If you’re interested in participating in the Geek Out Challenge, read this post here! Each day I will be posting a question for that day for the next 30 days. When I reach day 31, I will release all 30 questions in a single post with links to all of my answers. Follow along each day with your own post or feel free to wait until the entire challenge has been released and take it on when you like! Be sure to link back to the master post at the end or link back to each post for each day.

Day 8 – What geeky hobby do you have?

I’ve talked a bit about some of my geeky hobbies already on the blog and even went into detail on Geek Out Challenge Day 5 when I reminisced on writing fan fiction on FanFiction.net. One of my favorite geeky hobbies (that I hope to put more time into next year) is cosplay! I cosplayed for the first time in 2015 as ALO Asuna Yuuki from the anime Sword Art Online. My amazing husband cosplayed with me as Kirito from the same anime.

The first time I cosplayed, I was so nervous about the whole thing. I worried I’d be judge for not making my own costume, that I’d get made fun of for being plus sized at the time, or worse, I’d feel unwelcomed in a place that welcomed other geeks. Those fears were quickly put to rest though when my husband and I hit the convention floor in our cosplays!

I have to admit, this [getting asked for photos] was one of the happiest moments I’ve had at a convention. One sweet lady stopped Alec and I, and said she had been looking everywhere for us; would we please take a picture with her. It gives you an instant ego boost to be asked for a picture. — A Geeky Gal

I was able to cosplay Asuna again a few other times, but wasn’t able to get any photos until last year when I attended Anime Senpai in IL. I went with my friend Gabby who owns and designed the awesome D.Va Spark you see in the photo above. She’s not a bad photo-taker either! Unfortunately, I had ordered a new wig that didn’t arrive in time for this convention so I rocked my natural hair; it didn’t seem to confuse anyone though, and I still got asked for photos!

I had lost weight since the last time I had photos taken in cosplay and it truly showed me how far I’ve come. When I ordered my cosplay costume from Ali Express, I was incredibly happy with the quality and price. The only problem was… my bust was too large for the costume. My grandmother is skilled with her sewing machine though and was able to add a panel in the back to give me a little more room.

The cosplay costume is pretty roomy now but still very comfortable (which is something everyone should think about when planning who or what to cosplay at a convention). I have one other cosplay that I have to take to a convention that I’d like to give another try now that I’ve lost some weight: provincial Belle from Beauty and the Beast! I have her blue dress, peasant top, and apron all ready to go. I still need a wig though.

Speaking of wigs, my Asuna Yuuki wig is here and needs to be cut and styled. For now, it rests on a wig head in my closet until I get the time to devote to it. I wish I had more solid plans for future cosplays and conventions. I have several cosplays I’d love to do like Monika from Doki! Doki! Literature Club, a casual Usagi from Sailor Moon, and Moka from Rosario + Vampire!

While cosplay has been on the back burner for awhile, it’s still one of my favorite geeky hobbies. It’s fun and doesn’t require you to be skilled with sewing if you’re down to buy a cosplay or get one commissioned. It’s also a super fun way to fly your geek pride flag high! If you’re looking for your own geeky hobby, you should check out this post!

Want to know more about cosplay and conventions?

• A Geeky Gal’s Fan Convention Guide: General Tips
• First Time Cosplaying: What to Expect
• A Geeky Gal’s Cosplay Guide: How to Cosplay for Beginners
• A Geeky Gal’s Cosplay Guide: Buying a Cosplay Online
• A Geeky Gal’s Fan Convention Guide: Frugal Food on the Run

What geeky hobby do you have? Let me know in the comments below OR take on the challenge yourself and link back to this post so I can see your answer!

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