Hal-Con Wrap-Up

Guess who?

I apologize for the delay in posting about Hal-Con.  I've been busy with mid-terms and school work (just one more quiz and a final exam . . . ).  I have to confess that I worked overtime so that I'd be free to enjoy our weekend up in Halifax--all play and fun!  It was a blast! :D

First off, we had fun dressing up.  The boys loved playing their characters: Link from the Legend of Zelda games and Spider-man of course.

Link sticks it to Spider-man

And I had fun drerssing up as Princess Bubblegum from my current favourite show Adventure Time.

My Bombshell turned out great: good fit, comfortable and worked well as a costume.  Everything you see is made my me: made the crown, sewed the skirt and sash, and of course knitted the top.  Very pleased with the overall result.

Hal-Con always impresses me 'cuz there are great vendors, passionate fans and awesome cosplayers.  Check out some of the ones I mananged to photograph.

Jack Sparrow

Cute couple

Cleia the fairy from Legend of Zelda

The cutest Ashoka from Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Awesome trio from 300

Fearsome group from Marvel

More superheroes

Best Kratos ever!

Best Aquawoman ever!

These are only a sample of the wonderful cosplayers we came across over the two days. As usual, we're already making plans for next year's Hal-Con festivities. ;)

Ready

Yup, ready for Hal Con next weekend.  We've all got our costumes finished and pressed.

Finished Bombshell with finished skirt

So here is my completed pink Bombshell complete with purple trim (inspired by Princess Bubblegum age 13).  I also made the skirt--simple straight skirt with elastic waist band (it was ironed AFTER the photo was taken, but rest assured I'll have proper photos next weekend with wig, makeup and appropriate props).

Check out those shoes!

Best part of my costume: the sparkly pink shoes!  I love these!  Not only are they cute, but they are soooo comfortable too.

Shoe detail

We are all looking forward to the big get-away and sharing our cosplay with other fans.  Have a great week!

Stuff

Napping Cat

My cat decided to have a nap--on my Bombshell!  So instead of shooing her away, I let her sleep.  I like it when she sleeps on my bed next to me.  Not everyone in the household likes the cat, so I make the extra effort to give her scratches when she wants them and to let her sleep when she's napping.

Meanwhile, I'm working on essay #2 and mid-term#2 . . . 

Later,

About the Bombshell

I'm finally done with the knitting.  I've got a few ends to weave, but the sweater is done.  Sadly I haven't taken any proper photos--only in-progress shots.

Neckline In-Progress 

I really like the moss stitch details at the hem, sleeves and neckline.  I also made the sleeves a little longer and a little more narrow.

Sleeve Detail

Hem Detail

I hope it'll work as a costume top.  I mentioned already that I've started working on the skirt, but it needs some elastic at the waist and some hemming before its finished.

Folded Skirt Awaiting the Finishing

And I've given up on the yarn wig since buying a store-bought one (although it would be nice to actually finish the yarn wig).  Lack of time has been one reason for the change.  My other concern was the hot factor: it'll be less warm in a light-weight wig than a heavy yarn wig.

Hanging Wig

I'll definitely be taking proper photos when I'm dressed up at Hal-Con in a few weeks time--so excited!!  Besides all the neat stuff to see and do, there's gonna be a session on "knitting for geeks". How cool!! :D

About the Costume

I finally tried it on.  Verdict: the fit is good.  I made no real modifications and have worked the pattern as written for the large size (learned from first version that a top like this needs zero or negative ease). With the waist shaping and ribbing complete, I'm on the home-stretch, so to speak.  My focus now rests on making room for my ample hips, so yes there will be extra increases.  As well, I'm adding extra length too.  

Pink Bombshell In-Progress

I'm still debating whether to use the seed stitch hem as written.  I saw some versions on Ravelry that used alternate stitch patterns.  Maybe I need to consult my stitch dictionary . . . As for the neckline and sleeves, I am seriously contemplating ribbing to "tighten" the fit.

Back View

As for the skirt, my sister-in-law found matching fabric in a local shop.  I just need to find a place that sells paper patterns so I can sew the skirt.  Two local businesses used to sell sewing patterns; neither sells them anymore.  I may have to travel to the next town over unless someone here can direct me to a Canadian online outlet selling Simplicity or Butterick patterns. Anyone?

There's still the matter of the wig, but I know the cap fits.  It's just a matter adding the "hair". . . Less than two months left!

Back to Bombshell

Bombshell in Progress

So progress continues on the hot pink Bombshell.  Thus far, I've reached the ribbed waistband.  Twenty more rows and then I start increasing for the hip--not too far to go, eh?  Although I must confess that I will add length because my first version was shorter than I prefer to wear.  The sleeves require very little work too, although I may add a few extra rounds of stocking stitch (perhaps decreasing?) before adding edging.

Another View

Confession time: not really loving the yarn, although I've used it in other colours for blankets and baby clothing without complaint.  Still, I chose the yarn for price and not feel. The top is meant to be a costume.  Hope my gamble pays off . . . 

What Time Is It?

Adventure Time Opening Sequence

Why it's Adventure Time!  Ha, ha!  It's one of my favourite cartoons--very strange, but interesting and very original.

Remember last year's Hal-Con?  It was our first and we were quite impressed with all the costumes.  So we decided to dress up for this year's Hal-Con  (check out this year's events and guests).  

Princess Bubblegum

I've decided to dress up as Princess Bubblegum (who happens to be one of the characters on Adventure Time . . . now the intro makes so much sense).  Living in a small town means the search for supplies will be challenging.  I'm hoping to make my own wig and outfit: knitted top and simple pink skirt sewn from matching fabric.

Not a Hat!  Beginnings of a Wig

So far I've made good progress on the wig.  The pattern is a free one from the Lion Brand website (you can find the pattern link and helpful mods over at Ravlery). Basically the crocheted open-work cap gets filled in with "hair" (otherwise known as yarn).

Pink Stash

Scrounging 'round the stash netted lots of pink: nothing in any significant yardage, so I may have to go on a search . . . 

A Really Big Ball of Pink

I did, however, find raspberry yarn for the top over at Walmart (and yes, it is acrylic).  I'm hoping to use Stefanie Japel's Bombshell pattern from Big Girl Knits.  It's a pattern I've made before, so I'm confident I can complete the project . . . but will it be done on time?  Only time will tell.  I'll keep you posted.

Till next time . . . .