Photoshoot at Gears, Beards, and Beers

Last week, I attended Capitol Steam's fantastic event, Gears, Beards, and Beers in Jackson, MI. Matt Gwinn of Errant Knight Photography was there offering free photos, so I took advantage and got some great shots of my new blue/gold outfit with my ShopTroll leather. 

I wish I had removed my camera bag, but this is a great full body shot that shows how the skirt is hitched to the belt and creates some interesting falls. I love how the blues of the coat and the trim really make the lighter sand-colored leather pop!

Playing around with props! This is one of my favorite costume photos of me ever - Matt did a great job. I love how the blue feathers set off my purple hair. Again, great detailing in the leather by ShopTroll. 

Monday Sketchbook 3/10/14

This is another piece inspired by Shoptroll - this costume has a decidedly more Victorian/steampunk flair - I'm trying to go for more of a Proper Lady Adventurer.

Monday Sketchbook 3/3/2014

This drawing is kind of important to me, because it's the only thing I drew at all when I was in the worst of my depression - about 3 months of no drawing, no costuming, nothing. It's also what I drew right before I decided to start taking medication, which has helped immensely. I was inspired by my friend ShopTroll's leatherwork, and decided to start playing around with the idea of loving my inner monster - fur, fangs, and all. 

Monday Sketchbook 2/24/14

This is a rough sketch for a group concept I've been playing around with. I love the style of the velocipede uniforms for women in the late 1890's - the huge sleeves, the tweed, etc. Because I am into steamPUNK, I want to highlight the punk aspect of it, and think about what would a Victorian "biker chick" look like.

I also may or may not have been inspired by Kate Beaton's "Velocipedestrienne" comic :)

I'm BA-ACK!

Sorry about the lack of posts for the last few months. I've been dealing with depression, never ending snow storms, too many medical school exams and papers to count, and just general life.

The good news is that my depression is mostly under control, med school is going well, and I've been helping out a few vendor friends (Shoptroll and War Pony) at some shows, so the inspiration and costuming has been happening more and more.

I just got back from yesterday's Shiver Me Timbers, put on by the Brethren of the Great Lakes. A fun day of shopping and music was had by all.

The most exciting piece for me was my completed, totally brand new costume. I was a bad costumer and forgot to bring my camera, so I don't have any good photos right now, but if they happen to appear, I will post them.

In the meantime (and for your viewing pleasure), here is a little glimpse into the madness of what my costuming process looks like, from sketch to draping to actually putting it all together.

Original sketch

Pinning cutout fabric and various trims/accessories on dress form. 

The final look. Leather pieces (bodice, skirt, hip pockets) are made by Shoptroll

So there you have it! At the very least, I will be bringing back Monday Sketchbook. As things go along, I will have more updates about costumes, events, some tutorials, and all good things about the colorful side of my life.

-SheWolf

Silly dragon photos

Teslacon: No Sewing Required Panel

I just got back from Teslacon 4 in Madison, WI. My friend Laura and I gave our first panels - I presented on Victorian Medicine, and we co-presented a no-sew costuming panel.

I will have more pictures and a write-up of the event, but in the meantime, here is the presentation.