By Your Command

D*C is coming right up, so it's time to hit the costuming and crafting like a fast thing that reaches top speeds before collision.

I really suck at metaphors, but it is indeed like that.

Today I worked on a costume for a group theme that was the brainchild of my friend Emily. The plan: get several of our drunken batch of friends to morph Battlestar Galactica uniforms into something with a M*A*S*H influence. We've been calling it B*A*S*H. :) I've taken on the role of RADAR, cause I'm shortish and roundish and have glasses and ... ok, I wanted an excuse to make a Cylon teddy bear.

And now I have done!

I started by gathering everything I thought I'd need:


And fine, fine, I bought the scrolling LED kit from thinkgeek and had my dad do the soldering. I outsourced!

Then I altered the plans on instructables by using hot glue and velcro and such to attach everything. I didn't put any sound tech in it, cause I think talking stuffed animals are creepy and will try to kill me while I sleep. Stuffed Cylons especially.

I cut the seam in the back of the bear's head, and took out it's brains and then cut the eyeballs out of it. Unfortunately, with the stuffing out, it was strangely difficult to cut a straight line.

I then glued the LEDs in (REALLY frustrating!!) and rigged a velcro closure on the back seam, restuffed it, making sure the battery box with the on/off switch stayed within reach.

So it's done, and it does look sinister.



Remember how I said I couldn't cut the front straight?

Yeah.

That poor bear.

Here's what the bear looks like in action! With a soundtrack in the background cause I'm filming this with my coolpix! And me trying to hold still and not giggle!



HAHAHAHAHAHA

I like to think that what I lack in polish I make up for in goofiness and enthusiasm. Silly is just one letter short of skilly! I'm almost there!

Let's Play Dress-Up!

With Dragon*con fast (OMGFAST!) approaching, I've been thinking about my appearance more than usual. I've been considering what costumes to wear, and how they look on me. I've been playing with makeup, and considering hairstyles.

I've also hit a moment in my life where I feel like I've surrounded myself with so much useless nonsense, I need an intense purge: of possessions as well as outdated thoughts and beliefs. Spring cleaning for the whole self!

All of this has brought something I rarely consider directly under my gaze: my fabulously lame wardrobe!

Jeans, tshirts, sneakers. I've dressed it up a bit since I worked at the library...Give me a plain V-neck or throw a cardigan on, and I'm layered enough for any indoor environment! I don't dress to get attention, and that's really ok, since I usually don't want attention, but I've recently begun to notice that the clothes I own aren't flattering or comfortable. Nothing makes a person feel more self conscious than ill fitted clothes! (except maybe a giant nose pimple)

I was having a discussion the other day about jeans, and it hit me like a fashion epiphany that I prefer trouser cut to all other styles. Something about being fitted around the waist and belly, but having space in the leg/knees that is appealing. Also, I think it flatters my shape. Since then, I'm super aware of how constricting my boot-cut jeans are! I can barely wear the damned things anymore!

My tshirts are often too long for my frame. I haven't met a capri pant that hasn't made me look like a hobbit. I love natural fibers and knitted layers and sun dresses. And, shockingly (to me), I love things like this:



It's very pretty, feminine and kinda hippyish, and I love it. No idea where I'd wear it...

But it goes with my self image of being silly and pretty and creative and carefree. I've been carrying this weight around, literally and figuratively, for so long, it's hard to remember a time when I dressed like the sweetheart I tend to be, instead of the attention-resistant introvert I've become. There's room for me to be both! I can have pretty clothes if I want! I deserve to feel good about myself!

So, since I'm working now, and back in college (surrounded by teenagers), I'd like some input concerning my intended make-over. I'm calling on all of you to send me links to things you'd think would enrich whatever my style is turning into... Please ask me questions, get me thinking about this, since I'm feeling out of my depth trying to think on it alone.

If I like what I hear and see, I'll buy an item or two as I can afford it!

Summary: Right now I dress like a boringly repressed woman who writes worf/wesley slash and takes pictures of her cats wearing handcrafted hats based on those worn by historical military leaders.

Not that this is a bad thing. I'm sure done properly, it would be hilarious...

But it's not me. Let's turn my lame wardrobe into something wonderful and reflective of the puckish you all know and love!

Let's play dress-up!