Construction Details:

Wig: Where do I even begin? I bought a base wig, 4 packs of extensions, 4 packages of wefts. I then hand dyed everything and cry more than anyone should over dyed a wig. The dye wouldn't set on, it keep bleeding, in the end I gave it one more good rinse and pray that the red ink doesn't run off (which it is notorious for doing). Once things were dyed and matching well enough, I added some of the wefts onto posable wire, cut up the wig, and sewed and glues the wire in place so it would stay permanently without moving. The tail was sewn onto the wig base and styled/tied as I tied in batting to give the braid it's signature style. The ties are painted to match the wig, and the top spikes were styled. Time consuming, but not difficult. My advice to each other is to buy a wig and extension a color that is close enough... dying this much fiber is weep-worthy.

Brooch: Was a vintage brooch that I took the glass piece off and added onto a more decorative backing. I added a pin onto the back and loops so a necklace chain can be attached, like Ahiru's.

Undershirt: made in a soft brocade was shimmered lightl. We didn't want to go too magical girl since these were meant as school uniforms, not recital costumes.

Bodice: my twin and I drafted up a short bodice with boning (so give it a slimming, flat fit. It isn't connected to the shirt so we want to keep it from rising up so, like with bodices and basques, we added button and elastic loops to connect them together. In the anime there is a scene that shows the bodice and shirt are two separate pieces! Who would have guessed?

Jacket: My twin and I worked out how big and poofy the sleeves could be without being ridiculous. We lined our jackets in duck and raven fabric, respectively. It came out SO cute, and now we can tell our costumes apart! The sleeves are three parts (poof, tub, and flare) and the trimming it all hand beaded and sequined by us.

Skirt: A simple circle skirt with horse braid on the edge to make it ruffley! We loooove it so much. We wanted to keep the skirt as light as possible (much like tutu overlays) because it helps keep the petticoats more poofy.

Petticoat: Sometimes I wonder if the petticoat was harder or the tutus we made. This little guys are made of 180 yards of tulle. It's layer layers and each has a decorative edge of ribbon sewn onto it. It's lightweight and flufy like a duckling too! We added some beading onto the ribbon as an afterthought

Bloomers: because the skirt and petticoat is so short was opted to make ruffled bloomers, like the ruffled panties that are attached to tutus. Fun, and ballet reminiscent.

Socks: regular old socks with lace, sequins, and beads added on.

Shoes: Ballroom dancing shoes (so they are much flexible) that we added glittered bling onto them! They look so much better to dance with now!

Personal Thoughts:

My twin and I had been wanting to make these for over 7 years. In fact the fabrics laid around for 3 years. Being we have been living in different states and cities we never got around to starting them together. Finally we decided we needed to make these happen! We love Princess Tutu and bringing the characters to life.

Princess Tutu had LONG been our favorite series. Ahiru and Rue same as perfect opposites, but in fact work to bring out the best in each other. I feel akin to this with my twin.

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