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!