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Costume Emergency Repair Kit

John and I both like to be prepared, like Scar and the Boy Scouts. And I have to say that the Costume Emergency Repair Kit has saved me and my friends from some truly terrible catastrophes. Like giant rips in the crotch of home-made pants. Like buttons popping off in the middle of the Renaissance Fair. Like getting to the hotel and realizing that key pieces were smooshed/ripped when you shoved them haphazardly into your suitcase. Like bra straps that won't stay covered up. (That last one was was actually at a wedding, and the subject of my repair kit's ministrations was the maid of honor.) You get the idea.

Repair Kit=Extremely Handy.

The key, however, is to keep it with you while you're at the event. If you have a pocket, put it in your pocket. If you have a purse, that's a good place too. If you have a husband, girlfriend, or accomplice, you can ask them to hold it for you. But if you're in a ripped costume ten minutes before the cosplay show and it's in your hotel room on the 33rd floor, you'll be very upset.

My kit used be a box of rubber bands.
It was my Azula kit, hence the black, red, and gold.

Safety Pins (BIG and small!)
Needles
Thread-one mini-spool/bobbin full of each color in your costume
Swiss Army Knife
Extra Button/Trim if you have any

Rubber Bands Boxes aren't the only things you can use. Other ideas include an Altoids tin, a big metal M&M (pictured above), a cassette tape box. Some stores sell pre-made mini sewing kits, like the little pink one pictured above, which I used to use. there's nothing wrong with these, but I prefer the versatility of a home-made kit, plus I lost a lot of the stuff that it came with.


Store bought kit, now missing several pieces.

Forget your Emergency Repair Kit? Don't Panic!

-You know that one friend who is always trying to finish their costume the day of the con, in the hotel room? See if you can borrow some thread/scissors/hot glue from them.


-Many cons have a Costume Help station stocked with duct tape and more duct tape. Ask around to see the event you're at has one. Apply duct tape to the inside of your costume along rip.

-Find someone with a baby or child near them. Parents (and especially grandparents!) are usually pretty prepared people.
Even a band-aid can help in a pinch!



What's in YOUR Emergency Repair Kit?


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