Other Stuff You'll Need...

Once you've got your collection of notions and tools that you'll need let's focus on the next shopping trip, the fabric!

• The primary fabric: Since we're making an Imperial Officer's tunic, it'd probably be smart to take a look at was was used for the original Star Wars movies. Because it was the 70's polyester gabardine was the fabric of choice. Polyester is essentially spun plastic, making it a very hot fabric to wear. The weave, gabardine, is a fairly common one that you will see many suits and jackets made out of. Personally I would rather not subject myself to a polyester death tunic during a convention, however, for those more budget challenged this might be the most logical option for you. Go look for a fabric with a decent weight, the right color and something within your price range... however if you're going to spend a lot of money on this project I HIGHLY HIGHLY stress this is the time to spend the big bucks. The better quality the fabric, the more comfortable you will be and the better the tunic will look. I would personally go with a medium weight wool. There's a good selection at www.trimfabric.com h. The merits of wool are many, despite what you might think, you don't get all hot a sweaty in it unless you're stalking some hottie or running from the cops. It's amazing stuff to sew and surprisingly forgiving if you make a mistake.
• The lining: You might think, since no one is going to see this why should I line my tunic? It's important for several reasons, first because it helps the jacket hang properly, second because it makes the insides slick making it easier to get on, and third because it covers all the hand stitching you'll be doing and prevents snagging and wearing of the delicate bits helping your tunic last. When you're at the fabric store don't get the thinnest lining you can find, we want something with a little substance, so go for the weightier stuff.
• Interfacing: This will be the most important and the trickiest for you to find. We'll need a couple of very specific specialty items that you'll need to order online unless you live near a really awesome fabric store, then I would like an apartment listing in your area so that I can move in. For everyone else, you can get what you need at Sew True.
  
• Hymo cloth: this is a very stiff woven interfacing that is used almost exclusivly in the shoulders of suits. It helps get that nice smooth shoulder that makes you look all the more intimidating.
  
• Heavy Interfacing: Make sure to get a very heavy woven interfacing for the collar and several other areas of the suit.
• Medium Interfacing: Again, make sure to get woven interfacing.
• Light Woven Interfacing
• Sleeve Head: These are thin strips of fleecy fabric that is used to shape the sleeve cap. Done right it looks REALLY good and can set apart any costume from the rest.

After you've gotten all your fabric you'll need to get matching thread. Investing in the more expensive thread will result in less thread breakage and less frustration from you. Silk or cotton thread is preferable to the Coats & Clark thread that is cotton covered polyester thread.

So you've got your fabric, lining, interfacing and thread. The next post will focus on how to use those tools of yours and get you warmed up to start making a pattern.