Titan Hunter, To the Rescue!

My kids love the Attack on Titan anime series. Both of my daughters think of Mikasa Ackerman as the ultimate hero. So I was not surprised when my oldest girl wanted to create a cosplay of her. What did surprise me, was how involved my daughter chose to be in making it herself. And that is what made me the proudest!

She even purchased the foamboard pieces herself. Then measured out the parts she wanted glued together to make the ODM (omni-directional mobility) gear. Empty, clean Pringles chips cans made the gas canisters on top. Cut strips of faux leather made the straps that her belt could go through to hold the gear to her hips. She also cut the blades for the ODM and put slots into the box that the blades could slide in and out of with ease!

A little boy at the comic convention we went to, was absolutely thrilled to see her ODM gear!! It was an adorable moment. His dad just smiled and tried to pull him along so they could continue down the vendor aisle. 

She pulled out a pair of jeans and her boots - this was all done pretty short-notice, so she was working with what she had. Then she put on a plain white tank top. Now for those details up top. She took a thin belt and put it across her chest. Over that she had a jean jacket. To make sure it was noticeable that she was with the Training Corps, she had me print out the emblem they use so that she could draw her own!

This, we sewed to the back of her jacket so that she could later remove it. Since this is a jacket that she uses often and eventually she wanted to create a more authentic Mikasa cosplay, we wanted this to be temporary. 

She even cut and hemmed the skirt-like piece that went around her waist. Now, for that last crucial piece - the red scarf. If she had the time, I would have had her crochet it. But we were running short on time. So I had her cut an old shirt of mine instead. It wasn't finished, as in with a nice hem and even lines, but it still looked fantastic and even made her look as though she was battle-scarred a bit. 

I can't tell you how proud I was to have people recognize my daughter and congratulate her on her creation! Even one of the guys at the Cosplayers table praised her ingenuity. 

Her sister was equally dressed up as a Jurassic World Dino Caretaker! She wore her classic Jurassic Park tee-shirt, some leggings and booties, the badge I had made her for her birthday, and best of all - her two baby dinosaurs in a bag! She found others who shared her passion and was so happy to be able to take a picture with them. The lady on the left was wearing a Jurassic Park jacket.

And of course, I dressed up too! After all, I lead by example and never let a chance to become a character I love pass me by. Meet the time traveling pirate. I even had fake gems I had planned to hand out (but I spaced and totally forgot to!).

If we are able to, I'd love to go back in March. My husband, however, really wants to go to a bigger one. While this one was pretty neat, it was also a small-town con. Most of the vendors were 'cookie cutter' sellers. Basically, everyone had pretty the same things to sell as other vendors there. Very few were original. We shall see what the new year holds! In the meantime, I promise that I will keep you updated with new creations.