Costume Fun with a Chronic Illness

My last several posts have had at least mentions of the fact that I have severe endometriosis, and have had several surgeries related to it in the last two years. I have talked about the impacts that the illness, treatments, and procedures have had on my life. As it stands, I am currently taking a break from pursuing my fashion degree, had to go from a pretty decent job to one that pays less but are more than willing to work with my physical capabilities, and came very close to backing out of the Summer in the City show back in June (I didn't). I also have had to pass or cancel on other events due to my health, including joining my husband for the annual SeaDog Nights and Gypsy Carnival pirate festival in Lebanon, Oregon, this past July. Being several months past surgery, being on a harsh treatment for the endometriosis, the nerve/back pain that forced me to leave my job...we just didn't think the time was right. 2016 is my year, though, starting with Matt wanting to treat a related event in March as my debutante ball.

One of my biggest obstacles with this, however, is costuming. I've already been having to deal with the pain in the ass of costuming while having issues with my weight. But now I have to figure in bloating, back/hip pain, swelling, medications, even surgery. Even now, eight months after surgery, certain items of clothing get worn rarely or not at all because they sit uncomfortably on one of my incision sites, and the nerve endings have yet to return normal feeling to my lower abdomen. I discovered at a friend's Halloween wedding that my underbust corset was the only thing keeping me standing without having to resort to a cane. Oh, and then there's the occasional need to use a cane now. Leggings and loose tops have become wardrobe staples. Heels can't be worn for very long if I'm constantly on the move. But there aren't many resources out there for cosplaying while broken. I mean, there's this one chick who's been putting herself out there, but how she addresses having to work her costumes around tubes and a wheelchair doesn't necessarily reflect how I need to address my own needs. I've already decided to work with higher waistlines to accommodate my belly on crappy days, but will still work with belts and corsets. I'm looking at designing my corsets to be adjustable to my abdominal status at the time of wear. Sleeves and skirts will have to be able to be restrained in the event I need to bust out the cane. And then there's the cane. The one I bought from the store for fifteen bucks to help me get back on my feet faster after my latest surgery certainly isn't piratey or steampunky, nor is it portable for when it's not in use, but on-hand just in case. I need to work in a way to have my pain meds on me and be able to safely take them when needed. I may look at maternity fashion in the 18th and 19th centuries for ideas, too.

I will, of course, share my findings and results here. And any suggestions are more than welcome.

Room Spray

If you like a delight burst of scent in your home, but don't want to use all kinds of chemicals, then I have an inexpensive and natural solution!

It's quite simple, really: herbal tea and several drops of essential oil in a spray bottle (mist setting). My favorite combination is chamomile tea and rose oil. Though, right now, I don't know where my rose oil is, so I'm using dragon's blood. I usually spray it into my curtains, furniture, and carpets, as well as the air. Occasionally, I use it on clothing, luggage, and anything to do with the cats. Plus, very cost effective. Especially if you're the type who grows their own herbs/flowers, and/or makes their own essential oils. Which gives me an idea...

Handmade Christmas

When I got married in 2008, I instantly became an aunt to 6 (don't quote me on that number--I may be off). While most were already adults or on the brink of adulthood, I still had my now 13 year old niece to dote on. Over the last few years, I've made her dresses, jewelry, and even a stuffed kitty. This year, however, I will be doing gifts for all three nieces (13, 4, and 4 months), and my first biological nephew (also 4 months).

The newly-minted teenager is not entirely difficult; she never really has been. I'll send her a handmade card with a picture and a cute pair of earrings (maybe two). The younger ones really got me thinking. What's okay for toddlers and infants? What's a big no-no? After walking around the mall with my sister and nephew looking at baby hats (or the lack of), I decided to do fleece winter accessories. Winter is long and cold in Oregon, so it just made sense.

Not being a parent myself, I posed a question to friends and family who are: are scarves okay for infants and tots? The response was varied from no (choking hazard) to yes (parental discretion). After discussing it with my sister, I decided on a mini quilt, a fleece cap, fleece mitts, and a fleece scarf for my nephew. I'm decided on caps for my little nieces (with mitts for the youngest), and currently waiting on a scarf answer from my brother-in-law.

***to be continued***

What kind of gifts do you usually do for children? I've been trying to draw ideas from my own childhood, but being a kid nowadays is a whole different story than those of us who were kids in the 80s and 90s. I also never really had winter until I moved to Oregon from Southern California, and I still have issues grasping winter wear for me, let alone people who are nearly three decades younger than me.