Ashlee's Costume Closet: Marion Ravenwood: Basket Chase

When Brian decided to go all out for Indiana Jones, I knew I wanted to be Marion Ravenwood-she was always my favorite. As much as I love her 'Well of Souls' dress (the though of Brian and I running down the street stride for stride makes me giggle;), I had to make something rather quickly, and on a shoestring budget. Here is Karen Allen as Marion....

My version was super easy to make...it only took a couple of days from beginning to end.

Patterns: The top didn't require a pattern...it's just a basic peasant-style blouse with a gathered neckline and gathering at the wrists. I cannot find the pattern for the pants, but I remember they were ver basic as well--pajama-style pants with an elastic waist, which I altered only by adding elastic at the ankles. The belt was a strip of maroon velvet (the most expensive part of the whole costume, believe it or not!). I sewed hooks and eyes in the back for a nice clean closure.

Fabrics: For the blouse, I used a lightweight off-white linen. Red peachskin satin was used for the pants, and, of course, the really nice maroon velvet for the belt. It looks like her belt has a print burned into it.

Extras: A very nice replica of her blouse does exist out there somewhere, but it is pricey. Since my budget was small, I opted for trim and machine stitching. I found the trim at Joannes, and dyed it with RIT in Scarlet. I used machine stitching at the neckline and on the sleeves (my favorite part). I also found some small red tassels, which I added to the sleeves.

Shoes: I found some red espadrilles at Wal Mart for $6 on sale! They are not entirely screen accurate, but since the blouse isn't either, I didn't stress it.

Events: DragonCon '07 and '09; AdventureCon '10