Not-Costumes
A "
not-costume
", as I define it, is an outfit which is not a fully realized costume, but neither is it every-day wear. They are closet cosplays, casual versions, humanized versions of characters, or inspired by fandom. Not-costumes are not serious business ;) They don't have full pages, just a little gallery, or a photo or two, and are listed below (newest projects at the top).
River Song - Doctor Who
'Manda asked for help with (i.e. didn't mind that I completely took over) her Halloween costume in 2014. Details of the make are tucked away here .
'Manda asked for help with (i.e. didn't mind that I completely took over) her Halloween costume in 2014. Details of the make are tucked away here .
Chell (t-shirt challenge) - Portal 2
I decided to challenge myself to make a costume using last year's bright orange staff t-shirt from Anime North. And I'll admit that for a while I had no idea what to do with it; but then Yavarice mentioned that he was making an Aperture lab coat for working the masq, and I was inspired.
I bought some orange stretch sateen on clearance (not a fabric I would recommend because of the stretch factor, but the weight, colour, and price were right...) and I used an old McCall's pattern for simple pants with cargo pockets from my stash. Spent a couple of days cutting pieces and sewing things together (those cargo pockets were time-consuming!), cut up the centre front of the t-shirt (and finished the edges) and there you have it: " T-Shirt Challenge Chell "!!! I bought a pair of Portal "Long Fall socks", an Aperture tank top, and a light blue tank which completed the look. Total cost: ~$40 CDN; time spent: one weekend. Progress photos are viewable here .
Favourite things: POCKETS!!! I never remember to put pockets in my costumes. Having FOUR generously sized ones in these shorts makes me feel spoiled. Also staffing and doing photos with Yavarice 's scientist and Calamity 's Space-inspired outfits <3
Please note: the companion cube in the photos is not mine; it was made by Featherweight and is owned by The Video Ninja .
Worn to Anime North, ColossalCon, Atomic Lollipop 2014
I decided to challenge myself to make a costume using last year's bright orange staff t-shirt from Anime North. And I'll admit that for a while I had no idea what to do with it; but then Yavarice mentioned that he was making an Aperture lab coat for working the masq, and I was inspired.
I bought some orange stretch sateen on clearance (not a fabric I would recommend because of the stretch factor, but the weight, colour, and price were right...) and I used an old McCall's pattern for simple pants with cargo pockets from my stash. Spent a couple of days cutting pieces and sewing things together (those cargo pockets were time-consuming!), cut up the centre front of the t-shirt (and finished the edges) and there you have it: " T-Shirt Challenge Chell "!!! I bought a pair of Portal "Long Fall socks", an Aperture tank top, and a light blue tank which completed the look. Total cost: ~$40 CDN; time spent: one weekend. Progress photos are viewable here .
Favourite things: POCKETS!!! I never remember to put pockets in my costumes. Having FOUR generously sized ones in these shorts makes me feel spoiled. Also staffing and doing photos with Yavarice 's scientist and Calamity 's Space-inspired outfits <3
Please note: the companion cube in the photos is not mine; it was made by Featherweight and is owned by The Video Ninja .
Worn to Anime North, ColossalCon, Atomic Lollipop 2014
Sloth (kigurumi-style onesie)
Kigurumis (aka "kigu"s) have become very popular at anime conventions as a cute and casual alternative to cosplay when you want to be a little more dressed down (or want to be covered in fleece). Many animals and licenced characters are available to purchase, and most are imported from Japan. Although I wanted one, none of the designs available online appealed to me, so I decided to make my own.
I picked a sloth because it is one of my favourite animals, would translate well into a kigu shape, and would be very appropriate pesonality-wise for just lounging around in (and giving very slow hugs). I used the basic measurement's of a friend's purchased kigu as a starting point and drafted out the pattern myself. Features include the stylistic tummy patch, functional buttons up the front, optional covered hands with 3 "toes" each that I can put my fingers in, and large plastic safety eyes. The whole thing is arctic fleece (with the exception of a little poly fiberfill in the toes, nose, and stubby tail) and its very warm.
Worn to Anime North, ColossalCon, ConBravo!, Atomic Lollipop 2013, Costume-Con 32, ColossalCon 2014
Awarded "Slowpoke" stage award (Master division), ConBravo!
Kigurumis (aka "kigu"s) have become very popular at anime conventions as a cute and casual alternative to cosplay when you want to be a little more dressed down (or want to be covered in fleece). Many animals and licenced characters are available to purchase, and most are imported from Japan. Although I wanted one, none of the designs available online appealed to me, so I decided to make my own.
I picked a sloth because it is one of my favourite animals, would translate well into a kigu shape, and would be very appropriate pesonality-wise for just lounging around in (and giving very slow hugs). I used the basic measurement's of a friend's purchased kigu as a starting point and drafted out the pattern myself. Features include the stylistic tummy patch, functional buttons up the front, optional covered hands with 3 "toes" each that I can put my fingers in, and large plastic safety eyes. The whole thing is arctic fleece (with the exception of a little poly fiberfill in the toes, nose, and stubby tail) and its very warm.
Worn to Anime North, ColossalCon, ConBravo!, Atomic Lollipop 2013, Costume-Con 32, ColossalCon 2014
Awarded "Slowpoke" stage award (Master division), ConBravo!
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Wizard - original character
A simple (??) coat that Dr Holocaust commissioned from me for one of his OC's. It was definitely a pain in the neck to sew so I'm glad he was happy with the end result!
A simple (??) coat that Dr Holocaust commissioned from me for one of his OC's. It was definitely a pain in the neck to sew so I'm glad he was happy with the end result!
Catwoman (DC girls in sweaters)
Based on artwork by Haniemohd ( http://haniemohd.tumblr.com ), the concept was just too cute to pass up after realizing I pretty much owned the outfit already. I made a really quick kitty-face for my sweater and borrowed the amazing Gillykins 's Catwoman cowl/hood thing and goggles and wore the outfit out to a fall 2011 photo shoot at the beautiful Webster's Falls outside Hamilton, Ontario. I freely admit I know little to nothing about this particular version of Catwoman since I don't read the comics, but I am a Batman (film/animated series) fan, and she's always been my favourite character.
Based on artwork by Haniemohd ( http://haniemohd.tumblr.com ), the concept was just too cute to pass up after realizing I pretty much owned the outfit already. I made a really quick kitty-face for my sweater and borrowed the amazing Gillykins 's Catwoman cowl/hood thing and goggles and wore the outfit out to a fall 2011 photo shoot at the beautiful Webster's Falls outside Hamilton, Ontario. I freely admit I know little to nothing about this particular version of Catwoman since I don't read the comics, but I am a Batman (film/animated series) fan, and she's always been my favourite character.
Character Hoodies - Pokemon, Mario, and Venture Bros
Micro-fleece and jogging-fleece hoodies based on various characters. Worn too many times/places to count.
Micro-fleece and jogging-fleece hoodies based on various characters. Worn too many times/places to count.
GLaDRESS - Portal
An outfit I put together for a Portal (2) theme party at ConBravo! which my friends dubbed the GLaDRESS. It's a very loose interpretation of GLaDOS's look done with white clothing, a yellow pendant reminiscent of her "eye", and the 4 personality cores in my hair. Black and white were used together on the necklace and bracelets to resemble wires. Worn at ConBravo! and Otakuthon 2011, Con-G 2012.
An outfit I put together for a Portal (2) theme party at ConBravo! which my friends dubbed the GLaDRESS. It's a very loose interpretation of GLaDOS's look done with white clothing, a yellow pendant reminiscent of her "eye", and the 4 personality cores in my hair. Black and white were used together on the necklace and bracelets to resemble wires. Worn at ConBravo! and Otakuthon 2011, Con-G 2012.
"Steampunk"
I ended up going to the Canadian National Steampunk Exhibition very very last-minute, and since I would have felt very out-of-place without any kind of costume, I raided my closet to come up with this outfit. Eventually I'll do a "real" steampunk costume and this one can be forgotten LOL
I ended up going to the Canadian National Steampunk Exhibition very very last-minute, and since I would have felt very out-of-place without any kind of costume, I raided my closet to come up with this outfit. Eventually I'll do a "real" steampunk costume and this one can be forgotten LOL
Scarecrow - Batman Begins
The Video Ninja commissioned me to make the Scarecrow mask for him in 2009, and voila!
The Video Ninja commissioned me to make the Scarecrow mask for him in 2009, and voila!
"Formal" Mika - Gungrave
My date for the Moonlight Masquerade Ball at Anime North 2007 was dressing as Gungrave, so I decided to do a formal variation of Mika to go with his costume. I went with a full-length black dress and red scarf instead of her jacket. The designs on both of our masks are based on the designs of the guns. Unfortunately, this was the same weekend I was cosplaying Psiren, so my alchemy tattoo is pretty visible. Poor planning on my part.
My date for the Moonlight Masquerade Ball at Anime North 2007 was dressing as Gungrave, so I decided to do a formal variation of Mika to go with his costume. I went with a full-length black dress and red scarf instead of her jacket. The designs on both of our masks are based on the designs of the guns. Unfortunately, this was the same weekend I was cosplaying Psiren, so my alchemy tattoo is pretty visible. Poor planning on my part.
Elena - Final Fantasy VII
At one time Elemental was running the Ad-Astra masquerade, and her requested staff uniform was in the style of FF VII's Shinra Turks. I don't recall if I bought the suit to staff or to join the photo shoot first, but regardless both happened spring 2007..
At one time Elemental was running the Ad-Astra masquerade, and her requested staff uniform was in the style of FF VII's Shinra Turks. I don't recall if I bought the suit to staff or to join the photo shoot first, but regardless both happened spring 2007..
Fujiko Mine - Lupin the 3rd
I've done two versions of Fujiko - one based on the figure, and one on her more common look in the anime, though I used a blue dress instead of the more common pink. The first was worn to DTAC 2005, and the second at Anime North 2006. Everything for both costumes came from thrift stores.
I've done two versions of Fujiko - one based on the figure, and one on her more common look in the anime, though I used a blue dress instead of the more common pink. The first was worn to DTAC 2005, and the second at Anime North 2006. Everything for both costumes came from thrift stores.
Mary Jane - Spiderman
Really only done because this wig practically screamed MJ
Really only done because this wig practically screamed MJ
Each photo in the gallery is labeled with its respective photographer; please visit their websites!
D.C. Studios: http://www.thevideoninja.com/
Elemental: http://www.elemental-photography.net/
Eleventh Photograph: http://eleventhphotograph.com/
Everage: http://everage.deviantart.com/
Featherweight: http://www.featherweightcreations.com
Jack Liu: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alucard_leashed/
Jenn Marvel: https://www.facebook.com/JennMarvelCosplay
Kory Berezowsky: https://www.facebook.com/cloudbreakcosplay
Pan-Chan: http://www.lelola.net/coverage/
Paul Hillier: http://www.paulhillier.com/
Rebel Shotz: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebel-Shotz-Photography
Solar Tempest: http://photography.solartempest.net/
Stephen Waterfall: http://www.watchthisspace.ca
Stillvisions: http://www.stillvisions.net/
VickyBunnyAngel: http://vickybunnyangel.deviantart.com/
Wage: http://wageofsins.deviantart.com/
Yavarice: http://www.cosplay.com/member/115091/
All photos are property of their respective owners and may not be used without permission.
D.C. Studios: http://www.thevideoninja.com/
Elemental: http://www.elemental-photography.net/
Eleventh Photograph: http://eleventhphotograph.com/
Everage: http://everage.deviantart.com/
Featherweight: http://www.featherweightcreations.com
Jack Liu: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alucard_leashed/
Jenn Marvel: https://www.facebook.com/JennMarvelCosplay
Kory Berezowsky: https://www.facebook.com/cloudbreakcosplay
Pan-Chan: http://www.lelola.net/coverage/
Paul Hillier: http://www.paulhillier.com/
Rebel Shotz: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebel-Shotz-Photography
Solar Tempest: http://photography.solartempest.net/
Stephen Waterfall: http://www.watchthisspace.ca
Stillvisions: http://www.stillvisions.net/
VickyBunnyAngel: http://vickybunnyangel.deviantart.com/
Wage: http://wageofsins.deviantart.com/
Yavarice: http://www.cosplay.com/member/115091/
All photos are property of their respective owners and may not be used without permission.