FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Odin’s Ravens
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photographer: Beverly Cuseo
Outline the story …
I was very excited about the theme this year, but as soon as I started thinking about what character to pick I had a hard time deciding. A lot of the ideas I had were characters that were originally from books but the movie version was too ingrained in my head and I was having trouble coming up with an original design. Then I was listening to Neil Gaiman’s “Norse Mythology” audiobook and this idea popped into my head. My costume is inspired by Odin’s ravens, Huginn and Muninn. In Norse mythology, Huginn and Muninn, their names roughly translate to thought and memory in old Norse, fly all over the world and bring back information to Odin. The inspiration for the design of this outfit started with depictions of Valkyrie and Shield Maidens as well as Odin with his ravens. From there I started researching Viking style dresses and knotwork patterns. I wanted to bring both of Odin’s ravens into the outfit so I designed the ravens on the armor and on the headdress to be mirror images. Since this is my first time entering this competition I wanted to use this opportunity to challenge myself.
Outline the construction…
This was my first time drafting a pattern and not using a store-bought pattern. I based it on several tutorials for Viking style apron dresses online, handcraftedhistory.blog, and using my own measurements. The sleeves proved to be the most challenging part and took several tries in order to get the right fit. The underdress and apron are made from lightweight wool or a blend (they were not well labeled at the store). Once I hemmed them to the right length, I added trim around the bottom and at the neckline. The corset, pauldrons, arm bracers, headdress, and brooch are all made from 5-6 ounce veg tanned leather. This is also only my second time working with leather. I watched several YouTube videos on the process of working with leather to better remember the process. I made all of the patterns for the leather pieces by measuring or tapping parts of my body and drawing the design on to get the right shapes. Then before I used the leather I tested my patterns out with craft foam and felt to make sure they fit right. For the raven designs, I sketched out the designs on my pattern pieces and then used procreate on my iPad to refine my designs. Then the leather was cut, tooled, dyed, and painted by hand. I also airbrushed the feathers with iridescent blue paint. Then I used a combination of rivets, grommets, buckles, and stitching to attach everything together.
Wow. These accessories are so cool.
Thank you!
I love that you used an iridescent blue for the Ravens. They are so beautifully painted at first I wondered if they were embroidered somehow. Great design and choice of subject.
Thank you! Yes, I really like how the blue came out!
Love the leather work. Very detailed!!
Thank you! <3
Your leather work is quite impressive! Love the colors too♡
Thank you!
I love the attention to detail, the story that influenced the design and your overall talent & drive. With these characteristics I patiently anticipate even more magical pieces of art coming from you. Awesome job Kat!!! 🎊
Thanks!
Lovely colour scheme and detailing. Very nicely unified outfit. Ravenesque, indeed.
Thank you!
The outfit is really pretty! I really like the colours and the accesories.
Thank You!
This is so cool!
Thanks!