Let's lock it in

[JojiP]

Time and place: MegaCon 2009
February 27 - March 1st
Orange County Convention Center Hall SB
9899 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

The cosplay competition is always on a Saturday (2nd day) and allows
pre-registry (I WILL get us registered). Day one is for fun, pictures
and best of all - SHOPPING!! Anyone want to have fun with basic
cosplay, go for it (Lil' Lady and Star will have kimonos). Day 2
(cosplay day) will be busy; in by 930am for pre-judging of our group's
costumes and badging. The competition itself is 5pm-7pm, so we are
looking at a looooooooong day.
I need a lock-in from each group member attending as to their
character assignment so long as comfortable (more character pics are
available) as well as a commit from those who are using Diamond to do
their uniform (she WILL post this weekend with cost/measurements
needed from each). I will personally hunt Jen down at work for her
failure to join the site so far (she is committed by daily
conversation) and genitally "remind" her to participate. I have
started to print out the shoulder/hat badges and will confer with
Diamond as to a good backing material to transfer them to. Remember,
footwear is the responsibility of each member and I need to know who
wants to do props (paddles) so I can start hunting the materials.
Also, as we get closer, we will need to coordinate with the Fred's
family as to particulars. Anyone wants good research material, the
ARIA season one box set comes out this weekend. More to come as we
hammer out the details and looking forward to the group input. Our
inactive members are welcome to chime in if they have something to add
to the event also. Later!!

[JojiP]

Not certain if a few of our group members have had a computer outage
again since it seems to be quiet around here. As an update, the
uniform patches are complete as well as the shoulder chevrons also. I
ended up doing them as a heat transfer which will go to a stiff craft
backing to simulate a embroidered patch; it came out quite well I have
to say. Cost comparison - $17 for the whole batch compared to $400+
for the embroidered direction. I order to ensure we are all on the
same page for this convention as well as to start prepping props and
setting plans, I would like to here from everyone by Friday 03Oct08 if
possible as to their plans. If there are concerns, questions, gripes,
ect., this is the place and time to voice them. Also, if Fred and
Olivia will be using Inez for uniforms, please say so; Inez has
informed us that she will be starting college in Late Dec-Early Jan
and would prefer to have the uniforms done by December.

[Sarah]

Yes Fred and Olivia will be using Inez.

--
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

[JojiP]

Trying to get Inez to post, but shyness seems to get the best of
her.....
I'll try to get the info from her later this week and act as her voice
at that point. Some updates: Still working on a good, LOW COST
method of creating the front emblems for the uniforms. The size
prohibits home heat transfer kits and silk screening is out - way too
expensive. A local company will make heat transfers of any size and
any amount, but almost afraid to ask the cost. Please, anyone with
ideas, please contribute; this is a community group, not a
dictatorship or boardroom. I'm good, but can always use
recommendations and help where available; especially in trying to keep
the cost for the group down. Also, I've brought up the possibility of
a professional-style photo shoot in full cosplay and would like to
know if anyone else is interested. I have the capability to take the
photos, but now missing the equipment. One of my dogs knocked my
Canon off of my desk (LOL) and shattered the mirror assembly inside
the body - now looking at about $1000 for a decent replacement
(translation: not anytime soon). I have sent a letter to Disney
EPCOT asking permission to use the Italy World Showcase backdrop for
our shoot if others say yes - I will assume our chances equate to a
snowball in a certain location chances. If anyone else is interested,
PLEASE say so; and alternative shoot sites are highly welcome. And
finally, if anyone was curious, we DO have plans for Metrocon 09 so
far as a group concept and certain members are already on board, just
have had reasons for not bringing it to the group in general - mainly
concentrating on prepping for Megacon 09 . For the curious, Megacon
will actually occur 2 times this year - Feb and Aug. The Aug Megacon
is a mini-con and we have no intentions of cosplaying; but if there is
a desire to raid the con as a group, bring it up.
Later - And post...... Please!!

[i_m_c...@yahoo.com]

Hi Everyone,
Sorry i haven't been on til now. I want to let you know how much
i'm looking forward to this years megacon. I look forward to this
being my best cos challenges to date. I will be needing a few things
from the members who will be having me make thier uniforms. I need
measurements, because each uniform will be custom to each member. I'll
be able to send my chart for measurements that you by email. I tried
to add it to this message, but no luck. So if you would like to use my
services let me know so i can get the chart to you. I look forward to
hearing from you. My email is for this cos project is going to be
diamond_s...@yahoo.com drop be a line soican send out the chart.
As for cost it will be $55.00 per uniform which includes dress, cap,
and hat. If you have any questions let me know. Hope to hear from you
soon remember LIFE < & ANIME In BETWEEN > DEATH =) =) =)

[JojiP]

Quick update and note. After checking on all options, Inez and me
decided that the cost for heat transfer, silk screen or printing would
be too excessive, so I am working on a reusable template for each
outfit and I will use an airbrush kit to spray the design on. The
cost that Inez put forward is the complete price including emblems,
chevrons and the material - to help out on this initial run, we are
absorbing the cost of the material, emblem/chevron creation and
airbrushing into the overall cost without passing it on. Jen, one of
the members in this group effort, has not been able to post as her
computer has been fried and probably will not be restored for a few
months with costs as they are; but she is fully in play with the ARIA
shot. 2 other members, Lil' Lady and BlackStar (my children) have
not posted as they usually have schedules that are quite full and by
the time they are done, they need to get sleep.
I'm not certain why there seems to be a hesitance to post or
participate in the discussions, but this is a GROUP; we need
everyone's input on current actives, future plans, concepts, ideas and
just friendly banter in general. By the end of October, I need to
know that everyone here is on board with the group concept and is
minimally on board with the ARIA concept. Confirmed members include
Alice, me, Jen, Lil'Lady, BlackStar and Diamond Seamstress for ARIA
and currently active and participating. Not participating in ARIA,
but active (and will join in for Metrocon 09) are Talley and Boonie
(Brunie). Our current inactive members include Melodii, Toni, and, I
apologize, do not know the 3rd - they currently live outside of FL and
will join us sometime in the future. Our 2 members in question are
Fred and Olivia, we saw initial posts but then you vanished. If there
are concerns, questions, parental concerns - please post. As a father
of 2, I can understand careful consideration.

[JojiP]

I appear to have become the group mouthpiece (LOL) and bringer of
news. On a serious note, we received a message from Fred and Olivia
that due to personal commitments, they will likely not be able to
attend Megacon 09 at this time. While sad to see them lost for ARIA/
Megacon 09, we wish them the best at whatever has called them away
from the convention and look forward to their participation at a later
point.. On a lighter point, now accepting applications for 2
characters............