it makes me sad that my high school only has one fashion design class, so there's only a limited amount of kids that can take it each semester. i would have liked to take the class if only for some hands0on experience with an experienced teacher, but there simply wasn't enough room for me. i wish our arts department got more funding, it really is important that we have an opportunity to learn how to create. ah, well...

two years ago, i asked my mom to teach me to sew, because the anime convention was only two months away and i REALLY wanted to cosplay (costume play)as my then-favorite character. if you've never been to a convention, it's amazing. nearly EVERYONE comes in costume, and nearly all of them make their own costumes. the level of craftsmanship is staggering. the masquerade (costume contest) is the biggest event, and the sheer level of effort and time put into the costumes, every intricate and superfluous detail, was enough to put a casual sewer like me to shame. anyway, i asked mom to teach me, and she did, helping me draft a pattern using a dress i already had, and then let me go from there. now, in hindsight, i really shouldn't have waited until two months beforehand to start, but it actually came out amazingly well for my first project. now i'm gearing up for my third convention, my skills have improved significantly, and (if i may say so)i think my skill level may be getting closer to the pros of the masquerade. when i showed mom my cape, she accused me of being obsessed, however...