It's been awhile.
My tunic arrived, but there were some issues. I wanted olive green and she made black. Not a big issue, but oh well. I guess my brain reasoned that the pictures were all dark, but after getting it I'm like it's definitely black.
There are a few other issues, one my fault: I gained weight. -_-
It needs another pocket for the code cylinder.
That's about it.
I also have come to the realization that my custom riding boots, actually suck for riding. They had been resized and still just were uncomfortable. I finally realized what the problem is and it's the edge of the back of the boot. It's too high. It's suppose to support (I'm guessing) the back of your foot and hit right about where your foot bends (it's hard for me to explain), but it's far too high for me. I'm not sure if Dehner will re-do them, but I guess I can always ask.
Since I lost some weight I think I'm going to start the search for boots to ride in and my custom boots will be for trooping. These boots cost more than my tunics. So I need to get my money worth.
I bit the bullet and ordered from a lady who is known to make 501st approved tunic. No chances the second go around.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
My Uniform
Nancy from Akino Atelier is finished with my Imperial Officer uniform. She was about to send it off, but I noticed a small little thing. She sewed the seam where the code cylinders go shut. In the example pic I sent her it did look like a closed seam. But I think it looks pretty darn awesome.
Once I get my uniform I'll send it off to the 501st to try and get in. yay!
I ordered my code cylinders. My friend is going to see if she can make my rank bar. I decided on Captain. So I'm going to order the materials soon.
I'm going to use my custom Dehners for right now. They haven't been getting much action since I've taken a break from showing. Plus really can't afford another pair of boots at the moment. I need a new show helmet.
Dragon*Con
I believe I heard about Dragon*Con when I was in high school. My friends had introduced me to anime conventions. While I do enjoy a few anime shows I have always been more of a Star Wars nerd. There are so many anime conventions in Virginia and Maryland that it was always easier to attend anime conventions.
In college I didn't have the money to spend on going to Georgia. My first few years employed in my big girl job didn't lend to extra money with paying off loans and the car.
So finally after a decade of wanting to go, I finally did.
I had a blast. I meet some folks from the 501st. Did a crazy thing called light speed dating, drank, made new friends, met Timothy Zahn, Faith Hunter, and a few other authors, remet Sherilyn Kenyon, and sat in some awesome panels.
That's the really abbreviated version of the weekend.
I'm definitely going to make it a yearly thing. Saturday night I realized that I hadn't thought about my horse one bit. I'm always doing something horse related, it was a nice thing to just totally take a break from work (which has been insane) and the horses.
I think my favorite part of the weekend was just talking to people. I talk to so many different people. I had a conversation with people on the subway asking about the convention. I had conversations with folks at the convention about all different things. I think my job makes me so bitter sometimes it was nice to have decent conversation with another human being.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Aigle Boots
Aigle Boots have been becoming popular in recent years. I have no experience with them, so I can only type what I can see by their description.
They aren't real leather. They have two different types that could be suitable for trooping.
Start-$129.99
They say there are 6 different calf sizes. But looking at them I don't think they go very very big for a super wide calf. But take a gander at their sizing chart and find out your measurements.
The other model is the Ecuyer. It retails at $189.99 (though I often see them selling for $169-179).
Maybe they can work with you. Aigle Boots
Summer Sales
There are two prime times that equine stores usually try to clean out their inventory, late winter into early spring, and late summer into early fall. Like most retail stores they're clearing out the seasonal items to make way for the next season items. Plus in the springtime they're usually going to showcase the newest show gear for the next season.
Boots always tend to be on sale during these sales. So if you have a local tack shop you may want to get on their mailing list and see what sort of deals may pop up during the season.
My friend recently went to the Dover Tent Sale and scored a pair of Ariat tall boots for $75. Now the cheapest tall boot Ariat makes I think is in the mid-$200s, so this was a great steal.
Boots always tend to be on sale during these sales. So if you have a local tack shop you may want to get on their mailing list and see what sort of deals may pop up during the season.
My friend recently went to the Dover Tent Sale and scored a pair of Ariat tall boots for $75. Now the cheapest tall boot Ariat makes I think is in the mid-$200s, so this was a great steal.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Tall Boots-$39.95
Classic Saddlery close out deals.
They have Devon-Air Dress Boots.
http://www.classicsaddlery.com/closeouts/ridingclothing.htm
DevonAire Dress Boot-Leather no zipper Size 6XW 15 3/4" calf 18" height
DevonAire Dress Boot-Leather no zipper Size 8.5 W 15 3/8" calf 18 1/2" height
They have Devon-Air Dress Boots.
http://www.classicsaddlery.com/closeouts/ridingclothing.htm
DevonAire Dress Boot-Leather no zipper Size 6XW 15 3/4" calf 18" height
DevonAire Dress Boot-Leather no zipper Size 8.5 W 15 3/8" calf 18 1/2" height
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tools of the Trade
Tools of the Trade
Putting on boots can be an ordeal. You’d think that this finely crafted piece of leather would slide on as smooth as a glove. But sometimes putting on boots (as well as removing them) is like giving birth to a child. There’s a whole lot of pain, blood, sweat, tears, but when they are finally on (or off) a great sense of rejoice. If they fit. ;)
I got my first pair of boots when I was 12. I had taken lessons for about 3 years before the horse show bug bit me. I was content just riding at first, but those pretty ribbons get addicting after a while. So in order to succeed I needed the tools of the trade. I was much too old to stay in jodphurs and paddock boots so off I went to Double L Tack Shop in Stafford, VA.
Your first pair of tall boots is likening to your first car. I remember walking into the store and told the clerk I need to get my first pair of tall boots. She got excited and off we went to the boot section.
So the clerk pulls out these important –must have- tools:
*Socks
*Boot Pulls
Optional Tools
*Baby Powder. (Can help make it easier to slide boots on and off.)
*Boot spray.
When you first try to pull on your boots you should be wearing your breeches and your pair of stretchy socks. See Zocks post for more information. If you’re uniform is still being made wear something similar to breech material like maybe yoga pants or something stretchy (but not grippy)
Your boots should have these little tabs inside the boots (one towards the inside of your leg and outside). You take your boot pulls and hook them in these tabs. Then you pull them on like a rain boot.
When you first try on boots a properly fitting boot should have some resistance. To create that nice smooth look, there shouldn’t be any major gaps. The boot is supposed to feel snug, but if you feel if your leg circulation is being cut off, the boot is too tight!
Once you have the boot on. Put the other one. Just because one fits doesn’t mean the other one does. My left calf is ½” bigger than my right. Once you have them on there shouldn’t be any gappiness in the ankle area. My customs before I had them resized were too big in the ankle so when I rode/walked they were uncomfortable. Considering you’ll be walking a lot at a con make sure they fit.
What if it’s tight but I don’t feel like my leg is dying?
Keep the boot then. Leather does stretch some. So as long as it’s not ungodly comfortable. If you can find a boot stretcher some can stretch the boot out for you. I personally avoid this technique because if I’m spending $200+ on a boot I don’t want to spend any more money on it. Plus stretching too much can damage the boot over time.
What if it’s too tall?
As the area around your ankle gets broken in, the boot will drop 1 to 1 ½”. It’s actually good to get them a touch too tall than your normal measurement. It may mean you’ll be uncomfortable while you sit for a wee bit. I actually drove in my tall boots to tell break them in. So the back of my legs weren’t very happy until they started to drop.
How the hell do you get these things off?
Stay tuned for the next post. ;)
Putting on boots can be an ordeal. You’d think that this finely crafted piece of leather would slide on as smooth as a glove. But sometimes putting on boots (as well as removing them) is like giving birth to a child. There’s a whole lot of pain, blood, sweat, tears, but when they are finally on (or off) a great sense of rejoice. If they fit. ;)
I got my first pair of boots when I was 12. I had taken lessons for about 3 years before the horse show bug bit me. I was content just riding at first, but those pretty ribbons get addicting after a while. So in order to succeed I needed the tools of the trade. I was much too old to stay in jodphurs and paddock boots so off I went to Double L Tack Shop in Stafford, VA.
Your first pair of tall boots is likening to your first car. I remember walking into the store and told the clerk I need to get my first pair of tall boots. She got excited and off we went to the boot section.
So the clerk pulls out these important –must have- tools:
*Socks
*Boot Pulls
Optional Tools
*Baby Powder. (Can help make it easier to slide boots on and off.)
*Boot spray.
When you first try to pull on your boots you should be wearing your breeches and your pair of stretchy socks. See Zocks post for more information. If you’re uniform is still being made wear something similar to breech material like maybe yoga pants or something stretchy (but not grippy)
Your boots should have these little tabs inside the boots (one towards the inside of your leg and outside). You take your boot pulls and hook them in these tabs. Then you pull them on like a rain boot.
When you first try on boots a properly fitting boot should have some resistance. To create that nice smooth look, there shouldn’t be any major gaps. The boot is supposed to feel snug, but if you feel if your leg circulation is being cut off, the boot is too tight!
Once you have the boot on. Put the other one. Just because one fits doesn’t mean the other one does. My left calf is ½” bigger than my right. Once you have them on there shouldn’t be any gappiness in the ankle area. My customs before I had them resized were too big in the ankle so when I rode/walked they were uncomfortable. Considering you’ll be walking a lot at a con make sure they fit.
What if it’s tight but I don’t feel like my leg is dying?
Keep the boot then. Leather does stretch some. So as long as it’s not ungodly comfortable. If you can find a boot stretcher some can stretch the boot out for you. I personally avoid this technique because if I’m spending $200+ on a boot I don’t want to spend any more money on it. Plus stretching too much can damage the boot over time.
What if it’s too tall?
As the area around your ankle gets broken in, the boot will drop 1 to 1 ½”. It’s actually good to get them a touch too tall than your normal measurement. It may mean you’ll be uncomfortable while you sit for a wee bit. I actually drove in my tall boots to tell break them in. So the back of my legs weren’t very happy until they started to drop.
How the hell do you get these things off?
Stay tuned for the next post. ;)
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