Shoes

Ugh, the dreaded shoes. Obviously you need shoes for a cosplay. It's against the rules otherwise. Normally I find shoes pretty easily by using Walmart and Amazon. Both sites have good prices and normally fairly cheap shipping (Walmart has free to store shipping.) But finding shoes for Seth has been challenging. Of course finding her green fabric had been too. I like a good challenge but I want to cut some corners with shoes this time around so I can focus more on the outfits.

The shoes shown with the outfit I'm making are knee high white boots with gold details. My first idea was to make boot covers since white boots are ridiculously high priced and often look like cheap Halloween go-go boots.

But stretch fabric is so much money! $10.99 for fabric? No thank you. The over all price if bought everything at my local store would turn out to be around $45.39.

There is also the risk of the boot covers not working out. Or not enough time to finish them. So it's a risk. I've never made boot covers before. They seem both time consuming and tricky.





So I started looking at other pictures of Seth to see what other footwear I could make. And I found a few choices that would be both fun to make and would be very comfortable to wear throughout the con. And decided that Ballerina shoes would be the cheapest way to go. Luckily for me, Seth wears them.

Since the outfit so similar to the one I'm making it couldn't be better. The ballerina type shoes have straps that reach the ankle. I'm glad for this because I find it hard to keep the ribbon up when it go higher. My rocking horse shoes for example go to my ankle and are both comfortable and stay up.

My plan is not only cheaper (It's about $30 not including lace.) but wearing shoes without heels is going to be so much more comfortable. So I'm very excited to go all out with these shoes.

My plan is to dye a pair of ballerina shoes (They are pink.). I want to try and dye them an apple green but if it doesn't work out I'll make them dark like the trim that will go on the train. Then either us ribbon (And dye those.) for the straps. Or make my own ribbon out of the white satin fabric I have and dye that, then sew elastic on the back of the fabric strips. Then add lace to spice up the shoes and make them look more like an Empress would wear.

Close up of the shoes. There is some sort of lace detail on the rim of the shoe and on the straps. Hopefully I can figure out what I'm going to do lace wise. Maybe I'll get a 50% off coupon to use on it.

Here is another outfit in which Seth wears a ballerina type shoe. These are a darker green with no lace detailing. When I think of Seth I think of lace. So I will be adding some. Again the length of the ribbon stops below the knee.

I'll be using these are my reference pictures for the contest. I'm very excited to start making the shoes as I've always wanted a pair of ballerina shoes.

I'll post pictures when I start working on them. We won't be buying the materials until later on.

Thanks for reading!

Green fabric, molds and another long title.

 Today has been a great day. A wonderful thing happened while at the fabric store looking for the main green fabric for Seth. We thought since we are super close to starting Seth's outfit that we needed to find the hard to find green fabric soon. I've been having issues finding the perfect shade (I'll post a picture below of what the shade of green I was hunting for.) But it turns out green fabric that is not dark nor lime is very hard to find in my area. And online. So I was very worried.

But today we found the perfect fabric. It is a shade darker than in the picture but that means it won't be washed out when on stage and under harsh lighting. So in the end it's alright. It's a wonderful candy apple green fabric with a slight gold shimmer satin. Before I explain the awesomeness behind the fabric here is a picture of the fabric I got. I'm sorry for the poor lighting (Makes everything look orange). It was late when we got back from the store and my house has poor lighting.

Isn't it pretty? I was so happy when I saw it as it wasn't there last time I looked, or I just overlooked it. I did want the fabric next to it that was cheaper but had very little. The fabric I was looking at was darker than this one. After seeing them next to each other I turned my focus on the one I got.

Now for the story behind the fabric.

I wanted 12 yards since every time we go to this store we wind up needing more fabric and can never find the same fabric twice. I swear they play fabric shuffle every night. They move things around way too often. So I thought we'd be smart this time around. But the lady at the cutting counter said it was unlikely there was enough so she told us she'd ask if they had more and we agreed. But when the guy came holding a very dark fabric and asked "Is this for you?" I said no since the fabric was so dark. But when the lady helping us came over and said it was I was stunned.

I guess the company had changed the dye and now this shade was darker. It looked like mossy-forest green, very dark and nothing like the one we wanted. This was it. The last of this fabric. It's one of a kind. The new shade was brought to the store three months ago. They no longer sell this shade. I was so excited when I learned this fabric was truly unique and no one else would ever have it. So I insisted she measure it out and told her we had wanted at least two or three extra yards since we can never find the same fabric again when buying from this store but we are willing to buy it if there was ten yards. I watched with baited breath as she counted.

Three yards.

Six yards.

Eight yards.

TEN! Ten and 1/8 yards. Oh my god yes! I can use this. I can make Seth's dress and hat with this. Thank goodness the dress is mainly white. Because there was no way I could pass up on a one of a kind fabric. It just screamed SETH. I couldn't ignore it. In the end my long wait for green fabric ends in a fabric no one else will ever have. The wait was well worth it. My dream cosplay will be even more amazing now that the fabric behind it has such an awesome story.


That was a long story. Sorry about that. I am just so excited that I found the perfect fabric. But on to the next subject! Molds. I've been searching for molds for the resin to make gems for Seth. I would make my own molds but sadly I have so many to make we don't have to time to do one at a time, so I'm trying to find a good mold sheet. But besides the main resin gems there will be smaller ones that will go on the hat. I just found the perfect gems and just made some molds. Since there will be less of these smaller gems I can make the molds. I love making molds. It's a lot of fun. I use Amazing mold putty which is very easy to use and doesn't take long to cure. Plus like I said making the molds is very fun.

The two smaller gems are the ones pictured on top. There are two styles. A small circle and an oval. I'm in love with the round ones not sure if I will use the ovals but I have the molds made just in case.







The larger mold on the bottom is the right size (the gem on the left anyway.) for the gems on Seth's dress but I'm still on edge of using my own molds since there is so many to make but if I can't find a good mold tray I will make my own since I did find the right size gem. Hopefully I can figure things out soon. The plan is to stop buying things for these cosplays by March so we can save for the con.


I'm going to do some sample gems tonight using hot glue since I do not have resin yet. We decided that we will not be buying dye for the resin (the gems will be red and green and I think blue.) so instead we'll be using nail polish which is a cheaper trick used by a lot of cosplayers. I have a really nice red nail polish and want to see how it works on a gem so I'll be doing some tests tonight to get ready to work with the resin.


So that's it for tonight. Thank you for reading!

Update on TB cosplays

Hello my lovelies. It's been quite a while but I've been very busy with editing my now finished novel and getting ready to enter it in a contest, as well as sewing. I'm hoping to get this blog back to life and post a lot more on it. Sakura-con in Seattle is coming up very fast. It's almost down to the double digits. I would say I'm worried but today I got a lot done and am feeling much better about where we're at. 

For Abel's cassock I need to finish...

~Collar (Next step)
~Sleeves and cuffs
~Bias tape trim
~Closures on the front (Was going to do hook and eyes but now I'm going to do snaps.)

BAM! Not much left to do. The last steps are VERY easy. I'll be done very quickly. I do, however need to practice on making my edges cleaner when using bias tape for trim though. So I'll practice with that as I go. Hopefully the edges will be better this time around. 

I'm hoping it takes me less than two weeks to finish it all. It may only be one week to finish it which would be awesome! Tomorrow (hopefully) we're going out to get the fabric we need for Seth. I can finally look at fabric for her without being guilty that I am not done with Abel. Seth will be a huge learning experience. If you remove the details, it's pretty basic. The plan is to get the dress finished by the first few weeks of February or sooner and spend the rest of the time working on the details, trim, painting, hat and whatever else needs to be done. 

I'm no longer worried all this will get done before Sakura-con. The wings however will not be done on time for Sak. But that's okay. It'll give us more time to figure out the wings. If we do have time we'll only be making Abel's wings as my fiance really wanted to cosplay Crusnik Abel. So if we have time and extra money without chipping into the funds we need for the trip, I will make the big fluffy wings for Abel. Seth, however will not be happening any time soon. It may not happen at all at this point. 

Right after Sakura-con we have to focus on making Sharon and Break for Kumori-con in the fall. Since we will be apart of a Pandora Hearts panel (maybe two.) those are first priority. Then we will figure out what else we'll be cosplayings. K-con will be FOUR DAYS! So we'll need at least three cosplays. 

The cosplays that we are thinking about doing are as such...

Grell and Madam Red- Black Butler  
Willow and Wilson- Don't Starve
Pokemon Gijinka


Not sure which we'll do. We may change our plans or not. I really don't know. It's too soon to plan K-con right now. My focus is on Sakura-con. Although I am wanting to do one of Seth's casual's outfits for down time just for the fun of it. Maybe her cute, red tea dress or something. I'm not sure. 

Right now I am just so excited to be caught up. I'll update more later on. I'll be taking lots of progress pictures as the contest should be opening soon. 

Thanks for reading!

A new year and new game plan.

I'm sick. Again. So not a lot has gotten done. I'm very upset about it and next time my fiance decides to get sick, he's staying home-far from me, until he's better. In less he learns to sew (and quickly) I can't afford to get sick anymore. There is three months (105 days.) and Abel's cassock is not done yet. Sewing while sick is not fun. I can't focus at all. It's horrid. I still have Seth's dress, hat and boot covers to make. That also means a ton of hand sewing trim. I'm freaking out.

There is a ton to do but since I am feeling better I did get a few parts done today. I did not take pictures as I am still sick and didn't have enough time to stop every few minutes and snap a pic. I will soon. But not today.


Any who...

It's a new year! A hopefully a better year for cosplay. Last year started off really good. We headed out to Sakura-con, bringing our friend for the first time. She had a blast. We all shared a lot of fun memories and it really helped us get to know one another and help our friendship grow. Kumori-con was a let down. The contest was so much fun. They really did a great job with it. We didn't win but that didn't stop us from having a great time. We also was apart of our friend's Pandora hearts panel and we both really enjoyed that. Those good moments helped us get over the bad. But overall it wasn't the best year for us.

Our new plan is kick it into gear. Get as much done as quickly as we can with still trying to make things nice. This month we will try and get most of the armor made (not including painting.) Get Abel's cassock finished and start and maybe finish Seth's dress and or hat.

 I'm very stressed but I'm sure it'll be okay. I'll update on here more often even if no one really checks my blogs. It's a good stress relief.

So that's it for now. I need to rest.

Thank you for reading.

Some fabric I used to sew.

That about sums up how I feel right now. I finished the cape. One corner needs to be fixed. Otherwise it's done and looks pretty good. I cut out most of the pieces of Abel's cassock and then....ran out of fabric. Of course. I think we've spent around $100 on fabric for Abel now. It's driving me nuts! I hate running out of fabric right when your ready to sew. I miss my sewing machine. The holiday season is upon us. Which means I won't be able to buy fabric next week as stores close early, winter weather is also a big factor. Hopefully we get some fabric tomorrow. I've decided not to line Abel's outfit because of the cost so far. And I feel so badly about it. I'm beating myself up about lining.

I think I've become addicted to sewing.

I may have an issue and may seek (yeah right.) help.

There is still so much to do. I want Abel's cassock done as quick as I can make it. That's without rushing. I do better with some time to take breaks and go play Rune Factory (This game is great!). I still have a shit ton to do. Four months (almost three.) is very daunting. I have everything planned out. I just hope we stick to the plan and get everything done on time. I'm looking forward to waltzing around as Seth. It'll be a dream come true.

I'll have another post really soon with pictures and more info later on.

Thanks for reading!

Arrowhead making machine

I am tired. How about you? I'm sure those who also have a deadline for cosplays are tired too. I've been focusing on making a shit ton of arrowheads for Abel's clips as pictured below on his collar. I'm using a technique as Xaljira Cos(tumes) has used. 

The progress of making 68 of these is very time consuming. I'll be using a whole pack of 100 mini glue sticks but it'll be so worth it. I'm getting excited about finishing all these as they are looking pretty cool. I'll admit these were one of the things that made me very scared to make Abel's outfit at first but now I'm not too worried about them as everything is going pretty well. I have a lot finished but am not quite done yet.

I stopped today to make a wreath with my mom. Otherwise I've been busy working on the arrowheads. I'll be sewing a little today after I finish eating (I'm doing that while writing this.) I'm feeling much better now that I wrote up a goal per month for these costumes. I will be done with the cape by this weekend. So I can start on the cassock. 

I want the cassock, cape and all Abel's armor done this month. That's 17 days. I can do it! Hopefully. It's a lot but, hey you gotta set high goals for yourself if you want to improve.  So I better go now to finish eating.

Thanks for reading!

Monthly goals.

I've been dreading doing this but I have to in order to keep my nerves in check. This is a huge project. Now saying that can still not bring across how challenging it is. So far it's cost us...around...$200. Maybe. Normally that's for both cosplays.

So here is my goals for the next four months.


December 

• Finish The cape (Fix three corners, finish bias tape on collar.)
• Finish Abel's cassock (Patterns cut out. Fabric is next.)
• Finish Abel's armor (Not including painting.)

Maybe

• Finish Seth's armor (Three pieces.)

January 

• Finish Seth's dress 
• Finish Seth's armor (If not done this month.)
• Boot covers for Seth
• Make resin gems for Seth
• Start on Seth's hat
• Start on the trim and fabric painting on the back of the train.

I would love to be finish with all major work by the end of January. Now if that doesn't happen there will be no time to make the wings. Since we will have to construct a very complex harness for Abel's large feathered wings it will take time to figure that all out. Seth's wings will also take a lot of planning. Of course besides the wings there are things we still need to buy. Wigs, contacts, shoes, corset, make-up, ect. That is very important for both cosplays. 

If we aim to finish most of the construction by January that leaves us a lot of room to fix things. Because something always happens right before con. So by giving myself time to sit back and return to the cosplays later on, I can find and fix anything I find before con. 

The most challenging thing will be the details on Seth's train. I will be hand sewing all the gold trim as well as painting the details on both the hat and dress. It's a lot of work in a very little time period but I really want to get the more complicated sewing done soon. Which shouldn't be an issue if I work on it everyday. 

I am so excited for Sakura-con. We are most likely only going to cosplay Seth and Abel throughout the whole weekend. That's it for now. I will update later on with more progress pictures. 

Thanks for reading!