Days 788 - 800

A quick update in relation to my last post: My sewing machine still doesn't want to sew with black thread. I even traded thread with my friend, and it won't use that kind either. I'm not sure what to do other than look for another kind. My machine seems to agree with cheap $1 Walmart thread, so I might as well go grab some of that, haha.

Despite that, I've made some decent progress on Maid Yoko. The top is completely finished, and the skirt just needs to be sewn together (into a circle),\ and have the zipper and lace put on. After that, it's just the wrist cuffs, (3) bows, and the props.

Other than that, no news, heh. Here's a cute picture of a cosplaying dog.

Percy from Disney's "Pocahontas"

Thread Vomit (Days 786 & 787)

My sewing machine legitimately hates me. I ran out of black thread and spent the last of my spare cash on more, only to come home and find out that my machine throws a fit when I try to sew with the new thread. It's the same kind of thread (polyester) as the thread that my machine agrees with, but it still won't work. It's a different texture, much rougher, and a little thicker, but I figured it would work if it was the same fibers. Apparently not.

So my sewing machine vomited thread all over my project. Other sewers probably know what I'm talking about, the machine sort of jams, like it gets a hiccup, and then when you turn over the fabric, there's all these loops and knots instead of neat stitches. I tried messing with the settings, re-threading the machine and the bobbin, changing the needle, and anything else I could think of before giving up and trying a different thread. Now I need to scrounge up my spare change and look for the "right" thread to buy.

Regardless of my machine hating me, I did manage to get some progress done. I finished both the shirt and vest for my Maid Yoko (TTGL) cosplay, and I started on the skirt. (I was working on the skirt when my machine threw a fit.) I decided the do large (five-inch) pleats on the skirt instead of trying to make it ruffled. I think the pleats look neater, and they give the same effect. I enjoy making pleats, it's simple and calming. I don't know why everyone else seems to hate them so much.

To finish the skirt, I need to hem the black part, make the second (white) layer, add lace to it, and add the zipper. After that, I need to make the red bow, the two hair bows, the apron, the wrist cuffs, the chopsticks, and whatever accessories I decide on. Pfft, and I thought this would be easy. It turned out to be a lot of work! Totally worth it though.

On the convention front, I finally made the facebook events for my and my boyfriend's Fanime 2012 panels. Check 'em out!
Magikarp: A History
Saturday, May 26th, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hit 'em with a Splash Attack! Join us for a look at the Pokemon Magikarp, learn about its history, stats, anime appearances, and more!
Rattata: Top Percentage
Sunday, May 27th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
"My Rattata is so awesome..." Brought to you by the hosts of "Magikarp: A History", you may just figure out why Youngster Joey loves this purple rat so much.

And one more shameless plug for my fleece hats!
Honekoneko
from
"Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt"
$25
Cute fleece hats shaped like Pokemon, cats, and other characters! I also take requests!
Hats priced from $10 to $30, made to order, and shipped in about a week.

No Progress! (Days 784 & 785)

Yup, no progress on anything. I'm optimistic though! It looks like I'm actually going to be at least a little better at not procrastinating as much. Gonna try to sew with friends as much as I can to keep my motivation going!

In the mean time, here's a dog dressed as Parappa the Rapper:
Step on the gas and turn to the right?