I struggled to grasp the shape and pattern of the boot covers and continue to do so. Several, if not thousands of, people have done so, prior to me. The best patterns I saw were here on the rpf, listed earlier in this thread. I have since made my own and will be posting them when testing is finished.
This brings us to today. I had a sneaky suspicion that the boot covers were sewn into the leg itself. My reasons were many but mostly it was how everyone wore them differently like they were just forced to start wrapping and wherever it stopped, it stopped. Like one size fits no one, kind of deal. AND, there is a line of fabric sewn to the leg, just above the covers that looks like the same material.
Today..... today we see that they are IN FACT ...... not sewn to the leg.
HOW???? "How", you ask, does this man feel so certain???
Simple.....
The museum crew put them on upside down on two of these four mannequins, so they can't be sewn to the leg:
I have gone through a few stages of draping and testing.
In the art of sewing, there are many things like folded edging and other beautifying finish touches. Please keep in mind that what I am showing here is just for sake of second looks and advice and does NOT contain the fully finished patterns that would include items like pockets (for stiffeners) or edging. These are simply sketches to unravel this mystery that is the boot cover.
I have determined from numerous close up pictures that the covers are 3 pieces. Eluded to by ohnunu 's original sketches from the toy breakdown. Ohnunu's finished and worn covers showed the 3rd section which was the sash, sewn onto the face of the cover but did not use the initial second layer on the main upper arch. I put all 3 of these together with a modified pattern.
The upper arch does have a second layer and it seems to only be just that upper section. In the following picture, you can see how the upper arch is closest to the skin and connects behind the calf by a black strap (seen dangling). Red is this upper, inner section and the strap. Blue is the lower section that continues down to wrap around the leg. This upper strap is never supposed to be seen as it is usually covered by the outer layer.
Making this upper piece meet in the back but not be part of the front piece. Most other attempts at these covers made one large pattern that wrapped around multiple times. This is connected to the front layer by a large stitch only at that point (nearly center front)
No part of this setup wraps past one time.
The upper part straps in the back. The lower main part comes together at the side but only slightly overlaps itself by maybe 3/4 to 1 inch. This is likely a zipper or a line of hook and eye. You can see where the pointy bit points down at the ankle. That is the part that overlays the other end and is on top.
Then elusive part (another one) was how the sash is sewn just inside the other end so it can then go over the pointy bits edge (vertical line of that end of the pattern) and wraps around the front and down to the buckle catch.
Starts here, red line:
So, even the sash strap only goes around once. The three separate pieces give the impression that the cover wraps around and around but it doesn't. In the next post I will place my sketches, cut parts and my trial run. Keep in mind that only Javier seems to wear them correctly more often than most characters. So try to match to his. This pattern should, and rarely does, have a foot arch in the front, a heel arch in the back, have an ankle cover on both sides, and have two layers of upper arch covering the outside of the leg/calf.
Check out how many variations just in our promo poster ....
The back layer and the front layer are adhered at point "1" on line "A". The blue lines on the "back layer" represent Velcro or straps to connect behind the calf. This is done first when wearing them.
The "front layer" also has a line of velcro or hook and eye catches that connect at the inside of the leg directly over the ankle.
The sash/strap (sewn at B to front layer ) then is pulled forward (character's front) and around the outside of the leg to what I believe is a brass snap. The snap is hidden under folds of cloth:
This snap is attached to an adjustable strap that wrap around the back of the Achilles tendon.
Keep in mind that Zendaya is most often wearing her's at 180 degrees out of intent. What should be inside the leg is on the outside. In this reclining pose you can see zipper pulls hanging out exactly where we expect them at the overlap point of the outer layer.
This also means that the sash and its connection (i thought button) are likely completely decorative and sewn into place leaving all connecting to a hidden zipper.
Growing out the facial hair was a bit of a slog. I do not get more than maybe a 1/16 of an inch per day. Josh has full coverage where mine has many bald patches. Here I have the most recent split face comparison.
The hairline needs enhanced on the center peak as well as on the temples.
No sideburns but longer hair that acts as sideburns in most photos.
Mustache is higher, fuller, no middle split and extends to chin.
Chin area is nearly 95 percent coverage.
I have marked these locations as well as the brow difference and the slight uptick to the nostril.
Beyond this, there is one mole under the left eye and the whip scar. Those two will be last minute as those effects are the most affected by sweating and these will be dune pictures, mid summer.
This video has behind the scenes footage showing closeups of the armor, front and back. I will be completing the back using this and will need to adjust my lower front armor due to these clearer images.
More random customization found today. It looks like there are numerous boot covers where the higher point (the back layer) dives into the back and connects but does not surface in any other location. However, both the leading ladies have the front and back layers matching edge to edge all the way down. No deviation to the line, it just smoothly glides down to meet in a v at the inside of the leg.
This (men's):
versus this:
The first two (above) clearly show the pattern does not have the two layers matching all the way down. The second two images clearly show the two layers matching all the way to the v they overlap one another.
I have finally come to a final conclusion on the clasp. The bottom portion starts as a cloth tab loop. Connected to this loop is the first half of a click together clasp (unknown type), The sash/wrap portion ends in the other cloth loop attached to the other half of the click together clasp. To cover this obvious backpack style clasp, they have placed what looks to be a magnet inside another cloth extension to simply attach to the outside and cover the connection and make it look like it was a tied sash.
I have only found one section of the boot cover that shows sewn seams. This is the Cloth loop sewn to the cover that holds the first half of the clasp.
The remainder of the cover is two layers of material sewn together and then turned inside out and ironed to flatten the seam.
This doubled and rolled edge shows up in nearly every closeup shot:
With the close up shots (behind the scenes) of the front of the armor, I have revised the lower pattern only. The chest looks to have just confirmed what we had patterned and created but the lower will need this update:
The lower section is made up of 4 pieces, just not the four that I made. the lowest layer does not change (except for added edging) and the second layer but nearest to the feet also does not change (except for the inclusion of edging, which gets really big at the bottom). The central top layer and the upper (closest to chest) are actually only one piece, not two. The mystery is the really big edging that is showing out along the upper edge. I cannot tell if it is just extra edging or an entire extra layer.
Red - this is the new topmost pattern Dark Blue - regular crimped edging like on the chest and arm guards Light Blue - Staple locations Yellow - back layer pattern Purple - lower portion pattern Light Green - Really large edging around the top Dark Green - Very large edging only seen at the very bottom
Biggest change - I am now certain that the thickness is as thin as 1/4 inch on most of the lower armor layers and 3/8 maximum.
OK, I realized that some of the shots I have been using are not just "behind the scenes" but pre-production, promotional materials.
I think this explains the difference in the boot covers. Well, before making that claim, I would like to continue with the thought that if any of these pictures are AI enhanced, it is a complete crap shoot. BUTTTTT..... if these are legit pictures:
1) I believe we are seeing a pre-production set of boot covers that were an original design that was later upgraded. I believe this original design had both upper arch layers nearly matching with no deviation in the layer closest to the skin.
pictures in post #70 (above)
2) I also believe this was changed. The reason for this change was the boot cover did not stay up and bagged down around the leg (as suggested was a possibility in post #56 joberg ). Their fix for this was to deviate the skin layer (highest arch shown on the boot cover) to a strap that held it onto the calf at a point where the calf could act as a stop. Very much like riding boots that get smaller at the top and zip closed to get over the calf or boots that have an above-calf strap.
pictures in post #70 (above)
Because of this, I cannot propose a pattern without proposing two patterns depending on which inspiration picture you have chosen to cosplay.
These second generation boot covers seem to be the only ones shown in the museum display. The back layer (closest to skin) definitely does NOT match exactly to the shape of the outer layer. However, ALL of those in this promo picture, MEN'S AND WOMEN'S, have the ones that do not have an upper strap and DO bag down without support:
promo picture from previous page (all have matching arches unlike the museum display):
Museum:
The ones I believe to be pre-production (green arrows pointing to bagging): . Note that this is the same person. Right leg is up. Left leg is bagging.
Also, please keep in mind that during the pre production, production and post production (museum), they were not being worn consistently by each displayed/person. I am using the higher resolution buckle snap picture but other than the buckle/snap, the picture and how the cover is worn is not as designed/intended (pretty much 180)
I cut two of each. One traced then flip the pattern and trace the second. I sewed these with the faces inside. I then flipped them inside out and ironed the seams.
Initial layout:
Sewed the sash to the edge and then measured to find the second sew line where the sash folds backward over the other half:
This keeps the sash from crumpling the overlapping section. It overlaps only enough to install Velcro, a zipper, or hook and eye. I used velcro.
I then sewed on the top arch, back layer, onto the front layer but only in a short section. Sewing marked in red. Hot glue in blue.
Because the back layer wraps around the upper calf and velcros to itself. I added two velcro strips as well as adding the velcro for the outer wrap.
I then placed the lower buckle strap on the outer layer and on the end of the sash. I ran to Michaels and picked up a snap catch. My buddy Fritz, at Michaels, knew exactly what I was describing.
I added velcro to the tip of the sash and to the buckle so the sash tip would hide the buckle:
I finished the second one today. Far easier with proven patterns.
I sewed the back layer slightly higher on this one and I really like how the twin upper arches look on this one versus in-movie:
Note the much larger gap at the top versus my first one. Same patterns, just sewn with a slightly higher orientation to the front layer.
I think the use of two layer material really makes it much closer to screen accurate. I am using horse blanket canvas but I think the movie version is using the same wetsuit type material used on the pants. But, mine cost a dollar at the tack shop.
I created some patterns for the back armor and lower back, from the screen caps in post #86 (above).
split-screen comparison shot with screen capture:
Did a little adjusting after the comparison and ended up with these patterns as finals. Keep in mind the crimped edging is not included in these patterns. I will show final shots after it is added.
Then I cut out the two..... ya just two... pieces. I decided to scrimp on the back as it is shown clearly to be layers that are fully melted together. Other than the crimped edging, no layers are separating. This meant that I could cut out the full outline of whole grouped sections and then shape it and paint it to look like glued and melted layers. These two pieces, in this try-on picture, are my two cutouts (but prior to making the final patterns. choices were made)
I cut these out of the 1/2 inch foam. I then created the two internal patterns that can be seen drawn in blue and used them as heat shields. I placed them on the foam and heated the still exposed areas to shrink the 1/2 inch to nearly 1/4.
This worked significantly well so I completed the upper back the same way and then shaped it to my body.
Then I called on mini me, my son, and tried them out. He is nearly exactly a replica of me so I can call on him to model. I am fully happy with calling these complete. Edge trim is next, then paint and then straps. Other than a possible addition of hip connectors (portion of the still suit attached as belt) the outer armor foam work is complete.
All staples on the back look to be 1.5 inches wide. The same can be said for the front except the one large one at the neckline, connecting the neck guard to the upper chest armor. My estimate for that one is 2 inches.
Gurney seems to have some non conventional fixes on his straps. Where other characters have camo painted straps, Josh has black. The side adjustments for josh are clearly the standard backpack straps with plastic catch.
Added the wire staples. Not even somewhat easy. For anyone that is not prepared for some serious strength level tooling, just use aluminum wire instead of steel. It won't be nearly as sturdy against future damage but it will let you finish your project.
I did 3 color camo cover on the bright metal to bring it closer to screen match.
Biggest hurdles are over. Just adding straps and doing some better forming and will do a final overall paint. Then shoes and finally a quicky version of the still suit.
Comments
This brings us to today. I had a sneaky suspicion that the boot covers were sewn into the leg itself. My reasons were many but mostly it was how everyone wore them differently like they were just forced to start wrapping and wherever it stopped, it stopped. Like one size fits no one, kind of deal. AND, there is a line of fabric sewn to the leg, just above the covers that looks like the same material.
Today..... today we see that they are IN FACT ...... not sewn to the leg.
HOW???? "How", you ask, does this man feel so certain???
Simple.....
The museum crew put them on upside down on two of these four mannequins, so they can't be sewn to the leg:
In the art of sewing, there are many things like folded edging and other beautifying finish touches. Please keep in mind that what I am showing here is just for sake of second looks and advice and does NOT contain the fully finished patterns that would include items like pockets (for stiffeners) or edging. These are simply sketches to unravel this mystery that is the boot cover.
I have determined from numerous close up pictures that the covers are 3 pieces. Eluded to by ohnunu 's original sketches from the toy breakdown. Ohnunu's finished and worn covers showed the 3rd section which was the sash, sewn onto the face of the cover but did not use the initial second layer on the main upper arch. I put all 3 of these together with a modified pattern.
The upper arch does have a second layer and it seems to only be just that upper section. In the following picture, you can see how the upper arch is closest to the skin and connects behind the calf by a black strap (seen dangling). Red is this upper, inner section and the strap. Blue is the lower section that continues down to wrap around the leg. This upper strap is never supposed to be seen as it is usually covered by the outer layer.
Making this upper piece meet in the back but not be part of the front piece. Most other attempts at these covers made one large pattern that wrapped around multiple times. This is connected to the front layer by a large stitch only at that point (nearly center front)
No part of this setup wraps past one time.
The upper part straps in the back. The lower main part comes together at the side but only slightly overlaps itself by maybe 3/4 to 1 inch. This is likely a zipper or a line of hook and eye. You can see where the pointy bit points down at the ankle. That is the part that overlays the other end and is on top.
Then elusive part (another one) was how the sash is sewn just inside the other end so it can then go over the pointy bits edge (vertical line of that end of the pattern) and wraps around the front and down to the buckle catch.
Starts here, red line:
So, even the sash strap only goes around once. The three separate pieces give the impression that the cover wraps around and around but it doesn't. In the next post I will place my sketches, cut parts and my trial run. Keep in mind that only Javier seems to wear them correctly more often than most characters. So try to match to his. This pattern should, and rarely does, have a foot arch in the front, a heel arch in the back, have an ankle cover on both sides, and have two layers of upper arch covering the outside of the leg/calf.
Check out how many variations just in our promo poster ....
The back layer and the front layer are adhered at point "1" on line "A". The blue lines on the "back layer" represent Velcro or straps to connect behind the calf. This is done first when wearing them.
The "front layer" also has a line of velcro or hook and eye catches that connect at the inside of the leg directly over the ankle.
The sash/strap (sewn at B to front layer ) then is pulled forward (character's front) and around the outside of the leg to what I believe is a brass snap. The snap is hidden under folds of cloth:
This snap is attached to an adjustable strap that wrap around the back of the Achilles tendon.
Adjustable strap:
back to original post:
I then patterned these and made adjustments.
I visited our local horse tack resale and purchased some second hand horse blankets for the canvas to pattern with.
Initial patterns:
Quickly adjusted
Then added some backing, made from school homework folder plastic (hot glued)
That has the two layers attached. Next picture shows where the sash attaches:
This following sequence is a bit rough but I am trying to show the sequence of clasps as it is put on the leg.
And these are the preliminary test runs to be matched against Javier's:
And one wearing it the way Josh does:
This also means that the sash and its connection (i thought button) are likely completely decorative and sewn into place leaving all connecting to a hidden zipper.
Growing out the facial hair was a bit of a slog. I do not get more than maybe a 1/16 of an inch per day. Josh has full coverage where mine has many bald patches. Here I have the most recent split face comparison.
The hairline needs enhanced on the center peak as well as on the temples.
No sideburns but longer hair that acts as sideburns in most photos.
Mustache is higher, fuller, no middle split and extends to chin.
Chin area is nearly 95 percent coverage.
I have marked these locations as well as the brow difference and the slight uptick to the nostril.
Beyond this, there is one mole under the left eye and the whip scar. Those two will be last minute as those effects are the most affected by sweating and these will be dune pictures, mid summer.
How you Dune? Get to know the epic blockbuster's tight-knit family
It is about 4 paragraphs down. That site will not allow directly linking just the video.
Here is the facebook link for the video. I haven't yet found a better link:
This (men's):
versus this:
The first two (above) clearly show the pattern does not have the two layers matching all the way down. The second two images clearly show the two layers matching all the way to the v they overlap one another.
The remainder of the cover is two layers of material sewn together and then turned inside out and ironed to flatten the seam.
This doubled and rolled edge shows up in nearly every closeup shot:
The lower section is made up of 4 pieces, just not the four that I made. the lowest layer does not change (except for added edging) and the second layer but nearest to the feet also does not change (except for the inclusion of edging, which gets really big at the bottom). The central top layer and the upper (closest to chest) are actually only one piece, not two. The mystery is the really big edging that is showing out along the upper edge. I cannot tell if it is just extra edging or an entire extra layer.
Red - this is the new topmost pattern
Dark Blue - regular crimped edging like on the chest and arm guards
Light Blue - Staple locations
Yellow - back layer pattern
Purple - lower portion pattern
Light Green - Really large edging around the top
Dark Green - Very large edging only seen at the very bottom
Biggest change - I am now certain that the thickness is as thin as 1/4 inch on most of the lower armor layers and 3/8 maximum.
I think this explains the difference in the boot covers. Well, before making that claim, I would like to continue with the thought that if any of these pictures are AI enhanced, it is a complete crap shoot. BUTTTTT..... if these are legit pictures:
1) I believe we are seeing a pre-production set of boot covers that were an original design that was later upgraded. I believe this original design had both upper arch layers nearly matching with no deviation in the layer closest to the skin.
pictures in post #70 (above)
2) I also believe this was changed. The reason for this change was the boot cover did not stay up and bagged down around the leg (as suggested was a possibility in post #56 joberg ). Their fix for this was to deviate the skin layer (highest arch shown on the boot cover) to a strap that held it onto the calf at a point where the calf could act as a stop. Very much like riding boots that get smaller at the top and zip closed to get over the calf or boots that have an above-calf strap.
pictures in post #70 (above)
Because of this, I cannot propose a pattern without proposing two patterns depending on which inspiration picture you have chosen to cosplay.
These second generation boot covers seem to be the only ones shown in the museum display. The back layer (closest to skin) definitely does NOT match exactly to the shape of the outer layer. However, ALL of those in this promo picture, MEN'S AND WOMEN'S, have the ones that do not have an upper strap and DO bag down without support:
promo picture from previous page (all have matching arches unlike the museum display):
Museum:
The ones I believe to be pre-production (green arrows pointing to bagging):
.
Note that this is the same person. Right leg is up. Left leg is bagging.
I cut two of each. One traced then flip the pattern and trace the second. I sewed these with the faces inside. I then flipped them inside out and ironed the seams.
Initial layout:
Sewed the sash to the edge and then measured to find the second sew line where the sash folds backward over the other half:
This keeps the sash from crumpling the overlapping section. It overlaps only enough to install Velcro, a zipper, or hook and eye. I used velcro.
I then sewed on the top arch, back layer, onto the front layer but only in a short section. Sewing marked in red. Hot glue in blue.
Because the back layer wraps around the upper calf and velcros to itself. I added two velcro strips as well as adding the velcro for the outer wrap.
I then placed the lower buckle strap on the outer layer and on the end of the sash. I ran to Michaels and picked up a snap catch. My buddy Fritz, at Michaels, knew exactly what I was describing.
I added velcro to the tip of the sash and to the buckle so the sash tip would hide the buckle:
View of the back as assembled:
https://www.therpf.com/forums/threads/gurney-halleck-impersonation-cosplay-costume-josh-brolin-impersonation-cosplay-costume-dune-ii-fremen-heavy-armor.367589/post-5731315
I wore this as it was designed to be worn. I will wear them at 90 degrees off intended as Josh does.
Paint and weathering still to go.
This costume part design was heavily influenced by the previous work and research provided by ohnunu .
I sewed the back layer slightly higher on this one and I really like how the twin upper arches look on this one versus in-movie:
Note the much larger gap at the top versus my first one. Same patterns, just sewn with a slightly higher orientation to the front layer.
I think the use of two layer material really makes it much closer to screen accurate. I am using horse blanket canvas but I think the movie version is using the same wetsuit type material used on the pants. But, mine cost a dollar at the tack shop.
The Jumpsuit of Wonder.....
and my pants to be sleeves...
split-screen comparison shot with screen capture:
Did a little adjusting after the comparison and ended up with these patterns as finals. Keep in mind the crimped edging is not included in these patterns. I will show final shots after it is added.
Then I cut out the two..... ya just two... pieces. I decided to scrimp on the back as it is shown clearly to be layers that are fully melted together. Other than the crimped edging, no layers are separating. This meant that I could cut out the full outline of whole grouped sections and then shape it and paint it to look like glued and melted layers. These two pieces, in this try-on picture, are my two cutouts (but prior to making the final patterns. choices were made)
I cut these out of the 1/2 inch foam. I then created the two internal patterns that can be seen drawn in blue and used them as heat shields. I placed them on the foam and heated the still exposed areas to shrink the 1/2 inch to nearly 1/4.
This worked significantly well so I completed the upper back the same way and then shaped it to my body.
Then I called on mini me, my son, and tried them out. He is nearly exactly a replica of me so I can call on him to model. I am fully happy with calling these complete. Edge trim is next, then paint and then straps. Other than a possible addition of hip connectors (portion of the still suit attached as belt) the outer armor foam work is complete.
Lower back guard formed to body
All staples on the back look to be 1.5 inches wide. The same can be said for the front except the one large one at the neckline, connecting the neck guard to the upper chest armor. My estimate for that one is 2 inches.
I did 3 color camo cover on the bright metal to bring it closer to screen match.
almost