It looks more matte, so I'm gonna guess a cotton would work.

I have done this costume for a client, which also included a lot of "bleeding eyes" research on my part. She chose velour rather than velvet for budget reasons, but I think it turned out lovely anyway. If anyone would like to see pictures of what I came up with, you can see my process here: http://costumesandartwork.blogspot.com/2008/08/phantom-menace-battle-padme.html

I used Butterick 4688 View B as a starting point. You don't need the out of print "Civil War" pattern for the sleeve, just make a half circle. For pants, I used a pattern that had the zipper in the back with a smooth front to it. I added some elastic for comfort and snugness in the back on either side of the zipper.

One thing to note that I discovered is that the sleeve does not connect to itself under the arm like a normal sleeve. You'll see what I mean in some of the pictures, particularly the one where I flipped the "jacket" sleeve up to show the under sleeve.

Also, be sure to use interfacing in the collar and down the front of the jacket to help stabilize the hooks & eyes (that's how it closes). I found out from images posted on the Padawan's guide that the trim at the hip forms a belt loop, so I put that in too, though you can't see that in the pictures.

If anyone has any questions about how I made this, feel free to email me.

Oh man, so awesome. Thank you so much!

Thanks for the tips! I look forward to looking at what you've done. :~) I can't wear mine again for forever (hopefully by next Celebration, if I can go...)

Anyway, if I haven't posted it already, here's what my belt buckle looks like:



I've got my blaster, too, but I forgot to upload the pics...

I really want to do this costume.