First Episode and First Cosplays!

Welcome to the first podcast episode for the Cosplay Stitch and Seam! Join VFire and Pannon as they discuss their very first cosplays and how they got into this amazing hobby.

Our First Cosplays

In this episode VFire (Mercedes) and Pannon talk about that one cosplay that ends up near and dear to your heart, if not also the one you dread showing at all.

First up is Mercedes with her White Mage cosplay from the webcomic, 8-Bit Theater. It has been ten years since she made this cosplay, and as poorly as she constructed it, she was glad she made it. It launched her into a whole new world of crafting clothing, armor, and prop weapons.

Look at this awesome group!
Red Mage, VFire as White Mage, Jesse as Fighter, and Jez as Black Mage
On our way to Video Games Live 2008!

This lovely costume is made out of old bed sheets, painted with house paint, and has a cardboard/duct tape hammer to go with it. You can't tell in the picture but she also dyed her hair red for it (albeit poorly because she knew nothing about dying hair then... she knew not a lot about making much back then actually.)

One of the first ones Pannon remembers making was in 2001, Selphie Tilmitt from Final Fantasy VIII. The photo is from SakuraCon 2003, so it survived for a decent run. The costume is made of fabric that is mostly plastic, and has a real functioning zipper! Wigs were not quite as easy to come by back in the day, so she dyed her hair and tried her best.

Pannon as Selphie Tilmitt, FF VIII

The nunchaku were purchased and actual metal, surprising they let it into the con center! But Pannon learned a lot about fit and installing zippers, and even how to hem things. We all start somewhere!

Thanks for reading and listening!
Pannon and VFire

Shining Sakura's Guide to Sewing Machines

Finding the right sewing machine can be a real pain. Some machines are very intimidating, while others make you wonder if they will last during your project. Also, how do you take care of one once you have it? Shining Sakura is very passionate about her sewing machine and has been doing research on how to find the right one. She also has some great advice on maintenance and repair. Here is what Sakura has learned. Enjoy! * There are pro/con cards throughout the article. If you have any questions about what you see here feel free to contact VFire on the Contacts/Links page. Sakura's Sewing Machine Guide Sewing machines come in all shapes and sizes. The one question many people ask is which one should I buy? Well that all depends on your budget and purpose. Here is a simple guide to help you determine which machine is best for you! You do not have to follow this advice perfectly but it can give someone an idea of what to look for in a sewing machine. All That is Old is

Episodes 73 - 76!! Catch up blog post!! Part 1!

Time to get these posts caught up to the podcast! - cracks knuckles - here goes something! this first grouping covers a lot waxing strong about conventions and good memories!! Episode 73 - Cosplayers in the Time of Corona This episode aired back when quarantine was in full swing here in the states and we really had no idea what the rest of this year had in store. I feel the overall message is still the same: "It is okay to feel the way you feel. Take your time; you are not obligated to be creating during this time." Episode 74 - Making Friends at Conventions As we wax fondly over conventions, we had a listener question come in about how to make friends at these big events. What are your thoughts on this? Episode 75 - Convention Traditions We miss conventions a lot! We share listener and personal traditions that have become near and dear to us over the years. What are your favorite convention traditions? Episode 76 - How to Play the Ribbon Game Rennagade Cosplay joins us t

How to Make Auron's Blade - The Cosplay Armory

As promised, James of the Cosplay Armory shares his knowledge on how to make Auron's Katana from the game, Final Fantasy X. I have been very excited for this as I followed his page as he worked on the blade. I hope you enjoy it! - VFire Auron's Katana Build by James A note before I start. I will be mentioning the use of several machines that I have the luxury of having in my shop that I am well aware not everyone has. This project is definitely easier with them than without but everything I describe can be done without them or with simpler tools. I will also include steps that I do that are not necessary in parenthesis() I was commissioned to build the Auron Katana by Lolita Zombie Cosplay and knew immediately that I wanted it to be light, yet durable. The first step to building any prop is figuring out what you’re going to make it out of. A lot of prop makers use light woods like poplar and MDF and while I have used some wood I decided it would be my first sword t

Cosplay Stitch and Seam

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