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2024 Costume Project Review and Future plans

It's November and the year is rapidly drawing to a close. The hectic costume month of October has passed and now I'm taking stock of what I've done and what I have planned to do in the next year. It was very productive. 

2024 Costume Review 

Since adopting a new schedule for myself, I've found my projects making steady progress instead of sporadic updates.  

The 7 kimono project: This was an ambitious undertaking and I'm so pleased how it came together. I learned SO much in this process and hope to clear out room in my apartment to do a proper photoshoot. I do still intend to make zori for these outfits and some kanzashi out of the leftover fabric. 

Morticia Dance Costume: This came out so well! It also gave me some challenges and taught me things about fabric choice. It was perfect for the Halloween dance party. 

Updates to my Ballroom Gown: While I plan on making my own dress in the future I wanted to spruce up my comp dress with some rhinestones and a new necklace. 

Character Bounding, Rengoku Shawl: Again, happy I made steady progress and finished this. I wear it out a LOT. 

Polish Vest: I almost forgot to include this! This project had been on my backburner for SO long. But she's finally made. I do need to fix it a bit but I'll be ready again next year for the Multi-cultural fest. Unless I decide to wear a kimono instead. ;) 

2025 plans

This year I'm going to be a bit conservative with costume making. I no longer have an office Halloween party so that really does take the wind out of my sails for an excuse to make an elaborate costume. 

Sweater Knitting
I am so dang close to finishing the first Zelda body panel. I hope to start and finish the front panel this year and finally construct it. I don't think I'll make my original goal of finishing the sweater by Christmas. I will also resume knitting my 2nd Demon Slayer sweater with a different pattern than before. 

Crochet Mitsuri Poncho
I started it and intend to finish! 

Sew a New Ballroom Dance Costume
I have begun the design process for this. I'll make a blog post later about the current status. 

Sailor Scout Halloween
Since the only costume party I have for Halloween is with my dance school, my costume needs to be dance ready. A Sailor Scout fits the bill. But I will say this is not 100% guaranteed to be my costume this year. It is a strong contender though. 

Dance Showcase Costume (TBD)
If the dance school hosts this AND I participate, I plan on making or updating something for this. I don't know what the theme is currently and that will play a big role in costume choice. 

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