Cosplay Shenanigans - 2am sewing, picnics, and planning

In order to encourage me to post more as well as keep you all up to date with any cosplay related things, I'm introducing a new weekly post - Cosplay Shenanigans! Basically just a summary of anything cosplay related that happened through the week, such as progress, events, or news in the wider community. A lot of stuff you'll already find on my Facebook page or my Tumblr.

Last minute sewing

No matter how much time you give yourself to prepare your cosplay, it appears that you'll inevitably be found frantically sewing in the wee hours before an event.

I think I gave myself a month to sew Korra (book 4), yet I was attaching buttons and hot gluing things together the night before the event (Auckland Cosplay Picnic).

3D printed button and cording for the thread

If I hadn't slacked off the previous weeks, I wouldn't be gently crying over my sewing supplies while wishing I could just put my head down and sleep. Lesson learnt (yeah, right).

Cosplay in a park

So what was all the rush about? So I could dress up and run around in public, of course!

I hadn't been to one of the Auckland Cosplay Picnics before, so wasn't sure what to expect. Turns out it had a similar vibe to a convention, except almost everyone was cosplaying, it was far more relaxed, and there were no lines for food!

I caught up with a lot of the people I met at Auckgeddon, hung out with a some great friends, and met some new ones!

I was also privileged to have a casual photoshoot with a cosplayer/photographer I met, Hannah (BB's Cosplay & Photography). I'm amazed someone can take such fantastic looking photos while everyone is running around like mad. It was also my first photoshoot, but I didn't feel stressed - it was so fun! I can't wait to see the end result, but for now here's a preview!

Image credit: BB's Cosplay & Photography

I'M SO PUMPED

Also I just realised I parted the fringe to the wrong side. Shameful, haha.

And I absolutely have to show you this most amazing gift Sparky made for me.

She made it herself! I think I died a little. And by a little, I mean a lot. So many feels!! What a talented lady!!

Future cosplays and planning

One of my next major cosplays is going to be Post Apocalyptic Jane Porter, which will debut at Hamilton along with a lovely group of other Post Apocalyptic Disney guys and gals.

I don't have much time each day to make it, so I had to do some forward planning.

I'm using Google Tasks, the predecessor to Google Keep. I like it because it gives you a nice overview on your calendar.

First I added all the major components, then spread them out across the remaining weeks. After that I broke each component down into manageable tasks that I can tick off as I go. There's a lot to do, but if I stick to this schedule I shouldn't get too stressed about it.

Progress

I've done a little bit of work on Jane this week - just a part of the underskirt. I can't wait to rip it up and weather it!

It's been a busy week, and next week should be just as busy, which means I'll have a lot of content for next weeks Cosplay Shenanigans post!

Korra Book 4 Cosplay write-up

The January Auckland Cosplay Picnic gave a good incentive to finish my second cosplay - once again, Korra. But this time from Book 4, in her Earth Kingdom garb. Turned out to be perfect for a picnic!

I started with the pants, as they were very similar to her season 1 outfit.

The cuffs were cut and sewn separately, then sewn into the pants. I put elastic in them it keep them taut. The ties were made much later.

Next up, the backpack! This was a pretty fun part. I learned how to make (and sew) piping, and used sew-in interfacing for the first time. I prefer iron on, though.

The tutorial I used was this one, minus a few bits and pieces.

Sewing the interfacing in

Sewing the piping! This fabric is from the dress I'm using for Post Apocalyptic Jane

Sewing it together

The outside complete

Added some lining from some fat quarters I had lying around

Strap sewn in, flap sewn on, and an elastic closure added

I then started work on the top. This time I used what I learned from a draping panel at Armageddon, and it came out pretty well!

The darker green was very hard to find. I wanted to use a natural fibre, but there was only polyester!

The detailing is sewn together

And the complete tunic

At this point I think the picnic was only a week away, and I started panicking a wee bit. My wig hadn't arrived, and I didn't want to cut my hair. I had kind of started the shoes, but still had a number of small things to finish off. I dug my heels in and got back to work!

I pulled apart these old, worn shoes to make the template

The outers are done!

As well as the insole - cardboard with craft foam, then fabric sewn onto it

After a lot of hot glue, the end result

My wig arrived with plenty of time to spare - I'm very pleased with the quality! It needs a bit of styling, but would do for the picnic.

The night before the picnic, I made the belt and attached the button to the backpack. Oh wait, what button? I don't have a big yellow button!

3D printer to the rescue! In half an hour, I had a perfect yellow button, which I attached with leftover piping I turned through.

And here's the end result!

Photo by Pixiscene Cosmedia