Comment & I Want To Quit.....
The new ROTS Teaser Poster kinda looked interesting but the Vader Mask formed with Anakin's Cloak kinda reminded me of the helmet of Dark Helmethead from Spaceballs. Well, we'll see how the movie will turned out.

Okay, what am I gonna wear for ROTS Charity Premiere? @__@ ROTS Padme Green Cape or Imperial Officer (will get my seamstress to make it for me early next year IF I did loose some weight), Sabe Royal Decoy (Got to work on that >__< ) or Biker Scout (got to save like hell for that). Zam is kinda out of the picture unless I got lots and lots of money to spare to get the parts I can't make myself like the Helmet, Pipe Socket, Brooch etc. And I'm still fat so will look terrible in the Lavender/Purple Body Suit of her. >__<


As for work, I feel like quiting as after a week, I found that my co-workers lack the commitment. Yesterday, from the moment we open till way after their lunch, they were playing games! And this happened even when there are lots of visitors around. I'm not very happy with that. 1 uncommitted person is more than enough but 4? Moreover, school holiday is coming so even more visitors are expected.

Heck, if just standing there observing visitors is "okay" but playing games rite in front of them? PLEASE!

The only reason I'm doing this is for the money and Ross keep pestering me to take it up. I needded the money to go to Sydney to see the LOTR Exhibition one last time. I missed them all, especially that I helped to pack them up. And I also need the money to buy my Biker Scout Armor for ROTS release next year, other than get more materials for my other SW/LOTR Costumes.

Hai.....I counted that for the Sydney trip, I only need to work till end of Dec but the other stuffs are also asking for money so can I survive it?

LOTR Exhibition was totally different. Everyday, I looked forward to come to work no matter how tired I was or sad that I missed my freedom and outings with my friends. The moment I entered the hall and is greeted by Saruman, then Galadriel, Theoden, Sauron etc etc, all the pain just disappeared. I love all the costumes and props and I cared so much for their well-being to become protective over them. I looked forward to something everyday.

But in the Planet Games Exhibition, WHAT am I looking forward to except the money? There is no passion, nothing to look forward to daily and the people I'm working with hasn't shown commitment.

I feel total regret over taking up this job, and the only thing making me come back is the money I needed to go to Sydney and money to afford my next SW/LOTR Costumes or Armor.

Will I survive?

Dark Helmet Head Anyone? o__O
Saw this being posted at Clare's Blog:

My reaction- @__@

Will post comments when I get back from work today. -__- Holding the keys today and maybe tomolo so got to be the first there.

I'm starting to feel sleepy now even tho' I had drank stronge coffee......

"Busy" With Work & Elven Archer.....
So don't expect too much updates from me these past days till my off-day on Mon as I have to come back on Tue morning till afternoon due to insufficient no. of people working.

Rants about the progress of my Elven Archer Armor will be in my Blog of it so look at there for more updated news. -__^

Off to bed as I got to work tomolo unlike *somebody*

(Roll eyes cause pissed off with her atitude today; happily reading her book instead of attending to the visitors even tho' they are merely 2 metres or less away and it's her duty as it's within her area! Hey! I got an armor to complete within 1 month & 2 days and yet you don't see me working on it during working hours and only during lunchtime and on the way to or from work. It's called "RESPONSIBLE"!)

Which Tree Do U Fall In?

Taken from Hazel's Blog:

Jan 01 to Jan 11 - Fir Tree
Jan 12 to Jan 24 - Elm Tree
Jan 25 to Feb 03 - Cypress Tree
Feb 04 to Feb 08 - Poplar Tree
Feb 09 to Feb 18 - Cedar Tree
Feb 19 to Feb 28 - Pine Tree
Mar 01 to Mar 10 - Weeping Willow Tree
Mar 11 to Mar 20 - Lime Tree
Mar 21 - Oak Tree
Mar 22 to Mar 31 - Hazelnut Tree
Apr 01 to Apr 10 - Rowan Tree
Apr 11 to Apr 20 - Maple Tree
Apr 21 to Apr 30 - Walnut Tree
May 01 to May 14 - Poplar Tree
May 15 to May 24 - Chestnut Tree
May 25 to Jun 03 - Ash Tree
Jun 04 to Jun 13 - Hornbeam Tree
Jun 14 to Jun 23 - Fig Tree
Jun 24 - Birch Tree
Jun 25 to Jul 04 - Apple Tree
Jul 05 to Jul 14 - Fir Tree
Jul 15 to Jul 25 - Elm Tree
Jul 26 to Aug 04 - Cypress Tree
Aug 05 to Aug 13 - Poplar Tree
Aug 14 to Aug 23 - Cedar Tree
Aug 24 to Sep 02 - Pine Tree
Sep 03 to Sep 12 - Weeping Willow Tree
Sep 13 to Sep 22 - Lime Tree
Sep 23 - Olive Tree
Sep 24 to Oct 03 - Hazelnut Tree
Oct 04 to Oct 13 - Rowan Tree
Oct 14 to Oct 23 - Maple Tree
Oct 24 to Nov 11 - Walnut Tree
Nov 12 to Nov 21 - Chestnut Tree
Nov 22 to Dec 01 - Ash Tree
Dec 02 to Dec 11 - Hornbeam Tree
Dec 12 to Dec 21 - Fig Tree
Dec 22 - Beech Tree
Dec 23 to Dec 31 - Apple Tree


APPLE TREE (the Love) - of slight build, lots of charm, appeal, and attraction, pleasant aura, flirtatious, adventurous, sensitive, always in love, wants to love and be loved, faithful and tender partner, very generous, scientific talents, lives for today, a carefree philosopher with imagination.

ASH TREE (the Ambition) - uncommonly attractive, vivacious, impulsive, demanding, does not care for criticism, ambitious, intelligent, talented, likes to play with fate, can be egotistic, very reliable and trustworthy, faithful and prudent lover, sometimes brains rule over the heart, but takes partnership very seriously.

BEECH TREE (the Creative) - has good taste, concerned about its looks, materialistic, good organization of life and career, economical, good leader, takes no unnecessary risks, reasonable, splendid lifetime companion, keen on keeping fit (diets, sports, etc.)

BIRCH TREE (the inspiration) - vivacious, attractive, elegant, friendly, unpretentious, modest, does not like anything in excess, abhors the vulgar, loves life in nature and in calm, not very passionate, full of imagination, little ambition, creates a calm and content atmosphere.

CEDAR TREE (the Confidence) - of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health, not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, likes to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

CHESTNUT TREE (the Honesty) - of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritates easily and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.

CYPRESS TREE (the Faithfulness) - strong, muscular, adaptable, takes what life has to give, content, optimistic, craves money and acknowledgment, hates loneliness, passionate lover which cannot be satisfied, faithful, quick-tempered, unruly, pedantic, and careless.

ELM TREE (the Noble-mindedness) - pleasant shape, tasteful clothes, modest demands, tends not to forgive mistakes, cheerful, likes to lead but not to obey, honest and faithful partner, likes making decisions for others, noble-minded, generous, good sense of humor, practical.

FIG TREE (the Sensibility) - very strong, a bit self-willed, independent does not
allow contradiction or arguments, loves life, its family, children and animals, a bit of a social butterfly, good sense of humor, likes idleness and laziness, of practical talent and intelligence.

FIR TREE (the Mysterious) - extraordinary taste, dignity, sophisticated, loves
anything beautiful, moody, stubborn, tends to egoism but cares for those close to them, rather modest, very ambitious, talented, industrious, uncontented lover, many
friends, many foes, very reliable

HAZELNUT TREE (the Extraordinary) - charming, undemanding, very understanding, knows
how to make an impression, active fighter for social cause, popular, moody, and capricious lover, honest, and tolerant partner, precise sense of judgment.

HORNBEAM TREE (the Good Taste) - of cool beauty, cares for its looks and condition, good taste, is not egoistic, makes life as comfortable as possible, leads a reasonable and disciplined life, looks for kindness and acknowledgment in an motional partner, dreams of unusual lovers, is seldom happy with its feelings, mistrusts most people, is never sure of its decisions, very conscientious.

LIME TREE (the Doubt) - accepts what life dishes out in a composed way, hates fighting, stress, and labor, dislikes laziness and idleness, soft and relenting,
makes sacrifices for friends, many talents but not tenacious enough to make them blossom, often wailing and complaining, very jealous but loyal.

MAPLE TREE (Independence of Mind) - no ordinary person, full of imagination and originality, shy and reserved, ambitious, proud, self-confident, hungers for new experiences, sometimes nervous, has many complexities, good memory, learns easily, complicated love life, wants to impress.

OAK TREE (the Brave) - robust nature, courageous, strong, unrelenting, independent, sensible, does not like change, keeps its feet on the ground, person of action.

OLIVE TREE (the Wisdom) - loves sun, warmth and kind feelings, reasonable, balanced,
avoids aggression and violence, tolerant, cheerful, calm, well-developed sense of justice, sensitive, empathetic, free of jealousy, loves to read and the company of sophisticated people.

PINE TREE (the Particular) - loves agreeable company, very robust, knows how to make life comfortable, very active, natural, good companion, but seldom friendly, falls easily in love but its passion burns out quickly, gives up easily, everything
disappointments until it finds its ideal, trustworthy, practical.

POPLAR TREE (the Uncertainty) - looks very decorative, not very self-confident, only courageous if necessary, needs goodwill and pleasant surroundings, very choosy, often lonely, great animosity, artistic nature, good organizer, tends to lean toward
philosophy, reliable in any situation, takes partnership seriously.

ROWAN TREE (the Sensitivity) - full of charm, cheerful, gifted without egoism, likes to draw attention, loves life, motion, unrest, and even complications, is both dependent and independent, good taste, artistic, passionate, emotional, good company, does not forgive.

WALNUT TREE (the Passion) - unrelenting, strange and full of contrasts, often egotistic, aggressive, noble, broad horizon, unexpected reactions, spontaneous, unlimited ambition, no flexibility, difficult and uncommon partner, not always liked but often admired, ingenious strategist, very jealous and passionate, no compromise.

WEEPING WILLOW (the Melancholy) - beautiful but full of melancholy, attractive, very empathetic, loves anything beautiful and tasteful, loves to travel, dreamer,
restless, capricious, honest, can be influenced but is not easy to live with, demanding, good intuition, suffers in love but finds sometimes an anchoring partner

It Had Arrived! \/^__^
The Simplicty 4942 had arrived today from Katie in USA. \/^__^ Gonna cut it out and do a mock-up or 2 for my size and shape before making the actual Neck/Chest Scale Guard for my Elven Archer Armor. Then maybe make a set for Nessa to make sure she join us this Dec as an Elven Archer. Other than that, my progress had been shamefully, extremely slow. -__-

Oh! I think one of the reasons my Arwen Cranberry Dress look strange is that some of the panels are not running in the same direction. Like for the Front, the Center panel nape is running upwards but the 2 on the sides downwards. @__@ Will have to see how it can be fixed
(aka see how much cloth is left) so it's going back to my seamstress soon. -__-

Okay, off to draw some template and berbuka puasa at 6.52pm.

Quick Notes.......

Started working for Planet Games Exhibition at Singapore Science Centre. Think kinda dread it a little as it's the fasting month but I need the money. Will just give my best. -__-

Gotten my Arwen Cranberry Dress on Fri night. Turned out okay-okay but I yet to hang it up. Will have to create a special Plastic Apron for it when in storage as the Bullion Wire Trimmings keep getting hooked on the Velvet. -__-

Hardly any progress on my Elven Archer armor due to work. >__<

I'm starting to be obsessed with Idrial's Outfit which is similar to Arwen's Chase/Riding Outfit, from the new EA Games, LOTR: The Third Age ever since I saw the Standee at my workplace. Anyhow, I can use the Velveteen meant for my Arwen Battle Outfit for it instead as was unhappy with the lack of softness (need a fabric like Silk Velvet which drape very well and soft for Arwen Battle Outfit)

All The Ringwraiths Got Names? o__O
Saw some auction of the Decipher FOTR Cards at eBay and then spotted some showing pictures of the Ringwraiths and it having certain names:

• Úlairë Nelya, Lieutenant of Morgul
• Úlairë Enquëa, Lieutenant of Morgul
• Úlairë Attëa, The Easterling
• Úlairë Otsëa, Ringwraith in Twilight
• Úlairë Lemenya, Lieutenant of Morgul
• Úlairë Toldëa, Messenger of Morgul
• Úlairë Cantëa, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur
• Úlairë Nertëa, Ninth of the Nine Riders

Ps: so which one is Ringwraith No. 2? @__@ Is it Úlairë Attëa, The Easterling as No. 2 was an Easterling Lord and he's the one put in charge of Dol Guldur till the start of the search for the OneRing.

I Broke My Vow & Finally!!! \/^__^
I had partially broke my vow to be EpIII Spoiler Free today and not to do any more new Padme Costume. -__-

Drop by Borders just now with TheElvenQueen and saw the latest issue of Star Wars Insider. Inside was a bigger picture of the Padme dress I glimpsed in the latest issue of Star Wars Homing Beacon #121. It was the Green Cloak/Robe....

The Green Cloak/Robe looked so easy as it's looked like just a long, loose Robe with V-Shape Collar. The Robe fabric is Velvet in Greenish-Dirty Yellow (aka Mustard?) color with the Emblem of Padme Amidala lightly printed all over it. And after reading about it at Maggie's Website and looked at the photos of the dress, I think I can do it quite easily as long as I forget about what goes under the Robe and find the Velvet in the correct color. Just think of my Moaning Myrtle School Robe. -__^

Hai.....will see how at my next trip to Arab Street & Chinatown. Will have to put this costume on the To-Do List *after* I had done my Haldir Elven Archer which is probably next year. Hmmm....if I find the "right" fabric, am I to buy it? @__@

Other than that, finally gotten my photos and much later today, will select the ones to be printed as 4R photos and those on photo paper for my Elven Archer Project. Also got lots of sketching and reporting to do for the gang at the Forum.

Oh! Think my sketch of the "Old Crown" of Gondor is a bit different from that used on Elendil's Banner. Got to modify it a bit more before sending it to Cat for the ACS-LOTR Website.

And Fiona dear, lookie lookie what I gotten at Kinokuniya:

It cost me SGD12.30 and the content is so so. There is episode review (it's 1 episode more than where we at at the 5th DVD) and some picture of the characters seen in Episode 31 to 40. Think I'm gonna order Vol. 1-3 too if after calculating, I can afford them. Will bring it to the Meetup this Sun for us to squel over. -__^

Also finally gotten the Gothic Lolita Bible Hair & Makeup Mook:

Cost me SGD25.70 but it seems very useful. Wanted to get Maison Gothic & Lolita Style Book but it's mostly ads of shops doing GL Outfits and only 4 pages made it worth to buy. And with a pricetag of about SGD20+++, can't spare the cash for it.

Okay, off to settle some stuffs now before time for Sahur. First day had been okay, no feeling of hunger even past the Break Fast time and I hope it's due to the fact that my stomach had been forcely trained to feel hunger the past week due to lack of funds to buy food for myself! -__^

Well, eat food became waste products; make as well I just eat what is necessary to survive and spend the money saved on my costumes and collection. ^__^

Went Out Today......
To get the remaining of my pay and it's only SGD62.75. >__<>Arts Friend at Bras Basah Complex to get some A4 Plastic Sheets to use as templates. Gotten 3, one partially meant for my Elven Archer Scales and 2 for the Trees of Gondor. Also gotten 24 pieces of Split Ring 9mm for my 3rd attempt to make Chainmail.

While at Arts Friend, I also spoted this Patterned Wired Ribbon that looks good for the Arm Trimming of Arwen White WETA Gown but it probably cost SGD6-9/yard so had to forget about it currently. Anyhow, the Trimming for the sleeves is suppose to match that of the Belt and this Ribbon seems too wide for that. Then again, I haven't got the money to spare for the Gown as I'm vowing to do it all by myself instead of sending it to the seamstress (there goes another SGD200 >__< ). Drop by Arts Friends Print and ask about the cost of printed the other Elven Archer Templates from a disk. The person there said it'll cost SGD4-5/pc for A3 size so will remember to bring the disks the next time I got there.

Off to MacDonald then to have some quiet time with myself and draw something. After a couple of hours there, only got past drawing out the "Old Crown" of Gondor and the Front view of Anárien Imladris Outfit, Inner Tunic. Got to be more productive than that but Fasting Month is coming and my SSC job is starting next Fri, so I can't go off to MacDonald or Banquet at Raffles Hospital to do my sketching. -__-

While at the MacDonald, this old guy approached me and asked if I'm a Graphic Artist while pointing out to the sketch of the "Old Crown" of Gondor I put out to dry on the other table. Told him, there and there that I can't draw to save myself and I only tracing. He then go and blant about looking for Graphic Artist to do some project for him. Hmmm.....that sounded too familiar; think while I was out with Himi, Parish, Lizzy etc, we had met someone like that too.

Around 8pm, went home. While in the train and bus, started writting down a longer Epilogue for my Anárien Fanfic. Stopped at the part before Elrond gave Anárien her father's Crown to wear but I kinda had thot out how the story will continue and end. Now I just need to think up the middle part of the story, after the Lothlorien Army came back from Helm's Deep and Anárien finding out about her brother's death.

Ps: As stated before, Erestor came back to Anárien just before they set out to Valinor. -__^ Well, according to my Secret Diary, they were already together since their childhood years in Lindon and their growing up years in Imladris so they seems like the best pair. -__^ She had to dump him cause he refused to move with her to Lothlorien.

Oh! Try to search for LOTR Cosplay or LOTR Costume on Gooogle Images. See whose Pointy Ears pop up in the search. X-D


Here's something to pondor today in relation to Haldir's Death......

And here are the words to the "Death Song"
Ar sindarnóriello caita mornië, Ar ilye teir unduláva lumbulë... (Quenya)
And out of a grey country lies darkness, And all paths are drowned deep in shadow..." (English from the Namarië poem in FotR)

Something I Love To Hear....

-- DAMASUTRA --
Umpama Mimpi Dalam Mimpi

Kenangan bersama mu kasih
Seumpama mimpi di dalam mimpi
Terasa engkau di sisi
Menemani ku saban hari

Pabila ku pejamkan mata
Akan terasa hangatnya asmara
Walaupun sekian lama
Telah terpadam cinta kita

* :
Luka yang tak terasa
Mengalir darah yang tak berwarna
Bagai jeritan tanpa bersuara
Tangisan dalam ketawa
Sedu sedan menjadi syair cinta
Terasa ingin ku sentuh
Bayangan mu

** :
Walau hanya seketika cuma
Agar hilang rindu dan dahaga
Agar pulih semangat kasih dan mesra
Seperti baru kenal cinta

( Ulang Rangkap * dan ** )

Kenangan bersama mu kasih
Membakar gedung fikiran ku ini
Terasa hidup ku kini
Umpama mimpi dalam mimpi
Umpama mimpi dalam mimpi

( Lagu : M. Nasir - Lirik : )

What He Think He Doing?
Received this today in my SingaporeAnimeNews PM Box:

~Guy_Astro~
« Sent on: Today at 01:02:16am »

.......I'm not sure if you've noticed that on occasions, forum members would ask for
lobangs to make props and arsenals, etc. I thought of having a thread that caters to this. Would you like to set up one? It can be "Cosplay Props Sources", "Props Source List" or "Cosplay Props Creators and Creations" etc.

WTF? o__O Didn't he see that I had deleted all tips I posted in the Cosplay Sources List Thread and don't offer any more tips in other thread in the Forum or talk regulary in the Forum? Don't he sense something is wrong?

Well, ever since (or rather before that event) Fans-Tasia 2003 last Dec, I had lost interest and faith in the local cosplay community and decrease dramatically in assisting them. I had kinda gotten sick of the atitude of many of the local cosplayers and their lack of effort. They don't pay attention to using the correct materials, put effort to make their costume durable and seems to send everything to the costume shop/tailor and let them decide how to turn their costumes into reality. And my, even the "Celebrity" and "Senior" ones are doing the Greatest Sins in Costuming (Think of the X/1999 group who used Satin for their Uniform @__@ ).

Some are still okay but many......cosplaying for the sake of cosplaying. -__-

So, forget it Mr. Guy_Astro! No way I'm going offer any more help. Let them learn it the Hard Way as I did since 1999 and since doing rite now.

That is why I rather doing Costuming than Cosplaying as in Costuming, Knowledge comes before the Creation; and Pain before the Joy. Anyhow, the World is my judge to how good my costumes/armor are instead of the local scene.

Sewing Machine, Celeborn & Dressmaking Class
Finally taken back my Sewing Machine and is now SGD75 poorer. The Motor had been changed and the shop had oiled and clean up my sewing machine a bit. Also learned from the shopkeeper how to use certain stitches like the ->->-> (Turn Stitch Length Dial to the Green SS) and Button Hole (Turn Stitch Length Dial to Orange between 1 & 0 and Pattern to 1-2-3-4). Also bought the Button Hole Foot for SGD12 >__<>2-3 months (if used daily).

The shopkeeper also told me that it's not possible for the Brother Innovis N80 from Japan to sold in Singapore due to different in electric current. Hai.....guess I'll just have to try to save SGD700++ and get a normal and Electronic Brother Sewing Machine rather than the Innovis Computerized Sewing Machine I been drooling over in the Goli Loli Mook.

Over to Celeborn, I just noticed that he actually had a 2nd Outfit while doing research for my Anárien Imladris Outfit. It was worn in the Deleted Scene of The Two Tower (aka scenes related to Arwen at Helm's Deep) when Elrond came to Lothlorien to discuss with him on sending an Army to Helm's Deep. This picture is the give away:

Just look at it properly. There seems to be some kind of vest on the chest with a V-Patterning/Yoke while the bottom of the Robe looked different from the one he worn in Fellowship Of The Ring. The lower sleeves also seems more like Arwen Rivendell Outfit lower sleeves. The same sash and belt is worn over the Robe tho'.

Hmmm.....wonder if he wore this one or the FOTR one at Grey Haven.

As for my Dressmaking Class, this is what I got to say about it at the Haldir's Elven Archer Forum:

I said previously that I'm taking Dressmaking Class now at the Community Centre and yesterday was my first day. The teacher turned out very friendly and the class was small so more attention to each student! I'm taking Elementary first (since I still lack the basics and it seems to be the "pre-requirement" to enter Intermediate which became the "pre-requirement" to enter Advance ) so there isn't much advance thing.

So here's my weekly report on what learned there:

1) Supplies

No problem there tho' I got to know that I'm missing this dressmaking ruler which will be important and widely used during the class. It's like my L-Shape Ruler but shorter on one end.

Also got to know my bursting sewing box lack 1 important thing: Blue & Red Color Pencil.

2) Basic Stitches

Learned something new and shortcuts to what I had been doing for years.
New Stitches learned will be the Tailor Tack (used to mark on cloth that can't
be marked using Tailor's Chalk) and Herringbone Stitch (for Hemming).

Shortcuts will be for the Serging and Running Stitch (which I previously wrongly called the Invisible Stitch). When doing the 2, suppose to fold the hem (against the
fold for the hem) and if I had known that 11 years ago, I could had finished
doing my sewing during Home Economic Class in a fraction of the time!

3) Taking Measurements

I learned how to take measurements for making skirt.

• Length (Waist to where u want the end to be)
• Waist (Tie a rope snugly over the waist to indicate its position and allow proper measurement of the waist width)
• Waist to Hip (to know where to make snug)
• Hip
• BustWidth (to know which position to add Darts)
• Basque Round/Tummy Circumference (in case have big tummy)

4) Elementary Class Projects

Make Skirts........

All kind of skirts.......

Okay, in a way it's good cause we are doing it from scratch so learning how to draft the pattern using the measurements taken in 3). And the teacher did say we are going to do Pleated Skirts in later classes and that is something I'll love to learn how to do properly (still got lots of skirts to do for my Anime & Harry Potter Characters costumes)

First project: Either A-Line or Straight or Tight Skirt. Got to draft the pattern till the next lesson and I hope I got enough Brown Paper at home as it was suppose to be used to create the pattern for my Elven Archer Underskirt and a couple other stuffs.

Ya, the only new things seems to be about 1/2 of the whole lessons but at least I'm gonna learn how to draft a pattern from scratch instead of solely depending on commercial patterns. Bet the knowledge gonna be very useful in modifying the commercial pattern even better to fit me.

Ps: Got to know my much needed Mandarin Collar is taught in Advance Dressmaking Class. Think the same for Princess Cut/Seam. Back to the practicing board to figure out what the heck my Butterick Pattern is saying about attaching the collar to the tunic and trying out Princess Cut on my own. I can get so dumb sometimes when it comes to certain things.

I Just Wonder......
Which Direction Am I Going?

I was looking at the Profile of one of my former Polytechnic-mate and realized that he's in NTU rite now. This kinda got me thinking:

Where Am I Rite Now?

Without my Diploma, only with a pathatic GCE 'A' Level Qualification and basically not much money, I'm nowhere.

I want to complete my Diploma; it's JUST a Final Year Project Part B that is preventing me from getting that piece of paper but I'm too ashame to go back. I keep believing that there is no going back (Blame it on Shmi Skywalker advice in TPM?) and then there is my Pride. I was a promising student but yet again and again, I failed to show my full potential.

Maybe I stayed too long in that school system; maybe it's because I was lonely after seeing one after another of my best friend graduate or change courses; maybe I'm just plain lazy; maybe I have choosen the wrong Project Partner. I just donno.......

You may ask, what is my plan now?

I'm working here and there Part-Time but so far the money had gone to pay for the luxuries that I didn't get to enjoy when I wasn't working. It's not too late as I got another 4 months of job coming up but I still have to pay for my trip to Malaysia this Dec for ComicFiesta and maybe Sydney to see the LOTR Exhibition one last time. Then there is my costumes. And yet around end of next year or early 2006 when my Older Brother comes back again to Singapore, I'll have to pack my bags and move on to go to University.

Since I graduated from Junior Collage and after I did a little research at the Career & Education Fair back then, I always said I want to further my studies in Canada for 2 reason: Cheap & Near my US-Costuming Friends, other than Conventions like DragonCon & DCComicCon. The plan was to attend Columbia College and attend their ??months Pre-University Course which said to ensure me an entry into the 2nd Year at most Canadian University as long as I get good grades. Then off to University of British Columbia or the other great Universities in Canada.

But that was 5 years ago when I was 19 years old. Now I'm 24 and by the time I can pack my bags, I'll be 26 years old. Will I still be able to attend such course? Will I have the money to pay for not only the course but my future University Fees and Daily Expenditure while I spend the next 4 years in Canada. And I DON'T even know what I want to study tho' I stated that my interest and strength is in Microbiology and part of Molecular Genetics other than Cell Biology and Emergency Medicine.

What I know I got is about SGD28,000. Don't think that is enough. -__- And I'm not sure if I can borrow money from the local bank to pay for my studies with my Dad as the Garantaur as he's planning to retire in a year or 2 so so and I'm not close to him anymore.

I just don't know.........

The Good & The Bad.....
Had a good and bad thing happening to me today. -__-

The Good:
I went to Joo Chiat Complex this evening and managed to get the SGD1 Baby Blue Matte Satin and Bright Blue Polyester Fabric for my Anárien's Imladris Outfit. Gotten 8 yards of the Satin and this is more than enough for the Robe, while 5 yards of the Polyester Fabric for the pants. So I got almost all the fabrics I need for that Outfit; still need to figure out what to use for the Inner Robe's Sleeves: the Baby Blue Satin with Lacing or Baby Blue Polyester Lycra.

The Bad:
I remembered the Sewing Machine shop owner saying they close at 9.30pm on weekdays so after arriving in AMK (it was 7.15pm), I went to the shop to take back my sewing machine.

The Shop Was Closed.... -__-

Darn! And I walked all the way from the MRT Station to that shop which is 4 bus stops away! >__<
Later, dropped by Kedai Gemuk (I used to live in that area of Junction of Ave 3 & 10 before I moved to Junction of Ave 4 & 5) to get a drink. And when I opened the bottle of Pepsi, it started spilling out (Darn! Someone may had shake it before me gotten it!) and some landed on the Cloths I bought. So now I had to wash both pieces and iron them before putting them away.

Ouch! What a day! >__<

Anyhow, had continue watching FMA DVD and gotten to the more sad part. *cry cry* Still got 1 1/2 more DVD to go. Wish the Center Room Computer CD Drive or CD-Writer Drive is working so I can watch the DVD with sound! (My TV has no sound and we have no idea why or I have the money to call the TV Repairman or Cable TV Repairman! >__< )

Fiona, You Gotten Me.......
I simply LOVE Full Metal Achemist! \/^__^

No wonder everyone was attracted to it. It was both hilarous and have a deep meaning. I especially love Episode 13(?; the one with the puppy and kitten). Now to complete seeing the other 3 1/3 DVD while I work on my Elven Archer Armor tomolo onwards. -__^

Anyhow, a little secret, I always have some kinda of closeness feeling towards anything that is part human. -__^ Just my little secret related to my real altergo (oh no! Don't try to poke it about it!).

And if ask who I'll like to cosplay if you want to form a FMA group next year, I'll choose....

Name: Hawkeye, Riza
Rank: First Lieutenant
Specialty: Pistols

Riza Hawkeye is Roy Mustang's subordinate, acting as his advisor and his aid.
Hawkeye is very skilled in the use of firearms. She is always calm and cool, and not
easily perturbed by many things. However, she is secretly feared by her peers.
She is the only one of Mustang's subordinates that can talk back to him without any
consequences. Perhaps it is because she has kept him in line on his steady rise through the ranks of the military.

Hahaha, why I choose her? Cause I have this thing about being a person who is cautious, goes by the rules and the system (most of the time) and prefer to be an advisor behind a successful person. LOL! So how about you do your adult Edward and I do Riza? Want to form a FMA group for next year's EOY Cosplay Event since Cosfest is booked by Star Wars? -__^

And I know the exact fabric to use for the Military Uniform; the exact same type I used for my Mitsuki (Dual!) School Uniform, and future D (Dual!) and Reiko (Gate Keepers) school uniform. Gonna cost SGD5-6/m the last time I bought them and another good thing about the fabric, it hold pleats well after a good ironing and don't get crumpled easily. I only iron my Mitsuki Skirt once and had won it several times now and none of the pleats at the back is ruin or even show signs of having sat on! -__^

Oh! If you haven't seen this, check out these cosplayers. This one and this one. -__^


Anyhow, a little something Fiona pointed out to me yesterday when we went out together; why Haldir have this Air of Arrogant in him. -__^

Well, in Imladris/Rivendell, Haldir's and Anárien's "royal" background is well known among the mostly Noldor Elves living there and their status is considered as just below Lord Elrond and his children. So, they are well-respected in Imladris and always addressed as Lord and Lady, other than most of their needs are met by the "servants". Moreover, they are Lord Elrond's Godson & Goddaughter, a role Lord Elrond took up after the death of their father at The Last Alliance (especially that at that time, Haldir and Anárien are still Elves Children so they still need a father figure in their growing up years) .

But in Lothlorien, on the advice of their Godmother aka Grandaunt aka Queen, their royal background is kept a secret. They also prefer to keep it that way as it allows them to blend in better with the other Silvan Elves (especially that they are half-Silvan as their mother is a Silven Elf) as they are just Captain of the March Wardens on the Northern and Eastern Borders. But occasionally, that air of authority and arrogant does naturally crepe in, in their speech or action. -__^


And about Anárien's Imladris Outfit, I kinda figured out the design. It has the Outer Robe like Arwen's Farewell Dress with the Dark Baby Blue Color Vines patterned except that there is an opening from slightly below the bust. The V-Shape Yoke in front will be decorated with the design seen on Gil-Galad's Collar Piece (will sketch the full design from my 8" Figure) while the Upper Sleeves decorated with the design seen on Gil-Galad's Tabbard.

Under the Robe will be a Mandarin Collar Robe in Baby Blue Color. The top will be like Elrond's Salmon Robe while below the belt like Celeborn's Robe. The sleeves is a little tricky here as I want it to be soft and tight so it can range from Baby Blue Nylon Lycra to Silk Essence with lacing. There will be a sash in Blue at the waist and a belt similar to Celeborn's will be worn over the sash.

Under the robe, I have decide to have 2 version of things to wear. The norm will be a baggy Wrap Pant like Elrond's in Dark Blue while occasionally, a skirt similar to what is worn under Celeborn's Robe is worn, and this will be the Dark Blue Crinkled Organza I already owned.

So later today, got to make a trip to Joo Chiat Complex to get the Dark Blue Polyester and Baby Blue Matte Satin Fabrics which goes for SGD1/yard. Hope the Baby Blue Matte Satin is enough to make the Robe, shun the sleeves and the Polyester Fabric still there. -__^

Note To Self......
Elementary Dressmaking Class starting this Tue, 12/10 at 7pm. Go to classroom no. 3-11 for lesson.

Things to bring:

• Measuring Tape/s
• Dressmaking Rulers
• A4 White Paper
• Basic Sewing Stuffs
• My paper patterns? o__O

And hope it's what I expect it to be able to let me do aka make my own Princess Seam Dress and Mandarin Collars and attact sleeves properly. -__^

I'm Getting Even More Broke........
Finally sent my sewing machine for servicing and the motor need to be change. That cost me SGD75 plus another SGD10 for the servicing charge. Gonna get it back tomolo it seems so no sewing today even tho' I had started my gears again (was sewing the Velveteen to extend the length of my 2nd Gondor "New Tree" Pennet).

Anyhow, ask the shop too for their range of Brother Sewing Machine and the one that doesn't have any computer cost SGD500++++ while other brands SGD400++++. Computerized ones ranges from SGD1,000++ to SGD4,000++. Trade-In will lessen the price by up to SGD100. Didn't see the sewing machine I'd been drooling over in the Gothic Lolita Patterns Mooks tho' (then again, it was just a small sewing machine shop).

The 2 that caught my attention from the GL Pattern Mook are Brother Innovis N80 and Brother Innovis C41 which are both Computerized Sewing Machines. -__- Innovis N80 is priced at JY102,900 (SGD1,564) while Innovis C41 JY41,790 (SGD636). Not sure what the ads in the Mook said but I think Peddle will cost JY3,675 (SGD56) extra. There is another 2 in the Brother Innovis Range, Innovis C51 & Innovis C52.

I'll love to get the Brother Innovis N80 as it's both a sewing machine and an embroideries machine (I have a habit of "Be Prepared" & "The Best I Can Afford). Money can be saved up with my 4 months of working coming (meaning at least 50% of my salary goes to saving for the machine, that is ~SGD400 a month) BUT it's a matter of wherther the Model is available in Singapore and WHY I need it.

Okay, guess I first have to have a look at what I need from the Sewing Machine, after years of using my Simple Janome Sewing Machine that only have 6-8 types of stitches and I only know how to get it to do 3. -__-

• Scallops Stitch
• "Like-Overlock" Stitch
• Satin Stitch
• Zig-Zag Stitch
• ->->-> Stitch
• Button Hole
• Straight Stitch & Control over its length

Add to that the capability to do Pin Tuck Stitches and have a range of foot (Walking, Invisible Zip, Clear, Rope), Local Servicing Centre and Upgrades that can be gotten locally. The fact that I can connect it to my Notebook to design my own pattern will be an added insentive.

Not much actually, in term of stitches I need and it's in most Sewing Machines these days but my Habit of "Want The Best" and "Once Bought, Gonna Use It Till It's Damaged Beyond Repair" is in the way. -__- And my LOTR_Costume ML friend keep recommanding Brands like Brother or Viking or Singer.

Hai....will see how. Will just look around for a price and model range and try my best to save up. -__-

On another front, I had folded the Red Velvet I brought previously and it turned out to be only 68" Width from my measurement instead of 72". @__@ That means that my Arwen BR Dress sleeves gonna be 33" long. The Velvet also have a proper nap and it goes downwards towards/against the end of the cloth. This means my Haldir Cloak gonna have a centre seam to get the proper width (think 100" o__O ). Underskirt, I just gonna be bochup and do 2 Semi-Circle on the Width of the cloth; the front will have the nap facing downwards. Will have to make the template soon......

A Buncha Reminder & Notes.......
When I look at Greenleaf (aka Taiwanese Legolas) as Will Turner, I keep wondering who is Package. Name sound familiar....

Well, this is Package's Photo Album and here's here as Captain Jack Sparrow. -__^


Recognized this Legolas from someone else's photo album? -__^


Look at the Velvet this girl's use for her Arwen Mourning Dress. Almost like mine right, except mine gave a Bluish Tint under many lighting, especially daylight indicating that it's color is actually Midnight Blue. (Yes, I know my trimming is better but that's because I paid SGD70 for it and am still working to add beads to it, other than a buncha Bullion Wires @__@) More LOTR Cosplay photos from her Album before it's gone. -__^


Must remember to save the photos from Metamorphoses. Strangely it's not in my collection of photos from Japan. o__O

Okay, off to sleep. Got lots to do later today, especially start somewhere on my Elven Archer Armor. -__-

Like I Said.....
At my Haldir Elven Archer Blog, I had printed out most of the photos and now need to start cutting the templetes and try out some stuffs.

Other than that, need to fold up some cloth I bought previously, put those that belong to the same project together, dye those need to be dye (Arweb BR Dress Upper Sleeves, Haldir's Inner Tunic, Eowyn Inner Dress Cloth, Rohan Banner).

On the computer, still need to scan the Trimming I gonna use for my Arwen Cranberry Dress. Will send the dress to my seamstress later this week I think unless she's around tomolo. I still can't decide what color to use for the Underlining of the Trimming: Blood Red like my Mourning Dress one or Maroon. @__@

Opinions?

Okay, off to finish my work rite now.

Oh No!!!!! >__<
Got a phonecall from Ang Mo Kio CC saying that my Elementary Sewing Class had been delayed by 2 weeks as there is insufficient students. Currently, they only got 6 people signed up and they needed more. -__- Hai....that means the class will start on 19th Oct instead, just before I start working with Singapore Science Centre again.

Anyhow, seems like my Off-Day is now fixed as Tues. Don't think I can rush to Dressmaking class from work as we surely finish around 6.30pm and it's almost 1h journey between SSC and my home.

Come to think of it, I wonder if I'll be the only student who will be most knowledgeable concerning Dressmaking. o__O I can actually sew and already created Obis & Tabbards, Pennets/Banners, Cloaks, Robes and even Sleevesless Tunic but I still need help to make clothes that goes around me like a Glove or put in proper Sleeves or Mandarin Collars. Hopefully after a couple lessons, I can already make and finish my Arwen BR Dress and add the collar to my Haldir Tunic, other than do the Lothlorien Elven Archer and Ranger Garbs. Mouth of Sauron and even Twilight Witchking is easily as they are kinda loose-fitted, only problem is the collar but that can easily be hidden. -__^

Okay, off to start printing the Screencaps of the Elven Archer Armor now on the other computer. Hope the ink is sufficient as I'm doing Photo Quality Prints.

I Should Be Doing My Costume!!!!! @__@
I fell asleep in the evening just now and now can't sleep. And instead of sewing something, here I am surfing net. @__@

Anyhow, just want to bring up some interesting finds or refind. -__^

LOTR in Thailand and Doujinshi
Here's the webpage showing some LOTR Cosplayers/Costumers in Thailand. The Legolas is not bad, reminded me of Greenleaf aka the Taiwanese Legolas tho' I'm sure this one is a guy. o__O
The group's (ALVO) doujinshi is also the few in the world that comes in English or have English Translation Script I think.

Those big Headed dolls
Lookie lookie what meesa found! -__^ A photo album containing pictures of that dolls dress to be certain characters or celebrities.
I luv the Eowyn and Captain Jack Sparrow one the most. -__^


Anyhow, is it just me or Metamorphesis got a lot more LOTR Cosplay photos now. o__O

It Done! It's Over! And I'm Now Bankrupt Again! @__@
I went to Kelly Services this morning to take my pay for GeneFest. The pay was just SGD274.50 after CPF deduction so there is nothing to depend there. >__<

After cashing in the pay at DBS bank, I went to Raffles Hospital Cafeteria to have my Breakfast (Nescafe Cino) and Lunch (Yong Tau Foo & Iced Apple Tea). Tried to do some sketching of the Underdress of Arwen's BR Dress after eating. At 1.10pm, Fiona joined me there and after she had her lunch, we proceed to Arab Street to get my stuffs.

Gotten 5m of the cheapest (SGD2.50) Satin I can find at my usual Cloth Shop before going to the Trimming Shop. After discussing, I finally gotten that SGD190/7.8m Bullion & Beads Trimming, meant for my Arwen Cranberry Dress. There is now a HUGE hole in my wallet. >__<>must tell my seamstress precisely on how to do the trimming and pray hard her worker don't screw up!).

After that, as promised, I brought Fiona to Joo Chiat Complex to show her the range of cloths there and where I usually get my SGD1 mock-up fabrics. Tried to look for that Blue Vines Fabric I'm intending to use for Anárien's Rivendell Outfit for my Grandma but it's now sold out. Only left Spring Green and Cream Yellow so I didn't get them yet. After getting my Rapet Wangi & Kapsul Tuntas, Fiona said she'll like to go to Arts Friend to get some stuffs so we walked back to Paya Lebar MRT Station to go to Bugis.

At Arts Friends, Fiona tried out the pens she wanted to get while I look for some markers/pen I can use for my costume sketching. Settled one a 0.8mm Pen and 0.5mm/1.5mm Marker. Also saw some bottles I can use for some Harry Potter-like Potion Ingrediants Bottles but as usual, the thought of what box to use and the fact that they are "heavy" glass kept me from actually getting the bottles on the spot (other than I have a HUGE hole in my Wallet now >__< ). Well, my so called Harry Potter Potions Box can wait as I wouldn't need it till next year when GoF is released. -__^

After we had a drink and some sketching at McDonald later, we left for home and here I am typing away what I did today like some primary school kid....... o__O

Ps: I'm trying to do a Blog on my Progress of my Haldir Elven Archer Armor. It's at http://anarien.blogspot.com/ so now I'm doing the sidebar and typing the base materials I had gotten so far for the making of the Armor. Hopefully, I CAN complete this project by end of November. ^__^

From TORN....

Announcing The Sillymarillion by D.R. Lloyd
weetanya @ 1:44 pm EST 9-21-2004

Cold Spring Press is pleased to announce the release of the long-awaited parody to The Silmarillion – D.R. Lloyd's The Sillymarillion (ISBN 1-59360-025-9, $11.00, 168pp).

From the back cover:
Blasphemy! Heresy! Not since Bored of the Rings has there been such a blatant desecration of the sacred works of J.R.R. Tolkien! True fans of Middle-earth, rise up against this upstart and his distorted retelling of The Silmarillion. No self-respecting Dark Lord would ever enter a rapping competition, nor would beautiful elf-maidens ever behave like this! The greatest tragic love story in fantasy history was not made possible through the efforts of a ferret, nor were the great battles of the First Age covered by TV news crews! D.R. Lloyd’s The Sillymarillion dares to be the first and only – and therefore we can claim without contradiction – the funniest, most outrageous parody of the good professor’s great posthumous masterpiece.

The action begins in the land of Valium, an idyllic paradise, but now the tranquility has been shattered by the theft of the magical Siliputi by the Dark Lord Mostgoth. The King of the Neuter has vowed revenge and his people have rebelled against the gods themselves. Fleeing to the continent of Myrtle-earth in pursuit of their enemy, the Neuter become embroiled in a long and boring war.

The reader will encounter spoiled Elven princesses, cross-dressing gods, and rodents possessed by malevolent spirits, but these will all somehow seem strangely familiar...
[Order now from Amazon.com!]

I WANT IT!!!!! ^__^

Okay, fine! I haven't even read the first 2 Parody books of LOTR or even the Harry Potter one but I kept forgetting to buy it.

Will do that when I next go to a 2nd-Hand Bookstore or Borders or Kinokuniya or Times or MPH. -__^