We don’t just build cosplay wigs for our clients and attend cons for work, we also happen to really enjoy it ourselves. One of the great things about dressing up and going to events is the chance to meet cool people. For several years now we have had the chance to both work with and become friends with a cosplayer and costumer, Sewcialist Revolution (@Sewcialist_Revolution), who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia.

We had a chance to ask Natasha some questions about her experience with (and love of) costuming and cosplay and here’s what we found out. 

 

How long have you been cosplaying?

     I made a Ren Faire costume when I was 13, but I really started making costumes in 2001.

What got you started?

     My brother and I have been Star Wars fans since we were kids. We decided to save our money and go to Star Wars Celebration II (he was 16 and I was 19.) I made a handmaiden outfit, which was pretty terrible looking back on it, however, there were thousands of incredible costumers there and I was very inspired. A few months later, I made friends with the local 501st garrison and I got involved with that. A few years later, when my spouse I were dating in college, we started making costumes together.

What are your favorite events to attend?

     Cons are fun (Dragon Con being my favorite), but honestly, I will put on a costume for just about any reason. I like getting carried away with a theme. Harry Potter quiz at the bar? Yes, I will wear a costume to that. Addams Family Thanksgiving with my relatives? Yep, let’s wear costumes for that, too.

What is your favorite part of cosplay?

        I love sharing this hobby with my spouse. It started with me talking her into working on Boba Fett armor in 2004 and she got hooked.

What do you find most challenging?

     Fabric hunting. I can spend months and months trying to search for the right fabric. Pinterest has made things a lot easier. I can organize my projects on there and keep my reference photos and links to fabrics all in the same place. I pride myself on sourcing screen accurate fabrics when possible. You have to budget a lot and plan for those bigger purchases, but it’s a fantastic feeling to know you’re wearing the real thing.

What is your favorite cosplay you’ve done?

     Bellatrix Lestrange. I think it’s the costume I have worn the most over time, even if it’s not the most intricate or challenging thing I’ve made. Potter fans are the best fans.

Do you have a favorite Fandom?

     It’s a tie between Harry Potter and Star Wars.

Do you like to attend events in your general region, or do you travel further afield?

     We have very little in the way of decent cons here, but I find opportunities to wear costumes anyway. I don’t mind traveling sometimes. I’m going to D23, which is the huge Disney convention in California this summer. I’ve been to a convention in London and we go to Atlanta every year for Dragon Con. I dream of going to historical balls, but I’m not serious enough for those people. I admire what they do and what they create as reenactors.

Do you have a dream project? If so, what is it and do you plan to try and make it a reality one day?

 Captain Hook, the Dustin Hoffman version. I’m obsessed. I have a real brass replica of the hook and I need to get my act together and make the rest of the costume. Custom Wig Company will definitely be making my wig and facial hair, of course.

Natasha’s love of dressing up also spurred her to found Harleyville, PA based Snow Royals,  a professional princess party company with friendly actors ready to entertain at your next party or event!