For those of you who don't know, I have a rather bizarre hobby. I like costumes. Actually, I've found out that it isn't that bizarre because (thanks to the internet) a lot of people seem to share the passion. It all started last year when I began completing a collection of doll clothes. I found out that there was a seamstress in Florida who makes life-size "Titanic" costume replicas. This was a very expenssive discovery. Since then I have collected Rose's Kimono, the "Flying Suit" (costumes tend to get knicknames) and I am anxiously awaiting the completion of my 100% silk "Swim Dress". I have also collected the jewlery and accessories to go with these costumes.

This is all well and good however, it makes for a rather expensive hobby.

I've always been fond of dressing up but I've had to rely on other people to sew for me because I don't know how. Last year when Fanny's Fabrics went out of business I bought a bunch of patterns for 50 cents each with the intent of teaching myself to sew but never got around to it.

Finally, the right motivation happened. I decided that I wanted one of the Eowyn costumes from "The Lord of the Rings". Sure enough there's a seamstress out there that specializes in these dresses but I realized that I really would rather spend my money on flying. I was sure that I had seen the pattern somewhere before so I started to dig through my 50 cent patterns. I had the pattern. I decided that it was time to start sewing.

I finished the dress tonight. It's not spectacular, I'm sure, but I'm damn proud that I've accomplished it.

The "Shield Madien" Costume from the Movie "The Return of the King":


Me in my version of the dress:


I'll still get the pro to work on my "Titanic" Collection...and of course there's the little matter of the seamstress who specializes in "Gone with the Wind" costumes (as God as my witness, I only want one of her replicas, I swear...maybe two) but I'm glad that I'm on my way to teaching myself to sew.

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