2026 costume plans

 So it is time again to think about what I want to make this year, some of it will happen, and some won't. Nowadays I do tend to make more general plans, and not so many specific garments. The thing is I realized last year that I can wring out a costume, either cosplay or historical, fairly easily these days, but I do miss some of the excitement of making something that is really challenging. Last year the most challenging thing I did were the Toad hats, but that whole project was more of a "fun" project so I didn't care if they didn't end up perfect, which they didn't since I don't work that well with foam. They were good enough and I am happy with them though. 

This year I want to dive into a project where "good enough" isn't good enough, I want to make it really good, and I want to challenge myself again as well. So I have decided that my main project this year will be to recreate Mon Mothma's senatorial outfit from season 2 of Andor. 

To make things a bit more complicated is that she is wearing two different versions, one with with trousers and flat shoes and one with a skirt and high heels. Should I do both?  I have started with buying a pair of trousers and I have the material for the inner pleated shirt. I have also found a good match for the coat fabric, but that will be many meters, and a cost that I need to plan when I can take. I will also need to learn how to style the short wig to get it right. The coat and undergarments will also need quite some time for patterndrafting to make them correct. Still my goal is to make the costume in time for Stockholm ComicCon in early November. 

The first event coming up is that I want to go to a 1620s event in late April. I do have a basic outfit that works for early 17th century, but I want to add accessories in the form of a partlet, better apron and some kind of coif/headwear that is more simple compared to the laced veil I did last year. I would also like to add a skirt in a darker fabric. The jacket wasn't really finished when I wore it in August, so the first thing I am going to do is to finish the sleeves and fix the fit over the bust.

When it comes to 16th century things I will focus on accessories. In 2027 there will be a big event, and I want to have a new outfit for that, and I think that it will be best to start with the accessories, which would include and embroidered partlet, possibly a new shift and the most important thing will be to see if I can make a nice hairnet or two, both for me and my husband.

So those are my general plans, but who knows what other things I might get inspired to do in 2026.