DAY 30 - DESCRIBE COSPLAY IN THREE WORDS. NO MORE, NO LESS.
Friends
Sweat
Tears
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Saturday, February 21, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 29
DAY 29 - WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COSPLAY ITEM?
My Stargate Zat.
I bought a moulded piece off a seller on ebay, sanded it back, painted it and finished it off. But to make it extra special, this year I had it autographed by Christopher Judge (Teal'c). I won't be using it for cosplay now, but it is definitely my favourite piece.
My Stargate Zat.
Friday, February 20, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 28
DAY 28 - WHERE DO YOU WORK ON YOUR COSPLAYS AND WHERE DO YOU STORE THEM WHEN THEY'RE DONE?
I generally work in a couple of spaces around the house. My bedroom for all my handsewing and some of my prop-work, the dining table for my pattern drafting and fabric cutting and the sewing room for all the fabric work.
As for storage, there are a few places around the house. I have two big drawers in my room with all my historical undergarments and corsets, as well as 11 hat boxes on top of cupboards full of hats and headwear. I also have plastic tubs filled with wigs and accessories in my sewing room while all the fabric parts of my costumes are wedged into the wardrobe in the sewing room. The weapons are stacked in the back of the cupboard and the floor is filled with shoes.
It's a good thing that I do actually retire costumes, because otherwise, I wouldn't have any room for new ones.
I generally work in a couple of spaces around the house. My bedroom for all my handsewing and some of my prop-work, the dining table for my pattern drafting and fabric cutting and the sewing room for all the fabric work.
As for storage, there are a few places around the house. I have two big drawers in my room with all my historical undergarments and corsets, as well as 11 hat boxes on top of cupboards full of hats and headwear. I also have plastic tubs filled with wigs and accessories in my sewing room while all the fabric parts of my costumes are wedged into the wardrobe in the sewing room. The weapons are stacked in the back of the cupboard and the floor is filled with shoes.
It's a good thing that I do actually retire costumes, because otherwise, I wouldn't have any room for new ones.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 27
DAY 27 - HOW MANY WIGS DO YOU OWN? WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE?
Too many. Way too many. I have no idea how many there are. There's pretty much one per character costume and one per historical period. And then there are wigs that I wear with Lolita. Because my hair is two tone, it is not suitable for any characters of historical use, so I need wigs to remedy that.
My favourite would be my Pinup Elsa Wig. It's a lace front, beautifully soft and it styled up so nicely. Now that lace front wigs are actually affordable, I would like to try and replace some of my other old wigs with new lace fronts, the quality is just so much nicer.
Too many. Way too many. I have no idea how many there are. There's pretty much one per character costume and one per historical period. And then there are wigs that I wear with Lolita. Because my hair is two tone, it is not suitable for any characters of historical use, so I need wigs to remedy that.
My favourite would be my Pinup Elsa Wig. It's a lace front, beautifully soft and it styled up so nicely. Now that lace front wigs are actually affordable, I would like to try and replace some of my other old wigs with new lace fronts, the quality is just so much nicer.
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 26
DAY 26 - ANY UNFINISHED COSTUMES? WILL YOU EVER FINISH THEM?
I tend to be pretty good in that once I have started a costume I will finish it. Mainly because I have spent the money on it and it would be a waste not to. The only costume that I have unfinished is because I am STILL working on it. Rapunzel. I actually started her back when I first did Ariel, but was stupid enough to decide that the embroidery should be done by hand. It sits beside my bed so that I will pick it up and continue when I have some free time. But it does tend to go months between bouts of embroidery.
The plan though is to finish it this year!
I tend to be pretty good in that once I have started a costume I will finish it. Mainly because I have spent the money on it and it would be a waste not to. The only costume that I have unfinished is because I am STILL working on it. Rapunzel. I actually started her back when I first did Ariel, but was stupid enough to decide that the embroidery should be done by hand. It sits beside my bed so that I will pick it up and continue when I have some free time. But it does tend to go months between bouts of embroidery.
The plan though is to finish it this year!
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 25
DAY 25 - THE COSPLAY YOU PUT THE MOST EFFORT INTO
I put a hell of a lot of effort into all my costumes. The most effort so far would be my I Dream of Jeannie. The hat and wig made a mess of my room for months and it was my first time working on covering a bra BY HAND! Then there was all the jewellery that I bought and had to piece back together. I'm glad that I made it but it was a hell of a time.
I put a hell of a lot of effort into all my costumes. The most effort so far would be my I Dream of Jeannie. The hat and wig made a mess of my room for months and it was my first time working on covering a bra BY HAND! Then there was all the jewellery that I bought and had to piece back together. I'm glad that I made it but it was a hell of a time.
Monday, February 16, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 24
DAY 24 - YOUR MOST COMFORTABLE COSPLAY AND MOST UNCOMFORTABLE COSPLAY
We'll start with the most comfortable. Saber Lion. It's a loose suit made from polar fleece. There is no restriction in wearing it and it has footsies. Super comfortable.
As for the most uncomfortable, you would think it would be something involving a corset but because I am so used to wearing them for historical wear and I make them myself, they are actually quite comfortable. The costume that isn't is my Stargate Offworld Uniform. It is incredibly bulky, I always get blisters from the boots for some reason, it's really hot to wear and it is hard to move in because I am so strapped in with weapons. And I really try not to sit down in it, because it doesn't really have a lot of moment. The only advantages to the costume are the mass amounts of pockets, the fact that I don't have to wear a wig and that I love Stargate.
We'll start with the most comfortable. Saber Lion. It's a loose suit made from polar fleece. There is no restriction in wearing it and it has footsies. Super comfortable.
As for the most uncomfortable, you would think it would be something involving a corset but because I am so used to wearing them for historical wear and I make them myself, they are actually quite comfortable. The costume that isn't is my Stargate Offworld Uniform. It is incredibly bulky, I always get blisters from the boots for some reason, it's really hot to wear and it is hard to move in because I am so strapped in with weapons. And I really try not to sit down in it, because it doesn't really have a lot of moment. The only advantages to the costume are the mass amounts of pockets, the fact that I don't have to wear a wig and that I love Stargate.
Sunday, February 15, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 23
DAY 23 - YOUR MOST EXPENSIVE COSPLAY
This is a really hard thing for me to keep track of. Most of my costume materials I buy on sale by keeping an eye out for them and I have never really kept track of how much I do spend on each individual costume. Probably because I am terrified of knowing.
If I was to hazard a guess though, my most expensive would be my stargate offworld uniform.
This is a really hard thing for me to keep track of. Most of my costume materials I buy on sale by keeping an eye out for them and I have never really kept track of how much I do spend on each individual costume. Probably because I am terrified of knowing.
If I was to hazard a guess though, my most expensive would be my stargate offworld uniform.
Because I didn't make this costume but instead bought all the parts. While the pants and cap were cheap, I dropped $70 on the boots, $50 on the vest, $50 on the zat, each patch costs $10 and there are at least four and then there was the screen accurate jacket which set me back $250. I warn you now, if you want to put together an offworld uniform, save your pennies!
Saturday, February 14, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 22
DAY 22 - HAVE YOU WORN COSPLAY IN A REGULAR SITUATION?
Quite a few time. Being in the ACG, we regularly take outings to the Art Gallery and Museum in costume to see exhibitions and many of our events have use wandering about on public transport and at various venues in full costume.
However, a few more regular situations:
Quite a few time. Being in the ACG, we regularly take outings to the Art Gallery and Museum in costume to see exhibitions and many of our events have use wandering about on public transport and at various venues in full costume.
However, a few more regular situations:
Regency Gown for Pride and Prejudice at the Theatre &
Princess Leia for International Star Wars Day at the Cinema
Princess Ariel to see Disney on Ice &
Lolita Mad Hatter for Melbourne Cup Day at work
Friday, February 13, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 21
DAY 21 - SHOW US YOUR BEST COSPLAY DERP PHOTO
Not so much derpy, but we borrowed a friend's phone and left some photos on it for her to find later.
Not so much derpy, but we borrowed a friend's phone and left some photos on it for her to find later.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 20
DAY 20 - HAVE YOU WON ANY COSPLAY AWARDS?
Yes. I have entered the competitions that are a part of the Australian Costumers Guild Ball for the last few years.
In 2011, I won the Workmanship Award in the Journeyman Category for my 1823 Ballgown. And yes, workmanship does mean that they poke around the inside of your costume to see how it is made and check out your handsewing and finishing techniques.
Then in 2013, I won the Workmanship Award in the Journeyman Category for my I Dream of Jeannie costume.
Then in 2014, I won the Workmanship Award and the Parade Award in the Master Category as well as the People's Choice Award at the ACG Ball for my Steampunk Black Widow.
Yes. I have entered the competitions that are a part of the Australian Costumers Guild Ball for the last few years.
In 2011, I won the Workmanship Award in the Journeyman Category for my 1823 Ballgown. And yes, workmanship does mean that they poke around the inside of your costume to see how it is made and check out your handsewing and finishing techniques.
Then in 2013, I won the Workmanship Award in the Journeyman Category for my I Dream of Jeannie costume.
Then in 2014, I won the Workmanship Award and the Parade Award in the Master Category as well as the People's Choice Award at the ACG Ball for my Steampunk Black Widow.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 19
DAY 19 - WHAT IS YOUR WORST COSPLAY MEMORY
Maybe I have tried to blank them out, but I don't really have any really bad cosplay memories. There have been moments within costume groups where there was antagonism and I actually left the Australian Costumers Guild for over a year - that sucked. But I have put that behind me as an experience that I really don't want to repeat.
I like to think that I look on the bright side of life *cue Monty Python*
Maybe I have tried to blank them out, but I don't really have any really bad cosplay memories. There have been moments within costume groups where there was antagonism and I actually left the Australian Costumers Guild for over a year - that sucked. But I have put that behind me as an experience that I really don't want to repeat.
I like to think that I look on the bright side of life *cue Monty Python*
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 18
DAY 18 - WHAT IS YOUR BEST COSPLAY MEMORY
Meeting Barbara Eden
When I found out that Jeannie herself was coming to Supanova, I knew that it was time to make my Jeannie costume. I'd had the fabric stashed in my cupboard for years and this was the time to do it, so I had my photo taken as Jeannie with Barbara Eden. I was on a high all day.
Meeting Barbara Eden
When I found out that Jeannie herself was coming to Supanova, I knew that it was time to make my Jeannie costume. I'd had the fabric stashed in my cupboard for years and this was the time to do it, so I had my photo taken as Jeannie with Barbara Eden. I was on a high all day.
Monday, February 9, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 17
DAY 17 - WHAT EVENTS HAVE YOU COSPLAYED TO?
There are so many. As a part of the Australian Costumers Guild, we make our own events up just so that we can costume. But there is a general round of events that I attend every year (or try to).
Supanova Gold Coast
History Alive
Abbey Medieval Festival
Supanova Sydney
ACG Ball (last weekend in August in Adelaide)
Oz Comic Con Brisbane
Supanova Brisbane
Proclamation Day at Newstead House (the day that Queensland became it's own state)
There are so many. As a part of the Australian Costumers Guild, we make our own events up just so that we can costume. But there is a general round of events that I attend every year (or try to).
Supanova Gold Coast
History Alive
Abbey Medieval Festival
Supanova Sydney
ACG Ball (last weekend in August in Adelaide)
Oz Comic Con Brisbane
Supanova Brisbane
Proclamation Day at Newstead House (the day that Queensland became it's own state)
Sunday, February 8, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 16
DAY 16 - DO YOU BELONG TO ANY COSPLAY GROUPS?
Yes, I do. The first group I ever joined was the Australian Costumers Guild way back in 2007. It is there that I met so many of the people that I now call friends. It's an Australia-wide group for costumers to get together and costume.
I am also a member of RIFF, a re-enactment group that is open period (as in we do anything from Ancients through to the 1960s). I did have to leave the other re-enactment group I was a part of EDAS (European Defensive Arts School) due to my university commitments, but I would love to join back up when I am done with my degree.
I am also a part of a Brisbane group of cosplay ladies on Facebook.
Yes, I do. The first group I ever joined was the Australian Costumers Guild way back in 2007. It is there that I met so many of the people that I now call friends. It's an Australia-wide group for costumers to get together and costume.
I am also a member of RIFF, a re-enactment group that is open period (as in we do anything from Ancients through to the 1960s). I did have to leave the other re-enactment group I was a part of EDAS (European Defensive Arts School) due to my university commitments, but I would love to join back up when I am done with my degree.
I am also a part of a Brisbane group of cosplay ladies on Facebook.
Saturday, February 7, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 15
DAY 15 - YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE THING ABOUT COSPLAY
Other than the cost of materials?
Unfamiliar territory. I am terrified right now because I am starting to work on cosplay armour. I have only ever made a breastplate and a belt. I've watched a LOT of tutorials and read a lot of websites to try and prepare myself, but I am still terrified that it will look hideous when I am done. I know it's all about practice and you get better over time, but I don't want my armour to let down the rest of the costume.
Other than the cost of materials?
Unfamiliar territory. I am terrified right now because I am starting to work on cosplay armour. I have only ever made a breastplate and a belt. I've watched a LOT of tutorials and read a lot of websites to try and prepare myself, but I am still terrified that it will look hideous when I am done. I know it's all about practice and you get better over time, but I don't want my armour to let down the rest of the costume.
Friday, February 6, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 14
DAY 14 - YOUR COSPLAY-MAKING HABITS
It used to be music, I would listen to CDs on repeat. And then when I got my first laptop, it became binge watching TV shows and movies. I sit the laptop somewhere in the room and load up some viewing. Generally stuff that I have seen before so that I don't become too distracted. And no anime, because I would have to sit and read the subtitles.
I am also really good at thematic watching. So, if I am working on a period costume, I watch shows of that period and same goes for characters, I watch what goes with the character.
It used to be music, I would listen to CDs on repeat. And then when I got my first laptop, it became binge watching TV shows and movies. I sit the laptop somewhere in the room and load up some viewing. Generally stuff that I have seen before so that I don't become too distracted. And no anime, because I would have to sit and read the subtitles.
I am also really good at thematic watching. So, if I am working on a period costume, I watch shows of that period and same goes for characters, I watch what goes with the character.
Thursday, February 5, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 13
DAY 13 - YOUR COSPLAY SPECIALITY
Hair and Makeup of course. Given that I am a makeup artist, I do like to play a lot with different looks. As for hair, since mine is coloured, I can't use it for any of my costumes, so I have learnt to become adept at styling wigs. Lots and lots of wigs.
But otherwise, pattern drafting. I hate doing it and it always seems to take forever to draft up the pattern that I want. But I am pretty good at visualising what the pattern piece for a particular shape of item should look like and making the necessary adjustments to create that pattern piece. That really is where I feel comfortable: drafting patterns for fabric.
Hair and Makeup of course. Given that I am a makeup artist, I do like to play a lot with different looks. As for hair, since mine is coloured, I can't use it for any of my costumes, so I have learnt to become adept at styling wigs. Lots and lots of wigs.
But otherwise, pattern drafting. I hate doing it and it always seems to take forever to draft up the pattern that I want. But I am pretty good at visualising what the pattern piece for a particular shape of item should look like and making the necessary adjustments to create that pattern piece. That really is where I feel comfortable: drafting patterns for fabric.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 12
DAY 12 - YOUR COSPLAY IDOL
I don't really have an Idol. Sure, there are cosplayers and costumers that I admire and follow their work, but not really an idol. So, I am just going to share those that I have been following the longest:
American Duchess
Before the Automobile
Katie Jacobs
Maridah
RuffleButt Cosplay
I don't really have an Idol. Sure, there are cosplayers and costumers that I admire and follow their work, but not really an idol. So, I am just going to share those that I have been following the longest:
American Duchess
Before the Automobile
Katie Jacobs
Maridah
RuffleButt Cosplay
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 11
DAY 11 - SOMETHING COSPLAY-RELATED THAT YOU WILL NEVER DO
Star Trek. Sorry to all those Trek fans out there, but I don't like it. At all. I've tried to watch it, but just nope.
Star Trek. Sorry to all those Trek fans out there, but I don't like it. At all. I've tried to watch it, but just nope.
Monday, February 2, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 10
DAY 10 - THE DREAM COSPLAY THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN
I don't want to dash any of my future cosplay dreams. But it has to go to Nonon from Kill La Kill. While this is a neat outfit and I do love Nonon, it's not something I would EVER EVER EVER feel comfortable wearing.
I don't want to dash any of my future cosplay dreams. But it has to go to Nonon from Kill La Kill. While this is a neat outfit and I do love Nonon, it's not something I would EVER EVER EVER feel comfortable wearing.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
30 Days of Cosplay - Day 9
DAY 9 - THE DREAM COSPLAY THAT MIGHT JUST HAPPEN
If my fitness regime actually works and I tone up enough to be comfortable with wearing a skintight leotard, it has to be Julie Numar as Catwoman from the 1960s TV show.
One day...
If my fitness regime actually works and I tone up enough to be comfortable with wearing a skintight leotard, it has to be Julie Numar as Catwoman from the 1960s TV show.
One day...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)