Are you a cosplayer or are interested in making a costume? It can be difficult to design your own costume to match a character, especially if you want your costume to be unique. I can help! As an experienced cosplayer, costume maker and sewist, I will advise you on how to finish your project.

Together we discuss ideas and brainstorm solutions for DIY (do-it-yourself) costumes. For example: 

- DIY or buy premade? How to budget for your costume and know when to spend! 
- Wig maintenance and alternatives
- Help with makeup
- Customizing clothes with fabric paint 
- How to use EVA foam for armor and accessories 
- Winning costume contests: what are judges looking for? (I've won several, and have judged some too!)
- Taking pics & videos of your work, social media safety tips 

Students with experience in sewing will get help designing their cosplay outfit and/or accessories by meeting and discussing our project ideas. Together we will learn how to design a costume by reviewing and dissecting the different parts of a sewn garment (bodice, pants, skirt, etc), and then discuss the specific sewing skills and materials you will need for each piece. 

For this lecture-based session, students will be interviewed before and at the beginning of class to settle on a costume choice (upon enrollment, please enter the classroom and respond to the welcome post). After a 20-minute presentation we will discuss ideas and suggestions for their specific costume and together we will come up with a plan and/or pattern. If the costume is very detailed and/or they want to add more than the basic design, you might consider signing up for private lessons with me here: 
https://outschool.com/classes/private-creative-arts-monthly-tutoring-with-ms-astrid-RtSxHjVy#usyseUXeJy

In addition to the live class, students 
also have access to the classroom page, where they cann upload a picture of their completed cosplay when they are done!

Another feature of this class is a free printable cosplay planner. Cosplayers can use this handy checklist to organize their materials, record their measurements and plan their next convention/event. The 11-page printout is optional, but if printed in advance I can assist learners with filling out the planner. I will also recommend additional resources, such as free apps and websites that cosplayers find helpful.

If you are interested in sewing most of all of your costume, it helps to be familiar with you sewing machine and know the basics of sewing. If you have never sewn anything before, please consider signing up for my KidSew flex classes (beginner, intermediate and advanced), which will give you the skills you will need for making clothing and costumes. If you're unsure about your skills, please feel free to contact me to discuss which class is best for you. 

KidSew class:
https://outschool.com/classes/kidsew-beginner-to-intermediate-sewing-course-9baHZ3w5?usid=yseUXeJy&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link

Classes will be kept small in order to give each student personalized attention. I like to keep our sessions energetic and upbeat, focusing on having fun! Since each learner will be working on their own project and not making the same costume, there is no need to compare results or skills. Students can encourage one another and offer suggestions, advice and helpful opinions. I'm looking forward to sewing with you!