I had hoped to wear this one for both Halloween 2012 at work and to the PARF, but a few other projects jumped in at the last minute, so I only wore it for Halloween. I see this as the start of a whole renaissance super hero thing cause it’s fun, and it’s a thing to do.
For my inspiration and my research, I read Marvel 1602, Batgirl #0, 1, Flood, and Showcase, and I infused my Assassin’s Creed II playtime into the design drafts.
Here we go, in dressing order.
Tights: Purchased – opaque black shapers
High Neck Chemise: https://greenlinenshirt.com/my-closet/doublet-gown-project/
Corset: #3 – https://greenlinenshirt.com/my-closet/the-first-corset/
Short Slops: http://moondragon.info/wiki/Quick_and_Dirty_Trunk_Hose
Materials – black stretch corduroy, black & gold gimp trim, ¼” elastic, 2” elastic
Notes – Next time, I’ll add an extra two inches at the top so that the waistband sits at the waist. Now that I know the pattern is awesome, I also know to add the trim before I sew the crotch seam.
Shoes: Purchased – black cloth Mary Janes
Hair and makeup: Center part w/ hair loosely twisted in a comb; smokey eyes in gray and gunmetal, bronzer on cheeks, dark mauve lips
Side-back Lacing Bodice w/ split skirting and shoulder wings: Margo Anderson, Elizabethan Lady’s Wardrobe
Materials – black stretch corduroy, gold ⅛” cord, unbleached duck, brown 1” twill tape, gold satin piping, purple lacing ribbon
- Couched bat design
- Drew a stylized bat on graph paper; traced it heavily with chalk; pressed the chalk into the corduroy; couched over the design with tacking stitches at points and intersections, then with fill-in stitches; ironed fusible interfacing on the reverse to secure the thread ends
- There are hidden pockets in the skirting for viles of tactical beads and Bat-lavender.
- There is a loop of twill tape on the inside for hanging items below the bodice, separate from the belt.
Attifet: Margo Anderson, Elizabethan Wardrobe Accessories
Materials – Red & gold gimp trim over black netting, black silk band and brim
Belt: Re-purposed it from a pair of purchased pants
- Bola – Curtain ties
- Pouch – Pre-existing
- Hemp rope
Half Cape: Margo Anderson, Elizabethan Gentleman’s Wardrobe
Materials – black stretch corduroy, black and gold leaf motif curtain, black & gold gimp trim, black shoe string braid, broadcloth for piecing
Bracers: Butterick 5371, pointed
Materials – black stretch corduroy, black twill, black broadcloth, metal eyelets, black shoe string braid
- The bats are made of craft foam: heated, shaped, colored with Rub ‘n Buff, coated with floor polish, and attached to the fashion fabric with paper fasteners.
Mask: Purchased – fantasymasks.com (MD Ren Faire)
Bat Purse: Custom
Materials – Red velvet, black lining fabric, 2″ satin ribbon, black acrylic paint
UPDATE: 12/14/2020 – As my favorite costume ever, Batgirl has undergone a few updates since her original iteration. The slops in particular needed to be replaced, which I was able to do with an old velvet jacket and reclaimed strips from the previous quick breeches. I also added the American Duchess Stratford shoes, which I’d been lusting after since 2014. The red curly wig was an aesthetic choice, but got me more than a few “Ooh, Batwoman” shout outs than I’d expected, so I’m waffling on that one.
Green Linen Shirt 