Sunday, December 4, 2011

A Very Long but Needed Update

It’s been so long since I posted last that I don’t know where to start.  I’ll start with the most recent happenings.  I apologize if this post seems scattered and hectic or random.  I’m trying to fit a lot of information into a sufferable post length.  Please bear with me and don’t judge the blog just by this post.  I have more succinct posts and updates.  I assure you. 

My last con for the year (Tomodachi Fest) was this past weekend.  I debuted three new cosplays (Nora from Spice and Wolf, Sheryl Nome, and Miwako from Paradise Kiss) and hosted a sewing panel.  It was my first panel, and I am very pleased with how it went.  I saw a bunch of friends and made a few new ones.  I even entered the cosplay contest though I didn’t win. Sadly, I missed a few events I wanted to go to but am looking forward to catching a few at the next con.  Overall, it was a very fun con even though it was the smallest one to which I’ve been.  There were about 100 attendees at most.   Most likely, I will go back next year I look forward to seeing how it changes in the next year.

I’m going to play reverse for the rest of the post and briefly explain what happened since August to November.  Again, please bear with me.  I’m trying to make this post the best it can be for how fragmented the information is. 

June and July were pretty uneventful, except for a small cavy (guinea pig) show for 4-H in July.  The months mostly consisted of me sewing like a maniac while trying to haul my sewing machine and projects with me everywhere due to unforeseen events.  I wasn’t able to get a lot done, but I did debut a few new cosplays and attended a couple photo shoots.  They were very exhausting months yet not totally unenjoyable.  There were moments and people that helped brighten those dark months.

August was very interesting to say the least.  It started with Fandemonium which was amazing as usual.  I worked help desk again this year and absolutely loved it.  I’m very excited to try for the position next year.  This year, I didn’t debut any new cosplays due to lack of time and funds.  Instead I wore Fire Nation Toph with a newly styled wig and an original steampunk design.  Both were very well received for which I am glad.  The con mostly consisted of me working help desk, but I met a few new friends and saw many old ones.  I love how cons bring friends together.  I also entered the costume contest as Toph but didn’t win.  Overall, I am very, very pleased with this con.  It is a favorite of mine for a reason.  I can’t wait to see what next year is like.

4-H exhibits and fair, along with the new semester, closed August.  Fair was disappointing yet somehow enjoyable to say the least.  Due to my not having a reliable sewing location or printer, I was unable to finish all but three of my intended twelve projects and those were barely completed on time.  Despite my utter disappointment for the first few days, fair overall was enjoyable.  The projects I did enter all received blue ribbons and my two cavies (guinea pigs) did very well despite the stressful fair environment.  In addition, I received best of breed for my white crested cavy and top showman for my age division.  I also did well in the fashion review and earned a blue ribbon.  Graduating 4-H was bittersweet.  I’m happy to move one yet sad to see it go. 

The next couple months were pretty unexciting sewing wise.  School continued as normal and I moved out of my mom’s house.  There were a couple small yet fun photo shoots in September, and I was able to debut a few new cosplays and costumes for both.  October was a bit more exciting.  I received a commission and worked on a costume for Halloween while helping various friends with costumes and cosplays of their own. 

The past few months have been interesting to say the least.  I was able to make and throw together a few cosplays, most which were mediocre.  Looking back, I can see some growth in learning how to make and draft costumes and explain the process to others.  There was a lot of personal growth as well.  I’ve seen a small taste of how hard yet rewarding it is to live on your own.  There is definitely a fine line to walk in order to avoid lots of pitfalls and personal struggles.  Yet the character it gives it so rewarding.  These past months have shown me that I have a lot to improve and a long way to go before I’m any better of a person or seamstress or cosplayer than I am today.  It will take a lot more hard work and determination to reach my dreams and goals.  Nevertheless, I’m content and please to have struggled through the past months and year no matter many or how hard the dark and challenging times were.  I look forward to what the new year brings with an unexpected fervor and joy.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

I Return

No, I am not dead.  I apologize for the long wait and neglect of my blog.  My computer’s been down since September due to a bad adaptor, and I never got around to updating manually because my schedule turned extremely busy and all my pictures and other blogging stuff were on my computer.  Nevertheless, I’m back and plan to fill you in on all that’s happened so expect a flood of posts in the next week or two, especially since the semester is coming to a close. 

Sunday, September 11, 2011

A Little Bit of Progress

School's been going well.  The first month was really slow so I spent more time watching anime than studying because there was almost no studying assigned to begin with.  It's started to pick up a bit, but I doubt the work load will be two heavy.  After all I'm only taking a couple classes this semester. 

As for cosplay, it's been going well...ish.  I had gone almost a month without working on any of my projects and now they're catching up to me along with their deadlines.  As nice as it was to breeze through five or six seasons in two to three weeks, I see now that it would have been better to focus more on cosplaying instead of watching anime.  Oh well, might as well add this to my long list of what-cosplay-has-taught-me, finish your most important assignments first and on time.  I believe the next two weeks will be very difficult.  Because of my little mistake, I'll be juggling a 2-5 page paper, two vocab and verb tense and usage quizzes, and at least the partial construction of seven cosplays, four of which must be done by this coming Saturday.  Ah, the joys of youth with all it's chances to learn.  I shall remember this lesson for later. 

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

River Tam Cosplay and Prop

Yes, I will admit it.  I am somewhat of a … ok a major geek.  I was sorting through Firefly (the series not the bug) patterns on Ravelry the other day and I ran across two amazing projects that simply must be done in the next few months.  The first is a nigh perfect replica of the crocheted shrug River wears in “Jaynestown” and “Objects in Space” (reference below) and the second is a Serenity (the ship from the Firefly series) plushie. 

I’ve been wanting to cosplay River when I first say the series back in high school before I even knew what cosplay was.  She is such a complex character and her wardrobe is amazing.  I really can’t wait to actually get to cosplay her.  Hopefully, I can get a full group together as well.  That would just make the event even more awesome. 

jaynestown056

The Serenity plushie is an added bonus I found.  I would love to use it as a prop for River, especially since she pretended to be Serenity in “Objects in Space”.  Both look to be relatively easy projects, though I might have to modify the shrug to fit perfectly.  I’m hoping to get both projects done before the new year at the earliest and by my favorite con in August for sure.  Hopefully, I’ll be able to start these projects soon and post progress pictures as I go. 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Major Sigh

It’s only about a week until fair, which means I’ll have to have all my 4-H projects done and ready for exhibit.  I’ve spend the past three days trying to recuperate from Fandemonium, which went wonderfully, and haven’t got much done 4-H wise at all.  Cons are exhausting! 

At this rate I won’t have half of my projects done in time for fair.  I really hope this week goes well and is very productive.  I really want to get all my projects done since it’s my last year, but I might have to shave more off my list.  It makes me both sad and happy this year is almost over.  To be honest, I'll be very happy to be rid of the paperwork and project manuals, yet I find myself wondering what I would do without 4-H.  I really enjoyed my four years in the program and couldn’t imagine high school and part of junior high without it.  It helped me make a lot of friends and grow as a person, friend, and leader.  I learned a lot of helpful, useful skills as well.  Even though I do have mixed feelings about leaving 4-H and this part of my life, I’m very excited to see where the next chapter of life will take me.  Life is an exciting adventure all the time. 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

New Crafting Blog

Since I’ve been doing more craft related projects lately, I’ve decided to start a crafting blog called Craftiness Craziness.  It will be a place where I discuss my progress and updates for any sewing and or crafting I do that is not cosplay/costuming related.  It will very similar to this one in style and set up though I will be discussing such things as quilting, knitting, practical sewing (such as sewing for the home and everyday wear), and other related type interests.  I figure it would be much easy to separate the two subjects than to lump them into one blog and thus possibly confuse the reader. 

If you are at all interested in crafting related projects and updates, then please subscribe to the new blog.  The same applies to this current blog, though instead of crafting interests it is cosplaying/costuming.  I will still update this blog as regularly as possible and will do my best to update both as often as possible with progress, news and hopefully pictures.  Please subscribe to both blogs, if you are so inclined, and comment if you wish.  It would be a pleasure to hear from my readers, so long as you are cordial and polite.  Please continue to read this blog as well as the new one.  It is a pleasure to keep this Costume Crazy going.  I hope it is a pleasure to read as well.  As always, have a good day and an even better week.  ^_^

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Nimiar Progress

I have been able to get quite a bit of work done on Nimiar in the past few weeks since I started her.  Both skirts are all but completed except for hook closures, the bodice is almost entirely button holed, and half of the under dress is cut out and awaiting sewing.  I have been able to get a lot done, but there is still more to do.  I still have to finish the closures for the skirts and bodice, make the under dress with beaded detachable over sleeves, make the hat, get and style the wig, fix the shoes if need be, make the necklace, and add any finishing touches that arise.  She should be mostly, if not completely done for Fandemonium if I continue at this pace though I have other pressing sewing projects to focus on as well. 

I have pictures to share!  The first two pictures are of the skirts and bodice while the second two pictures are of the other side of the bodice.  I made the bodice completely reversible to add for more versatility and design options.  The the third picture is the shoes I’ll be using while the fourth picture is the fabric for the under dress with detachable over sleeves (the pink is the under dress fabric and the white/cream is the detachable over sleeve).  The fifth are the rest of the notions (the gold is the cording for the bodice, the purple is a cuff accent for the over sleeve, the beads are for the over sleeve, and the pendent is for the necklace).  Finally, the last picture is a close up of the pendent I’ll be using for the necklace.

   IMG_4276 IMG_4277 IMG_4278 IMG_4279 IMG_4306IMG_4314 IMG_4315  IMG_4333

Thus conclude this cosplay report.  Thank you so much for reading.  Have a good day and an even better week.  ^_^

Steampunk Engineer/Mechanic Pictures

I finally was able to get pictures of my newest updates to my steampunk engineer/mechanic character, Clara.  I finished the skirt except for a few new tares.  All but the goggles done.  I even found a new pair of boots at Goodwill for $9, at total bargain as they are real leather, have a beautiful design on the outside facing of the boots, lace and zip close, and fit both my feet and calves (something that almost never happens).  Pictures!  The first three are the outfit I made entirely by myself, the fourth is with a corset made by my first sewing teacher and a belt from the second hand store, and the final picture is my new boots (aren’t they the coolest). 

 IMG_3946 IMG_3947 IMG_3949 IMG_3953IMG_3951

I’m really rushed to get everything done in time for Fandemonium in 9 days and fair right afterward.  Not to mention, I have a cavy show on Thursday too.  >_<  It’s my first one so I’m super nervous and very stressed about everything else.  @_@  I’m not going to get much sleep. 

Nevertheless, thank you so much for reading.  ^_^  Have a great day and even better week!  Don’t forget to keep reading to find out what happens as con closes in and occurs.  I’m really hoping to get a prize in the costume contest this year. 

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Wigs, Wigs, and More Wigs

It’s been a while since I updated my wig progress so I figured I might as well do so.  I was able to get a hold of a camera today so there will be pictures to accompany these descriptions.  It’s a wig extravaganza!

First on my list of wigs is Vorfeed.  I styled her wig a while ago for a cosplay photoshoot contest at near the beginning of July (you can read more here).  It was a very easy wig to style as I only had to cut the bangs and brush the wig.   It was a very good, though somewhat nerve-racking at first, choice for first wig styling project.  I’m very happy with the way it turned out.  ^_^ 

 IMG_3922 IMG_3923IMG_3924

Second on my list of wigs is Temari.  I was finally able to make my Temari wig for a cosplay photoshoot mid July. For my third wig, it turned out extremely well.  I am very happy with it and proud of it.  I almost can’t believe I made it!  ^_^

 IMG_3896 IMG_3897 IMG_3898

Third on the list is my new Akari wig.  It can as a almost prestyled wig.  I say almost because everything but the bangs were prestyled.  Nevertheless, I love this wig and can’t wait to wear it.  It is one of the ones I ordered via the batch order from C.C. Kids.  It is very smooth and photographs the perfect color.

 IMG_3915 IMG_3916 IMG_3917

Fourth on the list of wigs is Luka.  This wig is my absolute favorite wig out of my whole collection.  I love it!  It’s so pretty and soft and curly and the perfect pink color ever.  I’m surprised how little it tangles as well.  This is another of the wigs I ordered through the batch order.  This is how it looks after wearing it around con all day, even to a dance, and putting it in a ponytail and a messy bun.  I adore this wig!

 IMG_3941 IMG_3942 IMG_3943

Sadly, I did get any pictures of my brown wig, but the list doesn’t end there.  My friend, Stephanie, was getting rid of some of her old wigs, nd I was able to get a few.  I got a long curly light blond one that would work perfectly for Tamara, another character from Crown Duel that I hope to cosplay soon, and a short green one that would work perfectly for a Chikorita or Bellossom gijinka and/or Ranka cosplay.  I would just have to make clip extensions for Ranka which would be perfect since her hair is curly for one of her new songs in Macross F: On the Wings of Goodbye (which comes out in Oct!).  Here are the wigs.  The blond one is first, it does need a bit of brushing,  and the green is second. 

 IMG_3909 IMG_3910 IMG_3911

 IMG_3927 IMG_3928 IMG_3929

That sums it up for wigs.  I’ll be reporting soon when I start working on the wig for Nee.  Until then, thank you for reading!  Have a good day and an even better week.  ^_^

Toph Update

The wig is done!!!!  I finally finished Toph’s wig.  ^_^  After three modifications, I finally decided on making her wig closer to how it would be in reality instead of the ostentatiously large bun in the show.  I chose this because as you know funds are almost nonexistent and I only had a black wig, bobby pins, a hair net, and hairspray at my disposal.  Nevertheless, the wig looks fantastic, especially for my second or third wig styling projects.  ^_^  I ma very pleased with how the wig turned out.  It definitely looks like Toph’s hair in more realistic proportions.  Even the bangs, which have been styled and hair sprayed into place for ease of photography, look fantastic!  I am so incredibly happy with it!  *^_^*  I can’t stop smiling enough. 

Needless to say, I am very excited to debut her again in 12 days.  Yep, 12 days till con.  I don’t have much to fix before she’s ready which is a relief.  I ended up not needing to resize the main red part of her outfit, the jumper/shirt/pants thing, and can wear it as is to the con though I might fix up the front of it a bit so the fabric is tighter and not as bunchy looking if I get the chance.  If not, I can always work on it for next time.  I have to fix her over-the-shoulder-thing which shouldn’t take too long.  I originally made it in a matter of minutes so I have to go back and case the seams so the underside has a nice clean finish.  Other than that there’s not much to do except figure out how to make her misconstrued belt thing which shouldn’t be too hard as it’s pretty much thrown together in the first place. 

I do actually have pictures this time!   I was able to use a camera for a brief period of time to take pictures of my projects thus far.  Expect another post or two or three with pictures.  Photo spam time!  (I have to fix the bangs a bit since they curled a bit since I styled it.)

IMG_3903

IMG_3907 

IMG_3906

Friday, July 22, 2011

New Cosplay – Nimiar Argaliar

Crown Duel has been on of my favorite fantasy novels since I first read it back in 2008.  I love the imagery, characters, story, and world of the book.  It is very well written, easy to read, easy to follow, and overall enjoyable to read for the small amount of time it takes to do so. (It took me about a week or two.)  Ever since I read the book, I’ve had a vivid imagery of the clothing worn by the characters, especially in the second half of the book aka Crown Duel, that I’ve wanted to bring into reality.  Unfortunately, at the time I first read the book my sewing skills were very rough, as were my drawing skills, and I lacked confidence to actually make my ideas reality.  So I put my ideas and Crown Duel back on my dusty bookshelf.  Until now. 

It’s been a dream of mine to make a dress from Crown Duel since 2008.  Finally, I am working toward making that dream a reality by construction a series of outfits based on the main characters of Crown and Court Duel for my 20th birthday in just over 8 months.  It will be an extensive projects as well as party, but I know it will be worth the time, effort, and funds.  It is ultimately my goal to get every attendee at my party to portray a character from the series either from a self made or personally (aka me) made outfit.  I hope and plan to make it an extravagant event like the parties held in the second half of the book. 

As with every goal, the plan must start with a first step.  This goal’s first step is Nee aka Nimiar Argaliar, the character I will be portraying at the party.  I chose Nee over Mel (aka Meliara Astiar) for a number of reasons.  Even though Mel is my favorite heroine (followed closely by Nee, Elenet, and Tamara), I do not resemble Mel in the least bit physically, which is a great draw back for me as I am trying to get each portrayal as close to the individual character as possible.  Mel is short (about 5’2”), scrawny(about a size 2-3/3-4 in today’s sizes), and very petite.  I, on the other, hand though short, am neither scrawny nor very petite.  On the contrary, I’ve been compared to She-Hulk or Zena in a miniaturized form.  In all reality, I am built more like Nee who is short (just taller than Mel), well built (about a 12-14/14-16 in today’s sizes), and very curvy.   It just seemed fitting that I should portray a character I greatly enjoyed and fit physically.  Therefore, I have started off my goal by beginning to create a party dress for Nee based on the very limited in book descriptions and very vivid out of book mental images produced from my reading. 

For this project, I will be pulling design aspects from many different fashion eras (mainly medieval and Elizabethan with some hints from renaissance and regency), as well as my own imagination.  For fabric and colors, I will be using some in-book descriptions as well as intuition to choose colors and textures that would most likely be worn by the characters for a reasonable price.  I will probably have a budget of between four to five hundred dollars to pull the whole thing off.  Costumes.  Food.  Rental/facilities.  Decorations.  Everything.  I don’t have much money to play with nor room for many, if any, mistakes.  Nevertheless, I am very excited to be able to do this project and greatly look forward to it’s completion.  I will be making costumes for at least the main five or six characters with the possibility of a few minor/secondary characters. 

I’ve already started on Nee.  I have all of the fabric gathered, sketches drawn, patterns and minor designs chosen and at least half of the cosplay sewn (both skirts and most of the bodice).  Hopefully, I will have her done in a few days as I greatly wish to debut her at Fandemonium for the costume contest.  I’m really hoping that all the time, effort, and hard work I’ve put into this outfit with be rewarding beyond the feeling of accomplishment I will feel when she’s finally done. 

I will get pictures up when I can and will work toward blogging and updating more regularly.  As always, thank you for reading.  Have a good day and an even better week.  *^_^*

Friday, July 15, 2011

As Con Grows Near

I am slowly realizing that I might just have overbooked myself a little.  Ok, a lot.  Right now I am trying to get three to four cosplays for myself, two to three cosplays for my friend, and one to two cosplays for my other friend and his daughter done for Fandemonium in about 21 days.  Yeah, I overbooked myself just a little. 

Nevertheless, the cosplay progress is coming along ok.  Other than the fact that I lost my sewing machine foot and spent three hours looking for a new one while crying like a baby out of sheer agony and frustration only to find that my back up machine was hidden along with all my other sewing machine feet which took my another hour to find.  All to say I wasted six precious hours looking for sewing machine feet and other miscellaneous cosplay items today.  X_X  I didn’t have a good day. 

My personal cosplay progress is coming along well.  I’ve added to and changed up my cosplay list to include two new cosplays and cut back, somewhat, one the amount of sewing I’ll have to do before con.  At the moment I’m planning to cosplay Toph in her fire nation disguise, my original steampunk mechanic/engineer, Vorfeed from Lost Universe, and Nimiar Argaliar from Crown Duel in an original party/dinner gown based of the few gown descriptions in the book and fabric I could scrounge from my stash.  I might also cosplay Maria Ross, but due to my lack of time and lack of progress on her (she’s only at 35%-40% complete max) I highly bought she will be done in time and will cease to mention her.

I don’t have much to do before I finish Toph.  Earlier in the month I found, much to my dismay, that my Toph cosplay seemed to have shrunk in the hips (either that or I grew) so I have to let out the seams some and possibly add a bit of fabric.  I also have to redo the wig as the previous bun dismantled thanks to my sister and my lovely cats.  How they do love to play with my cosplay stuff.  I still don’t have any foam or money for foam so her bun won’t be as big as it’s supposed to be this year either.  *sigh*  Maybe next year.  Finally, if I so choose, I have to make her crown (which I think I’ll wait to make until after I finalize the bun), her meteorite armband (if I can find the materials in time), and her shoes (which I highly doubt will get made this year).  Oh, I have to remake her waistband thing too since the last one failed and was turned into my sister’s candy bag for last year’s Halloween extravaganza.  I have more to do before she’s finished than I thought. 

Steampunk wise, my cosplay is coming along nicely.  I already have most of the cosplay finished (bodice, waist cincher, skirt, belt #1, and hairpiece, gloves).  Nevertheless, I still have more pieces to finish before the cosplay is considered finished, for the time being.  I still have to make spats for find period shoes, find the materials for and make goggles, find or make a tool belt, find tools to use as props, and add all the finishing decals to everything.  Yeah, I’ve got a lot to do on that one too. 

Vorfeed, on the other, hand is almost done.  I have the dress, cape, wig, one glove, and the jewels with feathered accents done (though I might touch up the jewels a bit).  What’s left is I have to finish the boots and add a few finishing touches to the second glove.  ^_^  Yay!  She should be done for sure!

Finally, my Nimiar cosplay is proving to be more difficult than I expected.  The under skirt and over skirt are done except for the waistband hooks and eyes, but other than that the rest of the outfit is not near finished.  The corset is taking longer than I expected as I decided to make it reversible and have biased taped edges which I have to hand sew shut due to the reversal effect.  I had to redo it twice as the first time I forgot about the reversible design and the second time I had to tailor it since the pattern was too large.  Nevertheless, it is turning out beautifully and better than anticipated.  I only wish it didn’t take so long to sew.  But, it will be worth it in the end.  The only other part of the outfit I have to make are the bodice/under dress and detachable over sleeves.  According to my design, the over sleeves are going to be sheer and have a beaded, lattice type design on the top of the sleeve nearest the bodice and a beaded design on the two ribbon accents on the cuff and lower bicep.  Finally, I plan to make a headdress type piece out of the skirt fabric to accent the dress.  From what I imagine in my head, it will be gorgeous.  I’m planning to enter this one in the cosplay contest so all my effort and time has been poured into it.  I really hope I can get it done in time. 

As for my friend’s cosplays, I have a lot to do.  As part of our Avatar: The Last Airbender group this year, one of my friends (Theo) is going to be Iroh in his White Lotus outfit and the other (James) is going to be Aang in his Sozen’s Comet outfit while his daughter (Alyssa) plans to be Momo.  They both are going to look amazing.  I’m going to be doing all the sewing and, possibly, wig styling for my first friend’s Iroh cosplay which so far hasn’t been started much less touched.  My other friend is scrounging for as much of the cosplay as he can find so I’ll probably end up sewing half or less of his if all goes well.  I have no idea about what or if I’ll be helping with his daughter’s Momo cosplay (which will be awesome if/when it happens). 

I am also organizing a steampunk group which I know for sure that my first two friends will be joining.  I’ll be helping Theo put his outfit together which shouldn’t be to hard as steampunk is a rather easy dress type to cosplay and put together.  James already has his cosplay done (which looks amazing) and I don’t know if his daughter will be joining or not.  If she does, I will happily help her put something together. 

I might make Theo another cosplay, but I sincerely doubt it for this con since I’m already short for time and scrambling to get the afore mentioned cosplays done (or at least, which I dearly hope does not end up happening, con worthy).  Hopefully, this time I will have my cosplays done at least a day before the con since I also have staff responsibilities to tend to in the midst of this mixed up sewing mess and have school to prepare for, a job and apartment to find, and my last 4-H year to finish.  Yeah, I know for sure that I over booked myself.  Hello sleeplessness.  You tend to be my ever beckoning friend. 

As always, thank you for reading.  ^_^  Have a wonderful day and an even better week.  Ciao!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Back on Track

I salvaged a few feet from my previous sewing machine, which thankfully fit perfectly, so I’m back to sewing now.  Sadly, I had to spend around four hours searching for the replacement feet so I lost precious sewing time.  That was honestly one of the biggest time wasters I have ever experienced.  Nevertheless, I am very happy to finally be able to sew again.  ^_^

Progress at a Halt

Well progress is at a halt for me.  I lost my sewing machine foot today, and as you know no sewing machine foot, no sewing.  It is rather sad and angering.  I was just about ready to finish sewing my corset for Nimiar today so I could wear her to the photoshoot on Saturday, and now this happens.  Ugh!   It’s just so frustrating, and so typical.  ;_;

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Third Place Winner!

I won third place in a cosplay photoshoot contest today!  Eeee!  I am so happy!  It’s my first time ever winning an actual prize/contest held by someone besides my friends!  *^_^*  Vorfeed was the lucky cosplay.  I literally chose to cosplay her at the last minute when Toph fell through, but I am so glad I did, even though I was cramming to make her up until the last minute.  A big thank you to all who helped me with finishing Vorfeed, getting me there, and being encouragers along the way.  I couldn’t have done it without you.  ^_^

Friday, July 1, 2011

Avatar: The Last Airbender Cosplays

ATLA cosplays are back in session for me. I'm currently fixing my Fire Nation Toph cosplay. I have to remake her belt thing, add a backing to her other-the-shoulder-thing, remaking the wig, and making the crown. I might make shoes too if I have the time. I'm also working on my friend's White Lotus Iroh cosplay for Fandemonium in August. We're both going so it'll be awesome to cosplay Toph and Iroh together since their relationship was so dynamic.
If I have the time and money, I'd like to make Toph's Earth Kingdom/Book 2 outfit for the same con since her EK outfit would go better with Iroh's White Lotus cosplay. Also, I might be helping my other friend make his Aang cosplay for the same con. It's gonna be so awesome! There's even going to be a mid-sized ATLA group there, which is very good for a small con.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Steampunk Progress

As you may know, I’m currently in the process of making a Steampunk Mechanic.  I had originally hoped to have it completed by May, but alas time did not permit me so.  Nevertheless, I am still working to complete this costume.  At the moment, I would say it is between 50% to 60% complete as the main pieces of the costume are complete.  I still have a few minor pieces, such the spats and goggles, to complete as well as adding details to some of the already completed, and to be completed, pieces. 

I have a few pictures to share! 

 Steampunk Mech Preview 

Full costume as is now

IMG_2905

Shirt/Blouse

Steampunk Waistcincher

Waistcincher

IMG_2904 

Skirt Front

IMG_2910

Shoes and accessories

IMG_2911

Decal beads for goggles

Long Awaited Update

I apologize for the lack of updates.  I’m not dead, rather I’ve been extremely busy for the past month and nearly a half.  I’ll catch up as best as possible on what has happened in my absence. 

School is over, finally.  The last few weeks of school was hell.  I ended up having to drop a class due to the immense mental and emotional overload.  I am definitely taking the next semester or two off from school.  I need to focus more on getting a job and apartment at the moment. 

In better news, I was able to go to Anime Oasis in May.  It turned out to be a ton of fun, and I was able to meet new and old friends like.  None of my costumes were done on time unfortunately.  I was able to cosplay, just not the original line up.  Thursday the convention started and even though I arrived really late I was able to cosplay a casual version of Luka with my new, gorgeous wig.  Friday I ended up partially finishing and wearing Latias.  She was only about 45%-50% complete, but a few people recognized her which makes me happy.  I also cosplayed a formal version of Luka for a formal ball, which was very enjoyable.  Saturday was the most fun of the four days.  One of my cosplaying friends(Stephanie) let me borrow her Relm Arrownry cosplay for the day as she cosplayed Terra, both from Final Fantasy 6.  It was a total blast to cosplay Relm.  I definitely must add her to my cosplay list.  Sunday was a very rushed day as the hotel wanted the room cleared by 1pm and I slept in until noon.  I ended up cosplaying Latias again since I was not able to cosplay her much on Friday because I was working on her.  Overall, the con was a great success.  I was able to participate in some of the events, meet a lot of new people, make a few new friends, get a few things from the artist alley and vendor’s hall (plushy Azusa from K-On! *squee*), and have a good time.  I definitely plan to return next year and possibly enter the cosplay contest.  Next year though I will have the cosplays completed before the con.  I would like to be able to sleep instead of sew.  Another cosplay lesson learned.  That and Mountain Dew is a cosplayers best friend.  It’s better than coffee!

In cosplay news, I’ve started planning for my next con, Fandemonium in August.  I’m hoping to debut two to three new cosplays there as well as revamp my Toph cosplay.  I’m also planning three groups for the convention as well as helping a few of my friends with their cosplays and staffing for the con.  I will be epically busy for the next month.  It’s only 42 days (one month and one week) until the con!  So far the cosplay lineup is Toph’s Fire Nation and hopefully Earth Kingdom outfits from Avatar: The Last Airbender, my original steampunk character, and Akari’s Summer Uniform from ARIA.  I will be very happy to complete Toph’s Fire Nation outfit for the con.  So far I just have the wig and waist thing/belt thing left to finish.  I might back her over-the-shoulder-thing too.  Oh, I have to make the crown too.  I keep forgetting that one.  As for the steampunk, I’ve been dying to make my steampunk character for over a year so I’m really excited to almost have her done.  I’ll talk more about her in another post.  Akari is nearly complete too, and I’ll have an ARIA this time!  Sooo excited!  I’m really looking forward to this con, in case you couldn’t tell. 

I really don’t have much else to catch up on.  To recap, school was hell.  I need a job and apartment.  The con was a total blast, and I was able to debut four new cosplays.  I’m really busy working on cosplays and other con prep for the next month and a week or more.  Yep, nothing else really to say except thank you so much for reading and taking your time to visit my blog.  It means so very much to me.  If you like my post(s) let me know.  If not that’s ok, just don’t post it here.  If you like the blog please follow it (right side there’s a follow button, please click it).  Thank you again for reading.  Have a great day and a wonderful week.  ^_^  Signing off.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Latias Update 3

I am happy to announce that the first part of my Latias cosplay is complete!  The dress is done, and it looks so cute!  ^_^  Eeeeeeee, I’m so happy!  I really wasn’t sure how it would turn out since I heavily modified my base pattern and added a lot of self drafted appliqué pieces to the top, but I am pleased to announce that it looks amazing.  I want so bad to rush outside and get a mini photoshoot, but I can’t since it’s raining and the rest of the cosplay isn’t done yet.  It also doesn’t help that I don’t know where my camera is.  >_<

I only have a few more things to make now before I’m completely finished with this cosplay.  I still have to make two armbands, make the visor and head wings, paint the visor, maybe dye and finish the wings if I have time, possibly paint the shoes, and maybe add wings to the back of the shoes.  Sorry I don’t have any pictures.  I lost my camera and don’t have access to another at the moment.  Nevertheless, thank you so much for reading.  ^_^

Monday, May 16, 2011

Latias Update 2

The dress piece is almost finished.  All the red appliqué has been applied to the shirt front and back, and the skirt pieces are completely gathered and sewn together.  It’s taken me a couple tries to get the shirt and skirt right, but I’m happy with how they look.  Still, I have to sew the shirt to the skirt, make and apply the collar, add the blue triangle appliqué, sew part of the back seam, attach the sleeves, and put in the zipper.  I might have to fit the shirt better since I used a modified historical type pattern to get the look and feel I was aiming toward.  So far the shirt looks fine, but I want to make sure it fits well in the waist, bust, and hips (which aren’t really a problem with this cosplay, which is nice.  It’s really nice to only have two fitting related areas to worry about, especially since it’s so close to con, aka 9 days away). 

I just realized that I only have 9 days left until the convention this month.  Ahh!  What have I been doing all this time?!  I’ve got a lot to sew and wigs to style once they arrive.  Elgh, so much to do, so little time is such a true saying now.  Sigh.  Nevertheless, I’m making progress, and I have some pictures to share!!!!  In order, the pictures go shirt front, shirt back, shirt, and shoes.  Enjoy!

Latias Progress Front

Latias Progress Back

Latias Progress Skirt

Latias Progress Shoes

The Wigs Have Arrived

As the title suggests, my wigs came in the mail today.  They are all so gorgeous.  I love them all.  My order included four wigs, a pair of wig trimming scissors, a pair of wig thinning scissors, and a small container of styling wax.  Everything arrived safely and on time except for the wax which is apparently still in China since Fantasy Sheep didn’t ship it with the rest of the items.  >_<  Now mind you, I didn’t get all my items from Fantasy Sheep due to many negative reviews on the color and tanglability of the wigs.  I just bought the scissors and wax from Fantasy Sheep, and so far I’m happy with the scissors though I have yet to put them to work and test the true quality, as best as one can get for China made steel wig sheers.  I will let you know what I think of the scissors in a different post. 

Back to the subject of wigs, I bought two wigs from C.C. Kids and two from another Taobao wig store,whose name I don’t know off the top of my head.  I love the two wigs from C.C. Kids (short brown wig and specialized Akari wig).  The fibers are really soft and the colors are perfect and very close to the advertized images.  I am very pleased with the quality of their wigs and plan to purchase from C.C. Kids again in the future. 

The other two wigs I bought from the other Taobao store (a long, blonde wig and a long, pink, curly wig) were just as nice as the C.C. Kids wigs and just as smooth.  The pink, curly wig is stunning and perfect for Luka.  My only worry is that I’ll have a hard time managing it since it is so curly.  As for the blonde wig, it is the perfect color and very smooth.  My only issue with this wig is that it is a bit thin fiber wise for making Temari’s hairstyle without too much issue.  Nevertheless, the wig is still very nice and not noticeably thin (it’s only a bit thin if you plan to use it for a pony tale style) as well as very easy to manage.  I plan to get another of the same wig in the future to use for Tear if I don’t end up getting a new wig for Temari and use this one for Tear. 

Sadly, I don’t have pictures to share as I still do not know where my camera or SD card is.  I will try to get pictures by the end of the week, but I can’t promise anything.  If I can get pictures I’ll post them to my DeviantArt account (link in side bar).  That pretty much sums up all I was going to same about the wigs.  If you want to know the name/url of the other Taobao store I mentioned just message me or leave a comment and I will let you know.  As always, thank you for reading and have a good day and an even better week. 

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Latias Update

It’s less than one day till a local cosplay event, and Latias is about 40% complete.  Yeah, yeah, I know.  I’m not gonna sleep at all today.  >_<  At this moment, the skirt is about halfway done, the shirt is about 25% done, the armbands and the headband haven’t been touched, the wings are at 10% done, and the shoes are bought. 

I found the cutest red shoes at Goodwill the other day.  They’re perfect!!!!!.  They are a light red color with a white wedge heel which will make me look taller and thinner.  Huge bonus there.  Depending on how the wings dye, I might or might not paint the shoes a dark red.  The darker red would fit the general cosplay better, but if the wings turn out too light then I’ll have shoes to help match the color.  Either way they’re a great bargain, especially since I bought them for $1.99!  ^_^  I’m supper happy about the whole find.  ^_^  Time to get back to sewing!  I’ve got a lot to do if I’m going to be ready by tomorrow. 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Pokemon Gijinka

I’m jumping on the band wagon with the new pokemon gijinka craze.  Pokemon was one of my favorite shows as a young child.  Even though it is not nearly as special as Digimon is, I love a few of the pokemon enough to turn them into gijinkas to cosplay. The main aspect I like about gijinkas is that they’re each open to complete interpretation.  I can design a gijinka cosplay how ever I want and no one can say I didn’t do it right or wasn’t accurate enough because it was based of my own design that I personally own.  It silences naysayers and elitists arguments rather quickly and easily. 

Nevertheless, I’m planning to make a Latias gijinka for the next con in May.  I’m planning to use a mid-thigh length red and white dress for the base of the cosplay.  I’ll be adding the red triangles she has on her front and back as an appliqué to the dress and appliqué her blue chest triangle on top of the red.  I’m also making a helmet with wings and a triangle design.  I’ll paint her red facial/head triangle to the helmet and leave the wings white.  I’ll use red wedges for the shoes, and if I have time I’ll make detachable wing sleeves as an added design bonus.  Since I’m short on funds, I’ll be making this cosplay out of cotton based scraps and an old bed sheet in had set aside.   

I am very excited to make and cosplay Latias as she’s been one of my favorite pokemon since grade school.  I love her simple design and special abilities.  I also love the dragon type pokemon.  She’s everything I like about pokemon in one character.  I should also include a picture of her so here it is!  Note: this the pokemon not my gijinka interpretation.

380Latias

Thank you so much for reading.  Have a good day and an even better week.  ^_^

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

May Convention Preparation Part 1 – Cosplays and Such

It's been a while since I last updated about my cosplay progress so here goes.  All's well right now.  I haven't made much if any progress on my Akari cosplay or any of my other ones due to school, but I'm hoping to work on one to two of them this weekend.  It's under a month til my first con this year.  ^_^  I'm so excited, but I have a lot to do in order to be ready in time.  I have three cosplays to finish, two of which are at least 40% complete, as well as style at least four wigs and help a couple of my friends with their cosplays.  At least school ends next week.  I'll have a lot more time for sewing and resting. 

I recently added a new cosplay to my list.  I'm hosting a cosplay to Starbucks little fun event on the 15th and a couple of my friends are cosplaying pokemon gijinkas so I decided to make a pokemon gijinka.  ^_^  I've been wanting to make one for a while, but I did find a reason to until now.  I'm planning to make Latias.  So far I already have the concept art done and most of the fabric and materials I need are just lying around the house so I should be able to start it soon.  I'm planning to work on it this weekend as well as my Maria Ross cosplay. 

The wigs I ordered arrived at the batch order leader's today.  Now I just have to wait about a week until I get them.  Then it'll be a lot of wig cutting and styling amid sewing.  I have a feeling that I'm going to be getting about as much sleep during final week as I will during the next three weeks.  I still have a lot to do in order to be able to go to the con like get a badge, see if I can room with friends, find and get food, and gather the list of other things I need such as any extra makeup and items for my cosplay emergency kit (I'll post a list of useful and needed emergency items later).  Ah, the joys of con prep.  ^_^  I still can't wait to go, even with all I still have to do!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Cosplay Update – Maria Ross, Akari Mizunashi, and Other Cosplays for Con in May

My Maria Ross State Alchemist pants are almost done.  I just have to add a bit of fabric to the bottom because I forgot to calculate in ease X_X, attach the cuffs, and sew in the hook and eye closures.  Then it’s on to the waist coat and killer jacket.  I’m seriously saving the jacket for last.  It scares me.  I’m not good at jackets and this is no ordinary jacket, it’s secretly a monster in disguise.  Shhh.

My Akari cosplay is getting closer to completion.  The dress is done so I just have to make the fuku, glove, bracelet, and boots.  I might make the hat too.  If have time and resources I’d like to make a President Aria plushie as well. 

I have a ton of wig styling to do once the wigs arrive.  So far they have been ordered and are being processed for international shipping.  I’m really hoping they come in time.  If not I’ll be up the creek without a paddle to coin a phrase.  In other words, I won’t have any cosplays to wear to the con. 

I still have to finish gathering items for all my cosplays.  I have a lot to get for my Temari, Anna, Fio, and Luka cosplays and I still don’t have every thing for my Akari or Maria cosplays yet.  @_@  I feel like I never stop having to get stuff.  I also have to help my friend with his cosplay and style his wig.  @_@  I seriously hope I can everything done in time for the con in a month.  Then it'll be on to the next set of cosplays for my August con.  So much to do and not much time. 

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Second Guessing

I really need to stop second guessing myself.  My intuition is often right when it comes to modifying patterns/clothing.  I often have everything planned out and working out well until my analytical mind comes in and second guesses the modifications.  Usually I’ll change the pattern to match the analytical observations instead of going with my original modifications.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my analytical mind, I just wish that I would incorporate the analytics with the intuitive hunches better.

You’re probably wondering why I brought that up.  Well, it’s because I did it again.  I second guessed my intuition and now I have to fix my mistake.  Unfortunately, I didn’t account enough ease into the length of my pant legs for my Maria Ross cosplay so I have to add at least a four inch strip to the bottoms of the legs in order to be able to sit or walk or bend my knees without splitting a seam.  Gah!  I wanted these pants to be perfect, but they won’t be without the legs being too short and the cuffs not fitting right.  Ah well, I learned.  Now I just have to make sure I don’t do that again.  Pants are turning out to be a lot harder and more time consuming than I excepted. 

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Maria Ross Update – It Has Begun

All the hype and excitement from meeting the lady I mentioned in my previous post spurred me to begin working on the pants for my state alchemist uniform on Tuesday.  Since I already had the fabric and thread, I was able to immediately start tracing out the pattern.  I used two commercial patterns for my pants, Butterick 4861 (for the actual pants, I used a lengthened version of view A) and McCalls 6083 (for the pockets since the previous pattern didn’t have the right pockets).  The patterns were easy enough to trace on the fabric and the pants were easy to modify for length and new pockets.  It took me almost 6-7 hours to trace all six pattern pieces and add necessary modifications to three of the pieces (front, back, and cuff).  Time wise it wasn’t bad, but my back hurt afterward. 

On Wednesday, I was able to cut out all the pieces and sew most of the pant pieces together.  It was my first time inserting a frontal zipper with a flap like normal pants have.  I was surprised that it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, especially when it came to sewing it in.  I was able to use a sewing machine this time which was really nice.  I usually have a very hard time machine sewing zippers into clothing, but I found out that if I use a regular foot instead of a zipper foot, the zipper will attach better and without much frustration.  It’s a wonderful revelation for me since I’m tired of hand sewing in all my zippers because the zipper foot wouldn’t work. 

I don’t have much left to do before the pants are finished.  I just have to cut out the interfacing for the waistband and cuffs, and attach and sew the interfaced cuffs and waistband to the pants.  The pattern I used for the pants calls for the waistband and cuffs to close with buttons, but I’m not sure if that’s the best choice for me since I’ll be tucking the ends of the pants into my boots and wearing the waistband under the butt-cape/waistcoat thingy’s waistband.  I don’t know how comfortable buttons would be in this case so I’m thinking of using waistband hooks and eyes instead.  I think I’ll go with the hook and eye method for the sake of comfort. 

There is not much else to say about this cosplay at the moment.  I’m still looking for acceptable boots to use.  I was thinking of trying combat or real army boots, but I’m not sure yet.  I’ll have to see if I can find some at a good price.  If not then I’ll settle for boot covers over a pair of black boots I already own.  There are a few more things for the main outfit that I have yet to get as well.  I still don’t have the right bias tape to use (I have dark gray instead of silver gray), buttons for the butt-cape/waistcoat thing, a gold braid and small ring as well as the lapels (I’m getting them embroidered for me since it will cost less than if I embroider it myself) and pins since I can’t cast them out of pewter myself.  Other than that I’m ready to go.  ^_^

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Psyched

I am so totally psyched!  I went to a cosplay workshop/hang out time today and met the lady who made an awesome set of Fullmetal Alchemist State Military uniforms that looked wonderful at last year’s August con.  It was so cool!  We talked a bit and swapped info.  I told here how cool I thought her costumes were and that I was planning to make a Maria Ross cosplay, but was having a really hard time with the jacket.  Guess what?!  She said she’d help me with the jacket!!!  Woot!  Now I can finally figure out how to make it and hopefully have the entire cosplay done for the May con this year.  I am very, very happy and excited.  I’m gonna go sew the rest of the cosplay now.

Friday, April 8, 2011

New Addition to the Cosplay Family

I’m having another change of plans.  My Kotomi cosplay fell through since I couldn’t get the wig or make the dress due to shortage of funds.  I still want to cosplay her, but I can’t at the moment so I’m replacing her with Luka from Vocaloid.  Luka is one of my favorite vocaloids because I love her voice and graceful style.  I also think her pink hair is adorable. 

I’m planning to do a Just Be Friends version with a curly wig. 

Just be Friends - LukaxKaito

I found a long curly pink wig that I can afford and should arrive before the con.  I already have a white dress and black boots that I could use.  I have to add a lining or two to the dress, but otherwise it’s done.  I’m going for the version she wears in the balloon scene so I don’t have to get or make a wreath.  I’m hoping that one of my friends can come so he can cosplay Luka’s Ex since he looks a lot like him, but I don’t know if my friend can come or not yet.  If not that’s fine, but I really hope he can. 

I also want to wear a silver/gray and black formal to the high society formal the con is hosting.  As far as I can tell the dress would look great with the wig which would be perfect for the formal since it’s curly.  I might style it a bit, but I don’t really know yet.  I’ll know better if I’ll actually be cosplaying Luka for the formal once I get the wig.  I got the dress from a prom dress swap.  It’s really beautiful, and I like it a lot.  I have a couple pairs of black heels that I could wear with it since high heels are required for the event. 

There’s going to a good sized Vocaloid group at the con.  So far it looks like there will be a Len, Miku, Mikou, and maybe a few others.  I can’t remember the exact list unfortunately, but it’s a descent group for a small con.  I’m looking forward to meeting some if not all of the group.  Maybe there will even be a photoshoot which would be lots of fun. 

I’m both excited and nervous about cosplaying Luka.  I’m excited because I like the character for the most part, but I’m nervous since Luka is the sexy type and I am not.  Nevertheless, I like her Just Be Friends version which is sweet, simple, and not over sexualized like some of her other designs. I like the character, but I don’t like all her variations. 

Dresses I’m planning to use: Top and middle, Just Be Friends version dress and boots; bottom, formal version.  The formal has a very beautiful silver to grey gradient, but unfortunately the lighting washes it out in the picture.

IMG_0092

IMG_0754

IMG_0093