Cosplaying and the Like

Obviously sewing is quite a large part of most cosplayer’s skill sets, so its always a good idea to start off somewhere. Now, you don’t actually need a big box of random crap like a lot of cosplayers do. What you need to start out sewing is actually very simple and relatively inexpensive.

First things first, a sewing machine. You absolutely do NOT need a sewing machine as a beginner, but if you’re looking to get into serious sewing its worth investing in.

Next up is scissors and thread. I bought two cones of the most common thread colors (black and white) a couple months ago for 4 bucks each. It should last you a long time and is worth investing in. Scissors are also worth investing in. A good pair of shears will stick with you forever. I also recommend a smaller pair for use as thread snips as thread will dull your all important fabric shears.

You’ll be working with tons of small, sharp objects that have a tendency to hurt you. Pins and Needles. I highly recommend picking up quilting pins! The heads are glass so they wont melt if you iron over them and they’re longer than normal pins (read: easier to work with). Your machine probably came with some needles, and hand sewing needles are cheap and don’t require investing a lot of money into. Pick up a pin cushion while you’re at it so you don’t stab yourself constantly reaching for pins.

We all make mistakes and we all need a seam ripper. A measuring tape will be your best friend whenever you decide to make any garments (I have about 5 since I keep buying them) and even outside of garment making.

And last but not least! Marking utensils. Chalk. Pens. Pencils. There are so many options for marking, and they’re all pretty cheap! Pick up a darker color and a lighter color of whatever tool you want since some colors wont show up on certain fabrics.

Bonus sewing companion kitty

Patterns! We all need them. We all use them. Even the best self-drafters will need to use a pattern once in a while (whether as a base to make something way better, or just to outright make what the pattern is for), but damn are they tricky to deal with.

I left my cats alone with a pattern for 10 minutes...

They rip, they tear. They aren’t very reusable unless you’re the most careful person in the world. Once they’re cut out, forget ever going up a size. And they’re expensive! Lets face it, patterns suck sometimes.

Sales

Sales are a god-send for anything cosplay. Cosplaying is expensive as hell, you need that extra dollar off. No matter how small the sale, every penny counts. Always be on the look out for sales, especially pattern sales.

Never buy patterns at retail price! I promise there will always be a sale somewhere just around the corner. Waiting a week may be the difference of 10 dollars to 99 cents, so it’s definitely worth it. That being said, always be on the look out for these sales, whether you need a specific pattern or not. Hoarding patterns is a-okay when said patterns are a dollar (just take a peek at the catalogs, you’ll probably want to buy everything). 

Tracing

As I mentioned, if you’re buying a pattern and just cutting out your size, you’re basically rendering that pattern unusable in the future. The best way to keep your patterns for longer is to skip cutting them out and instead op for tracing. To trace you’re going to need a good tracing paper. These can vary heavily in price and in usability.

Parchment Paper

I don’t particularly like using parchment paper outside of baking as it only seems to come in 12″ wide rolls. While the perfect size for baking sheets, it’s horrible for large patterns (you can only tape together so many sheets before you get annoyed). However, parchment paper is rather cheap, ranging for $4 and up for longer rolls.

Conclusion: Only use parchment paper for absolute emergencies or on very small patterns.

Freezer Paper

Freezer paper comes in a slightly bigger size than parchment paper at 18″ wide (it comes in wider varieties, but I’ve found them to be more expensive as they come in larger rolls). Once again, freezer paper requires some piecing together due to it’s size. When ironed, the paper sticks to the surface it’s on, making it optimal for stencils and for using on fabric (look ma! no pins!). This does pose a problem though, you can’t iron out any creases or wrinkles.  Freezer paper is also very opaque, so it’s harder to trace the pattern. But for around $6 for a 33yd roll, it’s totally worth grabbing a tracing wheel and marking it out that way.

Conclusion: It’s cheap and has more than one purpose (stenciling), definitely worth grabbing a roll, just not necessarily for pattern tracing.

Butchers Paper

I’ve never actually used butchers paper for tracing, so I’m not sure of how it really holds up compared to other methods. The paper comes in bulk rolls, so you’re going to be dishing out a little more money for it, but due to the nature of bulk items, it comes in a lot of sizes (12″, 18″, 24″, 30″). If you’re looking into getting butchers paper, make sure you’re buying it in white since brown paper will definitely be less sheer. For a 30″x700′ roll it’s about $19 (so .08 per yard). Since other people do use it for pattern tracing, I’m assuming that it does actually work. Worst comes to worse, you’ll have to use a tracing wheel if the paper is too opaque.

Conclusion: Try it if you want, it’s pretty cost efficient and it seems okay to use. If you can, ask someone with access to butchers paper for a small snippet to see how it holds up.

Medical Exam Paper

There are so many people raving about medical exam paper. It’s very cost efficient, though it seems they only come in bulk (but for $35+ for 12, I’m not complaining). In addition to its wonderful price, when layered over a pattern, the pattern is still very visible. Unlike freezer paper, you can still iron out any wrinkles or creases (and you’ll need to, if you’ve been to the doctors you know how easily this paper gets wrinkled). 

Conclusion: This is the best for your money, it’s wide enough that you don’t need a lot of taping, and it’s cheap enough that you wont need to buy more for a long time.

Swedish Tracing Paper

Swedish paper is well loved for pattern tracing, but the price for being great is pretty dang high. At $10+ for a 29″x30′ roll, it’s not particularly cost efficient at all. It does have a lot of pros which outweigh the cons. For instance you can see the pattern clearly under it, which is great since if you make one mistake, it’s there forever (pencil doesn’t erase at all!). It’s not very prone to wrinkles, but if you do find yourself needing a good ironing go ahead, it wont melt!

Conclusion: I’d say buy a roll and use it very sparingly. Because of its price and small amount, it’s best to only use it on a pattern you know you’ll absolutely use again.

Storing Patterns

Get yourself a binder (get one as big as possible, patterns are rather thick), page protectors and of course, your patterns.

Put your page protectors in the binder and the patterns in the page protectors.

Now, I like to save the envelope tabs from the patterns and write the price I paid on them (it makes it easier to keep track of how much you’ve spent on patterns). Paper clip them together and put them in the side pocket.

And that’s it!

Other great ways to store patterns (because let’s face it, my way is totally the best not the best by any means)

Even at a wonderful place such as a convention, there is always a risk of harm coming to you. Which is why you should bring along a first aid kit of sorts. Of course you could always buy a pre-made one at Target, but they don’t offer the luxury of deciding what exactly you want to include. The best way to make your own is to buy a small makeup bag/pencil case (I got mine at the dollar store!) and load it up with whatever you see fit.

What I carry in Mine

Various Medicines

You never know when illness or pain will strike and it’s up to you to be prepared. I always recommend carrying at least some type of painkiller, as cons can bring out the worst aches and pains in some people (cosplaying hurts, and con goers tend to arouse headaches). If you’re at risk of menstruating during a con, bring whatever soothes your pains. Believe me, periods and conventions do not mix well.

Tampons

Once again, periods and cons do not mix well. If you might be bleeding during a con, bring pads or tampons!

Neosporin

Bandaids

Just in case you get cut during the con, you’ll want to minimize the risk of infection. Even if you wash it out thoroughly, walking around the con will surely produce sweat and bacteria. You want to make sure you’re as protected from infection as possible. Neosporin and band aids are the best combo for this.

Mini Flashlight

Have you heard hotel horror stories about blackouts? I have. And they really do happen. You’ll probably want to grab a mini flashlight before you head out (The dollar store is your friend here! I have a small collection of these flashlights and I must say, they’re really great and heavy duty feeling. For a dollar, these are amazing!) just in case a blackout happens at your hotel. Trying to navigate a room in the dark is damn near impossible.

Other things to Carry

Just because they aren’t included in my bag, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t carry these. 

Lip Balm

Alcohol Wipes

Lens Wipes (for glasses wearers)

Prescription Medication

Tissues

Garment bags are great for a variety of things. Transporting cosplays, keeping dust off your clothes, and keeping all your costume pieces together. The thing is, they’re not always readily available and you can’t get something dry cleaned every time you need one. The great thing is, they’re easy to make yourself, and it only takes a minute!

You need scissors, coat hangers, a sharpie, and a plastic garbage bag.

Mark where you want the coat hanger to through at the closed end of the bag. Try to keep it in the center, or else your bag might not work right.

Slip the coat hanger in and label the bag with a sharpie.

Wigs, as we all know, are a very important part of cosplaying. They can easily be messed up and ruined forever, so to counter this you need to pack them properly.

Method One: Unstyled Wig

Start off with your wig and the bag you will be putting the wig in

Flip the wig inside out and sort of “stuff” the rest of the hair into the cap bit (be gentle, you want the least amount of tangles possible). If your wig is shorter, you wont need to do more than just flip it.

Put the wig into your bag and squeeze/suck out all the remaining air. Label said bad with the wig’s purpose and you’re done!

Method Two: Styled Wigs

You need your wig, a wig head, pins, and a box to put the wig in (I didn’t have one, but the concept is easy to get). For really easy transportation and a sturdier option try a sewing machine case.

Put your styled wig (pretend mine is styled) on your wig head.

Pin your wig to the head to ensure it doesn’t slip off and ruin your hard work.

So your child is a big nerd, huh? As a parent, the prospect of allowing your child you wander unsupervised with a bunch of randys in costume may worry you. Perfectly understandable, and while there is no guaranteed way to erase your fears completely, you can minimize them significantly. As much as it sucks to admit, when you’re at a con, you’re not as important as you are at home. Your role is still important, but it’s more played down in a con setting. So without further adieu, here are tips for being a convention parent.

Cellphones!

Phones are wonderful for ensuring your child is safe throughout the con. It’s very likely that your child wouldn’t protest to carrying their phone through the entirety of the con, so there’s no problems there. If they’re dressing up for the con, have them come up with a way to carry their phone with them. Backpacks, purses, or well hidden pockets sewn into the costume allow for easy carrying.

    Have them charge their phone 100% the night before the con so that you can always reach them. If they’re going to be with a friend(s), get their number too, just in case your child doesn’t answer your call. Call/ text them every few hours (or whenever you wish) to make sure they’re doing okay. Before the con, establish consequences for ignoring you/not picking up. If you’re paying for everything, take some money out of their budget (ex: $250 becomes $230). If not, a good idea is to have them stay with you  a little longer before a con (ex: con starts at 8, have them leave at 8:30). Try not to be too harsh on them, they likely got carried away amidst all the excitement.

Check-Ins!

    Having your child check in with you throughout the day offers a lot of ease of mind. There are a lot of different ways to do check ins. Before the con, discuss with your child predetermined check-in times. Doing this allows for your child to attend whatever panels or signings they want without a check-in getting in the way. Make sure they set alarms on their phone so they know they should head off to wherever you’re meeting.

    There are two general check-in types, meeting in the hotel, and meeting outside the hotel. With Meeting in the hotel, you cans see how they’re doing without having to go anywhere. It allows for you to be able to relax all day (hotel pools, anyone?) without having to go anywhere. When you plan to meet outside of the hotel there are a lot more locations open to you. The easiest places to meet up are outside the con and at a restaurant. Doing this is more convenient for your child due to them not having to stray too far from the action.

    What you do during check-ins is up to you. How long they are, how short they are, etc. I find that the best way to do it is to spend twenty minutes making sure your child is faring well. Have them eat a little and drink some water, just generally take a break. If the check is in the hotel, and your child’s costume is heavy/uncomfortable/generally hard to wear, you should have them relax and take it off. Do the same if they’re wearing a binder or a wig. If you’re meeting up at a restaurant, it’s easier to make sure they’re doing okay. Sit down and eat with them, make sure they drink a lot of water (as opposed to soda), and hear they’re exciting con stories they’ve already accumulated. If you’re just meeting outside the con, send them off with a bottle of water and a snack and have them sit down with you for a few minutes.

a timeline for checking in

Packing!

    Packing is probably the most important thing when if comes to con going, and having everything you need is the best thing to keep your mind at ease. You know that if anything goes wrong, you can fix it (or at least help in some way). And really, that’s all you need to do as a con parent. Because conventions are different than say, going on vacation, there is a LOT more to bring. Much more can go wrong, and there’s way more to bring. Instead of a bathing suit and some shirts, you have an entire costume (maybe more) on top of your normal clothing.

Knowing that you have absolutely everything you could ever need with you is a real help. Your child is likely thinking more about how to pack their costume than packing other essentials. Before the con be sure to make a list of everything you and your child need to bring. Here is a great packing guide. Of course, you can add or subtract whatever you’d like, and create your own “parental arsenal”. Don’t forget to pack for yourself, and if your child needs any help, try to be happy to oblige.

Going to the con yourself!

    Now, most of this is written like you’re not at the con, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Conventions can be fun for parents also! Your child probably won’t want you following them around, so you should make sure you’re interested in the con before hand. Attend panels! Get things signed! Cosplay! Do whatever you want to do, and be sure to have fun.

    If you and your child are into the same thing, cosplay together. It’s super cute, and your child probably won’t. There’s nothing more heartwarming than parent child cosplaying. If you’re not into what they are, but you still want to cosplay, go ahead!

Support your child!

    The best thing you can do is support your child. If bringing them to a convention doesn’t convince them of your love, before cons help them with their costume. Go shopping for fabric with them. Help them sew when they need it. Surprise them with materials that they need. Do what you have to do to show that you care about them and their hobbies. Try to understand what they’re doing. Whether you have to watch anime, or Google a video game they like, understanding what they’re talking about will really instill the fact that you care.

Be a parent!

    Make sure they sleep well at the con. Have them shower at least once a day. help them into their costume. Make them eat food. Make them drink water. Ask them how their day was (they probably will have a lot to say). Do the same things you do at home.

Clothing

Shirts/Dresses

Pants/Shorts/Skirts

Underwear

Socks

Jacket/Sweater/Cardigan

Pajamas

Shoes

    I always recommend bringing along comfortable clothing to conventions. If you’re going to be walking around in plainclothes, comfortable and easily maneuverable clothing is a must. Even if you’re going to be in costume, always pack something to change into. There’s nothing like getting out of a hot, sweaty costume and putting on a t-shirt.

Even if you’re going to wear a costume with special shoes, bring a comfortable pair too. Those killer heels might be great for photo-ops, but after a while they’ll feel like glass. Having backup shoes will keep you from seriously damaging your feet- bonus if your shoes work with your cosplay! And of course *mom voice* bring a jacket! Or just something warm, you never know when the cold will strike. Of course, if a jacket is too heavy for you, bring a cardigan. They’re lighter but still serve the same purpose.

Costume

Adhesive

    I can’t tell you what to bring since it varies from cosplay to cosplay, but I can recommend a few. Did I say a few? I meant a lot. Glue is important, it could save your cosplay’s life. The con floor is full of danger and delicate props/costumes get broken a lot. Bring a hot glue gun (and some hot glue), E6000, a lot of tape (such as masking tape, packing tape, and duct tape.), super glue, fabric glue, and epoxy adhesive. It may seem like a lot, and it is, but it’s all for the sake of cosplay.

Extra Paints and brushes

    While not always needed, paint is great to have for painted props/armor. Get a scratch? Good thing you have paint. Suddenly feel like your armor isn’t weathered enough? Thank the con gods you brought paint! You might never need to get out the paint, but it’s always a good thing to have on hand. It’s never fun to frantically search for a store near the con that sells the right stuff for your costume.

Wig Cap

Scissors/Pliers

    Depending of what kind of costume you have you might need to bring different scissors. Fabric scissors, regular scissors (like school scissors), heavy duty scissors, and thread scissors are basically the kinds that you should consider bringing. Pliers aren’t really necessary, but are a big help if your costume has things like metal rings in it.

Sharpie/Pens/Fabric Marker

Pins and Seam Ripper

Needles and Thread

    If your costume starts coming apart, it’s time to start sewing again. Since it’s generally impractical to bring your machine with you to a con, bringing an assortment of hand needles can be a life saver. Be sure to bring the thread you used on your cosplay (or at least a color you don’t mind being visible all over) and special needles if need be.

X-acto Knife

Screw Driver

    Again, this is one of those things that isn’t necessary for all costumes, but it’s pretty handy to have on you. A flat head screw driver can help with a lot of things if need be, they can actually make a pretty good (read: bad unless its an emergency) seam ripper.

Stain Remover Pen

Safety Pins!!!!

    I can’t stress the importance of safety pins. They’re just handy. Even if you don’t end up needing them, someone else probably will. If there’s anything more important than keeping your own cosplay together, it’s helping others with theirs.

Sock Tape/ Double Sided tape

The Actual Costume and all its Components

First Aid

Bandaids

Pain Killers

    Bring whatever works for you. I personally use ibuprofen, but Tylenol and Advil works just as fine. If you can get them, bring a few of the two packs. If those are no where to be seen, a mini bottle or a full bottle is fine.

Period Things

    I only say period things because there is a number of items involved. Pads, tampons, pantyliner, and Midol. Even if you know for a fact that you won’t be menstruating during the con (or are a guy), it’s always a good thing to have them.

Sunblock/Aloe Vera

Rubbing Alcohol/ Alcohol Wipes

    I recommend that you don’t bring a big bottle of rubbing alcohol, since you probably won’t need it (unless you’re using it for the cosplay), so bringing wipes is a much better alternative.

Neosporin

Prescription Medicine/Epipens

Cough Drops

Condoms

    If you think that you are going to be sexually active during a con AT ALL, bring condoms. Better safe than sorry, right?

Tissues

A Lint Roller

Makeup

Moisturizer/Primer

Foundation/BB Cream/Tinted Moisturizer/Grease Paint/ Whatever Else

    If you’re going to be cosplaying, I highly recommend wearing foundation or something even if you’re a guy. Foundation makes you look so much better in photos, and makes you look like you put more effort into your cosplay. You might look great in a mirror, but without make up, the camera won’t be so kind.

Eyeliner/Mascara/Eyebrow Pencil/Tint

Eyeshadow/Eye Primer

Fake Lashes/Lash Glue/Lash Curler

Blush/Bronzer/Highlighter/Concealer

Lip Product

Setting Powder/Makeup Sealer

    If you’re wearing body paint or a non human-tone foundation SEAL YOUR PAINT!!!! There are so many ways to seal paint and they’re all relatively cheap. When you don’t seal, it runs the risk of ruining people’s costumes, hotel furniture and people’s days. Seriously! Seal! Your! Paint! Looking at you, Homestucks.

Makeup Brushes/Sponges

Makeup Wipes

Prosthetics/Spirit Gum/Whatever you attach your prosthetics with

Nail Polish/Remover

Any other Products you may need

Toiletries

Tooth Brush/Tooth Paste/Mouth Wash/ Floss

Cotton Swabs/Cotton Pads

Shampoo/Conditioner

Hair Brush/Comb/ Wig Comb

Bobby Pins/Hairspray/Hair Ties

Deodorant!!

Nail File/Clippers

Razor/Shaving Cream

Lotion/ Face Moisturizer

Lip Balm

Mirror Compact

Body Wash/Face Wash

Tweezers

Food and Snacks

Granola Bars

    Snack on these throughout the day, they’re a life saver!

Bread

Snacks

    Anything ranging from fruit snacks to chips. Healthier options are preferred, but it’s your choice on what you bring

Ramen

    Hey, it’s not healthy, but coffee pot Ramen is con tradition

Something Peanut Buttery

    Peanut butter will give you the much needed protein to make it through the con. If you’re allergic, obviously skip the PB and go for something else.

Cooler

    Bringing a cooler is a great idea if you don’t want to waste money on food at the con. I recommend getting everything together the night before and the morning before you leave, put ice in the cooler, follow with drinks (for added coldness freeze some water bottles), and add the actual food on top to prevent crushing. You may have to buy ice at the con since ice tends to melt, so find out where the nearest convenience store is before the con.

Sliced Meats

    Combined with the bread I recommended, this creates a sandwich. Perfect for getting up your energy during a con. If you don’t want to make sandwiches in the hotel, you can make the sandwiches beforehand at home.

Cheese Sticks/Squares

    Cheese sticks are a classic. Cheese squares are better. Individually wrapped and super convenient.

Water!!!

Juice

Fruit

    Cut the fruit up before the con so it’s easier to snack on.

Gatorade

ICE!!

On Your Person

Cellphone

Mints/Gum

Wallet

Important cards

Money

Headphones

Water

Con Badge

Clear Nail Polish and Bobby Pins

Electronics/Personal Items

Chargers

    Phone, laptop, camera, etc.

Laptop

Camera

Sunglasses

Convention Schedule

Something to Pass the Time

    Could be a book or a game system.