Construction Details:

Because she's a mechanic, this was more than just basic sewing and normal prop work. I got to dig around in my shed as well as peruse Home Depot for props and accessories which were easily the most fun part of putting this costume together!! I found a lot of pieces (i.e. hair pieces, rope, pieces for her jewelry & etc) just laying around collecting dust in the shed and went to town. This costume introduced me to a lot of new tools and methods, such as using wonderflex and leather. Gaige's mechanical arm was shaped with wonderflex and spray painted then dry brushed with silver and rust detailing, then those pieces were attached to a black lycra sleeve/glove with velcro (the attachment method idea is thanks to another talented Gaige, Kirakira Cosplay who gave me a few tips as I asked for help). My machine is very old (1955 Singer) and I only had one leather needle left, so some of the leather pieces on the vest were handsewn after that needle broke. One of my very best friends helped me style the wig and pattern out her vest out of an old sheet. I did all of the skirt on my own and let me tell you, box pleating takes a LOT of fabric; thank goodness I bought more than enough! For the skulls on both her shirt and vest I painted them with Jacquard black fabric paint onto some white cotton fabric and sewed them on. I used the same paint to add the unique thick stripes on her tights as well. As for her shoes, I bought a pair of white canvas sneakers and dyed them twice to get a closer shade with RIT dye then painted the vault symbol. My friend Piggynukka instructed me on how to do the brown leather belt and I also commissioned her to make my Vault Hunter belt buckle which is attached to my second 'chain' belt (made from wonderflex and painted). Not to mention she gave me a bunch of red leather scraps for free! I used those to construct a last minute fingerless glove my friend Burgawinosourus helped me shape to my hand. Overall this was a time consuming but really fun costume to make and wear and I will absolutely wear it a bunch more! My contacts are from Pinky Paradise in Shinny Green and last but not least I bought an old/dead airsoft gun and painted it to resemble the Teapot pistol you get from Tiny Tina. It's regrettably unfinished; the vest still needs front detailing and she has a piston, some belt accessories and two tool holsters, as well as a legit class mod (my boyfriend bought me a last minute Hello Kitty lunchbox to use and because I didn't have any paint in the hotel, I just used it as it was and it was really cute not to mention handy to keep my phone in). But this costume is so much fun and I'm glad I was finally able to wear it somewhere!!

Personal Thoughts:

I've adored Gaige the Mechromancer since her first teaser trailer came out quite some time ago. Not only is she a quirky, unique and lovable kind of character but she looks a lot like me overall! I've always loved the Borderlands games and wanted to cosplay from it but never had anyone that I was passionate about wanting to cosplay until the Mechromancer came out.

Styling Notes

My friend Anna Malchert cut, hairsprayed and styled the wig while it was on my head.

Wig Review

I love Arda! They not only got it to me in a flash but the thickness and quality of the wig was so nice.

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