Cosplay Updates for Otakon 2012

So, sorry for the lack of updates. I have been very busy, the semester is coming to a close and my work is doubling by the minute with final projects, tests, etc. I am extremely excited about finishing up this semester and getting to work on cosplays. I am still on the job hunt. Every weekend I go home it seems like I fill out another job application. It is difficult to find a job in this economy currently--even simple summer jobs unfortunately. However, I believe that I will find one. It is just a matter of time.

Oh! I forgot to mention my sis won in the icon contest along with two other people! Thanks everyone who voted!!!

Some people like to keep their upcoming cosplays a secret. However, I don't really like keeping secrets like that. I would rather tell what I am cosplaying so that way, if other cosplayers have any suggestions or tips they can offer them. For Otakon 2012 we will be cosplaying:

Serei no Moribito

Balsa (myself) and Tanda ()


Castle in the Sky or Laputa

Sheeta (My little sis) and Pazu (her best friend)


Fate/Stay Night

Saber (myself) (Excalibur not Caliburn)
Shirou Emiya ()
Rin Tohsaka (My little sis)

We are not going to overload ourselves with cosplays, I would love to make three cosplays for myself, but that is not at all possible with my limited amount of time and experience. Maybe someday I can get to that point, but for now that won't be possible.

The Saber armor, sword, and apron for the dress are going to be completely re-done! Oh! I can't forget, I am also re-doing the wig. New wig woohooo!!! I am excited and a bit apprehensive for starting this project. I am still undecided on what materials I will be using. For those of you who have any suggestions for Saber's armor or how you personally might do the armor PLEASE COMMENT WITH IDEAS. In what little spare time I have I have been researching on the internet of different methods and the like. I am also open to any ideas on how to go about making Excalibur in the best way possible. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE IDEAS ARE WELCOME!!!!

Balsa's cosplay will not be that difficult to do I imagine. I am purchasing a mandarin dress pattern since that closely resembles her outfit.
The simple white pants are also not a concern of mine. However, Balsa has particularly strange shoes: drusillah.files.wordpress.com/…
(You can kind of see her shoes in this picture)
Another concern of mine is her spear, not the spear head itself or the staff part which it is connected too, but the support below the blade of the spear. The shape has a strange cone like or cylindrical shape to it. I have no idea how I am going to make this (refer back to the previous link for image of spear). I have seen some lovely spears here on DA however, a few people had access or experience in working with a laythe. Unfortunately, I do not. Haha, so input would be appreciated.

For Sheeta's costume I plan on making a simple-puffed sleeve shirt and taking my puffed Arabian dancer pants pattern and using that for her orange puffy pants.
Simple. Why couldn't I pick more simple cosplays !?!?!?! *head desk*

Well, I should really start some homework. I have been procrastinating all day. So unhealthy!