Princess Leia – Star Wars

Made for: WSMI Exhibit Opening Weekend in Columbus, OH 2006

Background: I had been wanting to remaking my Leia dress for a good while, and when we decided to go to the COSI Star Wars exhibit opening, I thought that would be a good time to have a new, better version.

Journal Entries: Read more at my Princess Leia tag

Related Costumes: Princess Leia 2018, Princess Leia 2004

Patterns Used:
None

Dress:

I found a bolt of the “Jetset poly” at Joann’s and bought the whole thing. This actually ended up being easier than the 2004 version of the dress. I used the instructions on Padawan’s Guide, and laid out my fabric folded over four times (so it would be self-lined), then cut out a large “T” shape, using my first Leia dress as a general size guide. Then I sewed it up the sides and hemmed it. Added the collar (it has a hook and eye closure), and the hood. I didn’t do the finishings the correct way on this version — but I did in the 2018 version if you’d rather go read that entry instead.

Accessories:

Everything else is from my 2004 version. See my page on my about it for information on the boots and belt, boots and hair.

Hair:

I’ve done the buns two ways over the years. Neither is 100% accurate but I found what worked best for me. Here’s my earlier technique: The “Cinnamon Bun Method” and here’s my current method: The “Donut” Method. As of 2025 I don’t use either of these methods anymore, but this is what I was commonly using when this 2006 dress was active, so I’m leaving them here.

History:

I’ve worn this costume probably more than any other costume I have. One of my favs. It’s nearing the end of its time – I’ve been thinking about making a new dress that corrects some of the fiddly little details of this one (hems, smaller sleeves, etc), and retiring my old belt and building a new one. It’s on my to-do list. (EDIT: Made a new dress in 2018, details are here! Lots more constructino pictures and notes than this one ever had LOL.)

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