June 2006 Update

Greetings,
Holy cow! I just looked at the last update and realized I am waaaayyy overdue. My bad, but some of you can take partial credit – for keeping me so busy with events and orders that I haven’t had a chance to write!
March and April were spent in the Northwest, starting with Anime Oasis in Boise. This was one of the highest energy cons I have attended – halls were crowded and cosplay was everywhere. Next I spent some time in Pasco WA but came down with a stomach bug that carried over into Sakuracon. Sakuracon was a new experience at the Washington State Convention Center. You definitely want to be in good physical condition for this one but it is worth it for the tremendous dealers displays and the beautifully detailed costumes. Award for the weekend goes to the hardy souls who staffed the booths on either side of the dance game demo! The demos ran continuously with ever-changing wannabes and never-changing music. We were far enough away to enjoy the spectacle without being able to hear it over the roar of the crowd. Our new coolie hats, dragon hats, parasols and kung fu fans were seen adorning a wide range of anime niaks. Huge thanks to Tim, Kaia and Lela – the champions in the Seams Like Magik booth through a KeystoneKop style load-in and an ailing Jane during the weekend. Highlights included eavesdropping on an argument in a booth of 20-somethings over who kicked the most butt – Captain Malcolm Reynolds or Jack Bauer. Well, duh, definitely Mal – he’s sneakier for one thing. And cuter. Did I mention tight pants?
After Sakuracon came a much-needed rest and sewing break back in Pasco. Fortification for our first Norwescon! If you have never been to Norwescon, start your planning now. Loads of fun, something like 8,000 fans of ALL ages. panels, dealers, video, more, and more. And of course the obligatory Washingtonian trips to Tully’s or Starbucks. Plan to arrive early and park. And stay parked. By Saturday, every lot within a couple of miles of the Seatac hotel was full. Saw lots of old friends, made some new friends, including a medal-winning adult figure skater. Many thanks to the rotating booth crews of Brian/Shannon and Liz/Micah. Brian worked long and hard but evened the score by serenading us with electronic wands in stereo.
Starcon followed fast on Norwescon so we sprinted for home through the rain for Denver’s premier SF media event. The booth was visited by a most excellent Jack Sparrow and Badger, both of whom admired our thigh high leather boots. I searched the dealers’ room thoroughly but could not find a life-size Mal Reynolds doll. My sister Laura, who helped me in the booth, thinks I am becoming obsessed, but I classify it as “a healthy interest”.
May slowed down a little with Opus Fantasy Arts Festival in Denver (lots of old friends) and Conduit (some old, many new friends) in Salt Lake City. Kilts are slowly catching on in Denver and Opus gave me the chance to use “expelliarmus!” on students from the Academy of Magic. Corset orders shot up in May – delivery of custom corsets is now into September! While re-ordering brocaded silks to meet the demand, new brocades in blues and golds were added. Stop by and check out the fabric samples next time you see us!
Whew, almost caught up to the present. June took us to Uprising XX(SCA Barony of Thousand Eyes) in the mountains of Idaho. I settled in for a relaxing weekend of catching up with details and people, some henna and a little filking or belly dance. But we had black felt hats! And boots! And cloaks and shirts! Linen chemises! Fans, parasols! They slogged through the rain and sauntered in the sun to buy. I did find time to get an awesome double dragon henna from Malynda at Hand of Fatima. Good news for Denver – Malynda, Mani and Amanda are again bringing henna to MileHiCon this fall. Treasure Cast was there and I took the opportunity to stock up on pewter clasps, buttons and buckles, including several new designs.
Being a glutton for punishment, I have also been supporting a complete remake of the Seams Like Magik website. You may soon be seeing a totally new look – new server, graphics, layout, photos and “more”. My web design crew is going to give me easier access for schedule and blog updates and you will have better access to us and our products.
We are in Pasco WA now, prepping for Ye Merry Greenwood Faire this weekend. The forecast is sunny and hot and we have lots of new items. Come see us at the Faire and treat yourself with a ruffled skirt or a flapping dragon hat!
Below is a list of our upcoming events and travel. If you would like more information on parties or events, or would like to find out if we carry a special item you are looking for, please email us at SeamsLikeMagik@aol.com or call us at 303-549-7568 (10 AM-10PM Mountain time).
SCHEDULE AND TRAVEL
June 6-11 Uprising War, SCA, Ririe, Idaho http://uprisingwar.org/
June 24-25 Ye Merry Greenwood Faire, Richland, Washington http://greenwood_players.home.comcast.net/
July In Colorado, watching the World Cup Finals. And sewing. Heck, maybe even catch up on sleep.
August 5-6 Washington Renaissance Fantasy Festival, Gig Harbor, Washington
August 12-13 Washington Renaissance Fantasy Festival, Gig Harbor, Washington
August 19-20 Washington Renaissance Fantasy Festival, Gig Harbor, Washington
Enjoy your summer! The longest day is just past and life is short. Come visit our booth or call me.