I’ve had a love of costumes and Halloween all my life, but it wasn’t until 2008 when I re-discovered my love of anime that I found out that there was a subculture of people dedicated to bringing their favorite characters to life. I immediately fell in love and knew it was something I had to be a part of.
I got my first sewing machine for Christmas in 2008. My first convention was Phoenix Comicon 2009, back when it was still in that tiny convention center. I didn’t really start cosplaying until April of that year, with one bought cosplay and one dress that I modified myself.
Since then this hobby has taken me places and helped me meet people I would have otherwise never known. I feel like this is what I was born to do, and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
Most conventions I attend are within my home state, but I hope next year I will be able to travel out of state once or twice.
I am mostly self-taught. I took one class on clothing construction in the fall of 2010 and it really helped to improve my skills and confidence as a seamstress. I love to sew and I try to have a hand in making everything I wear. I’m not against using bought pieces in my cosplays, but I no longer buy my cosplays from commissioners. I have a strong sense of pride in wearing things that I made with my own hands.
And I’m less boring than this intro makes me sound. At least, I’d like to think so.
