I was working on some patterns for my Wonder Girl armor and decided to take a break. I’m having trouble with that. Instead I’ve been playing with the felt to work out the Pteryges. I started with the standard felt 9×12. First try was 3 inch wide. Too wide. The next try was 2 inches. I like that better. By my math I’ll need about 18 strips. It was still a little off so I tapered the ends a bit. The 12 inches is too short as well. Maybe 16 inches in length will work. I like the lacing test. With any luck the felt and ribbon will become leather and leather.

It’s time I share one of my favorite internet videos with all of you. During holiday shopping in December, I loaded it onto an Apple Store iPod. Teehee.

Costume + Music = Awesome Dancing Fun.

The incredible dancing storm trooper is DannyChoo.com. Isn’t it neat how random folks join in the fun? More people should dress up and dance in the streets…

After all, summer’s here and the time is right. I imagine it would result in an increase of 48 hour commitments, heh. I say go for it! In fact, I’ll give some sort of prize to the best costumed dancer sent in to me@thatcostumegirl.com. The video needs to be of you or have you as the cameraperson. If it is not you dancing, please give the name of the person and proof of their permission.

Need some more Trooper inspiration? Here ya go: With Darth Vader, Looking for Droids, and Caramel Dancer.

Get your cameras and get dancing. A prize is waiting (I’ll think of something). Oh, here’s one more for the road.

June is a few days away. Other than the Summer reading programs starting, there are a few days you should know.

1. June 4: Old Maid’s Day. No, you don’t play Old Maid all day. This day has its roots in post-WWII society dances. All the women left behind needed to find husbands. In the spirit of VA socials, don your best 40s dress and have a swingin’ dance. I love Pin Up Girl Clothing.

2. June 13: Sewing Machine Day. I guess this day is to remind you that you have costumes to make. Get sewing!

3. June 15: Father’s Day. Don’t forget to celebrate your dad. He might get a kick out of you wearing some of his old attic clothes. Dad as a enlisted man. Dad as an 80s rocker. Dad as a letterman. Dad going to work. Have fun and make him smile.

4. June 14: World Jugglers’ Day. Practice your juggling skills: scarves (easy!) or balls. If you already know how juggle, wear a clown or silly outfit and entertain the neighborhood kids…and adults. Ride your unicycle to really impress them!

5. June 20: Ice Cream Soda Day. I love ice cream sodas. Love! This is a great excuse to have a soda shop party. Ask everyone to wear 50s costumes. Serve sodas and sundaes and play great jukebox music.

6. June 27: Sunglasses day. Wear sunglasses of course! The bigger, sillier, and more extravagant the better. Even wear them at night.

7. June 29: Camera Day. Keep your camera with you all day. When you see something pretty or eye-catching, take a picture. I have a special request: take a picture of your favorite costume and send it to me. I’ll add it to the gallery for everyone to enjoy.

Other important June days to remember are Flag Day (14th), Juneteenth (19th), and Midsummer (20th). Check your community calendar for Juneteenth celebrations and activities. Often you will find parades and block parties that need festive costumed people.

Check out my new Mod Chic costume. It came with the dress, headband, and groovy glasses.

Sometimes it’s just easier to buy a costume than mess with making one. And this one is fun!

They also have a brightly colored purple dress. I’m going to try that one next week. Don’t forget to check back and see how it looks.

Oh dear, what day is it? I seemed to have lost 48 hours.

I’ve put together a list of conventions taking place from Memorial Day to Labor Day. This list is by no means comprehensive. I’ve even included a few non U.S. events…Supernova would be my international choice if I had lots of money.

Sailor Scouts at Anime North

May 23-25
Animazement: Durham, NC
Fanime Con: San Jose, CA
Florida Super Con: Weston, FL
Chronicles of Conduit: Salt Lake City, UT
Anime North: Toronto, Canada
Saboten-Con: Phoenix, AZ

May 30-Jun 1
A-Kon: Dallas, TX
Wizard World Philly: Philadelphia, PA

May 31
Boston Cosplay Picnic: Boston, MA

June 6-8
Otaku Omaha: Omaha, NE
OMG Con: Paducah, KY

June 13-15

Heroes Con

Anime Mid-Atlantic: Arlington, VA
Adeventure Con: Knoxville, TN
EPACO8: El Paso, TX

June 20-22
Heroes Con: Charlotte, NC
Supernova Pop Culture Expo: Sydney, New South Wales

June 26-29
Supernova: Perth, Western Australia
Wizard World Chicago: Chicago, IL

July 3-6
Gen Con Oz: Brisbane, Queensland
Anime Expo: Los Angeles, CA
ConVergence: Bloomington, MN
PortCon Maine: Portland, ME

Bats, Supergirl, Batgirl at Comic Con

July 18-20
Metro Con: Tampa, Fl
Ikasucon: Ft Wayne, IN
Wonder Fest: Louisville, KY

Jul 24-27
Comic Con: San Diego, CA

Aug 1-3
Mini Con: Tulsa, OK
Mechacon: Lafayette, LA
Kakoi Con: Minneapolis, MN
Spo Con: Spokane, WA
Ani-Com & Games: Hong Kong

Aug 6-10
Denvention: Denver, CO
Otakon: Baltimore, MD (Aug 8-10)

Aug 29-Sep 1
Dragon Con: Atlanta, GA
PAX: Penny Arcade Expo: Seattle, WA

These conventions and events primarily cover anime, science fiction, comic books, and video games. Actors, writers, stunt players, artists and will be on hand to sign autographs, take pictures, and answer questions. Don’t forget to wear a costume. Have fun!