Cape Draping

This weekend I spent some time looking into how I will be constructing various parts of my NYCC cosplay. Before I get too invested in a cosplay, I try to make sure that I have a game plan (or at least a rough idea) of how I will be going about making all aspects of the cosplay.

So, this weekend I looked into Padme's white boots and her white cape. After looking at dozens of YouTube tutorials for ways to construct a cape, I realized that they were all way too complex for what I need. Padme's cape is both complicated and simple; it is a cowl neck cape with a hood. All of the videos had 20 steps to make them.
Screw that. Instead, I took some extra fabric I had laying around, went to my dress form, and started draping out the cape's shape. And it came out wonderfully! I draped the fabric over the neck of the form, with some onto the chest, then wraped it around the shoulders so there is extra fabric to create the hood. With this fabric I roughly pinned it shut to get an idea of how the hood would lay. From there I went to the cowl neck, where I pinned small parts of the fabric to the base fabric. This creates folds to give the cowl a full and layered look.

From this point, I will do a light tacking stitch to hold those folds in, and then I will sew the hood shut to figure out how that will lay best.

I haven't figured out what fabric I will be using to make the final cape but for now this is working wonderfully to learn how to make it before hand. I've seen other cosplayers actually use a blanket because Padme's cape is so textured, so I am considering looking into that as well!

Stay tuned for more and more frequent updates as NYCC gets closer!

XO M


Progress? Maybe?

In an attempt to post more frequently, I am posting the most random post on cosplay progress. If it can even be called 'progress'. This morning I ordered Yaya Han's Bodysuit pattern, made by McCall's.   Link: http://yayahan.bigcartel.com/product/yaya-han-s-ultimate-bodysuit-pattern

 I am going to attempt to use this pattern as the base for my Padme cosplay. Even though her outfit is technically two pieces; it may be difficult to keep the tightness with two pieces. So, I figure if I use a body suit, it will maintain shape better through wearing it all day. I don't plan on doing the sexy, ripped up version of the outfit either, so there is no true need to make it two pieces. 

Even the small steps are steps in the right direction in regards to cosplay. I plan on making August the month of trying to really push the cosplay as far as I can before college classes pick back up. 

Also, I'm considering buying a ukulele because why the hell not?!

XO M

Selecting Your Next Cosplay

One of the most difficult aspects of cosplaying, in my opinion, isn't actually making anything. But rather, DECIDING on what you want to create. Being a nerd, geek, trekie, or whatever you identify as; isn't an easy task! Especially when it comes to convention time. When planning for a convention there are many things to take into consideration, so sit back and relax as I describe my planning process and lessons I've learned.

Meg's planning process/Questions that she obsesses over:

-What time of year is the convention?

-How am I getting to the convention?

-Am I able to bring props?

-How much time do I have?

-What is this going to cost?

-Is there a theme to the convention? (ie. anime, horror, etc.)

-How relatable/understandable is this cosplay?

-Am I challenging myself with doing something new?

So this October in NYCC there are many of these questions to take into consideration. Last year I wore heals, worst choice ever. Hence why this year I plan on wearing shoes much more accomidating for walking. Also, when traveling to NYC's Javitis Center, we take the subway in from Queens, so large props are usually out of the question for obivious reasons.

Weather is something to consider as well for an October convention; outside it will be cool and inside the convention it is always a coin toss between freezing and hot. So cosplays with layers can be helpful for these types of situations.

Every time I create a new cosplay I try to make sure that I am challenging myself in some way. Whether it be working with a new type of fabric, making a new prop, or making a type of clothing I've never made before! I find that this is a good way to make sure that you don't get lazy and just keep recreating the same thing but with different characters.

 

Part of my love for cosplay is when someone is thrilled to see you walking towards them in a cosplay of a character that they love. It is an indescribable feeling. When I go to conventions I try to pick cosplays that will get that reaction and fit the type of convention that I am attending. For example, Philly Wizard World is so close to where I live that it easy to get there for multiple days. So I usually do one cosplay that is more for my own enjoyment than others. But for NYCC, it is such a production just to get there, that I want people to be beyond excited to see my cosplay and feel as though it was worth it for me to go.

 

NYCC is in October of this Fall, shortly after that the new Star Wars film will be released. This is a sign of the stars being perfectly aligned to do a Star Wars cosplay! Even though I LOVE the original trilogy, I must say I love Padme as a character. I find her very strong, independent, and always has the best outfits. Going with these cosplay 'questions', I have decided that I am going to do Padame's outfit from Attack of the Clones when she is in the pit with Obi and Annakin.

In this scene she is a total badass; she takes control of her own destiny, and kicks scary monster butt!!
I plan on constructing this as a singular body suit, with the cape detachable and accessories of course. All aspects of this cosplay should be VERY comfortable for a long day at the convention. It also can be worn different ways depending on how warm or cold it ends up being in October.

I hope these tips are helpful for the next time you are planning a cosplay and stay on the look out for updates on my cosplay progress!!

XO M

DIY Circle Skirt

I have now made two circle skirts in the past two months and people have been enthralled by them! Today I'm going to do a quick DIY post on how to make them, tips, and other sources that can be helpful in the making process!!

The first skirt I made was a Star Wars skirt for this past Wizard World Philly for one of my non-cosplay days! 

This is the finished product above, and wearing it to the convention below!

For this skirt I found the fabric at my local JoAnn's Fabric store, but other than fabric all you need is a zipper. (other than your normal sewing essentials).

To make this skirt I actually followed a YouTube tutorial, which was absolutely amazing and I now have referenced it many times!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bHhMIzVA5k (here is the link!)

You can chose to make a pattern, I did, using leftover wrapping paper. But the second time I made it, I didn't bother with a pattern but rather made my marks directly onto the fabric and went from there. So, you choose whatever is best for your skill level!

For the second skirt, I still used this basic pattern, but I added 3 layers of tulle to it! 

So following the same video as above, I added 3 layers of tulle. I cut the fabric in a similar way, by folding it into a square then triangle, and cutting out the tip. I was really nervous working with tulle for the first time but it is exactly like any other fabric, Just take your time! I sewed on the tulle first then used the waist band to hide the top edges of the tulle. I hemmed the cotton under layer but left the tulle a little longer and raw edged. 

The finished outfit! Worn to a friend's wedding. Excuse the not so fantastic picture. I remembered to grab a photo after I had been dancing for 2 hours! I also wore the shoes from my Alice cosplay!

Below is a progress shot!

Stay tuned for news and updates about New York Comic Con! I will be posting about my upcoming cosplays!

XO M

Wizard World Philadelphia 2015

A few weeks ago was my second time at a Wizard World convention, and I must say, it didn't disappoint. Wizard World is what I would call a 'medium' sized convention. It doesn't have the recognition of New York of San Diego; but they are still using the same formula: celebrities, panels, and artists. This formula works for them at their 'medium' scale in the way that it is truly perfect. It is fun without being too overwhelming, but it still holds a lot of power and value.

Here was my con schedule:

Thursday: Fun night of just getting to enjoy the convention.

Friday: Finish final touches on cosplays, photo shoot, and beauty sleep.

Saturday: Evil Queen cosplay.

Sunday: Honey Lemon cosplay.

Here is what actually happened:

Plans are nice, but unrealistic; and I truly learned that at this convention. Saturday was the only day that didn't really go as planned. I went to bed Friday night so excited, like it was Christmas Eve, and woke up on Saturday puking. It was infuriating to say the least. After many attempts at gathering my strength I gave up. By 4pm, I finally was able to muster the strength to get ready. Luckily my sister was home to do my hair for me and I had practiced the make up so that was quickly. The boyfriend and I then quickly rushed to Philly (one puke stop on the way) and were able to be at the convention for about an hour. I went home upset and defeated. I had spent months and hundreds of dollars working on this costume, and I could barely stand up. It was heart breaking. Yet, I was able to remember that I had created something, and that it wasn't going anywhere. I am the type of person where I make one costume for one specific convention, but I am hoping to move past that so I am able to wear again next year. Either way, I gained new skills and have another cosplay under my belt.

Luckily, Sunday went perfectly! Honey Lemon and Tadashi were a total success! We were easily recognizable and people loved seeing us! I love working on my cosplays, but seeing people excited about them, who are complete strangers, is absolutely thrilling. I truly hope that I can continue cosplaying for a long time, and maybe even one day get paid to do it! But for now I am just enjoying this creative outlet where I am able to express myself and fulfill my creative needs!

Now here are some pictures of me as Honey Lemon, enjoy!

Stay tuned for updates about new projects for NYCC 2015!

XO M

Yellow Heels? Nah. Yellow Sneaks.

So if you have seen the movie, Big Hero 6 then you know that Honey Lemon wears these crazy high yellow stilettos. Which is totally awesome, except I can barely stand in heels let alone walk in them all day long at a convention. SO I decided to save myself the pain and do a spin off of her shoes in the form of yellow keds!

But I wasn't about to spend $50 on real yellow keds, so I made my own.

Now let me show you how!!

Step 1: GATHER MATERIALS!!

-white sneakers (target $17)

-yellow acrylic paint (I used the brand "Apple barrel")

(you can get a huge bottle for about $4)

-white acrylic paint (same brand, small bottle is $1)

-various sized paint brushes

-duct tape or painters tape

Also, patience. This takes time to do well and correctly.

Step 2: PREP!

Have a surface to work on. I have a big piece of cardboard that I keep around for such occasions. Also, remove the shoe laces, we don't want to get them icky.

Step 3: TAPE!

Now you will need to go ahead and tape around the edge of the shoe. Make sure that you tape over the lip of the edge where it meets the canvas but do not tape any of the canvas.

Make small pieces of tape, it will make it easier to get around the curves.

Tape like shown here!

Once this is done we are ready to paint!!

Step 4: PAINTING FUN!

When painting, I mixed together the yellow and white paints to make a softer yellow. The paint color is "bright yellow", and it is bright so I toned it down with the white. This is a completely optional step. If you do mix colors, try to remain consistent to avoid a patchy look.

When painting start in the middle and work your way to the edges. I left about 1/8th of an inch of the edge white and then went back and used a very small brush to do the edges to keep a clean look.

Check the seams for loose threads and cut them to avoid any rough edges/seams.

Around the eyelets, be sure to take your time and use a small brush. I've found that you do not need to get too close to them because they get covered by the laces anyway. But you do need to get closer than shown above.

Step 5: Enjoy!

After about an hour to two hours of drying time you can carefully remove your tape and touch up any needed spots.Then you are ready to enjoy your new shoes!!

Put your laces back in and then run around with excitement!

(I couldn't remember how to put them back in so I am going to have the boy do it later haha)

You now have the fanciest shoes on the block! 

These will be a thousand times more comfortable for Wizard World Philly and for being Honey Lemon. I know this is straying from the true characters look, but I also have to not hurt myself and be comfortable in how I look. 

There is so much more to show you guys!

So stay tuned for more updates this week!

XO M

One Month To Go

I am closing in on about one more month until the Wizard World Philly Comic Con!!

I am getting to be just so excited! I still have a lot of work to do, especially on Honey Lemon, but the time pressure will have things expedited for sure!

What I would love to do next is make some props for the Evil Queen! If you are a viewer of the show then you know that the Queen is a collector, a collector of hearts! I am hoping to devise a way to make this as a prop to carry around the day I cosplay her. How you may ask? I have no idea. BUT I am going to try to figure it out!

As for Honey Lemon, I have been able to get some very early stage work done. But I am afraid my choice in fabric may end up to be a little shear. It is a poly-cotton blend with what I think is just not enough cotton. So it may prove to need to be re-done or I possibly will need to wear a slip underneath.

I will have more frequent updates now that it is turning into crunch time. Keep an eye out for some fun things ahead!

xo M