I've returned!

Its been over two weeks since I last posted and man, I finished a lot of stuff while I've been away. (Literally actually, I went to visit a friend for extended sewing-times.) I didn't finish nearly enough though, and with less than two weeks until the convention beigns I've decided to launch...

The Daily Cosplay Countdown!

(Watch my slow descent into madness!)

Every day I'll post what I did the day before, as well as some catch-up posts to show what I've done during these weeks I've been away.

How-To : Natuski's Bunny Ears

To start, I used a paper pattern to cut out two pieces each of the pink flannel and the black velvet. After some experimentation with a couple different types of wire and threading systems, I realized I had some styrene plastic in the back of the closet, so I cut another piece in that shape.

I sewed the fabric together, right sides together, turned them right-side out and then stuffed them with the stiff plastic.

The pieces still looked a little sloppy, so I pressed them with an iron. Because the plastic is thin, it became a little malleable when heated so I was able to shape the ears into a lovely curved shape.

 Then I glued the bottom of the fabric closed and then attached them to the headband.

 And here's the finished product!

 The ears are just glued carefully to the headband, so they've still got a little movement in them when I move my head. I haven't completely decided if I like it but I don't think I can make it any better.

 

Monday Progress Report : 01/18/2011

I hoped that with this feature I'd be able to chronicle my progress throughout the quarter and have a reason to finish pieces of my projects over each weekend.

Unfortunately, this week is not only a day late (well, it was a three-day weekend) but I also don't have that much to report!

I'm hoping to get my Natsuki costume done in time to wear it to the movie's opening weekend down in Seattle in two weeks, but I didn't make much headway. What I did do was... this!

Her funny little bunny ears! I'll post some in-progress pictures later this week.

I also went out and bought the last piece of fabric, and when I was getting ready to start on the gi (the top) I realized I hadn't pre-washed any of the fabric, so.. that's what I did instead of actually sewing.

I also started some projects to take to Video Games Live this weekend.

I've still got more in the works, I'll have to show you later!

SakuraCon 2011 Cosplay Rundown

The one major con I attend every year is Sakura-Con, in Seattle, Washington. I always do at least three costumes, since its my one guaranteed chance to dress up for an entire weekend with like-minded fans.

I usually spend the summer and fall planning my costumes and making many of my materials purchases. This means that January through March is one long marathon of costume making, which will hopefully not culminate in a frantic two straight weeks of sewing right up until the deadline.

As such, every Monday I'll be posting a progress report on what I've accomplished the previous weekend! This will keep me on track and give you a preview of what I'll be wearing come April.

This year, I'll be doing Natsuki, from Summer Wars:

The girl with the bunny ears.

As well as a Disgaea group. I'll be doing Adell:

I need to do more push ups.

And finally, one I've been wanting to do for a while:

Horo, from Spice and Wolf, the only anime that's ever taught me about economics.

It's a long lineup, and I've got some extra projects lined up, and maybe even and extra, super-secret cosplay. I'm excited to get started!