

:yikes:Lords Of Kobol help us!

Three hundred cubits and tribute!

That IS more cubits than I have available to me in a whole yahren.:...:

[Colonel Archon]

Improved news, my fellow Colonials.

I am able to duplicate our Core Command bridge officer uniforms without having to use the equipment aboard the Galactica.