Costume College 2014

My one big event each year, that all my costuming revolves around, is Costume College. In this one event I learn all sorts of new things, I am inspired by almost every costumer around me, I catch up with old friends, meet new people, and I get to play dress up all weekend long. I'm not sure there is much more I could ask for out of an event.

This year my Costume College vacation started after I completed my last final for the Summer semester. Despite needing the full class time for my final, an accident and the resulting traffic we got to the fabric district around 1300. I have a love-hate relationship with the fabric district. I love all the fabrics that can be found but hate the process of finding them. That process is always extremely draining to me. This year was no different but I did find a few perfect fabrics for a couple projects I have planned

The brown and beige wools are going to become a bicycling outfit.

The navy blue fabric is a nice lightweight linen. I don't have specific plans for it yet, but I think it would work well for Ren faire.

The lilac colored silk taffeta is for my next big project, a Game of Thrones dress.

I also found two feathers that have no purpose but to look pretty with.

Costume College's official start is Thursday with registration and the pool party. I decided against wearing anything because of how drained I was feeling.

Friday I re-wore my chemise gown from last year. It was probably the best choice I could of made because its easy to wear, and I was still wiped out from the day before.

A first for me this year was teaching at Costume College. I taught a class on how to make Death head buttons. I know I was visibly shaking I was so nervous but I had a lot of positive feedback. It was worth the anxiety for me when at the end of the class a couple different students approached me with their completed buttons.

 If you were in the class and have any suggestions I would love to hear them. It was requested of me during the class to put my class info online. My goal is to have a tutorial up as soon as possible.

For the Ice Cream social I was going to wear Captain America again but decided against it. I was hot and wore out by that point, and knew if I took one costume off I wouldn't be putting on another. Thankfully my friends rock and they helped me re-accessorize my wig so I had a different evening look.

During the day on Saturday I again chose not to wear a costume. The heat really got to me this year! I know it was the best choice though. I was able to recharge my batteries, attend a couple classes and enjoy the Gala without feeling tired. 

I wore Phase 1 of my Robe de style to the Gala. I really like this dress and cannot wait to finish it. I think one of the best parts of wearing this dress is taking pictures with the other Robe de Style wearers.  I'm crossing my fingers that the pictures that were taken on the vintage Brownie camera come out. How cool would that be?!?!?!?

Photo from Gina White

 

I finished out Costume College on Sunday by wearing my Victorian Explorer costume. I'm glad I postponed wearing it. It felt at least 10 degrees cooler that day. I also had two limited classes so I was off my feet for most the day. 

Photo from Gina White

This year I did extend my vacation a few days to spend more time with friends and visit some of the local museums.

Now that I have finally caught up on sleep and most of my stuff has been put away I am left with the ideas and inspiration that Costume College always brings. Stay tuned! I plan to get started soon.