Cosplay & Crafts

Elsa-X Reviews - Cosplay Fabrics by Yaya Han At Joann's

2/15/2016

Photo in Store by Elsa-X

Cosplay Fabrics by Yaya Han landed in Joanns stores and online this week! The arrival of Ms. Han’s custom fabrics in brick-and-mortar stores expands her cosplay empire which ranges from wigs, books and worbla on her website yayahan.com to her popular line of patterns distributed by McCall’s.

What does this mean for cosplayers? Two advantages are:
1) popular crafting stores are paying attention creating potential to increase availability of cosplay product lines in-store (Wouldn't it be great to walk into Joann’s with one of their famous coupons and buy a roll of worbla?) and
2) You can see the fabric, touch it, and lick it if you must (the snozzberries taste like snozzberries!)*.

* Geek Girls, Inc. is in no way encouraging you to lick fabric. That is really gross.

As the elected guinea pig to do exactly that, I went straight to Joann’s.

*Note the stock pictures are from Joann.com and my photos were taken on a cell phone camera in the store’s lighting so you can see how the fabrics photograph in real lighting situations. These are my personal impressions. Full details are available on joanne.com

4-way stretch metallic fabric, available in 6 colours:
$19.99 per yard, 59” wide

These are beautiful basics. They provide a decent amount of stretch. As you can see in my photo, my hand is pulling out the fabric to help you judge the stretch and weight. I found these were far more of a shiny metallic as opposed to the stock photos which appear more glittery.

Suggested Uses:

black is perfect for batgirl (what a shame there is no purple yet for 70’s Batgirl)
tight fitting bodysuits requiring a liquid leather look
a thinner, more cost-effective alternative to vinyl capes
boot covers & gloves
see: Yaya Han’s Ultimate Body suit patterns for men and women

Pleather Fabric-Gunmetal and 4-way ultrapreme fabric-navy
$19.99 and $29.99 per yard, 54” wide

These two fabrics are very similar in weight and stretch. They are extremely thin and very stretchy. You can see my fingers show right through yet it seems to be quite strong. The colours in the stock photos are pretty spot-on. Not sure why it’s called “navy” as it’s more of a dark teal.

I would say it’s slightly darker in person but the shine off it makes it appear lighter in photos. In person it has a dull sheen as opposed to the metallic fabrics which are very shiny.

Suggested uses:

Gloves
Leggings
Body suits for the brave

Scales Metallic Fabric: Red:
$19.99 per yard, 59” wide

We have a saying at Dragon Con: “I don’t know what it is, so it must be anime” which is my only explanation for this fabric’s inclusion. No offense to the anime crowd-your costumes are generally off-the-charts amazing.

The fabric itself is nice. It provides a good amount of stretch (see my now familiar hand-through-fabric picture). Joann’s stock photo does not do it justice.

It is a metallic bright red in person. Having said that, I’m not really sure what makes this fabric any more special than the many like it already available at fabric stores. And why isn't this available in green for the myriad of mermaid/sea creature cosplayers?

Suggested uses:

Dragon scales
Contrast pieces large enough to show off the pattern:
Ceremonial sashes, back paneling, etc

Stretch suede fabric:
$29.99 per yard, 59” wide

The colors are pretty far off in person from the stock photos. They are nice. They provide good stretch.

Once again, not sure why these were included as similar products are already available at most fabric stores. I feel these are more of a rough scrap leather look than suede.

Suggested uses:

Pocahontas
Renaissance Fair-inspired costumes
Merida
Scrap leather-look details

Military faux leather:
$39.99 per yard, 54” wide

The military faux leather fabrics were the ones I was most curious about when I viewed the website. They are difficult to describe. They are sort of rubbery. The “studs” are actually just raised bumps in the fabric, not studded on, and look fabulous in person. It has a small amount of stretch if you need to wrap it around something.

I believe this will be much easier to work with than any rival materials. At $39.99 it has better be something special and it is.

Suggested uses:

Military costume trim
Armor
Leg and arm covers
Add dimension to weapons

Carbon fiber fabric-black:
$29.99 per yard, 54” wide

Ahhhhhh this is my favourite fabric from the line. It’s one of those things that makes you think “Hmmm, what can I make out of this?”

Love it. Medium stretch, great texture, photogenic. It looks black & grey in the stock photo. In person the “grey” is actually light bouncing off the texture.

Suggested uses:

Body suits (someone please do this)
Leggings requiring texture
Accent pieces to add texture to flat bodysuits, etc.

Patterned Pleather fabric:-Black square:
$29.99 per yard, 59” wide

This is nice, photographs well and provides some stretch. It is much nicer in person.

Again, I’m thinking this was an unnecessary addition to the line as I’ve seen similar in multiple colours.

The diamonds were smaller in person than I thought they would be, so I added the photo of the bolt to give you an idea.

Suggested uses:

Bags
Jackets
Accent pieces to add texture to flat bodysuits, etc.

Twill corset fabric:-Black:
$19.99 per yard, 58” wide

I recently took a corset making class and learned that the secret to a good corset is a sturdy, non-giving fabric as the base.

This seems to fit the bill exactly and compliments what Ms. Han is known for in her own cosplay.

Suggested uses:

Corsets
Suiting
See: Yaya’s pattern for overbust or underbust corsets

Brocade fabric:
$19.99 per yard, 59” wide

These are nice, colorful and sturdy brocades. The 5 colors photograph well. Peacock is definitely better in person. They would make really beautiful corsets.

Yes they are similar to other brocades available, but the price is good for the quality. These also compliment the McCall patterns by Ms. Han.

Suggested uses:

Corsets
Jackets
Skirts
See: Yaya’s pattern for overbust or underbust corsets

Note: I would love peacock drapes

While I do think this line of fabrics is a good start, Joann’s should consider more of a “collection” approach, where its products can be sold individually or work together. It would be great to see a finished costume, with the pattern, fabrics, and extras (buttons, feathers, what have you) all available in the same store. Beginners can then follow the pattern with everything they need in one section of one store. Seasoned cosplayers can buy what they like & make it their own.

Cosplay Fabrics by Yaya Han are an excellent start to a (hopefully) bigger and more comprehensive line of cosplay products available in stores. Now go to your nearest Joann’s to touch, stretch, and taste* (if you must) for yourself.

Geek Girls, Inc. would love to hear YOUR opinions on these fabrics!

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Tips From a Craft Pro - Silicone Molds

1/18/2016

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by Gina

While developing her new Big Hero 6 cosplay, our guest columnist, Gina, decided to level up her already impressive maker craft skills by taking on new materials and technologies. She is graciously documenting her process to share it with our readers!

Stage One:
How to make a basic 3D silicone mold: Big Hero 6 Microbot

Materials used:
3D printed Microbot
Smooth-On Dragon Skin 20 silicone
Wooden sticks
Plastic cups in two sizes: one large for mixing and one to set the mold
Tape to secure object
Marker
Scissors
Clorox wipes*

*Silicone is very difficult to clean off of your hands and surfaces. You do not want to skip having cleaning wipes readily available.

The object I used for molding in this tutorial is Hiro’s microbot from Big Hero 6. I used the 3D file by mintymike found here http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:536361, then added a cone in TinkerCad to make a pour spout which printed cone base first on the 3D printer.

You can use a variety of 3D printed or found objects. You will need to add a pour spout or cut one in after silicone cures. There are numerous free 3D files on Thingiverse. If you do not have a 3D printer, you may find one at your local library or Maker’s Station.

TIP: Start with very simple objects. Objects with more detailed parts may require additional pour spouts or 2+ molds.

The silicone I used is Dragon Skin 20 from Smooth-On. The first thing you need to do is find your pot time & mold time for each product, found here: http://www.smooth-on.com/Silicone-Rubber-an/c2_1115_1129/index.html

Pot life is how long you have to mix and set the mold; mold time is how long it will take to completely set. This information should be listed on each manufacturer’s website.

STEP ONE: measuring how much silicone you need

Smooth-On has a mixing ratio of 1:1, meaning equal parts from bottles A & B together, by weight or volume, which means you can use either a scale or measuring cup to determine how much you need of each. I filled the small cup up with water, measured it, then halved the amount to determine how much of each part I would need. Ex: if your cup measures 10 CCs of fluid, you would need 5 CCs of part A and 5 CCs of part B.

TIP: Always mix more than you need as you will lose silicone every time you transfer it to a new cup!

STEP TWO: Mix

Pour Part A and Part B into separate cups to ensure they are equal. Pour the contents of both cups (part A & B) into a larger cup, scraping out as much of the contents as you can, and start mixing with a wooden stick/tongue depressor. Your pot time starts as soon as you combine parts A and B (in this case, 25 min). Mix as thoroughly as possible. Note in photo the contents are now in the first large cup.

TIP: I set out all the cups and sticks for this process before I begin for speed and mess control.

STEP THREE: Transfer contents and mix in second large cup*

*This step is not in the directions but is necessary for proper mixing. You will most likely get sticky spots in your mold if you skip this that will never harden and you will have to start again.

Transfer the contents to the second large mixing cup, scraping as much of the contents out as you can. DISCARD BOTH THE FIRST CUP AND FIRST STIRRING STICK. Start with an unused stick to stir the contents now in the second cup as thoroughly as possible.

TIP: You may see bubbles in the silicone. The bubbles in Smooth-On silicone will slowly rise up as its setting and shouldn’t affect your mold.

STEP FOUR: Molding your object

Now that your silicone is mixed, pour the contents into the cup you will use for molding. (I molded 2 Microbots so there are 2 smaller cups in photo) Place your object into the center of the silicone, with the pour spout base on top, making sure there is at least a half an inch of silicone between the object and the bottom and sides of the cup.

The microbots were moving around making them off-center, so I secured the bases to the cup with tape.

TIP: They make pink electrical tape. ;)

STEP SIX: Demold object

Take a sharp pair of scissors and carefully cut from the edge of your object to the edge of the cup, slowly pulling apart the silicone as you go to ensure you are cutting as straight a line as possible down your mold. Silicone is very stretchy and will snap back to your original mold cavity as long as it doesn’t crack.

Pull the object out and you have your mold! Success!

TIP: I put my molds back in a cup for added storage protection. I also experiment with different products and like to mark what I used on the cup.

Coming soon: using your mold to cast epoxy resin.

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Timey Wimey Doctor Who Skirt

10/1/2015

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by Emily

Back in the spring, JoAnn's put out a line of Doctor Who fabrics, and apparently they sold like hotcakes because I found myself impulsively driving waaaaaay OTP (Outside The Perimeter, aka the 'burbs) to go to the only JoAnn's in greater metropolitan Atlanta with any left in stock. I literally stole the bolt off a pallet of new merchandise tucked in the corner, removed the wrapping and nonchalantly presented it to the lady at the cutting counter, who asked me what the blue boxes were among all the pretty swirls. I tried to explain, but sometimes Muggles just don't understand the need to make skirt celebrating a British sci-fi show.

I'd say the trip was worth it! This is my third iteration of Simplicity 2226 (Version 1 and Version 2). It's the perfect pattern for stiffer quilting cottons and prints that might be a bit much as a full dress, so I returned to it again. I love a good pattern repeat.

This time I got smart about the excessive ease in this pattern and sized down to a 10 in the waist. Halfway through I became nervous that it would be too tight if I had a big lunch and let it back out a bit on the side seams and center back. It's a little big now but my measurements have fluctuated over the past year and better safe than sorry. Other than that, I made all the same changes as my previous comic book version, so not much to say about construction. The print is really the star of the show anyway.

I must have re-done the gathers three times over a couple of days. Gathers, it seems, will always be my Achilles heel. Invisible zip? No problem. Smooth dart points? I'm on it. Gathers? Well, settle in, because it's going to be a looooong afternoon.
As always, the pockets are my favorite part. The construction is cleverly done, so you have roomy pockets without bulk. Exactly what you need to go on timey-wimey adventures.

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Harry Potter Crafts For All Ages

9/23/2015

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by Ariyanna

For many fall is the time for heading back to Hogwarts and reuniting with all of your friends from the Harry Potter series. To help you get in the mood and maybe get a jump on your Halloween plans here are some links to some great Harry Potter themed crafts and party ideas.

Usually one of the first stops for a new wizard is Olivander's Wand shop to get your very own magical wand but if you can't get there no worries, you can make your very own, one of a kind, wand following the tutorial here:

Next it's on to the bookstore to pick up all of your required reading, one of our favorite books is this little monster notepad book to go along with the Care of Magical Creatures. Check out the picture below to learn how to make your very own little monster notepad book:

You need a good quill to take notes in that little-monster-book and this is just the place for a clever wizard to find out what it takes to make the perfect one that fits your style. Just don't try to get the feather fresh from your owl, they may not like that!

After an afternoon of shopping in Diagon Alley it's time for a relaxing bit of Butterbeer. There are so many variations on the recipe it's hard to pick a favorite so head on over here where you have a wide selection of recipes to choose from:

I'm sure there are many more things you can find in Diagon Alley before heading on towards your trip to Hogwarts so be sure to check out this Pinterest page that has over 100 pinned Harry Potter themed crafts and party ideas to find all of the ones here and more!

https://www.pinterest.com/triplemoongalle/harry-potter-crafts/

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Craftastic - T-shirt Drawstring Bag

7/31/2015

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by Annie

Rummage through all those too big or too small t-shirts and let your old favorite shirt live again as a drawstring bag! I used one of my favorite old Woot.com shirts, I thought my "let's get pumped" shirt would make a great gym bag.

This is a simple craft that is best done with a sewing machine. All you will need is an old t-shirt, a ribbon or shoelace for the drawstring, thread, scissors and a sewing machine.

Start by laying the t-shirt flat and cutting a rectangle around the image. Be sure to cut through both the back and front of the shirt so you will have two identical rectangles.

Optional: I wanted my image to be centered on the bag so I cut a couple of inches off of the bottom on the rectangle and sewed it onto the top so the image would be further down and thus centered.

Then flip the image side of the tee inside out and sew the two rectangles together. You will sew the sides together and the bottom but not the top.

Then fold the top edge over about half and inch (or larger if you have larger ribbon) all the way around the same way you would hem a pant leg. Sew this part together leaving room for your drawstring.

Then flip the bag right side out and cut a little hole for the drawstring, or if you are fancy you can place a grommet or use your sewing machine to make a button hole. Since mine was just going to be a gym bag I just cut a hole.

Thread the shoelace through the hole until it is all through but be sure to pin or just hold onto the other end so it doesn't get pulled through the hole.

That's it.

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Cosplay Makeup For All Skin Types: Part 1

7/20/2015

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After several questions from our readers, I realized that many cosplayers don't think drugstore makeup will work for them if they have a darker skin tone. I made a quick list of products my friends use. Don't be fooled - there are inexpensive, quality makeup options for women of color! Here's the short list:

Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Shadows
Mabelline Dream Fresh BB Cream
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
Revlon Color Stay Foundation
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
ELF pink blush
Wet N Wild eye shadow palettes
NYX Matte Lipstick in Tea Rose
NYX Butter Gloss in Apple Strudel
NYX Butter Gloss in Meringue

Look for colors like deep, mahogany, cappuccino, ebony, etc. Also, you can use bronzers as basic highlighters if you have darker skin, just find a good match. The most difficult thing for gals with darker skin tones to find in drugstores is a decent contour kit. I know ladies who use an Ulta brand one and absolutely love the NYX one. Below is a good tutorial for contouring. Hopefully this helps!

Fret not, pale cosplayers - we'll have some tips and ideas for you next week!

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Sneaky Zebra Releases Their Epic SDCC 2015 Cosplay Video

7/17/2015

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This may be one of our favorites yet! Great costumes, fantastic music and a few celebrity cameos!

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Our Favorite Cosplay: SDCC

7/14/2015

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The best costumes from San Diego Comic Con definitely have to be all the Orphan Black cosplayers campaigning for Allison Hendrix.

Here are some of our other 2015 SDCC cosplay favorites!!!

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Craftastic - How to Make Your Own Geeky Curio Boxes

5/28/2015

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by Meghan

As a geek, I've collected an almost unmanageable pile of tiny toys, collectibles and tchotchkes that I have no idea what to do with, but are too cool to throw out.

If this is your problem as well, why not display them on the wall?

Curio boxes and shadow boxes can get pretty pricey, so I've assembled my own displays from extra craft paint and some thrift store finds.

One of my awesome geeky friends found these old craft kit boxes while thrifting for a steal.
Perfect for a curio box, right? But they did need some fixing up: while the butterflies were kind of cute, they didn't match with what I wanted to put in the box. I liked the look of the wood box, but its previous life left it with some hot pink ink stains - not the best.

Let’s grab some craft paint, then! I just used some cheap white acrylic paint for the larger box, and some of the Martha Stewart high-gloss acrylic paint for the smaller box, so I can get better coverage over those butterflies.

I did about three coats of paint on each box, plus some high-gloss finish. Totally unnecessary, but I’m addicted to glossy finishes. Plus, it can’t hurt to add an extra layer of protection between the paint and my precious knick-knacks.

For the white box, I decided to go with a comic book theme and added pages from an old Justice League comic from the 25 cent comic bin. Just measure out neat-looking pages, fit them to the size of the boxes, paint a liberal amount of Modge Podge onto the surface, press the comic pages in, and ta-da! I also added a layer of Modge Podge over the comic book pages for extra protection.

The last step is to hammer in some picture frame hangers. Since these boxes weren't designed to be placed on a wall, it was a little fiddly trying to make sure I didn't hammer through the back of the box.

Now for the fun part - putting them on the wall! Much better than letting all this cool stuff
languish in a drawer or cluttering up my desk.

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Comicpalooza & TimeGate Cosplay

5/26/2015

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This past weekend, we had friends at the Comicpalooza and TimeGate Conventions. After checking out the photos, the costumes that stood out were not "screen accurate" but whimsical and fun. Here are some of our favorite cosplays from the weekend: