Thanks for the compliments. Ringo was always my favorite Beatle.
Costume-Con is really a great experience. The costume creativity rivals the prop making creativity on this board. One costume I particularly remember from the Friday night social was a wolf in a suit and top hat carrying a menu from Lee Ho ***'s. (A free internet for whoever gets that reference.)
There are four contests over the weekend. Purchased costumes are not allowed in the contests. In addition, you aren't supposed to wear a "contest" costume during the day. The contest/masquerade is supposed to be the first time the judges see your costume. Some of the anime costumers didn't follow that "rule". :unsure
For the single pattern contest, contestants are given the choice of two commercial patterns. (This year was a Western duster and a ladies Renaissance dress.) Then people do thier interpretation of that pattern. You can modify the pattern pretty heavily.
There is also a future fashion portfolio contest. People submit designs and back stories for future/fantastical costumes. The designer can reserve their design and make the costume themselves or other costumers can sign up to make one of the designs. There was a bridal gown made of bubble wrap and paper towels and an absolutely beautiful dress made of black window screen.
One night is devoted to the Sci-Fi/Fantasy masquerade. Best in show was a steampunk group - "Destination Libation." The more advanced costumers integrate lights, props, masks, etc into their costumes. One group even had a Graflex camera and flash.
Another night is reserved for the Historical masquerade. There are two categories in Historical - recreation and interpretation. Interpretation might be a Betsy Ross in a colonial dress made of all the flag prints you find in a store close to July 4. Recreation demands period correctness from the skin out. You are advised that during workmanship judging the judges will be "looking down your bodice and up your address." People can win awards for their underwear.
There are also panels (I learned how to bleach goose feathers to make them look like eagle feathers and how to be able to tell the Department of Natural Resources the difference between the two so you don't get arrested), workshops, a doll contest, a quilting contest, drinking, and general hanging out.
The convention is held in various cities each year. Next year is Milwaukee, the year after that in New Jersey. It really is worth the trip.
Edited to add - many of the attendees put their photos on Flickr with the tag cc27.
thumbsup:thumbsup
