This is my original sketch for my poison ivy costume. I have looked at possible colour themes as well as construction techniques. Below the drawing I have focused my attention on the actual construction of the garment looking at possible fabric choices. With the garment being very fitted I wanted to use a stretch fabric. Lycra was the first fabric that matched my needs but I wanted some more texture adding so I researched into the possibility of using a velvet and so finally decided on a velour lycra. I wanted to add an ivy leaf motif onto my leotard and gloves but knew that the possibility of embroidery onto a stretch fabric could be very difficult, so I decided to use applique which would be able to move with the fabric if I used a small tacking stitch, this would also give the leaves a realistic look to them. I also wanted boots in a matching fabric to my gloves, but at first I was unsure on how to create this part. after researching on the internet about how others have created cosplay and costumes of a similar nature, and looked at construction videos and blogs to find that most use a method of fitting a stretch fabric around an existing boot or shoe. Below is my secondary technical drawing produced digitally. Here I have looked at how I can create the sweetheart neckline and still be able to have it wearable, so it doesn't fall down. with the use of a skin/nude coloured micro mesh, the same used for figure skating dresses, with the stretch mesh I can get the desired shape that I needed to create an accurate interpretation of the character. 
I began pattern drafting from a book using my own measurements to create the leotard. this is my finished pattern block for the front and back. I then measured how far down I would need the mesh to reach and cut my pieces, show below, I also added strips of fabric to prevent fraying and to give a more finished appearance. I sewed these together using an over locker as form the results of my research this was the most efficient way, a normal straight stich would snap when using a stretch fabric. I then cut out my two pieces of my green fabric to make the main part of the leotard. I then proceeded to sew these together at the sides and then tried the whole thing on , including the mesh part, so I could measure where I needed to pin them together. I drew on a brief outline of where I wanted the neckline with chalk, after evening this line out I cut the neckline and the back so I could pin the two parts together. 
Using a stretch stich on an embroidery machine to sew the two pieces together, my garment was almost finished. I then over locked the edges and after another fitting I added Velcro to the gusset and that completed the construction part of my leotard. I bought two different types of artificial ivy leaves from a ornamental/ fake flower store. by peeling these from the stems I was able to tack them onto my costume. I bean placing them into clusters as if they were draping around the person.
