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.

    

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). 

 

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. 

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.)

 

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!

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.

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.

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.  ^_^

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 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. 

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.

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

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!

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. 

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. 

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.  ^_^

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.

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. 

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.

Wigs, Scissors, and More Wigs

I just ordered wigs for my upcoming cosplays today.  I’m really excited to see how they turn out.  I’m trying out new wig sellers this time to find which ones I want to buy from the most.  So far, I’ve bought wigs from Zepher, Wig Fashion on eBay, and Legend Wigs on eBay. 

This time I’m buying a prestyled Akari/ARIA wig and a short brown wig from C.C.-Kids as well as a long curly pink wig and a long sandy blond wig from a Taobao store of which I don’t know the name (link here both wigs are in the 80-95 cm category).  I’m also getting styling scissors and wax from Fantasy Sheep.  My order should be in around May.  I’ll post a review of the wigs and styling products then. 

I’m very excited to get the wigs and totally stoked that I can get everything for a whopping $76 including shipping!  ^_^  It’s a dream come true for a poor college student like myself who has to eat as well as cosplay.  It’s a total blessing that I was able to find a group to order with so I could get the shipping at a discount price. 

I still have a few more items to get before the con and my homemade cosplays still aren’t done (yay, for procrastination and over excessive homework).  I should be able to get nearly everything now, especially if I save a bit more of my money for cosplaying items, like a con badge (which I still don’t have).  It looks like I’ll be able to get most if not all of my planned cosplays for this con done and acquired on time.  I am a very content and excited cosplayer. 

The Fan has Arrived

I got my fan today.  It looks so cool!  I’m very happy with it and can’t wait to transform it into Temari’s weapon.  It’s about 3 feet high and really wide.  I’m about 5’3”-5’4” and when open the fan spans from the floor to the mid to top of my head when I hold it sideways.  I love the design on it and almost wish I wasn’t using it as a prop since it’s so pretty. 

So far my idea is to cover the fan with white fabric, I would glue the fabric to the painting, then add the purple moons via purple fabric and Heat ‘N Bond.  I don’t know how well it would work, but it sure beats trying to paint over the elaborate design on the fan.  My only concern is whether or not I’ll be able to close the fan with the added fabric.  I would use a white broadcloth type fabric and layer it at least twice to cover the design, hopefully completely.  here would end up being around three additional layers of fabric, including the three moons, if I used the fabric method. 

I really don’t want to paint the fan, and I don’t have the money to spend on paint right now.  So far it looks like my best bet will be to use fabric.  I have a bit of extra white fabric laying around and I might have some purple.  If not it shouldn’t be too hard to find and I should be able to afford it.  I still have over a month until the con, so I’ll think about my options more and talk to a few prop makers as well.  I’m hoping to get the fan done as soon as possible so I can get a preliminary shoot before the con, but I might have to go without the fan which is ok for a preliminary shoot. 

Temari Cosplay Update

I almost have all the pieces of Temari’s first Shipuden outfit.  I’m buying the kimono, obi, headband, netting, and gloves.  I bought a base for her fan and should be receiving it in a week at most.  I still have to order her wig and buy the materials for her shoes since I’m making them myself.  I also have to get a bunch of paint for the fan. 

Cosplay Plans for the First Con of 2011

My first con for 2011 is coming up in May so I'm making cosplays for it of  course.  It'll be my first con attending as an attendee, and I'm really excited!  It's a four day con so I'm hoping to debut a new cosplay each day.  So far I've got four cosplays picked out with a fifth as a backup. 

For day one, I want to go as Temari from Naruto Shippuden.  I really like her black kimono and from what I've seen of her character, she's pretty awesome.  I'm going to watch more of Shippuden to get a better idea of her character, but she's the first Naruto character I've wanted to cosplay besides Sakura.  I'm buying this cosplay since I found a really good deal from another cosplayer and it would be more cost efficient to buy it.  I'll post pictures when I get the costume hopefully within the next two weeks.  I'm going to make her wig and shoes myself, but I don't quite know what I'll do for her fan.  I'll figure it out as time goes on.  I’m stoked and nervous about this cosplay all at the same time.  It’ll be my first time cosplaying a popular character from a new anime. 

I also want to cosplay Anna from Final Fantasy 4: The After Years on day one because there is going to be a Final Fantasy photo shoot that day.  Her outfit consists of an ankle-length dress with a blue sash, waist-length orange hair, and an orange barrette.  I can probably buy the dress and either find or make the sash.  The barrette shouldn’t be too hard to find either.  As for the hair, I should be able to use my own since it’s a similarish color now that I dyed it. 

For day two, I want to go as Kotomi from Clannad.  I'm planning on wearing a white sun dress, since she wears a white sun dress in one of the episodes and I don't have much money to spare.  I’m going to look around at second hand and thrift stores for this cosplay.  If it doesn’t work then I’ll try for another one of her casual outfits.  I’ll be styling her wig too which I am excited for too.  I can’t wait to try out my ideas for how to make her hairstyle work while staying as true to the anime as possible. 

Day three will be Akari from ARIA the Animation.  I absolutely love her summer uniform and can't wait to wear it.  So far the costume is 2/3 done.  I just have to make the fuku, shoes, glove, and hat.  I'm ordering a new prestyled wig cause I'm new to wig styling and it’s more cost efficient if I do.  I don’t have a lot to say about this cosplay because I’ve been talking about it a lot in my other posts.

Day four I’ll be one of two potential cosplays, either Maria Ross from Fullmetal Alchemist or Sheeta from Castle in the Sky.  I say one of two because I don’t know if I’ll have the Maria cosplay done in time.  I also thought of having Haruhi from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya as a back up but that will depend on finances.  I found one that I can buy for a good price, but I don’t know if I’ll have enough money or not yet.  I’ll also have to buy a wig for it now that I’ve dyed my hair.  I don’t think Haruhi will end up being an option.    

 

Three potential cosplays, Sheeta and long haired Haruhi.

As I said I’m really excited for this con.  I’m going there to have a great time and meet lots of new people.  There are a whole bunch of things I’d like to do at the con,  like group photo shoots, a formal dinner/ball, and the cosplay contest/masquerade.  I want to enter my Akari cosplay in the cosplay contest/masquerade.  I’m a little nervous about doing so, but I’ll just do my best.  I might make a few group/photo shoot cosplays as well.  I still have a lot to do to prepare for this con especially if my friend(s) want to cosplay with me, but if that happens it’s for a different post.  Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you again soon.  ^_^ 

To the glory of God the father and Jesus his son.

Signing off, Narnian