The inner train

First off...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

I had a blast today.  It was so much fun. And gave me an excuse to wear full lolita. Any time I have an excuse to wear my rocking horse shoes I am happy. We carved pumpkins, roasted pumpkin seeds and got all dressed up to hand candy out to kids. It was great.

We also got more lace for the train so I can finish it tomorrow! I'm thrilled. The train is the first piece I have made a pattern by myself for. I'm really loving how it has turned out. I plan to finish it tomorrow, sew the lace on and sew on the pearls. I can't wait. I love beading. Once the train is sewn onto the skirt it will be finished. Then I can move onto Abel's cassock.

The reason I won't be making Seth's dress or hat is because I had planned on making Abel's outfit first but we round up finding satin on sale for the skirt so we went ahead and bought it. So once I finish Abel's cassock and cape I will start on Seth's dress and hat. I'm hoping to keep going at the speed I am so I can finish a few months before con to work on our Don't Starve outfits and props. Of course after the outfits I do have two sets of wings to make as well. So that won't happen in less everything needed for our Trinity Blood cosplays is done. As they are first priority. And I would love to have them both 100% finished by Sakura-con in April.

I've also noticed that my skill has improved a lot. I'm really proud of myself. I'm sticking to my goals and am not taking any short cuts. And I'm noticing a difference. I really hope I can keep up and do as great as I have so far with the skirt.

We do have to order our Bias tape maker and some Wonderflex in the next few weeks so we can start making armor as well.

Thank you reading!

Five hours later...

And it's done!

I'm so happy! I've never made something like this but I really am proud of myself how much I've improved my skills. I hope everything else will go as soothingly as this skirt did. It took five hours to hand stitch the outer skirt upwards onto the lining. It was very time consuming and overly annoying but I'm glad I took my mom's advice and did it. Hand sewing a big area is very annoying but it worked really well for this skirt. It bubbles perfectly.

You can see the bubbling a lot better here. The skirt fits very nicely. It's comfortable and stops mid thigh just as it should. Now I am starting on the train that will be sewn onto the back. The train won't be finished until this weekend when I can get interfacing (To help make the train stiff.) and more lace because I miscounted and got a yard short of lace.

The lace I got is a Venice lace. It's very soft and delicate with roses. I also decided that I will use pearls instead of seed beads to add onto the lace. This will add a little shine to the inner train.

I always like to add my own touch to my cosplays and this is that little something that I've decided to add to this one.

 The inside of the skirt. This shows how I sewed the outer skirt up onto the lining to make it bubble. It worked really well. You can't see the stitches.

I was very wary of hand sewing it and dreaded but it worked out perfectly and I love how it looks.

This is of when I cut the first piece for the train. I will be lining it so I can sew in the lace in between the layers so it will look clean.

The lace shown above is the lace that will be lining the train.

The other piece. I made this pattern myself. I hope it works out. Before I will sew it all together I will double check with Alice's dress to see if the piece still will fit inside the outer train.

This is how the train will look behind the skirt. I had only pinned it on so it's drooping a bit. It won't be that way once sewn on. The train will have interfacing inside so it will be stiff.

This will be to make it flair outwards instead of being limp and have the risk of tangling in my legs during contests. The outer train will not have interfacing so this will also help the outer train flair out more.

A skirt for a Empress

Seth's skirt is almost done. I've started the dreaded task of hand sewing the bottom upwards onto the lining. I'm trying to make it as neat as possible so I can brag about it later. Normally I would have just sewn it on and not cared but I'm trying my best to make it neat and clean for contests. I want to make this as I had always seen it in my mind. So it doesn't matter that this will be for a contest or two, it's my dream cosplay. I want to make it so I never want to take it off. And having it have neat edges and seams is the first step.


Since hand sewing this is time consuming and annoying I may not be finished until tomorrow. I need to finish my synopsis for my new novel for National Novel Writing Month for next month. Today I went went to a group job interview and I am beat. But I really want to get this skirt done so I can start on the train and finished this piece. The cassock is my main goal. I want it done as soon as I can. As well as the matching cape. I want it done because that means we are almost half way finished. I'd have to make Seth's dress then start on all the details. While I do that hopefully my fiance will start on the armor. We are getting Wonderflex for all armor pieces. It'll be our first time using Wonderflex and I'm pretty excited about it. I've done a lot of research and it seems like the best material to make armor out of.

We should be getting that in a week or two. Depending on when my fiance is ready to get it. Of course he'll need to make the molds first but there'll be lots of time while we wait for the Wonderflex to ship.  So that's it for now. I'll update once I work more on the skirt. No pictures tonight. I'm by far too lazy to put the camera together.

Thanks for reading!

The next two years + my goals

Wow. I don't think I have ever been this organized for our cosplays. Normally we just pick as we go but since patterns were on sale we sort of planned ahead of time this year. I've really been motivated to do my best which includes being serious about my goals but before I get to those Here is our line up for the next two cons.

Sakura-con

Our whole line up is pretty firm. If our main cosplays, Seth and Abel from Trinity Blood are finished before a month or two before con we will be adding on Willow and Wilson from Don't starve and hopefully Chester to wheel behind us.

Firm
Seth and Abel- Trinity Blood

Maybe
Will and Wilson- Don't starve
Yuuko and Watanuki- xxxHolic
Alice and Oz- Pandora Hearts

PH will only be brought if we do not get our TB cosplays done on time. xxxHolic cosplays will only be brought if we are not doing Willow and Wilson.

Kumori-con 2014 will be four days long. We're taking advantage of the extra day to bring....four different series of cosplays. Which I'm thrilled about. Besides Seth and Abel and Willow and Wilson we will be bringing...

Grell and Madam Red from Black Butler.

And Muk (Nicolas) and Grimer (Me) Cowslip's Pokemon Gijinka.

Our main cosplay is unknown. We will be entering one into the cosplay contest which will be our hidden cosplay until that day. Willow and Wilson will most likely be our day zero and down time cosplays.

Which cosplay for which day depends on the contest so we won't know until next year. For now I'm just excited to have such a wide range of cosplays for once.




2014 is going to be blast for cosplay cons. I have been very motivated lately, not only because of these huge cosplays I'm making but because I have a interview this Monday. So it's kicked me into gear. My goals have been refreshed. So besides getting everything done on time I want to focus on myself a bit more. Losing weight for one thing. We pay the gym for nothing so its time for us to go back and work our butts off to get into shape for Sakura-con. I want to get Seth's outfit done then try it on and realize I have to go back and take it in. I'd love that. So I'm going to try my best to improve myself not just my skills.

I'm excited for a new year. This year hadn't been the best, I won't lie. but next sure will be even better. It can only get better from here.

I hate being sick

I hate having a cold. Last few days I've had  a stuffy nose, bad coughing, and a ton of mucus. Which is no fun at all. And is causing me to have no time to sew. Which sucks. I do have the train drafted for Seth's skirt. I just need to cut out the pattern in the satin fabric I'll be using for it. The skirt needs to have the waist band re-sewn on, the first attempt I messed up and I plan on re-doing it so it looks cleaner. I think its important for me to try my hardest and make the pieces look clean. Even if the piece isn't going to be seen. Such as the top of the underskirt. It won't be seen but I want it to still look good. I'm hoping by re-doing things will help me stop being so lazy about pieces that won't be seen.

This is how the skirt will look with the waistband and the bottom sewn upwards. I still need to sew on the waistband and sew the bottom.

I did try it on for the first time and it fits very nicely. The skirt stops a few inches above my knees. Just as it should. I guess its good I'm so short.

Don't know if I posted this or not but oh well. This is the train for the skirt. It's shown folded in half. The bottom is rounded and it is short enough to where it will not drag on the ground. I may trim the sides a bit as there will be lace trim around the edges.

This inner train will be pretty simple, but I think I may add my own little touch and add beads to the lace just so it shines a bit when on stage.

Plus I LOVE beading.

The waist band after I tore it out. I created this on my own without using a pattern. Luckily waistbands are pretty simple. Now I just need to figure out how to sew it on without it messing up the top of the skirt.

This is the lace I'm thinking about using for the inner train and sleeves. They do have a wider, longer version of this lace which I may use for the train. I'm liking how soft and girly it is. Plus its not rough chemical lace which I feel can make a costume look....well too costume-y.








After I finish with the skirt and train I'll be starting on Abel's cape and Cassock which I am very excited to do. We will be getting Wonderflex within the next few weeks. I'm so excited to start working with it. We decided to go ahead and start early with the armor in case we need extra time to make them or re-make them in case we mess up. Most of the armor pieces and details will be made out of Wonderflex and Model Magic, craft foam. I'm pretty excited. I hope everything is done on time. There is still about six full months (not counting this month) to get everything done.

Seth's skirt, Abel's wig test and supplies.

Wasn't going to take any pictures buuuuut since I love my readers I took a few anyway. Its a pain to do because my old memory card is not readable by my computer (My computer reads it as corrupted) so I have to use my 3DS memory card. Its a pain but oh well. I love taking pictures.

First topic!

Seth's skirt. I finished the gathering on the outer satin part of the skirt. There is gathering on the top and bottom. This will give it the bubble shape to it once it is sewn onto the lining. My mother and I were brain storming ideas about how to use the tulle to fluff the skirt out more and she liked my idea of sewing layers of tulle at the very bottom of the lining. So when the skirt is sewn on and bubbled it will flair out more because of the tulle inside. So tomorrow once I get the top sewn together I'll start by sewing the first layer of tulle and testing it. (I.E pinning the skirt over the tulle and see how it would look as if it were sewn on.)

I won't be starting on the train until after the skirt is finished. I'd say the skirt will be done within another day or two of working on it. It's not too complicated. I'll be able to work on it all day tomorrow and maybe most of the day Friday.

Our supply list is growing. As I said I'm busy as a bee working to do as much research as I can before we start working on the details of the costumes. There will be a lot of new things I'll be doing and learning while working on these costumes. But I think that's why I'm enjoying it so much right now. I'm really starting to ponder the idea of opening a limit number of commissions for a short period of time for props and maybe small sewing projects to help pay for the supplies we need. I'm nervous about going about how to start doing so. Any advice is much welcomed! Please drop me a message or comment below.


Pictures time!

Last night I did a test with the spray on Tacky Glue on our test wig and this is how it turned out...

It stood up! It worked! The spike closest to the camera was the one I made last night. The one near my computer was made with teasing and tacky glue mixed with water. I am so happy with how well it stood up. It's firm to the touch and does not move when the wig is shifted.

I think this might work for Abel's wig!!!!

The downside, and it may have been because of how close I was when I sprayed it, was how it pearled at some parts. It didn't dry clear at these parts. But luckily Abel's wig is silver so if this happens it will blend in and won't be noticed.

The back view.

Although the wig will only be worn for contests and photoshoots I am glad I found a way to make it without using foam core. This way it won't be heavy or uncomfortable to wear. Since the rest of the outfit and wings will be trouble some enough I'm glad I found a way to make the wig comfortable.

Close up of the pearls. They are dry but did not dry clear. They do appear easy to peel off though.

This is what I used. But please be cautious! Unlike the liquid Tacky Glue this is PERMANENT. And holy cow is it sticky. I had to use Dawn and wash my hands over and over to get the stick crap off my hands.

I will be wearing gloves when using it next time. Plus it splattered on the floor. So if you use it on wigs, make sure you have the area covered. I'll be buying a plastic sheet from the hardware store (the type used for painting) and make sure the floor is covered. This stuff is not to be used lightly it is very hard to get off stuff when it isn't dry. So be careful and use it with caution.

Otherwise this product is great! It holds up, dries clear (for the most part) and dries without being sticky or tacky. It's very useful.



I also found this awesome little project for helping cosplayers pick out expressions and posing for photos. I think I'll make one for Abel and Seth (Not of our cosplays but of ref pictures) to help me and my fiance with some expressions for Sakura-con. Since posing for pictures is something I need to work on I think it will be a fun thing to make and practice with.

You can find it here http://cosplaytutorial.com/tools/posingtemplate.php


Thanks for reading!

Little update and a some pictures

Most creative title as of yet. But hey, I'm tried and rather bored which is why I'm making this post to began with. But hey, there'll be pictures! I'm in a great mood, got a good lead for a job (hopefully it goes through!) and got some more supplies for our big project. A whole tub of model magic and some spray on tacky glue. The tacky glue is for Abel's wig and the model magic for armor and molds.

All the stuff! Okay, not ALL of it. Believe me there will be a ton more. Black broadcloth for Abel's cassock and cape. White tulle for Seth's skirt. Interfacing for Abel's cassock and cape and some more thread.

That is eleven yards of black fabric! We got the whole bolt. Second time I've done and first time I've ever needed eleven yards of fabric!

Lining for Seth's skirt. This was when it had just been sewn together. I need to gather the outer (satin) skirt now then sew these two together.

The lining is made out of white broadcloth. I chose this for two reasons, one because I had some left over from another costume and two because I find broadcloth more breathable and I wanted to save the rest of the satin for the train.

The only picture I took of the outer skirt. It is made from three pieces of white satin. The satin is very nice, not too shiny and looks like expensive wedding satin.

I normally hate satin but I am in love with this. It's costume satin but feels and looks wonderful.

And that is my stalker...yeah. That black fuzzy cat.

You see what I mean?

Stalker.

Hey, I didn't say these pictures were all progress pictures.....


At least the sewing machine is in it...

Sewing the lining. I love my new sewing space. The only downside is the sewing machine now hates me again and doesn't like me putting in the bottom bobbin again. This lady is a very fickle old machine. I love her but I'm so ready for a new one.

Cassie is my father's cat. Her hobbies include...

Following me, eating out of my cat's food dish even through she knows she isn't supposed to, Playing with her yellow mouse, following me around the house, ringing the bell on my door, eating, eating some more, eating even more, watching birds, dashing at the glass back door thinking its open so she can the birds, chasing invisible things throughout the house and playing with our other cat Alphonse.




I didn't work on sewing today because my fiance came over and little bit and I wanted to spend some time with him. I will be sewing tomorrow to try and get this skirt finished so I can start on the train then on Abel's cape and cassock. I won't be making Seth's dress until after all four of those are done. Since the construction is more complex than Abel's cassock I will save it for last to focus on all the details.

Seth's outfit will be made out of four patterns plus one that I will be making. Five in total. Hence why the construction will be a lot more work for me. I will have to make a mock up of the top once I finish the dress so I can fit it together. I'll also have to lengthen the outer train.


So like I said there will be a ton of work. I'm enjoying it so far. This project means a lot to me and my fiance. So I'm really putting everything I got into it. I'll be taking progress pictures every time I work on sewing. These pictures will be posted here and on our facebook page. They'll also be used for when we enter contests. I'm so excited to share with you guys my progress as this is my biggest project so far and it also gives me an excuse to take a ton of pictures.

In other news silver bias tape is super hard to find. I guess they make gold but not silver metallic bias tape so I have no choice but to make my own which of course I have never done before. So I started looking up some stuff and found this machine...

Bias tape maker! I found it for only $40! That's pretty good seeing as I found it online for $60 at most sites. For the fabric I'm thinking of using silver taffeta. It's metallic but costume-y.

We'll be picking one of these bad boys up soon. I'll do a little review on it. When we get it depends on if its in the store VS ordering it online.












So that's it for now. I think I'll write my novel tonight and maybe do so some molds or something. Thank you so much for reading!

To the fabric store!

Heading out to the big fabric store today in the hopes of finding a medium weight black fabric for Abel's cassock and cape. As well as metallic silver bias tape, which of course is super hard to find even through most store sell gold. Both will be for Abel. Which I do what to start first but since I already have everything laid out for Seth's skirt I'm going to go ahead and make that today.

Our to get list

~Light-Medium weight fabric (Non-see through) 10 1/2 yards
~Metallic bias tape x5 packages
~White tulle 2 yards
~Black thread
~White thread

Of course I'm going to look around to see what fabric they have for Seth and what types of lace they have as I love looking and touching lace. I'm really hoping they have the right fabric for Abel or we may have to order it online which I will be sad about. I like touching the fabric before hand so I know if it has the right "feel" to it. For some reason its hard to find a medium weight black fabric that isn't over 9.99 a yard. As you can see above we need ten yards (For both the cassock and cape) and we don't want to spend a lot on fabric alone as there are still a lot more we have to buy for these cosplays.

So hopefully everything goes alright and we find the items on our list. I'm excited to sew once more as its like an inch. I really want to do my best this time around. If I make a mistake I'm going to re-do it instead of ignoring it.

I'm determined to make these eye catching cosplays. Not only for the contest but to prove to myself I can do better each time I try. Which I personally think is more important than winning an award.

All set up

I'm so organized this time around! Having a space just for sewing helps a lot. My sewing room is wonderful. I have room to neatly cut the fabric, pin instructions up, tuck away patterns and have a space for all my fabric and scraps. I love it. As I said I will be taking a ton of pictures of the progress of our Trinity Blood cosplays, not only for the judges in future contests but for our portfolio. Plus it gives me an excuse to take a bunch of pictures.

The picture above was the last picture I took after I was finished cutting out the fabric. I just love being organized so I couldn't help myself. I do not keep things like that because we have three cats and I cannot leave the door close in that room because of a litter box. So I have everything put away safely so the cats won't tear up the pattern paper. (They love that stuff!)

                                                           Seth's underskirt progress 1

The patterns I am using, along with the pieces.

Two are for the lining which is a white muslin.

One (x3) for the back and front and is satin.

This is the costume satin in white we got. I have 5 and half yards. I made sure to get extra for the train.

It is really soft and smooth. I think its better than some of the wedding satin I've seen before. Its very nice. The soft sheen to it is perfect. Its spot on for the type of fabric the ref picture shows.

In total there are five pieces of fabric used for this pattern. This pattern is for a "bubble" skirt. The skirt will fall (I'm guessing from the size of the fabric) a few inches above my knees.

The pattern and pattern piece that will be used for the train. I will be making my own pattern for the train by using this piece (A skirt) to measure out one made of muslin. Then I'll use that to make it out of satin.

I will also be using Alice's dress to measure how long the train will be since the white train underneath the main train is shorter and does not drag on the ground. I think I may use some interface so the inner train is stiffer to help keep the outer train full.

I won't be working on the train until the skirt is finished so I can do all the measurements before I start making it just to be sure everything will fit together.





I will be starting on sewing the skirt tomorrow.

Sleepy Sunday

I'm exhausted. Catching all those Pokemon sure is tiring. And I stayed up way too late playing Pokemon X. It's a fun game. I can't believe all the new things they put into the game. I'm really enjoying it. I even am wanting to cosplay the Pokemon nurse now. In the new game she appears so cute! And has a huge fluffy dress. I think it would make a very comfortable cosplay to wear in between wearing my big complex cosplays.

                                           

Today I'm looking over the skirt patterns, going to cut them out, lengthen them and figure out how I am going to make the train. I may start cutting out the fabric today but that depends. I have a lot to do. It's garage day so I need to need the hamster cage, get my trash taken out and maybe do some laundry if my mom doesn't have any to do. I also want to work a bit more on outlining my next novel. I'm a busy bee~

I'm excited to start the skirt but I can't finish it until we get some tulle. I'll be putting in two layers of tulle on the lining of the skirt to make it fluff out. I think it's important for the skirt to be fluffy because that is how its pictured. And since Seth is a Empress she should look like one. I'm going to try my best on making everything like the pictures.

There of course will be a lot of work. But I'm not afraid of it.

We were talking about something pretty big the other day. Going to another con. But if we go to this other con in California we will not be able to go to Kumori-con. So what we're going to do is not go this year but maybe next year. Hopefully we can talk our friend into going as well as I REALLY want to go check out the LA fashion district. I want to get some fabric from there. Maybe some lace too! As well as check out the Angelic Pretty store and Baby the Stars Shine Bright store. I'd love that! Hopefully I can get a stable job or get published so we can go next year! That'd be awesome to go to three cons.

Today was amazing!

We got up early and got both of a copy of Pokemon X and Y. The game is amazing! So much fun. I love all the updates. It really did improve and looks much better. I'm glad they did such a huge update to the game and game play. Then we went out with my fiance's parents and went shopping with them. Got some yummy meat for dinner for my parents and us and a big doggie bone for our dog. After that we headed to the Joann's superstore and got five yards of white satin for Seth's skirt. We couldn't find the right type of fabric for Abel so we'll have to go to Fabric Depot Tuesday.

The fabric for Seth happened to be on sale. I'm glad we got it when we did. The sale ends on Monday. The pattern says it only needs about 1 3/4 yards but since I'll be lengthening the skirt (the pattern is way too short.) and adding the train on the back I need five yards. Hopefully that will be enough. I'll be making the train pattern tomorrow. As well as lengthening the skirt pattern and start to cut out the fabric so I can start sewing.

I can't finish the skirt until I get some tulle. I'll be adding two layers of tulle on the lining so the skirt is more fluffy. I've noticed the ones made with this pattern without using tulle turns out flat. Since the picture shows it fluffy I'll make it fluffy and full.

At this point I'm just excited to sew. There will be a lot to do so I'm eager to start and improve my skills. I'll upload some pictures of progress pictures later. There will be a LOT of them. See ya then!

Patterns!

Between this sale and the one next week we will be set on patterns for two years! There really is nothing better than a $1 pattern sale. Gotta love it. While we picking out patterns for next week's sale we decided that we will be doing Madam Red and Grell from Black Butler for 2015. Not sure what other cosplay we'll later on that year but I'm just glad we have our ducks in a line. 

And guess what?

They had the pattern for Abel's cassock!

I'm so happy we have everything for our Trinity Blood cosplays. Well, the patterns any way. We were looking for fabric for Abel but couldn't find any that were right and the one we did find was way too much. Since we need 10 yards, we're hoping to find something cheap.

So tomorrow we're going to the bigger Joann's in the hope of finding some good fabric for Abel. So i can get started and stop freaking out about how many months we have left. These costumes are so detailed its natural that I would be freaking out but I'm using my anxiety to motivate me to do my best. 

 

I didn't get too many good pictures. The lighting is horrible down in my basement this time of night and I'm by far too tired to go in my room and re-taking pictures.

There a total of five patterns for our Trinity Blood cosplays. 

Seth-4

Abel-2

Of course I'll still need to modify the patterns a lot but I'm feeling more comfortable doing so with patterns. As long as I have a base I'll be fine. Luckily for us I have found patterns that fit each part of the outfits. 

I would make this post a bit longer but I'm so tired and tomorrow we're waking up early to hunt us some copies of the new Pokemon 3DS game. Then after that we're going out with my fiance's mother and step-father to a store then to Joann's. So tomorrow will be very busy. I'll do a more detailed post later on.

American Horror of awesomeness

Anyone else watch the first episode of the new episode? IT IS AMAZING! I think it is my favorite season so far. Any whooooo. This post isn't about how much I love American Horror Story or anything liek that I'm talking about patterns today!

There is a up-coming sale At our Joann's for five patterns for only five dollars! That's such a good sale and here is way...

1. Patterns can be expressive (Some can be over $20!)
2. Good chance to buy patterns that will only be used for pieces (I need one that is $18 just for the sleeves.)
3. Great chance to get patterns for our other cosplays

Plus some day I would like to do commissions. This will help me add to my pattern inventory so I won't have to buy more patterns which means lower cost to the buyers.

Since there are only two patterns we need for Seth and Abel at the store (we're buying the main pattern for Abel's cassock online. It wasn't in the store.) we will be buying the pattern for Sharon (Pandora Hearts) dress and that leaves us with two more patterns to buy. We aren't sure what they will be since we are re-using a pattern for Seth's dress and are re-using a pattern for Break's coat. So that leaves us with two patterns that we can use for our next cosplays for 2014. Which we are not 100% on which those will be. Since its my turn to pick a cosplay series I'm starting to ponder our choices. Our Trinity Blood cosplays will be our main cosplays for a while. Since they are hugely detailed cosplays I think having something more simple and comfortable would be nice.

These are my top choices.

Nicolas- Grell (Black Butler)

Nicolas was the one who told me he wanted to cosplay Grell. Of course how can I say no that? I'd love to see more male Grells at conventions. The outfit if pretty simple and would be easy to make.

Madam Red-Angelina Durless (Black Butler)

Love the Victorian walking gown. Not only that but I enjoyed her character in the manga a lot. She was interesting. The outfit, again would be easy to make. There is a pattern that would be perfect for this outfit.

One pattern down

Since when has Halloween become about showing skin? Good grief. We went out to a few stores today I swear the hem lines on female costumes has gotten shorter. Nasty. I want a ghost sheet costume. Is that so much to ask for? Sorry I don't want to show off my boob to little kids as I give out candy.

Alright. I'm done ranting.

I love Halloween don't get me wrong. The season is wonderful. Hot apple cider, pumpkins, costumes, spices and fires in the fireplace. I love it. I think we'll just be sheet ghosts this year. So we can save all the money we can for our up-coming cosplay projects.

We bought one pattern today as they were out of the main one we need for Abel's cassock. Nor did they have the cape or top pattern I wanted for Seth. We did the pattern that I'll be using for Seth's fluffy underskirt.

The white skirt is shown as being "bubbled" and gathered. It has a shine to it, so I'll be using satin. which is a great fabric to use for something that has lots of folds as it moves and folds very good.

The skirt will have a lace train that will not be as long as the train on the dress. It will mainly cover the inside of the long train. This will also be satin with lace trim.

This pattern Simplicity 2072 will be used for the skirt. I will be using E for the skirt. I may use the jacket C for the top as well. The sleeves will have a bell shape at the bottom inside of a line.

I will be making the skirt slightly longer so I can add more fluff inside of it. I will be using tulle inside to make it fluff outwards. I am so HAPPY I found this pattern as I was confussed about how to make the skirt. I would much rather modify a pattern than make one up by scratch. This will make my life so much easier.

I won't be making Seth's outfit until after Abel's cape and cassock is finished. After the outfits are finished we'll start on the smaller details and props.




Can't wait! I'll keep the blog updated whenever we start. It won't be much longer before I start sewing.

A day out

Today was a refreshing break from my typical  day-to-day. We headed out into downtown Portland and went to the amazing book kingdom, Powells. I got lots of books and some manga. Which I am super happy about I don't get manga often. I decided to get caught up on Black Butler. Although I read them online reading them with a correct English translation is always a lot of fun. So I got the last two manga volumes. These go into Ciel's past, which is one of my favorite parts of the manga. Its so interesting I hope they go deeper into soon. That school arch bored me so much. Thank goodness it is over.

We do want to cosplay Black Butler. Nicolas wants to cosplay Grell. Yes, a male Grell. How awesome is that? I'm excited to torture  to dress him up as Grell. Now he did pick out Grell himself. I don't pick out his cosplays. I allow him to pick out who he is going cosplay, and yes he does pick out the series as well. That's what makes it so fun. We try to do everything equally.

But it will be fun to put make-up on him and see him in heels and a long wig. I complain a lot when my wig slips or when my feet are screaming so he'll get to see why being a female is hard. Lol. I have yet to pick a character. I am either going to go with Madam Red (I love her personality. and outfits.) or my first ever crossplay and go as the Undertaker. I won't pick one until later when we decide we'll cosplay them. They may be our next cosplay because they will be simple to make and not very stressful to wear. Since our Trinity Blood cosplays will be our main cosplays for while we'll need something simple and comfortable. Although I think we'll stick with Trinity Blood, Pandora Hearts and xxxHolic for a while.

Next outing (Not sure when.) will be to start collecting things for Abel's cassock! I can't wait to start sewing! I'm having withdraws. But right now I'm going to go read some manga and write. I am so close to finish my novel right now I am very jittery and really want to put my best forward and work hard to finish it. So wish me luck! When I finish I have the rest of the month to edit and reverse while I research for my next novel that will be written next month for NaNoWriMo .

Toodles for now!

What a crazy fall its been so far

The weather sure has taking a turn. Its very chilly. The storm has passed, although yesterday was crazy! It rained really hard, looked more like hail but it wasn't. I love fall and the weather and storms that it brings. I'm not much of a summer person (I hate the heat, it affects my health in a bad way.) so its nice to have chilly weather. Summer was really stuffy and humid. I have a feeling winter will be really bad and cold this year. Hopefully we'll get some snow this time around.

Enough about the weather. Let's talk cosplay!

I'm really pushing myself hard with these new cosplays. Going outside the box, trying out new techniques and going outside of my comfort zone. But I'm enjoying it. I haven't started on sewing yet, we will in a few weeks. I have, however been working on Abel's wig.

                                                    TB manga starts back up next month!



I have three ways that I could make this wig stand on end.

1. Hanging it upside down while hair spraying it
2. Painting the wig with a mix of tacky glue and water + hair spray after
3. Foam core or wire base

I have asked a few other people who have made successful crusnik wigs but only a few have replied back. Those who have all used option one. I think I try 2 but use a wire base inside. If the wire feels strange on the wig I won't use it. I may start today by sectioning the wig into parts and start painting them one by one with the tacky glue mix. which is surprising hard when dry.

I will be working on Abel's outfit first. Mainly because it appears more complexed. Wait? Isn't Seth more work? Yes. But a lot of the detail will be hand painted. I'm very comfortable with painting details by hand. There are by far more details for Seth BUT I will have to make Abel's pattern. Seth's will be made out of two patterns and some modification. However with Abel I have one pattern to use as the base. 

                                                     Can't wait to make my Empress hat! 

Not sure if I explained that well enough. I need more coffee. I feel like I'm speaking gibberish. And my dad's cat is stalking me. I'm distracted. Lol. 

Any way...

We have 7 months until Sakura-con. Yes, I'm already keeping track. That's 197 days to do two major (highly detailed.) cosplays plus two sets of wings, and maybe props that light up. So much work! But I'm excited. Seth is my favorite character of all time. Cosplaying her is a dream. I remember when I first saw her in the manga I instantly knew I wanted to cosplay her. Course back then I didn't cosplay. It was just a dream. I didn't even know how to use a sewing machine. Now that dream is coming true. I'm very excited.

The best part about this cosplay (Besides the hat and character) is all the lace. I love lace! There will be four types of lace. White lace on the underskirt bustle, white lace on the bottom of the sleeves, Lace appliques on the front of the skirt, And gold lace on the collar, as well as white lace on the choker (Will be the same lace used on the sleeves.) I'm so happy! So much lace!!! 

I'm rambling now. I'm going to go write and try to finish up my novel. 

What is your dream cosplay?