Short Caterina Sforza Update

Welcome to another blog post!  This time I promised I'm actually writing about cosplay, which is surprising because that's what this blog is supposed to be about.  I mean, what are we doing here if it isn't to blatantly ignore the reason I started this blog? 

Complementary opening image is included as a public service so that you know just what kind of guy you are talking to--and all you need to do is look at his facial hair!  Far out!

I've got a few quick updates before I get on to the actual stuff you came here to read.  If you are a commenter, your life just got easier because I removed the CAPTCHA codes that everyone would like to burn with a blowtorch then throw into a patch of cacti surrounded by swarming tarantulas (tarantulae?).  The only thing those codes prove is that you are patient enough to refresh the page until you get one that you can actually read.  Second, I removed mandatory moderation for all comments.  Occasionally one will get put in the moderation queue, but most should get posted right after you hit the submit button.  I will just make sure to police things and if I start getting spammed then I will reconsider.

I hope that helps!

Without further ado:

Above, as you can see, is my current cosplay hell hole: Caterina Sforza from the wonderful series Trinity Blood.  She is also currently my only active project--a first, especially since I list three others on DeviantART.  This will change in June when I intend to begin work on a Shino Academy version of Jushiro Ukitake.

Right now I'm not ready to start posting detailed descriptions of the crafting process, but I will share these in-progress photos.  Later this week I will head down to the costume shop, slap the skirt and blazer on a mannequin, and take real photos!

Here, for your delectation:

Buttons for the blazer--they turned out to be a little smaller than the seller described and also a little smaller than I wanted.  They are, however, already sewn on and I will use them because my recent trip to Boson did not leave me with much discretionary spending money.

Detail of the armband appliques

Shoulder patch on the right sleeve

Recently I discovered this absolutely wonderful material called Steam-A-Seam 2.  It's, like, the answer to every cosplayer's dreams EVAR.  What it allows you to do is create appliques out of ANY FABRIC without worrying about fraying edges.  Plus, to attach the applique to the garment, all you have to do is steam it with an iron for a couple seconds.  It's pure genius!

I'm not entirely satisfied with how fake-y the shoulder patch looks.  It may require more paint, and I have not yet added the words "Rosencreutz Orden" to the red part.  We'll see what I come up with when I am less tired.