Why Nagi?
Nagi was an earlier project of mine that was simple enough, but long delayed in finishing due to my inexperience and ignorance of fabric capabilities. It was eventually finished though, and all in all, came out rather cute! I wouldn't mind to remake the top, since now it should come much MUCH easier to me, hahaha.
I first heard of the show when looking at different Nendoroid models online, and saw Nagi's figure and thought it was just the cutest thing! I started watching the show and became somewhat hooked. Although I enjoyed the show, it is not one I recommend to others. It's sort of a weird series with no real plot or direction, but the cuteness and humor kept me interested!
Costume Stats
Started: March 2011
Completed: June 2012
Status: active
Wig by: Cosplay-Wig
Worn at: AnimeWorld Indy 2012
Awards: Best Advanced- AnimeWorld Indy 2012
About This Costume
A lot of learning and mistakes happened with this outfit. The top was impossible to put on, because I did not check to see if it was a 4-way stretch (it was 2-way), and I had laid it the wrong way. I later fixed this by installing a side zipper, but even then I did not install a long enough one, so it is still a struggle to put on! Once I'm in it, it's all good, though, it's pretty comfy actually.
The first skirt I made was out of a knit fabric. Naturally, that doesn't work so well for pleated skirts, so it was a failure, and I did not finish my costume for Anime Central 2011 as planned. I picked it up a year later and with new skills and knowledge, made a new skirt, added the accessories to the wig, and the details to the top, and I even made my own wand!
The wand is made of a dowel rod, poster board and CDs (for the round part), art board, model magic, scrapbooking paper, acrylic gems, and polyester lining for the shige (paper ribbons). I think the prop is what helped me to win an award with this otherwise simple costume. It is actually my favorite prop to this day, because of how ridiculous and cute it is!
Why Zange?
Zange was actually one of the first pieces I made (mostly) following a commercial pattern and knowing what I was doing. The collar got a bit messed up, but overall, it came out fairly successful. I even used slash-spread technique to make my own puff sleeves!
I chose to do Zange because it seemed like a simple fun project, and although extremely obscure, I sometimes get nostalgic of a time when almost everyone's outfits seemed obscure, but we all took pictures of each other anyways, because it was fun and a good time! Nowadays, I doubt anyone would care much for a photo of this outfit, being so simple and unknown, haha. But that's never stopped me before!
Costume Stats
Started: July 2013
Completed: August 2013
Status: active
Wig by: Cosplay-Wig
Worn at: MatsuriCon 2012, SugoiCon 2012
Awards: none
About This Costume
For Zange, I used and altered a simple shift dress pattern. I added my own godet pleats, collar, puff sleeves, and sleeve cuffs to the outfit. It was all done in black and white peach skin, and has a center back zipper.
The crosses were bought from Hobby Lobby and then altered by me to be necklace and hair pieces. The wig was bought online, and cut and styled by me. Shoes and socks were bought from a store, like Macy's or Sears or something, haha.
