I finally decided on my costume for the cosplay picnic. I just recently realized that it is just about a month away and I hadn't started sewing on anything yet. So, due to a twist of fate, I scrapped the idea of doing Sheena from ToS and am now doing Deedlit from Lodoss Wars.

I was cleaning out some boxes that were stored in my garage and came across a dress that I had sewn back when I lived in New Hampshire - in 2003! I had planned on doing Deedlit for PortCon Maine, but determined that I would only have time to finish one of the two costumes in progress, so I finished Chii instead. The Deedlit dress got set aside, buried amid tons of other things, and was assumed lost in one of the many moves I have done.

To say the least, I was pleasantly surprised to find it still in my possession. And even more shocking, after years of stress and 2 babies, I can still fit into it! I didn't really think I would, but I have lost some weight recently, so I decided to try - just for S&G. Well, I am glad I did.

I have to re-do the trim and repair a tiny faded spot, but other than that, the dress is ready to go. Which means I only have to make the cloak (easy), armor (should be interesting), gauntlets (easy) and boots (made some before, so hopefully not too hard), circlet (still not sure how I will approach this), and the ears (can't wear latex - which is all they sell - so I have to make my own).

Hopefully, I will get my income tax in time to order a wig. I try to avoid buying wigs normally, but I don't have the energy to try to color my own hair again and my local stylist refuses to do something that abusive to my hair. lol. Besides, so many characters have long blond hair that I will be able to use it over and over, with minimal styling modification.


And now for something completely different:

Craft swaps are really fun! I discovered this wonderful site called Craftster. It is a giant forum for craft minded people. They talk about all different kinds of crafts - and cooking. Two things I totally relate to. Another thing they do one this site is run organized craft swaps. People sign up and fill out questionnaires, and then they are partnered up. They craft items based on a common theme and their swap partner's likings, then send them off to their partner. It gives people an outlet to express their creativity, and to get awesome stuff for their collections and hobbies that are lovingly made by other like-minded crafters. And it all runs on a points and ratings system so no one will get cheated by a flaky partner.

I just completed a sweet/gothic lolita swap, which gave me an opportunity to learn to make giant hair bows and mini top hats. I got a really nice choker and a hair comb that makes me want to learn kanzashi. Next up is a bento swap, a Wizard of Oz swap, and a World of Warcraft swap. I already know part of what I am doing for the bento swap, but I have to wait for partners still on the other two. I am excited to see what I get to work with.