To Aisyah:

I usually do my cloth shopping at Arab Street now. I found that the fabrics there are a lot cheaper than at Spotlight, and the ranges wider for some types like Velvet and Patterned Satin/Silk. For the Cotton-Polyester, I gotten it there since it cost SGD2/m the max, compared to Spotlight's SGD2.99 (it's labelled as Top Pop Poplin there anyway).

For Vinyl, it's between Arab Street and Chinatown for me. Arab Street is the place when I need Vinyl in "normal" color like Black, Blue, Red and they do have both Matt and Wet Look ones, sold for SGD5-10/m if I'm not mistaken. Spotlight having the Wet Look Vinyl for SGD15.95. @__@ Chinatown is the place for me to get White or Dark Brown ones and they are priced at around SGD5-8/yard. Hmm, there used to be this shop near the center of the place where she sold White Vinyl (the only one there) but I didn't see it the last few times I went there. As for Spotlight, I only interested in its Zephyr Vinyl, which is the thickest Vinly I can find around; and I used it to make my Blaster Holster. But I doubt you can use it for the Uruk-Khai as it's a bit stiff IMHO.

Cheesecloth, unfortunately can only be gotten from Spotlight. It's at SGD3.99/m and since I need over 10m of it, I'm waiting for it to go on sale (and me having the money, which should be after July since I got to buy the Witchking sword from my friend, Danny this July first). Same goes with Cotton Drill; only Spotlight got the best range and sometime, the best price at SGD4.50. Of course, the best is when it goes on sale; at only time, it cost SGD2.99 only (but then, the fabric cost SGD3.99 too). I'm waiting for that day too! -__^

I'm also trying to "berjinak" with Geylang Serai and Joo Chiat Complex. Saw some fabrics there that I think can be used for Elven Gown (like Arwen's Lavender Beaded Dress) and the prices seems okay (can bargain as usual lor). But what I don't like there is that they sell in yards. @__@

Anyhow, nothing beats Arab Street IMHO for most of my costuming need! -__^

Another place I'm trying to put on my list will be Little India. Haven't been there since before Deepavali. Some said there got some shops selling normal cloths (aka not Sari) so I'll love to take a look soon. I'm still looking for the "Right" fabric for my Arwen Blood Red Gown (the inner dress part) and maybe even fabric for my next year's (I hope!) Jibrille "Coma" Dress (I haven't seen anyone who had done a good reproduction of it yet). Maybe I'll ask my former classmate to accompany me there since my last trip there was with her and she seems to know the place (and I want to eat Paper Tosay at Komalah again! ^__^ ).

And there is the cloth shops at Woodlands that you recommanded. Bring me there one fine day, can? *Puppy Eyes*

Hmm, why not we go cloth searching together one day? After your exams this mid-May maybe? -__^

Okay, got to go to sleep for me now! ^__^

Done It! ^__^

I had dyed the White Japanese Crepe Satin Pink using Dylon's Multi-Purpose Dye, Rose Of Paris. Turn out a bit darker than I expected (I want it to be Pale Pink), but guess it'll do the job as my Velvet is Red (instead of the Bright Rose Red) so the Pink will better match it and the original color of the fabric. Now I got to iron all 4m of it, wash any parts that gotten dirty and send it off together with the other fabrics to be made into my Arwen Rose Dress as soon as I know when I can spare the cash. Well, actually, I can ask for it to be ready after 2 weeks so can send it in from tomorrow onwards. -__^

I also dyed my old Pale Pink Skirt. Hehehehee, that means I got to do a Pink Lolita Blouse someday to go with it! -__^

So the current expenditure on materiels for my Arwen Rose Dress is:
-Pink Flower Patterned Organza (4m) = SGD14 (SGD3.50/m)
-White Japanese Crepe Satin (4+m) = SGD22 (SGD5.50/m)
-Red Polyester Singer/Single Velvet (6m) = SGD42 (SGD7/m)
-Rose Red Acetate Lining (5m) = SGD12.50
-White Scalloped Bias Tape = SGD1.50
-White Braid Trimming = SGD1 (I might just go and look for a wider braid trimming at AMK Central or Chinatown or Arab Street first)
-Dylon Multi-Purpose Dye "Rose Of Paris" = SGD2.80
Sub-Total: SGD95.80

Tailoring will cost around SGD80+/- so that might give a grand total of SGD180/USD100. Hmm, not bad IMHO, considering how much Costumers will charge for an Elven Gown. -__^ A very inaccurate one already cost USD150 minimum w/o shipping while local Costume Shops charged SGD300-600++. Ya, if I get a home based seamstress or friend, and used a cheaper type of Satin & Velvet (or get a cheaper flowers patterned Satin instead) the cost will even be much, much lower. Anyhow, I got to save up the money to make my other Arwen Gown as accurate as possible. -__^

I can't wait to be the first in Singapore to wear a "replica" of a screen used Arwen Gown! ^__^

What I Got To Buy . . .

Cotton-Polyester (Black) from Arab Street
Cheesecloth (Black) from Spotlight (as soon as it goes on sale)
Silk Velvet (Black or Midnight Blue) from Arab Street (as soon as I got the SGD120+ to spare and the new roll comes in)
Japanese Crepe Satin/Satin Back Crepe/Silk (White) from Arab Street (for Jeanette's Galadriel)
Fabrics for my Elven Hari Raya Dress from Arab Street or Chinatown or Little India or Spotlight
Raw Silk (Brown) from Arab Street
Flowers Patterned Organza (Pink) from Arab Street
Dark Brown Vinyl (Thin & Thick ones) from People's Park Shopping Centre/Chinatown
Dark Brown/Coffee Cotton-Polyester or Cotton Drill from Arab Street or Spotlight
Grey Cotton Drill from Arab Street or Spotlight
Dark Blue Cotton Drill
Cotton Lycra (White) (also as soon as it goes on sale) from Spotlight

Costumes I Need To Send Out For Tailoring:
*Arwen Gowns x2
*Elven Baju Raya
Adam Kadmon
D (DUAL!)/Reiko (Gate Keepers) School Uniform (Blouse & Skirt)
Padme White Battlesuit Pants

Costumes/Parts I Need To Do:
-Padme Nabberies Vest
-Luke Skywalker Cloak
-Luke Skywalker Vest
-TPM Handmaid Cloak (actually just need to redo the bottom and add the logos)
-Padme White Battlesuit Blouse
-Ringwraith No. 2 (All 3-4 layers of robes, inclusive of the hollow hood)
-Galadriel (inclusive of the Lacing & Beading works)
-Zam Wesell @__@

Okay, since the weather seems fine, I'm gonna attempt to dye the Satin now.

Wish me luck . . . . .

This Is Weird . . .

Check out this quote from At-Sunrice Cafe Official Site on CosFesta

". . . .Celebrate with us and you may find yourself taking photos with the characters in Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Final Fantasy or Star Wars . . "

Now how in the world they knows that there is gonna be LOTR Group, with a dash of Harry Potter & Star Wars added in here and there? @__@ I remember keeping about our LOTR Team a wrap till the actual day.

Well, spoke with Takahan and he told me that since the "sponsor" have no idea about Anime, he gave examples of LOTR, SW & HP Cosplay. Well, that explains that but technically, it's still scary how what they said did come true, thankfully in a way too! @__@

On the Costuming Front, I began to wonder if there is really a need for me to dye that White Japanese Crepe Satin to Pink. From the sample pieces, the pinkish still can be seen when the organza is put on top of the satin. But in the pictures provided, the gown looks very, very pink.



And since my Velvet is very Red, IMHO, it'll be a lot better and more matching if the Inner Dress is within the Red Color Range, i.e. Pink. I had seen pictures of others who also used very Red velvet with Whitish Satin/Whatever and it doesn't look rite at all IMHO. And u know me, I'm an Accuracy Freak! ^__^

Guess it's just that I had never done Stove-Top Fabric Dyeing before (only did Cold Dye, aka using Hot Water Dyeing Process) and I'll hate to damage the Satin as I got it at a good bargain; SGD5.50/m instead of SGD6, and of 4+m long, for the price of 4m. And it been raining or cloudy these few days.

Hai . . .life is so much of risks . . . >__<

I Had A Dream Last Nite, I Was A Jedi . . .

Ops! Wrong one. I had a dream last nite of my later mom changing some of her jewellery for new ones. As you know, I'm kinda in a bad money situation with myself. Other than having decide to withdraw my Singapore Shares (just 300 of it for $300), I'm thinking of using some of my jewellery to help me out till I get the money from my shares. But I'm very, very hesistated to do it; am afraid later I can't get them back. And, apart from the Gold & Diamond Ring Fathullah gave me years ago (which I bet doesn't cost much), I donno which other jewellery to let go for now. But, I need the money. >__<

Hai . . . I having dreams of running away from them all again. I need to rearrange my life again, and complete what had been left hanging for now.

I need to reshuffle my life . . .

So Many Ranges Of Ears To Buy . . .

Have started thinking about buying my Elvish Ears. -__^ The ones I bought from No. 1 Costume Costume was too big and slippery for me. Am going for Ear Tips like everyone else.

Look though the links given at Alleycatscratch; some seems pretty cheap but rite in USA, others seems better quality and located in UK/Europe thus I can have it send to my sis in London and she bring them back in June. So far, I got the following companies in my most likely list:
-ForbiddenPlanetStore.com (is in UK and seems to get good recommandation),
-A Maker in Germany, who do 2 types of Elven Ears, Hobbit and Hobbits feet
-Nu-Product (also got ears that can be used for Orcs & Goblin)
-Cinema Secrets Woochie 2 (some said it's good, some say it sucks)

Really tempted to start posting at the LOTR Mailing List to ask for some advices. But without being on my Celebro, I feel very uncomfortable. @__@ Maybe I should just ask Julia first; I also got to ask her to pass to me those discussions about having a false train lining if she had saved it (or ask her when it was discussed). My Arwen Gown and the Galadriel I'm gonna do for Jeanette is gonna have a train of at least 1' long so I wouldn't want the train to be damaged during our Costume Parade this Dec at Orchard Road. @__@ Hai . . .I think I'll start posting at the ML once I complete my first Arwen Gown next month, and had it posted at Alleycatscratch Website. Must remember to dye the fabric ASAP so I can send the costume for tailoring. -__^

---

On to some Costuming Rambling . . .

Can the Star Wars and Lord Of The Rings Costuming I'm doing now be also called Cosplay? Should it be called Star Wars Cosplay and Lord Of The Rings Cosplay?

Both movies are gaining lots of popularity all over the world. People who used to dwell in Japanese Anime/Manga/Game are now also going into them; some for the sake of it, some really dedicating themselves to it. And now in Singapore, many cosplayers are also going into it.

I'll say that I'm kinda the "pure" kind of Costumer; I begin with Star Wars only, then with the "poking" from my SW friends here (and in USA), I gotten into Lord Of The Rings Costuming too. It's true that I had made little costumes so far, many are in the making stage. But as usual, I'm seeing myself dedicating all my strength into making all my SW and LOTR costumes as accurate as possible. I'll wear them mostly together with my SW friends but there will be days when I'll be wearing them at Cosplay Events. So will I have to call it Cosplay too? Or just leave it as separated from Cosplay, as Costuming?

Hard to say this is. >__<

Maybe it's just the way I spend time with my SW and LOTR costumes; days and months and even years into its research. Asking around for tips at every boards/forums/ML I could. Frankly, maybe it's just me but for SW and LOTR, I observe we ask more to verify. I hardly see local cosplayers discussing on the construction of their costumes online, on the Forums or Mailing List. The forums/ML are filled with interactive discussions, and discissions about local Cosplay events instead. Even for those at Cosplay.com, the discussions are not as intense as compared to at SW and LOTR Costuming Forums/ML.

Why?

Well, whatever it is, I'm pretty hesistated to call my Star Wars Costuming as Star Wars Cosplaying, and LOTR Costuming as LOTR Cosplaying. To me, Cosplaying will always be something related to Japanese Culture and less intense in its making compare to Western ones.

Hai . . . . @__@

---

And the quote of the nite from Lord Of The Rings is:
Red Sun rises; Blood had been split this night---Legolas (The Two Tower)

As you can tell, I'm listening to The Two Tower rite now. -__^

Wish I can watch the movie again now!

Feeling Down . . . .

Don't want to go back to those nites. Pain may seems like the way out but reality must set in. I'm still a human, not Eagle Power.

Wish I can become Eagle Power and live her life, no matter how hard, adventurous and painful it is. But I can't . . .

Wwwwaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! >___<

Check out this news concerning the The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition:

LORD OF THE RINGS EXHIBITION EXTENDED FOR EASTER!
The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition has been extended until 21 April 2003 . . . The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy - The Exhibition will travel to the Science Museum, London and then to museums in Boston, Singapore and Sydney . . .

Guess Singaporeans will only get to see it in late 2004. >__< Well, it has the advantage that I could do my Elven Archer & Easterling Armor by then (hopefully) and be experienced in the wearing of my Arwen Gowns BUT still, it's still far, far away. And I could be busy working by then (unless I take some low-pay part-time or shift work). I could take up my sis's offer to sponsor my Return Tickets to London BUT with the kind of mess I'm in, and the things I had committed myself to (as to where all my savings will go to), I doubt I can do it. >__<

Too many problems, too little ways to solve it. Heck! I been along on solving my problems ALL the time!

Hmm, I never noticed this but . . .
My Blog is ONE YEAR OLD as of 23rd March!! ^__^

Well, looking at my past entries, I really show my unhappiness with someone initially. Then I stop writing here for many months and now back to writing here regulary. And my Blog had became more of my Costuming Report/Journal rather than my place to whine and drown my sorrow (or do vodoo on someone I hate!). Well, if only I can start changing the layout to be special, like a Darth Vader-Anakin Layout (since Vader is the one who made me fall in love with Star Wars, which later lead me to costuming).

Okay, I better settle some stuffs like the cloak now or I'll not ever get it done! -__^

McGonagall - Transfiguration


Harry Potter: Which Hogwarts professor would you be?
brought to you by Quizilla

Me, as her? @__@ The last time I took the House Sorting Quiz at the Official Site, I also ended up in Gryffindor. Fate or Fiction?

Anyhow, another day passed today.
Another day without dyeing my fabric.
Another day of trying to find some money.
Another day of messy bedroom (although it's a LOT cleaner then my bro's and father's *roll eyes*).
Another day of unable to update my SW Website or make my Cosplay one (I NEED MS FRONTPAGE or DREAMWEAVER PROGRAM!!). Looking at some of the Cosplayers' Website, I felt the dreaded ENVY. I used to have one of the most comprehensive SW Website in Singapore (the best for SW Humor, Costuming & Fan Activity) but look at it now, it's falling apart and I can't do anything to fix it. >__< I need to get some money to buy those program/s. I have no faith in Pirated ones anymore unless someone had tested it and found it complete and working like the MS Office 2000 I gotten after I got my Notebook (which unfortunately degraded within 1 year). I getting inpatient. >__<

On the costuming front, I'll try to pull apart some of the sewing I did on my Luke Cloak, to resew it in the correct sequence. I need a Cloak, especially the one that I firstly did and took the longest to cut and sew. @__@ If I open up the sewing machine tonight, I might also sew those Gothic Lolita Headress and my Vinyl Tabbards.

Oh yes, I saw those "Vinyl" that kid said he'll be using for Yazid's Tabbards. Fantasy Faux Leather. Guess how much it cost? SGD14.95! That's more expansive than the thickest Vinyl from Spotlight, and nearly double the pricetag of the Vinyl that make the best alternative IMHO from Chinatown for Anakin's Tabbards! The kid is NOT ready to take up orders from others IMHO, especially that he doesn't appreciate money as how it's meant to be.

Anyhow, Spotlight is having a sale on Burda Patterns, SGD 5.50 each. Can't beat JoAnn (or other fabric shops in US selling them for USD0.99-USD1.99 each) but guess it'll help to lesser the spendings I have to make. I should get Burda 2484 and a buncha other patterns.



It's starting tomorrow but at the current rate, I doubt I can get it till near the end of the promo. Hope Simplicity and McCall's will be next after this (or Butterick; NOT Vogue since I don't see much costuming potentions in that series). And I need to get my Arwen Gown tailored out ASAP.

Okay, off to buy rice. Darn, I only got $50 to spent. Seems like only Rice, Washing Powder and Oil this time.

Here Comes The Long Brief Report For Takashimaya's Cosplay Extravanganza . . .
I came at about 12.25pm to meet Yazid at Orchard MRT Station by Taxi (darn the bus!). He was alone there, waiting for me. After finding out that Hassan will join us later, Yazid and me went to Taka together.

Arriving there, we saw a few cosplayers, most of them still in their home clothes, some already in their costumes (mostly those in the Super Yoyo team). Went to the side of the "stage" to wait for the rest; and I showed to Yazid the photos from MAC Cosplay 2002 and Cosfesta 2003. Met other cosplayers that I know such as Kurama in her Beautiful Arwen Gown that is inspired from one of the illustrations and her sister Keiko. Also met this guy whom I keep forgetting his name (should ask for his e-mail address!). Hassan came later, followed by Yazid's friend. Heehhehee, should had seen what Yazid's friend was wearing as Tabbards, his pants! LOL! He should had told me he need Obi & Tabbards, I got 2 sets at hand now, ever since that Costume Job at Peranakan Place! During that time, I changed into my Darth Maul Sith Training Suit and let Yazid wear my Black Combat Boots, while I wear my White Boots. The Obi is getting tighter this time. @__@

Later, we moved to the other side of the stage. Faiz came a couple of minutes later and was hesitated in putting on his full Kendo suit until we pester him like hell. -__^ Well, he got his named labeled at the funniest place and I tried to get a picture of his butt! Later, I went to claimed my bag of goodies from somewhere near the stage (it contain DVD of Vandred, CD of some Japanese music, 3 A4 plastic cards of Anime, M.A.G.E. 1st issue and Balloons etc). After all the boys had changed, I also brought them to claim their goodies bag. Here, since the person at the counter was a different person, I gotten another bag; but out of pity for Yazid, I gave it to him instead. Clare also came and she took some time to wear her costume. Later, I lead her to the place to claim her goodie bag too. -__^

Then, we did some poses; mostly pure SW or SW-LOTR Crossover or SW-LOTR-HP Crossover. A lot of photographers also took our pictures and as usual, since it's a public place, I bet I'm only gonna see 5% of the photos taken of my gang & me.

Anyhow, my tight Obi & White boots made it a little difficult to do my usual legs stretched poses (man! I love those poses like hell!). And the belt keep droping off in the back as usual (Note to self: Get the Darth Maul Belt done!!!). @__@ In other news, my Darth Vader lightsabre need to be retired from Lightsabre sparing; the bented part keep coming out and making the whole blade look like a refugee from Spaceballs everytime I spare with Clare's Obi-Wan Lightsabre (meaning: the bentable blade!). We also did some poses using my Wooden Wands (now whose wands did I bring?) for fun, with Hassan being paired with Shuhui for a little Snape-Lavender Brown duel poses.

Also spoted Khelder, Shuhui, Bright & Rinka, Serene, Joash, Sena, I-Can't-Remember-Who-Else etc etc. Aisyah, her little sis and her friend (??) came to our place later and we stayed together for the rest of the event, talking cock or about costuming.

The kid came later towards the end of the event with his friend. *roll eyes* His friend brough his MR Obi Wan Lightsabre but since he's too protective over it (must wear gloves!), I'm not interested (heck, I was Already wearing Gloves!). Will make use of my sword this Dec. * \/^__^ *

After the event ended, we proceed to the front corner of Ngee Ann City to eat. I continue my conversation with Aisyah about costuming. At about 6pm, the guys left for HMV while I continue talking/exchanging costuming notes with Aisyah. We left the place around 6.45pm and boarded the train home.

In Conclusion, my "team" members are the . . . . at this event:
ME- Darth Maul Sith Training/Darth Eagle/Darth Prion
HASSAN- Witchking/Ringwraith, Dementor, Palpatine, Darth Sidious, Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, Death, Snape etc etc
YAZID- Himself
YAZID'S FRIEND- Ringwraith No. 5, Sith Lord
FAIZ- The Kendo Guy
CLARE- Obi-Wan Kenobi

Feedback for the Event:
-I need to loose some inches around the waist.
-Get another Black Boots in case my normal one get borrowed again.
-I need to get my Arwen Gown done ASAP.
-Do people actually know who is Darth Maul Sith Training or where to look for it (i.e. the action figure?)
-If cannot fulfil an order in time; then DON'T take up the order in the first place! (This is to someone *roll eyes*).
-Some people are just too protective over their props, even thought it's lesser in value. I bet there're lots of fingerprints on Faiz's Katanas, and Shawn's & Danny ICON Lightsabre after a day of costuming on the street (Hey! Danny did let us touch his Swords' Blade and took the trouble to wipe it later.)
-Stormtrooper Boots DON'T have High Heels!
-I wonder how I'm gonna swing the Witchking Sword in Orchard Road, especially that it's 8/10 my height.
-I MUST buy the sword from Danny since he's being too kind to offer it at a much lower price! ^__^
-It's great to talk costuming with people who knows the trade like Aisyah. -__^ In return, I should help her do her Uruk-Khai Armor & Costume
-I must sleep at the correct timing . . .

Okay, better log off now . . . .

Back From The Cosplay Event.
Am too tired now to write the full report about the event . . . . Will do that tomorrow . . . .

Anyhow, it was okay; the guys make me laugh again ^__^ and I wore my "Darth Maul Sith Traning" Suit, this time without the "Red-Piping" Vinyl Belt but with my Jedi Obi & Tabbards. Am kinda pity Yazid with him not getting his Anakin Costume again (should I volunteer? Nah! I haven't even make my own Gi and Pants, let along make for others! @__@ ).

Now, I got to maintain a status of the First Person to don Arwen's Gown from the movie since Kurama had don one inspired by an Art Illustration(?). Maybe, I'll just send in the fabrics to the seamstress by the end of this week or next and get my withdrawal of my Singapore Shares by this Tuesday (Hassan said it'll take 2 weeks for me to get the money). But still, I still need SGD200 to afford the school fees. (Stupid school policy! why can't they just charge me the half fees now, rather than giving me back the half later! >__< )

Okay, I better go and unpack the bag and go to sleep now.

Mini Maul . . . where did you put those hair braids of me again? @__@

Think I'll Most Like Wear Part Of My Sith Garb Instead . . .
Can't seems to have the mood to do the Gi now. I can barely sit still doing the Tabbards, so will give up the Gi. Black isn't the color I planned it to be anyway; I want it to be Coffee Brown (yes, I do plan to have Anakin Suit but been hanging and starting on it and hanging it up again @__@ ). And I think I better do a Mock-Up using Calico Fabric first to get the best design.

Hai. . .I had also decide to withdraw 300 (SGD300) of my Singapore Shares. It's other that or pawn the Gold Ring I got from someone (which I bet will barely get me a hundred dollars). I need to pay my school fees. >___< Anyhow, I better get my Arwen Rose Dress done ASAP too before I spend more money (that SGD80+ for the tailoring). I only need to dye the Satin to be more Pinkish (will take 2 days), before I can send the fabrics to the seamstress at Joo Chiat Complex.

Okay, I better start working on finishing the Tabbards now.

Gonna Start Doing My New Tabbards & Obi Now.
Still can't decide wherther to wear my NJO Jedi Knight Suit, with the new Tabbards and Obi, and maybe a new Gi/Vest or to don my Darth Maul Sith Training Suit again. @__@ Either way, think it's gonna be affected by how nice my new Tabbards and maybe Gi will look like by tonight. And I got to resew the bottom of my Maroon Cloak as I'm in no mood to continue doing my Black Luke Cloak (other the fact that I'll have to use some of the fabrics from that meant for my Darth Maul ST suit since I'm kinda out of Black Cotton Drill Cloth). I think I need to cut 2 more panels (aka 1 more time) to complete it.

Okay, off me.

Pointing At The Left Bar:
Lookie, lookie; what I had done to the Left Bar! ^__^ Finally added a TagBoard so people who visited my blog can leave behind their Mark here (yes, fellows; I legally declared myself Insane!). Also added some links that I like to visit or regulary mentioned in my entries. I might add more Avater Pictures from TFN Jedi Council Avaters List to the left bar or change my current one. -__^

Now, if only I can change the Layout of this Blog to my liking; like Darth Vader-Anakin Skywalker or Haldir . . .

LOOK AT THESE!!!!





(More can be seen HERE)

Arrrrhhhh!!!! I feel like want to fly off to the FIDM Exhibition now to stare and stare at the LOTR Costumes/Armor from opening time to closing time; till I know how to replicate every single stitches of the costumes/armor. I want those costumes/armor!!! ^__^ Now if only I got the money to start doing my Arwen Mourning Gown now (and so that I can move on the the Elven Archer/3rd Age Elven Soldier Armor, according to Julia's Great Tutorial!). >__<

Did A Little Sketck Of Galadriel's Prolog Dress Last Nite:



I based it off Simplicity 9162 although I think I should make it according to Simplicity 9891 (Dress A); I was just going for the Cowl-Neck of the Dress. It kinda seems simple enough, as I'm not 100% aiming for accuracy (am more for 80%) but the Sleeves shape is bugging me (other than the fact that I still can't sew gowns so need to go for intermediate/advance sewing classes). Guess I got to print out some pictures of the gown to get a better interpretation of the gown itself.

And looking at the laces and trimming scrapes I bought the other day, they'll make good addition to the gown after I iron them flat again and repair some of the beading that are coming off. Quite a bargain I had gotten that day, since it cost as much as merely 2m of Beautiful Plain Indian Lacing, for 2 packets of laces & beading scrapes that can stretch several metres. Hahahahaa, guess only a costumer who had done her homework will know a bargain when she see it! ^__^

Okay, off to catch a little nap now, after which I got to start working on my new Tabbards, Obi and Vest. Also need to do more Jedi Food Pellets for myself to wear.

Four Of The Commercial Patterns I Want Are Out At Spotligh!!! * \/ ^__^ *
They are:
-McCall's 3797 (Maids in the Mist Costumes)


-McCall's 3789 (Lord of the Stars Wizard Costumes)
<== I gotten this

-Simplicity 5843 (aka Padme Picnic Dress)


-Simplicty 5840


I actually wanted Simplicity 5840 "desperately" but it was not there at Spotlight Orchard and the aunty not allowed me to place an order for it at the 1/2 price (the offer occuring now).

Try to find Burda 2484 but it's either it's not there yet or isn't brought into Singapore or I looked in the wrong section (it's under Festive Fashions; I looked for Costumes @__@ ). Anyway, my bro was bugging me to go home ASAP cause he's bored at Spotlight (he became bored the moment we entered Spotlight Orchard *roll eyes* ). I also missed looking through the Fabric Remanents Bin where the items are going for 1/2 price too! >__<

I might go to Spotlight Tampinese tomolo or Friday so who knows if I'll get lucky? -__^

As for trying out the Vest/Gi pattern for my Jedi Garb, since I'm kinda too broke to spare for buying Calico or such for Mock Costumes, I'll sacrifice some of my Black Cotton Drill to see if I need to modify the current pattern of Gi I got so I can have the vest by this Sunday. Will try to do it tomolo . . .

Okay, off to rearrange the pile of cloth near the door, maybe even wrap away and label those I don't need currently.

Went to the Seamstress Shop Cik Rosnah Recommanded At Joo Chiat Complex.
I showed her the drawings and pictures of the 3 LOTR Gown I'm interested in: Elven Silver, High Necked Dress, Arwen Mourning Gown and Arwen's Rose Dress. She quote me SGD100+ for the Elven Dress (cause it's 3 pieces), SGD40+ for the Mourning Dress and SGD80 for the Rose Dress cause it's 2 pieces. Well, IMHO, the price is very reasonable. ^__^ Now if only I can spare the CASH to get the Rose Dress done NOW. >__<

While at Joo Chiat Complex, I also look at the fabrics range there. Okay for looking for Patterned Fabrics but anyhow, I didn't really see what I need for my SW & LOTR Costumes immediatly. Saw a Blueish fabric that I think can be used for Arwen's Lavender Beaded Dress, the dress part at SGD9.50/yard. A little beading/trimmings on the collar will make it a good alternative but then, I kinda not interested in doing it currently (especially that the Rose Dress is back on my TO-DO List again). Maybe someday.

Anyhow, I bought a Vietnam Patterned Silk(?) fabric for SGD2.50/yard; gotten all of it which was 5+ yard at SGD12.50. It can be used for Arwen's Blood Red Dress but should I find a more accurate fabric and design, I'll use that instead (Heck! I'm simply an Accuracy Freak! ^__^ ). For now, I'm putting it into a plastic bag, label it and put it away for the day I will use it.

Hai . . . now I got Little India to take a look at the Fabric ranges there.

More Blog Quizes:

You're Donatello! You're the Brains and most
Intelligent out of the turtles!


Which Ninja Turtle are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Hmm, Michaengolo/Mike was my Favourite then; I even got his Eyes Band -__^



You ain't afraid of no ghosts. You're Ghostbusters!


Which 80's movie are you??
brought to you by Quizilla

Yeh! The Ghostbusters! And I Luv Slimer!

Anyhow . . . . I Bought My Dyeing Pot!!!! ^__^
It's 38cm Diametre, made from Aluminium (like the normal Periuk), has 2 Handles & a Lid and cost me SGD24! @__@ It's kinda big for the normal stove but I'll make do. I'll start dyeing the fabric as soon as I can spare a couple of hours to do it on a Sunny Day. Check out the images here for some insight on the Pot. Errr . . . Clefairy been murmuring about having a new playroom while Mini Maul about cooking Clefairy for Breakfast. @__@

I need to sleep now . . . donno tomolo if I can show my face in school or go to Geylang Serai to check out the seamstress Cik Rosnah recommanded. Yawn . . .

Finish Reading The Story Part of RETURN OF THE KING!!! ^__^
Did it just now and now I only got the Appendixes to finish reading and I can put my ROTK novel for a little rest and go on to reading THE SILMARILLION. The story is very beautiful; some thing didn't happened as I experted but all things ends well.

Anyhow, from reading the story, I discovered the following things:
1) Saruman took over The Shire for a while just before Frodo went to Rivendell to see Bilbo again and put it to ruined.
2) Wormtongue killed Saruman at Bag's End when he get pushed too far, too long. He get killed by angry Hobbits a few seconds later anyway.
3) The Elves, except for Elrond's twin sons, didn't assist the Men at the Battle of Gondor or before Mordor Gate! >___< That means, the movie gonna be way off compared to the novels. Anyhow, a reason possible is that some of Sauron's army were attacking Lorien 3 times, hence Celeborn & Galadriel can't spare any soldiers.
4) Found out what some of the LOTR Costumers said that while Eowyn was killing Orcs and Villians, Arwen was making Banner. Arwen Was making a Standard (Flag) for Aragorn, which depicts Aragorn's rights to the logo of the Tree Of Gondor, with 7 Stars above it and a Gondor Crown.
5) Arwen gave Frodo her EverStar Necklace as a token of parting.
6) Sam joined Frodo & the Elvens at the Undying Land after Rosie died many, many, many years later (Sam was in his 100s?)

There are lots more but I doubt I should list them all! -__^ Well, can't wait to see how the movie will turned out this Dec! ^__^

Okay, I got to get ready and go to AMK Central to get the pot I need to dye my fabrics. I put it off far too long . . .

Drawn Out The Design Of Elven Silver, High Necked Dress ^__^
I basically draw out 4 different pictures: Inner Dress (Front & Back) and the 2 Overcoats (Screen Accurate & Simplified). Also did a little labelling of the parts and special measurements. Oh!!! I can't wait to look for the fabrics at Arab Street, Chinatown & Geylang Serai (need 5m for Inner & 8[?]m for the Overcoat); I really want to wear this Dress (with the simplified overcoat) for this Hari Raya Puasa! Sick of wearing Baju Kurung almost every year since I'm 10 while others managed to don the Chinese or Vietnamism Inspired Dress or Kebaya Dress throughout the years. @__@

On another note, being a "newbies" in the Cosplay Arena, I really wonder if people did noticed that I'm quite knowledgeable in costuming already, especially when it comes to SW and now LOTR Costuming. For SW, I started doing costumes since late June 1999 (after the Pepsi-Hereen SW Costume Contest) and LOTR since Sept 2002. For almost 4 years, I know the existance of Commercial Patterns like Simplicity, McCalls', Butterick and Burda. I know where to look for to get these patterns in Singapore and I do visit the appropiate pattern list websites at least once every season (the patterns are released based on seasons like Winter, Summer etc) to check out the latest range or spot those patterns I'll find useful for any new gowns I'm interested in doing. And I do read and post at SW and LOTR Costuming Forums and Mailing List. And yet, I have local cosplayers telling me what patterns I can use for the elven gowns or where to get them or where to get my fabrics (Arab Street & Chinatown). Hai . . . Fine, I'm still learning my fabric identifications, sewing and such but it seems that majority of the local cosplayers are not THAT dedicated to the overall creation of their costumes that it seems I know more than them. Anyhow, I can't seems to get a good costuming talk with them compared to my SW costuming friends, locally or foreign (well, of course not including the 1 person). >__< Guess after completing my few anime costumes that I had already started, I'm kinda retiring from doing Anime/Manga cosplay and sticking to SW & LOTR costumings.

I forsee that I should only get the following Anime/Manga costumes finish ASAP (after I'm done with my LOTR batch this year):
-Adam Kadmon (Angel Sanctuary) ==> Cosfest 2004
-Sevothtarte Ver. 2.0 (Angel Sanctuary)
-Generic Sister (Angel Sanctuary) ==> Only need the Gun, Bow and Headdress anyway
-Jibrille "Coma" Gown (Angel Sanctuary)
-D Junior High School Uniform (DUAL! Paralle Trouble Adventure)
-Riko Winter Uniform (Gate Keeper) ==> Blouse only; skirt is from D's School Uniform
-Pandora (Saint Seiya: The Hades Chapter) ==> Only need to redo the choker, shorten the gown's skirt and make the Forkpike

Must force self not to add in any more Anime/Manga Costumes into this list and concentrate on my SW & LOTR Costumes. And that, that means no DUNE costumes too and only 1942 Moaning Mrytle from Harry Potter!

Onto life issues, I started scribbling Star Park Toon again. ^__^ Did LOTR characters and scenes this time. Not bad but as usual, they are only scribbles. Got to start working on my Star Park Character templetes again to turn all my SW, Captain Power, DUAL! and LOTR characters and scenes into pixes. ^__^ Some of the jokes are just too funny! ^__^

Will upload them somewhere as soon as I scanned them.

Took Some Blog Quizes:


Belle


Which Disney Chick Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
This is GREAT! I love Belle the Best among all the Disney Gals -__^

See what Care Bear you are.
I'm always making some kind of wish; like more money!


The Count's Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder


It started with a simple affection for counting and
the terror it induced in others, didn't it?
But now it's turned into a full-blown life-
consuming chaotic nightmare of order,
repetition, zealousness, and perfectionism.
You used to be so grand, but now you find
yourself obsessively worrying over the littlest
things--like, maybe if you don't check the
light switch at least once every two minutes,
the electricity will go out (and damnit, you're
a vampire--that shouldn't be a problem!), or
maybe if you don't wash your hands until your
seams are coming out, you'll get some fatal
disease. Get yourself some treatment.


Which Sesame Street Muppet's Dark Secret Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
One Clefairy; Two Clefairies, Three Clefairies. . . . Ahahahahahahah . . . ^__^

Attended LOTR Fan MeetUp Tonight At Borders.
About 12 people came and we went to Olic Dome for some food and laughters/discussions. Quite fun, especially that people like Sena and Kurama and Mae came. At one point, we read out The Very Secret Diary and laughing off at it. -__^ Came home at aroud 12am unfortunately. @__@

Hai . . . I really can't wait to get my Arwen Gowns done ASAP. I'm afraid someone will beat me to it here in Singapore. But my body shape is not in the bestest state (Bloody Hell! I feel like I'm getting fatter everyday! >__< ) and I'm kinda broke. Okay, I got about $800++ in my account but I still need to pay up my school fee which call for full fee payment before I can get back the 1/2 of it (I'm entitled to Half-Fee). I could sell off some of my stuffs now but it's not the bestest time to do it (No stall at Clark Quay or not too sure how to sell off my stuffs like the rest did online). Anyhow, I got little to sell off; maybe a few action figures, the Hello Kitty Dolls and all the 2 boxes of junks my family had accumulated all these years. @___@ I need Hard Cold Cash NOW! Digging Maul Bank will not do me good cause it has been a long time since I fill him up (and I hardly did it). Moreover, as the General Rule, as long as the Bank is not Full, I can't detach it from its box. >__<

GIVE ME THE MONEY!!!

Oh, if you haven't noticed, I'm starting to modify the Left-Hand Bar of this Blog after a few nites of try and errors. Just wish that I can put up also a Vader-Anakin theme page too, followed by Haldir a month later! ^__^

Someone Had Completed Her Arwen Mourning Gown


Trystan's Closet-Arwen Mourning Gown

It does look beautiful on her. A few things are not accurate IMHO but then again, it's as though I myself can get it accurate later (the trimming is bugging me, other than my body shape). -__^ Heck, I'll be bloody happy if mine will turn out 90% accurate and people can recognize it easily this Dec.

Anyhow, it's gonna be an inspiration for me to have mine done too, and make it better since I'm the pioneering person to have an Arwen Gown done here (well, you know me, I'm an accuracy freak when it comes to my own costumes!). ^__^

Congrates on the successful completion of her Arwen Mourning Gown to Trystan! ^__^

I Want To Get These Done:
-My School Project
-Tidy up my room
-Pay up all my bills (Internet & Pager)
-My Arwen Rose Dress (For Cosfest?)
-My Arwen Mourning Gown
-My Ringwraith Robes
-Jeannette's Galadriel Prolog Gown (Got all the lace & beaded pieces! ^__^ )
-Reduce the pile of fabrics into costumes and crafts
-Lose weight (all 30kg of it!)
-Become fair ^__^

Etc etc etc . . .

Oh! Since a few days ago, I got tempted by this Elven Gown/Dress. ^__^



I think I can have it as my Hari Raya Puasa Dress as long as I get 2 different Vest/Coat done (the screen accurate one for LOTR Gatherings/Photoshoots & a normal sleeved one for Hari Raya and other "normal" occasions). Just give me this Gown for Hari Raya and I'll be most content . . . well, unless someone throws in Saruman's Costume too! (Hey! If disinclude the Robe, it's looks like some Chinese/Vietnamic inspired dress that is popular now! -__^ )

Took a little quiz related to LOTR:

I'm the book version of Frodo!

Intellectual, pioneering, subtle, and misunderstood, nothing beats a true original.

Which LOTR Character are you?
Quiz by blantoncirith
How in the world can I be Legolas? Can't I be Arwen or Galadriel or Haldir? ^__^




Which LOTR Character are you?
Quiz by blantoncirith

. . . . . . . . . . .

Forget To Say Just now:
Why are Pots soooo expansive? Look through the cost of some of the steel pots in the size I want at the market and they cost from $12 (handleless periuk) or over $20 each (20" with handle)!

Will have to go to AMK Central to check out if the price there is lower . . .

I NEED the pot to start dyeing my fabrics! >___<

My Notebook Is Screwed . . .
Darn! I really, really need to send it for repair. @__@ The "loose" electric socket on the notebook side is getting on my nerve; I can't fully recharge the batteries and the notebook keep suddenly loosing its recharged power. Today alone, the notebook go into suspension mode for 6 times (or more)! @___@ And I need to buy the USB Cardbus to replace the one I broke.

Hai . . why is that I didn't get any money in the mail lately for my birthday. Heck! This year is another silent Birthday for me. * Cry Cry*

Anyhow, for the March 23rd Cosplay Event at Taka, I had choose to forgo my Arwen Rose Dress and wear my Jedi Suit instead. I'm suppose to upgrade it with:
-Black Outer Shirt/Gi or Sleevless Vest (ROTJ Tatooine Luke Style)
-Dark Brown Vinyl Tabbards
-Dark Brown Cloth Tabbard (must buy 1.5m of Dark Brown Cotton Drill)
-New Obi (Black probably)
-Black Cloak (now where did I put all the pieces I had cut?)

Will start working on it after I had made the prototype for the Tabbard (am following Anakin's style of seam on the shoulder as it's more fitting).

And I must remember to soften my Combat Boots. @__@

New List For The LOTR Group This Dec 18th (?):
Aragorn (Strider): Danny (must find time to study Aragorn's Costume to help him)
Aragorn (ROTK): Faiz
Arwen (Mourning): Me ^__^
Arwen (Blood Red?): Asra
Frodo (FOTR): Yazid
Sam (FOTR): Parish
Gandalf The Grey: Clare
Gimli: Xeno (I really wonder . . . . .)
Eowyn (White Wool): Lin
Galadriel (Prologe): Jeanette

Uruk-Khai: Aisyah
Sauron: Hassan (wish he'll do Saruman but the already started on the helmet!)
Eye Of Sauron: Clefairy
Gollum: Aisyah's Friend's Brother
??: Aisyah's Friend (I'm recommanding the Easterling or Haradrim as she wear tudung)
12" Ringwraith: 12" Maul
8" Frodo (FOTR): Padme (of Maul) Buddies

The Following People Might Join My Group For the "Premiere"
Rosie Cotton: Shuhui
Arwen (??): Stephenie Princess
Legolas (??): Ivory & Sena

*(??) Means not sure which version of their costumes. :-\

Sooo, my team still need
-Boromir
-Merry
-Pippin
-Legolas
-Elrond
-Celeborn
-Haldir (*kiss kiss*)
-Eomer
-Faramir
-Bilbo
-Theoden
-Wormtongue
==================>etc etc

I'm putting up the Ads for more people among the Cosplayers after Cosfest.

Now I got to content myself with getting my Arwen Rose Dress done by March 22nd. >___<

Aaaaaaahhh! Finally A New Entry In The Very Secret Diary
It's about Legolas Part 2 and here's the link.

Here's a little snack on it:
Day Eleven:
Bumped into Gandalf who is all sparkly white now. Asked him, "Who do you have to blow to get last bottle of bleach in Middle Earth anyway?" Gandalf said, "The Balrog." So not worth it.

Am rethinking, though. Roots are showing.

Still prettiest although at this rate for how long?

Day Twelve:
Asked Gandalf for Balrog's number. Gandalf said I couldn't call him. I told him not to be jealous and posessive. He said he wasn't, it was just that he killed Balrog last week.

Note to self: never date Gandalf.

Day Fifteen:
Arrived in Edoras. V. upset. Suspect Eowyn may be prettier than me. Most unexpected as always thought shield-maidens were more hefty, pear-shaped types.

Not the prettiest! V. bitter.

Day Nineteen:
Aragorn stood up to Theoden today. Aragorn so butch. Have goosebumps.

Day Twenty:
Poke bonnet absolutely hideous. No longer even remotely pretty. Considering suicide.

Day Twenty-seven:
Exeunt Aragorn, pursued by wolves of Isengard. On con side: Am stuck with ugly necklace. On pro side: No longer have to wear poke bonnet. Am pretty again!

Day Twenty-nine:
Aragorn back. Apparently taking header off cliff not as deadly as one would have thought. Told him to throw me down and shag me senseless, but he just clapped me on the shoulder in a manly fashion and said, "Yeah, it can get a little chapped sometimes but just put some lotion on it."

Aragorn just kind of a wanker, really.

Day Twenty-Nine:
Battle of Helm's Deep so embarassing. If was not bad enough to face thought of death at the hands of smelly Orcs in backwater rural province, have now been saved at zero hour by Haldir showing up with really bad weave.

On plus side, Eowyn stuck in rancid cave. Perhaps will develop cave blight. Then I will be prettiest forever.

Going to print it out later. -__^

Oh! I also read something I missed out last nite when I was reading the timeline for the events happening after the War Of The Rings in ROTK in the feedbacks on the VSD author's Blog:
Sam also went off to the Undying Land to join Frodo after his wife Rosie Cotton die of old age 61 years later (from when Frodo left Middle-Earth).

And I'm wondering why Arwen didn't choose to follow Legolas & Gimli to explore the sea beyond the Middle-Earth after Aragorn died (since the 2 left after Aragorn died). Wait . . it's because widowed woman are usually faithful to their previous husband. -__^

Been Sleepy As Usual Today . . .
Didn't managed to take some photos of me in the Rented Jedi Costumes so I'll probably try to do it tomorrow and get Mak to take those photos (I need to finish those 7 shots of the films anyway). Well, hope I can make it as I'm suppose to meet Faiz tomolo at Funan IT Mall to have a look at the USB Card I need to replace the one I broke. >__<

Anyhow, I gotten a can of Krylon's Matt Finish (Finisher) today at Popular for SGD12.20. Cheaper than at Spotlight and I think I'll use it on some of the Jedi Food/Energy Capsules I'm doing (must remember to ask Yazid wherther he want Glossy or Matt Finish for his 6 pieces). And I think I need to get a new can of Krylon's Primer (White or Grey) soon too; the current can is getting lighter. Hai . . . if only I can get it somewhere else than at Spotlight as it's soooo expansive there. >__<

Finally bought the Plastic Cover for my 2 latest LOTR novels. Now they'll be better protected. ^__^

As for my costumes, I'm really not sure if I can get the Arwen Rose Dress done by 22nd March, in time for the March 23rd Cosplay. I got not much money left and I haven't check out the seamstress I was recommanded to as I haven't got the time to go to Geylang Serai. Now is the seamstress at Tanjong Katong Shopping Centre or Joo Chiat Shopping Centre? Anyhow, I got to dye the Satin first to make it more Pinkish so that means a trip to Spotlight tomorrow and dye job by this Wednesday so the gown can be out by this Sat.

I need to continue reading my ROTK novel and try to finish it by this Friday so I'll know more for the LOTR MeetUp this Friday evening. -__^

Report From The Past Few Days:
I had finish 2 sets of Obi & Tabbards for the Jedis. Used it for the Friday Nite Job and very happy that with the little additions to the Rented Costumes, we gain quite a high level of accuracy. Haahahaaha, now I got extra Tabbards and Obi for myself, after I adjust/add the press studs. -__^

The job last nite was O.K.A.Y. Didn't expect it to be at a Pub but we tolerate. The Jedis were Faiz and Jeannette's Cousin, Mark. Darth Vader is Shawn while Royal Guard is me. My helmet fogged up quite a lot last nite but I make do since Shawn is also having the same problem. >__<

Oh! For that Friday job, I made a new IRG Cloak, from a darker shade of Taffeta Velvet. Like the new design but the left arm hole is too low so I got to redo that part. And I realized that I can use it later as the "cloak" of my Arwen's Red Rose Dress. Well, it's of course not accurate BUT the only one to notice this will be Costuming Freaks like me, which is almost non-existing among the local Cosplayers, unfortunately.

Had a good talk with Shawn about LOTR and SW Costuming/Prop making too. He recommanded quite a few tips and I also give him some of my opinions. Ya, it feel GREAT to have costuming & prop making talks with people who enjoy and sweat like hell for it, not like with this kid who talks so much like he knows a lot when he knows nuts and his costume suck for someone who talk like him.

Anyhow, I should start looking for a seamstress very soon and find the money to pay her. I really need to wear something good for this March 23rd event and whatever that comes after it until I gotten the Arwen Mourning Gown done this Oct for the big event this Dec 18th (?).

Well, I willingly sacrifice going on tour or buying stuffs to get my and my friends' LOTR Costumes done as accurate as possible. Oh! And that means I got to take up sewing class. Will have to drop by Kebun Baru or Cheng San or AMK Community Club/Centre to see if they got such classes.

I Had Finish Wrapping My 2 LOTR Books. ^__^
Will get the plastic cover for ROTK tomorrow from Sembawang Bookstore. For THE SILMARILLION, I will get it later, maybe when I start reading it.

As for Friday Costume Job, Jeanette said she'll try to get her cousin. Phew! And I thought things gonna go wrong. >__< I HATE to loose the SGD100 (please minus the cost of the costume rental etc) as I need the money, especially to get my Arwen Rose Dress Tailored out by end of next week.

As for the "outing" I went today with Parish, got to know "Lizzy" will like to do Ringwraith too. She also told me many people also want to do it but all doing Simplified ones. Hmm, more people to fill out the 9 for the Midnight/1st View of ROTK this Dec? I'm not really sure, especially that I am aiming to do as accurate as I can, with at least 4 layers (Inner Layer, Outer Layer, Outer Robe & Hood, plus my black undersuit) and Gaunlets. And I don't mind (if I had mastered the making of the robes) to add more layers to Hassan's and the rest's suit. And since someone had posted how she did the leg armor using rubber mats, I might attempt it. And I want to buy United Cutlery's WitchKing or Ringwraith Sword and also its scabbard (IF the Elven Sword & Helmet comes out next year!). Maybe I'll take up Danny's offer of the SGD300 Witchking sword IF it's still unsold this June.

Oh, I been thinking the IF again:
Since this year (after MAC Cosplay 2002 actually), so many people said they want to do LOTR Cosplay and I'm only gonna reveal our masterplan after July, IF anyone said, we are copycat them, then EAT THIS!
This is the thread that CLEARLY show that my team (Team SW FanForce/#starwars) had been planning to do LOTR Cosplay/Costuming since 15th SEPTEMBER 2002. And our first member, Hassan wore his WitchKing Costume last 21st Dec 2002, followed by Yazid, his Friend & Me last 15th February 2003 and again by Hassan, Yazid, Me & ?? this 23rd March 2003, and maybe also at Cosfest 2003. And since we are too broke after this to do any more costumes (inclusive of SW Costumes >___< ), we'll also do LOTR this MAC Cosplay 2003.
And as the current Team Leader of the bunch, I'll ensure as we draws nearer to the date (Dec 18th?) that every members of the team costumes had reached a certain standard of accuracy. Yes, that'll mean I'll spend more time doing others costumes too and doing research for them! I'll also end up sponsoring some people's costumes & props (it seems I been sponsoring Yazid's Staffs now; Version 2.0 is coming also okay.)
If the cosplayers don't want to join my team, I DON'T CARE! What I care is that our project that fell through last Dec 19th will come true this Dec 18th. I HAVE FAITH IN MYSELF AND THE MEMBERS OF MY LOTR COSTUMING TEAM!

Oh! I'll post the revised list of members of my team later, with pendings or recommanded beside their names if they still unsure. -__^

Okay, off to bed for me; hope I can wake up at 6am tomorrow to go to school and check out my bacterias and do something about getting new OGR plantlets.

I Been A Very, Very Bad Gal Today . . . .
I finally bought the novel, THE SILMARILLION; not the normal novel type but the Limited Edition Collectors' Box (Silver)! It cost me SGD44.19 from Kinokuniya (Ngee Ann City/Takashimaya). >___< I'm dead broke now; must sell of some of my SW stuffs already and start selling the Jedi Food/Energy Capsules to Yazid (wait, he also own me SGD10 for the pants!). Now how did it comes to this? How that I got the urge to get as many LOTR novels as possible and know all there is to know about the LOTR saga before the next LOTR FanForce (MeetUp) this March 14th? Hai . . anyhow now I only got the 13 HISTORY OF MIDDLE-EARTH Books, plus The Making of LOTR Trilogy Coffeetable Book, The Art Of FOTR, TTT & ROTK to get. Well, one thing for sure, the next book I'm getting will The Art Of The Two Towers book, when it comes out that is!

While at Chinatown, I bought a yard of Dark Brown Vinyl (SGD8) and 1/2 yard of the so called Silk Velvet (Grey) (SGD5). Later, I'll conduct the Burn Test on the velvet. Tomorrow nite I got to make the Tabbards and Obis for the Jedi Costumes. Also need to paint more Jedi Food/Energy Capsules and start making my new IRG Cloak.

Tomorrow afternoon I must remember to get the following things only:
==> Taffeta Velvet (Red) x6m = SGD18
==> Japanese Crepe Satin (White) x4m = SGD20
==> Trimmings (White/Ivory; Rope & Vines) x2m
==> Acetate Lining (Rose Red) x6m = SGD10 (Optional)
TOTAL SPENDING: SGD48++ @___@

I'm tempted to dig out all the money my Maul Talking Bank has now . . .

Aaaaarrrhhhh!!!!
2 more days to that SW Costume job and I haven't found the 2nd Jedi Knight. >___< And I can't contact Faiz, Asra said his modem screwed up. And I haven't paid my school fee, gone to school to do my project or get the middle room clear up! >___< And I lost many, many files of the Anime Cosplay pictures on one of the CD-RW @__@ (Luckily it wasn't the LOTR or HP photos! ^___^ )

I'm one lazy bumb!!!

Anyhow, I'm getting ready to go out to Chinatown with Parish. Will see what I can afford to get today. I still need those parts for the Arwen Rose Dress but that at Arab Street to settle.

Oh! Can't wait to fully start reading ROTK. Got to get the plastic cover ASAP! ^__^

Fabrics To Buy This Week:
==> Japanese Crepe Satin (White) x4 metres = SGD20/-

==> Acetate Lining (Rose Red) x4 metres = SGD10/-
(only gonna get the Arwen's Rose Dress lower sleeves & after the bust of the overcoat lined)

==> Collar Trimmings For the Rose Red Dress (probably silver or white about 5mm wide)

==> Tafetta Velvet (Red) x6 metres = SGD18/-

==> Vinyl (Dark Brown) x2 metres = SGD10-20 (A Big Maybe)

For the rest of the Jedi Tabbards & Obi, I'll look through my fabric scraps to see what I can use. One thing for sure, I know I got some Calico left that I can use for the White Jedi Garb. ^__^

And I better start making my costumes or sending them out. The pile of fabrics is getting higher (it's over half the height of the wardrobe! @___@ )

I GAVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION!!!! @___@
I bought the novel RETURN OF THE KING for $17.40 at Borders. Gotten the cover I wanted (the 9 Fellowship Cover) and it was the only copy left. >___< A little damage to the back cover but I think I can live with it. Gonna wrap it tonight, get the ready-made plastic cover tomorrow from Sembawang Bookstore and start reading it. ^___^ Can't wait to find out what will happen next and then move on the next few books, namely The Simillirion and the 12 (or 13) books on The History Of Middle Earth (by Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R Tolkien's son).

At the fellow's mom shop, I saw what he got to sell. Mostly scrape of laces and some fabrics/trains that had gone dirty/torn/unwanted. Gotten 2 packets of Laces Scraps that I'm sure I can use to decorate Arwen's or Galadriel's Gowns and a Wedding Gown Train that is made from Thai Silk and Nylon Netting and got lots of beadings/lacing on it. Heehehehe, wonder if I can attach it to Eowyn's or Arwen's Wedding Gown. ^__^

At Arab Street, I bought 6 metres of Double Coat(?) Polyester Velvet for SGD7/m (originally quoted SGD7.50, SGD0.50 less than at the other Chinese Shop I frequent) for the Arwen Rose Dress. The color is darker than what I need but I don't have much choice. The other alternative is the Safrone Velvet at the Indian Shop I frequent but I think it's too orange-red and the coat too thin (can see all the lines on the fabrics). Well, if I'm to get another Rose Dress done, I'll use the Korean Rayon Velvet instead, but it cost SGD12/m (maybe I can use it for Arwen's Blood Red Gown IF it's thin enough like the Silk Velvet). Man! I wish there is more places in Singapore that sell REAL Silk Velvet. @__@ Now I need to get 4m of White Satin (probably Japanese Crepe Satin, SGD5/m) for the Inner Dress and ?m Rose Red Lining (probably Acetate Lining, SGD2.50/m) to line the Overcoat. And I got to settle the drawings of the 2-3 layers (Inner Dress, Overcoat), especially the shape of the sleeves and find the seamstress to do it. And I have to decide wherther to have it done as Inner Dress (2 Layers) and Overcoat, or as 1 full dress; and of course, this decision will based on the cost of the tailoring.

Hai . . . this is the decision a Good Costumer must make for every costumes she want to get done and wear . . . .