Sewing Classes?

My cosplay selfie as Christa from SNK,
Shingeki no Kyojin.

There's a new costume shop in town, and they were planning to offer sewing classes in September.  When I went to the store's grand opening with my boyfriend and my brother to check it out, I became interested in their promotions of the classes and may end up enrolling in their beginners course because I'm only self-taught and I learn better in a more structured school-like environment.  I have my own sewing machine, and so that makes things a bit easier for them.

As some of you may know, I wish to learn more about sewing techniques and the general basics of sewing to have a better foundation knowledge for fashion design classes that I'll be taking later in 2016 (it's one of the core requirements; otherwise, I won't be able to take any of the classes unless I take a pre-requirement course--but I want to jump right in immediately during my first year).

The entry form to enter the city fair's Clothing department contest is due in September too, so I'll have to see when I can finally turn my form in with the money fee.

After September though, I'll be applying to college since I'm ready to go back to school.

Then, of course, in January, FAFSA.

There's long list of many more things to do, but I'm excited for 2015-2016!

And hopefully, you--my readers--are as well.


Take care,

Yoko~

Anime Review: Aoharu x Machinegun

Image source to
aoharuxmachinegun.wikia.com

Honestly, I was first drawn to this anime because one of my favorite typical stories features a cross-dressing girl--and well, the words "deathless death match" caught my attention too. I can relate to cross-dressing girls because well, at one point while growing up, I was the tomboy of the family--always playing pretend cop games with the boys and getting into fist fights with them too to solve my problems.  I insisted on having short hair because it was a hassle, trying to take care of long hair--up until I started the second or third grade.

The anime, "Aoharu x Machine-gun" stars a high school student named Hotaru, Student Council President, who has a strong sense of justice and not afraid to get into a fight with those whom she deems deserving of karma.

Oh, and she's super athletic!

Then, she meets Masamune, her next door neighbor--who also turns out to be //le gasp// a popular Host.  After challenging him to a fight, Masamune introduces Hotaru to the "Survival Games", which is essentially airsoft war games--you know, airsoft guns.  During their first match of "Survival Games", Hotaru damages tons of things in the Host Club, such as a table and so on forth.  Although she's super athletic, she still loses to Masamune who then clears up the misunderstanding that caused the fight in the first place--and declares that she will join his own "Survival Games" team, Toy Gun Gun, to pay off her debt (cost of property damages)!

Image source to za.ign.com

Image source to populationgo.tumblr.com

My first impression from the first episode is that "Oh, this is just like Ouran High School Host Club! Except with air soft guns!"

The opening theme song was very catchy, Hotaru's energetic personality and strong sense of justice was definitely interesting--and something I found relatable, there's the "hot guy"--Masamune, and then, there's the "dark past" that is hinted in the next four episodes as well--each time, making you want to watch more...to find out more.

Image source to moetube.net

It kept me and my boyfriend coming back for each episode, so we ended up marathoning the first episode up until episode 5 (Episode 6 is out now) in one evening.

The character cast were actually contrasting in personalities and there was a great range so far from what I've seen--and that's great!

I think the only down-side is that if you can't stand "Ouran High School Host Club" or a story slightly similar to it, it's not the show for you--but if you liked OHSHC--and action?  Then, this is your cup of tea, I believe.  As for rating, I give it 4 out of 5 stars:  ★★★★☆

And so, readers, I hope that you'll check out "Aoharu x Machine-gun" especially if you're interested in air soft guns, a cross-dressing protagonist, action, and drama!


Love,

Yoko~

Image source to asia-tv.su

Sailor Moon Fashion Dress in Progress!

Just gotta add more to the bow.

Hello, readers~ Remember the sketch from my previous post?  I've gotten pretty far with it last night and currently taking a break from it today.  But it's coming together pretty well!  There may be small changes to it in the end but so far, looking close to the picture!

I'm thinking of wearing it to an anime/cosplay-related event in the future when I don't feel like cosplaying or perhaps, at a con on the last day or Day 0 when we pick up our badges.

I have long hair, so I may put it up in high pigtails or attempt to make buns-buns with them!

Making the top wasn't so hard--since I used a dress as a reference to trace the shape from.  It's made out of white georgette silk, a yard sample that I got online when looking for good materials for my Asuna wedding dress.

As for the bow, I cut it out of the red fabric that was supposed to be for a cosplay that I haven't gotten into making.

Anyway, here's my progress work so far:

I just need to also work on the third layer of the skirt part.

Not completely sewn together yet because I still need
to work on the bow and skirt parts.

I hope that you enjoyed viewing the pictures!

Thank you,

Yoko~

A sneak peek of my Sailor Moon dress!

What's this?

A new outfit that I'll be working on while taking a break from cosplay-making.

I have leftover fabrics that kept piling on over the years, and it so happened that most of them are white, blue, red, and plaid.

Changes may be made to this outfit.
I even have a personal art blog: pink-shiba

I've changed up the Sailor Moon design into something I can wear every day--during both summer and fall!  Still debating whether or not I should keep the bow red or plaid...

Right now as you can see, this is just a sneak peek re-design sketch.  I've already made the top this morning and haven't taken pictures yet of the work in progress.  As I move along to work on the bow and add the top's straps, I'll take pictures!!!


Love,

Yoko~

Cosplay 101: Things that Every Beginner Needs to Know When Making Cosplay

When I first started getting into Cosplay, I had SO MANY questions--and my friends who introduced me to the hobby--well, they couldn't answer or didn't know how to answer them at all.  So, I was completely clueless and had no idea what I was doing except that I was going to cosplay so-and-so for my first anime convention.  I had no sewing skills.  And I had no answers at the time.

I didn't even know where to go to if I needed help or if there cosplayers online who can even help me out.

And so, I've decided to put together a list of things that every beginner should know before getting seriously involved in Cosplay:

1.  Start with a costume that works with your sewing/craft level.  

No, seriously.

If you have basic sewing skills, you can start out with cosplays such as Kingdom Hearts' Namine or school uniforms.  Or you can go shopping for similar-looking clothes and alter/make changes to them to fit the character you want to cosplay.

It's also great if you have friends who are more skilled or have expert craftsmanship--but do make sure to credit them for helping you out.  It's bad rep for you if you go around, taking 100% credit for everything if they went out of their way to help make the costume with you.

I was fortunate enough to have my dad help me out, him being a retired tailor, so I cut out the pre-made costume pattern while he did the sewing.  I always made sure to let people know when they ask--that he helped me make the cosplay.

Or you can buy or commission a cosplay online.  When you commission a cosplay from someone, always know that you are paying for both the materials and labor work they've put into the outfit.  Always make sure to read every line of the contract and remember them well.  There will be commissioners who won't do refunds and some will do partial.  It's a reminder to you that if you want a commission, make sure that you are in this for 100%--or just don't.

Buying a cosplay online means purchasing the whole outfit or outfit and accessories.  Always make sure to compare prices from various websites or sellers and read reviews before making a purchase.

Kisa Sohma cosplay from 'Fruits Basket.'
Winter of 2012.

2. Have reference images of the character you want to cosplay.

Always make sure to have lots of reference pictures of the character from all different angles--and they have to be reliable and if you can, all official images from the video games/cartoon/anime/etc.  

You'll need it when you go fabric shopping as you'll want to compare fabric colors to the images or to make guesses on how heavy or light the fabric could be, according to how it's worn by the model.  This makes it easier to also identify what kind of fabric you may want to buy for your costume.

My friends and I find that having a sketchbook comes in handy as well.  When we gather all of our reference image together, we sketch out our characters on paper--front view and back view.

3.  Have someone with you when you do fabric/cosplay shopping.

Try to have a family member, friend, or someone close accompany you when you go shopping for fabric.  Ask them for their opinions when you find something that matches the character's outfit or fabric, whether it involves which of the two swatches of color-fabric is a closer match to the character's shirt or asking them if the billowing skirt could be cotton or something else.  Pay attention to details, and it'll really help!

Also, buy costume patterns!  Buy the ones that closely resemble your cosplay if you're planning to make one from scratch.  For example: You want to make a Japanese school girl uniform, so you purchase a costume pattern for sailor-style shirts and pleated skirts.

4.  Keep a calendar and time in mind.

When you're working on cosplay, try to prioritize which part of the costume you need to work on first and next.  If the con is taking place in four months, then, do the shopping as soon as possible--and make a schedule.  Time is especially important for you if you were to order or commission a cosplay from someone--or if you're going to make the cosplay from scratch.

Current cosplay in progress work.

For example: If you need to make the school uniform shirt, spend the first week of January to cut out the pattern pieces you bought or draft it out (if you know how)--and cutting out fabric.  The second week can be used to put the fabric pieces together (sewn or run through a sewing machine).

5.  Take breaks!

It's great to work on your cosplay all day and all night to get it done in time for the convention, but for your own health and safety, do make sure to take breaks.  Use the restroom, eat, take a short nap, stretch and walk around for a bit...

It's all right to take breaks!

I once had a friend who dozed off when he was running a cosplay through a sewing machine--and he hurt his hand!  So, never work with a sewing machine if you're sleepy!

6.  Add some fun into cosplay-making!

Invite your cosplay buddies over to your house or plan a sleepover party where you all help each other in making costumes.  Put on some music to help concentrate--or put on the anime/cartoon series that you all are cosplaying from to boost motivation (if you are cosplaying from these two genres)!  Talk, sing, whatever it is to keep the fun in--and to motivate you all to make the best cosplays you can crank out!

7.  Make sure to wash and clean your cosplay wigs.

8.  Be careful with cosplays--and present yourself well!

Before the con starts--and you're all in your hotel room--make sure to iron that pleated skirt, uniform shirt, the jacket--whatever that needs to be ironed--make sure it's ironed and clean.  Treat it as your precious baby--because it is ;u;  Good cosplay presentation makes a huge difference!

Make sure everything is in place.  Make sure those zippers are up and closed.  Make sure that wig sits well on your head.

9.  And one last thing: Have tons of fun at the convention!


I hope that you all find this helpful, and I also wish those of you who are looking forward into making your own cosplays lots of fun! Be safe!  And always remember: Hyrdrate yourself, eat, take restroom breaks, keep good hygiene, and have good sleep (or try to)!


Sincerely,

Yoko~

'Tales of' Cosplay gathering at Fanime.
I cosplayed Anise Tatlin (right, pink).
Fanime of 2013.

Cute Accessories!

Last night, I made a couple of white-and-gold bows.

The center pieces for the bows are from a local shop, A&A Textiles.

The buttons are $0.10 each, 10 buttons for a dollar.  I picked out the prettiest
and shiniest ones of them all. 

Isn't it pretty?

I'm thinking of turning them into hair piece accessories--or perhaps, saving one of them for a nice dress I can create later on.

Also, I'm planning on opening a store when I make enough fashion accessories, most of them revolving around the themes in between gothic lolita and vintage.

I hope that you all enjoy viewing the pictures!


Sincerely,

Yoko~

More costume-making work!

The 8 cosplays in 1 selfie meme! If interested, please check out my
Facebook page!

I'm going to work on a couple of cosplays later on in the evening.  For the first time, I have to work on a Victorian-era inspired school uniform shirt and also, I'd need to make a vest to go with the shirt.  Then, there's a cropped jacket I have to make for another costume.  From my weekend trip with the boyfriend, I had my whole line-up figured out for the Sacramento anime convention--and after several group discussions at the sleepover party, the majority of my friends agreed to perform a skit for the con's masquerade.  Although it would've been great if we could aim for the craftsmanship category, most of us didn't take many pictures of our works in progress for the judges to look at--and well, that just sucks.

I look forward to see if we could come up with any ideas that everyone would agree on what we should do as a group, but then again, there's also time--rehearsals--travel--and recording for the audio to be used for the skit performance.  Chop, chop, chop!  I did propose a cute idea of us singing a parody song for the skit--but my brother opposed the idea because he hated the show in where the song had come from.

Your friend,

Yoko~