DIY: The Empire Strikes Back Dress

"These aren't the droids you're looking for. Move along...move along."

You know those really obnoxious people that go on vacation and then share with you every one of the two million photos they took, complete with the blow-by-blow story behind each? 

Hi. I'm one of those people.

But these aren't just any vacation photos. Especially for those Star Wars fans out there. 

Oh no. These are photos from a long time ago (well, this weekend) in galaxy far far away (er, Orlando)...

Dunno about you, but I am a huge fan of the Max Rebo Twelve (aka The Cantina Band). Looking for one of those tunes you'll never get out of your head? Well, look no further.

For the past couple years, hubs and I have attended Star Wars Weekends at Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. It's pretty incredible, even if you aren't a Star Wars fanatic. 

Each day begins with a huge parade of all of the Star Wars characters. This is followed by a series of shows featuring some of the stars. For example, last year the actor behind C-3PO was there to chat about his experience in that little gold suit. This year, the voice behind many of the Clone Wars characters, James Arnold Taylor, was presenting, as well as the Jake Lloyd, the child actor that played young Anakin Skywalker. They were fascinating to hear. 

The day ends with something called the Hyperspace Hoopla aka Dancing with the Star Wars Stars. It's this amazing dance off between the good guys and the bad. Check out this year's dance off here.

The Empire Strikes Back...in the form of a 1960's dress.

 As you can imagine, this kind event draws the most die hard of fans. Which usually means geeks in costumes.This year alone, we saw countless Princess Leias (both white robe and metal bikini), double-headed light saber twirling Darth Mauls, a Jabba  the Hut and, of course, Darth Vadar. Did I mention that this is in the summer in Orlando? Wearing those hot and heavy costumes takes some kind of (nerd-tastic) dedication. 

Darth Vadar on my left check and C-3PO on my right.

And, if you know me, than you know I will not be out done. So this year, I decided to craft something of my own.

Recently my mom gave me my Empire Strikes Back sheets that I had when I was a kid. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. I knew I didn't want to dress as a character...but a sort of vintage-girl-who-loves-all-things-Star-Wars-y. 

The above is the result.

My 1960's pattern of choice.

 I decided to go with the above pattern because I've used it before, it's fairly simple and the design is pretty figure-flattering. It does a lovely job of accentuating what I don't have (it's like a force-push to the bosom area) and minimizing what I do. Something all clothes should do, don't you think?

My first dress crafted from this pattern, sewn a couple years back.

Boba Fett was completely taken with my dress...until he noticed Princess Leia and Han Solo on my left hip. I'm attempting to cover it up...meanwhile looking like he just finger-jabbed me.

The Disney actors never break character or talk. So Boba Fett is trying to pantomime that I rest my chin on his hand. I'm a little slow to the dance.

Hubs had to coach me from the sidelines.

Speaking of, Boba Fett did not take too kindly to hubs intruding his space. Especially since hubs seems to be channeling a young Obi Wan look.

So we captured him straight away and shackled him in what looks like a mini-keg. Grr, bounty hunters, unite!

Lemme, tell you, this dress was so much fun to wear. I had several guys tell me that they also had these same bed sheets as a kid. Many ladies stopped me with an "Oh! I love your dress!" and a "Did you make that?!" and a couple "Do you sell those?". Several folks even snapped a picture. And to think anywhere else I'd probably get the freak-show stare.

 Thanks for indulging me and my countless photos, guys. I know there where a lot, but you liked 'em, right?

Guys? 

Hello? 

Where are you all going, I still have 276 more to share!? 

Well, may the force be with you any old way.