Costume Making Interim Post (or, Don't Get Discouraged!)

  I've been working on Kitana's fans today and I've run into several issues.  It made me decide to sit down and write this post that's been kicking around in my head for a while now. You're welcome. :)

  I get a lot of comments to the effect of, "Wow, I wish I had that talent!" or, "Wow, you made that??" And while it's always great to hear your work is appreciated, there's something you guys should know.

  I screw up.  Like, a LOT.

  Seriously, three years ago when I started on this adventure, I'd never sewn a thing in my life. I had no idea what I was doing.  And half the time, I still don't. I don't know all the fancy sewing words, and I don't know how to draft patterns. It's the biggest reason I turn down commissions- I'd love to, really, but the fact is, it's all trial and error.  I still don't have a clue what I'm doing half the time.

    My point is, don't get discouraged.  It'll work out if you stick with it!  Google and YouTube are your friends...not to mention the network of cosplayers out there.  Don't be afraid to ask someone how they made something! You may get one or two people who don't like to share "trade secrets", but the majority of people in costume at cons are nice, approachable people, willing to talk (at length!) about how to make/build/create something.

   It's definitely a growth process.  Every year I gain a little more knowledge, a little more confidence, and the willingness to try something that I was scared to do before.  It doesn't always work either! Lots of you have seen my Siren costume from TRON:Legacy. The reason I haven't yet done a tutorial on it is because I'm still not 100% happy with it...I'll just have to keep working till I get it right. (Mainly, I need to learn to make neater solder joints. Those things are killer.) I bring this costume in particular up because it's always something I wanted to do, but was always quite terrified to try. I had to learn a whole new set of skills to make it. But I'm glad I did, even if it didn't turn out quite right on the first try (or the second, or the third). Because I know in the end I'll get it right.

  So don't give up, and don't be scared to try something new or different. We're always around to give advice and encouragement. I never would have completed half of the things I've done without the great friends I've made in the cosplay community. 

  And since it's weird to have a post with no pics, here's Kitana's fans:

I'm still working, I promise!