Build Thread(s)

This started as a way to show off completed cosplays. But as I'm working on them more, I'm finding the need for build threads. So as I work on a cosplay, I'll post progress here. There are multiple builds going at any given time, but there are tags to distinguish them.

[thecosway]

Making a digital mockup helped me realize where I need to make some modifications!

Making mockups

[thecosway]

Star Trek Fangirl progress!

2026 marks the 60th anniversary of Star Trek! This means I need to have my Network and Streaming outfits done for my Star Trek Fangirl by DragonCon. And I believe in myself that I can do it.

I have a couple of updates for the Network outfit planned. The Enterprise bag is getting remade using a different pattern. I have fabric both for the base and the Sciences trim. I'm really looking forward to having it done.

The walking stick is getting repainted as Voyager, something I really simply need to get done. I have all the paint; I just haven't repainted it. Of course, now it's getting cold and damp regularly outside, so I'll probably have to wait for spring to get it done right.

I'm also planning on getting a hat to which I'm going to add a nice fabric "band" for both outfits.

The Streaming outfit needs more work. Luckily most of that work is the frock coat and vest. But those two pieces have three shows in them: Strange New Worlds is the vest, Discovery and Lower Decks are the coat. I need almost everything for both, so that's going to take a little longer.

But I am still really, really looking forward to getting these outfits done. Partially because I can't wait to see them come to life. Partially because I can shift out of them and into "professional mode" when I need to easier than most of my costumes. Since, for me, DragonCon is both a time to be a fan and an academic, I'm trying to figure out how to balance the two. The Fangirl's outfits are going to be a big help with that.

[thecosway]

Recovering

I need to have the first draft of the last chapter of my dissertation to my chair on Wednesday. Which means the heavy lifting will be done. From there it’s all edits and finishing the introduction and conclusion. Hopefully that means I’ll have the time and money to get back to working on my costumes! I have a few that are either in progress or I have everything for and really just need to work…

Recovering

[thecosway]

Looks like I need to get working

I’m working on my dissertation and while taking a break, I see someone post something on Facebook mentioning that next year is the 60th anniversary of Star Trek. Insert panic moment here. I was really hoping to have my two Star Trek fangirl outfits done by then. After wearing it a second time to DragonCon in 2022, I decided that I needed to make 2 different outfits since it was clear that we…

Looks like I need to get working

[thecosway]

DragonCon 2025: Plans

DragonCon 2025: Plans

[thecosway]

DragonCon 2024 was a success!! Max, Ernest, and Kim all made their debut! I got recognized as Kim multiple times despite not having the wig.

The wig is part of my to-do list for the year. I don't think she'll be going back so soon, but I'm still going to work on getting her wig done. This year I'm going to focus on working on what I already have instead of starting something new. I've got 6 wigs I need to work on, improving or finishing costumes. I've got another 4 costumes I've already started, and I could possibly have them finished and ready to go.

That being said, at this point, Harry Dresden is the only costume I have planned for next year. It's the 25th anniversary of the series, so he's definitely going. I may take more, but there's a lot between now and then. Also, I'm going to be more involved in the Popular Arts Conference at DragonCon, so I might not have time to cosplay more than Harry. But I'm good with that. Taking some time off isn't a bad thing. Also, I do have a dissertation to finish...

[thecosway]

DragonCon 2024: Halfway done

Both Max Goof and Ernest P. Worrell have made their debuts. I am really happy with how both of them turned out! I ended up getting an XL t-shirt for Ernest because that’s the size Jo-Ann’s had at the time. I was worried it would be a little too big. I figured if that was the case, the vest would cover it. I was wrong. It was just the right size. Ernest doesn’t wear a close-fitting t-shirt, and…

DragonCon 2024: Halfway done

[thecosway]

The costumes are packed and ready to go!!

[thecosway]

DragonCon 2024 is ready!

I have finally set my schedule for DragonCon 2024!!! Max Goof, Ernest P Worrell, and Kim Possible are all making their debuts! But this is also the 25th anniversary of Farscape, but there’s no actors coming as of right now. So, Crichton is my start and end of the con because he’s such a relaxed costume. I figure that he’ll be easy to get into after we get there and get settled in the room. I’m…

DragonCon 2024 is ready!

[thecosway]

Costume Storage!!!

I got a one-month break from repaying my student loans, which means I have some extra money right now.

So I decided to finally get started on my new costume storage plans!!!!

I've bought some of the Sterilite "stadium blue" bins. My goal is to be able to fit the entire costume--clothing, wig, accessories, and shoes-- in the bin. Even if everything isn't always stored in the bin. That way I can just make sure everything I need is there and pack that for a con. It simplifies packing.

I bought 5 to cover this year's DragonCon. I'm going to test them out soon to make sure each are big enough for their respective costumes. I'll post photos once things are set.

I am so excited!!!

[thecosway]

Pulled the trigger

While looking at my budget and trying to make sure I have plenty of money for DragonCon, I realized that it made more sense to go ahead and buy what I need for the costumes now rather than wait. I can afford it now, so why not just get them now and have it done! This way I can say I am definitely bringing the following four costumes to DragonCon this year:

Ernest P. Worrell!

Kim Possible! (with Rufus)

Max Goof (gijinka)!

John Crichton! Because it's the 25th anniversary of Farscape!!!

It's so funny how with the exception of John, this year is all about my childhood. Also, it feels weird not to be bringing any Doctor Who. It's definitely not the first time, but we've got both Jodie Whitaker (the 13th Doctor) and Freema Agyeman (Martha Jones) coming and I am going to get both their autographs. Granted, I do love them in roles other than Doctor Who, but they're going to be signing my 500-year diary. It'll be awesome no matter what, but it still feels a little strange.

Ultimately, it's great that I can finally say I have everything bought for my costumes for DragonCon this year!!! Soon I'll have all four costumes done and ready to go!

[thecosway]

Having a good job helps

No shade toward my teaching gig, but my summer job pays me much more than that does right now, and it includes health insurance in less than 2 months. That's why it's going to be my other job during the school year.

But why is this important? It means more money for costuming!!!

Of the three new costumes coming to DragonCon this year, Ernest P. Worrell is the only one done. Kim Possible and Max Goof are both one piece of clothing each away from having all the elements. I don't have to worry about using birthday money to buy them and rush to get things done by the end of August now!

Because having all the parts bought doesn't always mean the costume is done. For Ernest, it does. Which is nice for a change. Luckily Kim just needs me to do some work fluffing up her ponytail with my new hair crimper, so when I get her pants bought, she'll be done! Max needs his hoodie. Luckily, I am pretty confident about it being easy to get done. It's really about figuring out the right sleeve length, cutting it down, and giving it a quick hem, along with the bottom.

I can't wait for DragonCon 2024!

[thecosway]

"Call me, beep me" soon!

I almost have Kim Possible ready for DragonCon 2024!! The other day my new hair crimper arrived! I'm going to be crimping a lot of wigs to add volume, including the ponytail for Kim's wig. I know she didn't wear a ponytail when she was out working, but it's the wig I'm using!

Now, I am only one piece away from having everything for Kim! Today, my "Rufus" plushie arrived!!! He's a cute little naked mole rat plushie that I feel looks like Rufus.

Now I just need to get some pants and I'll have everything for Kim! Which means I can do a test run of everything, once I get the wig finished up. I can't wait!

[thecosway]

Progress!

It's so easy to make progress when all you have to do is order things online. Both Kim Possible and Ernest P. Worrell are much closer to being done. I just need to order the pants for Kim and get a grey t-shirt for Ernest! These are going to be such simple and comfy cosplays to have for cons.

I'm also curious as to how many people are going to recognize Ernest and say something. If I can afford it, I might hand out "Know what I mean?" ribbons to them. But I don't know if it'd be worth the cost.

I've also got Max Goof (gijinka) one piece away from completion. All I need is a red hoodie and with a little modification he'll be ready to go too. Hopefully I can get all three ready to go before DragonCon, giving me even more options to take with me!

[thecosway]

Staff work!

Yesterday I was able to stop by Menards and get a few things to help me get closer to done for Headmaster Pirogoeth. I picked up a 1″ diameter 6′ long dowel to be the base of the Staff of the Magi! That’s the standard size for a quarterstaff and most staves in D&D are based on a quarterstaff. I’m planning to lightly stain it before I carve the runes in so the runes stand out. Which brings me to…

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[thecosway]

Call me, beep me....

I’ve officially started working on Kim Possible. I ordered this yesterday and it arrived today: It’s a Fox Outdoor Military Belt in khaki. It’s a little more green in person, which makes it even better. I had found possibly the same thing at another site for a good price. But this one came down to around that price and I didn’t have to pay for shipping. I’m trying not to rely on Amazon, but when…

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[thecosway]

Animated Plans

I was going through my spreadsheet, looking over what I wanted to get finished and realized I have a list of costumes that only need a little bit to nudge them into finished! And so many of them are animated. First up is Danger Mouse. He’ll likely be a gijinka version, but I really only need an eyepatch, a white turtleneck, gold and red paint to add the DM to the turtleneck, and the belt. That’s…

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