BlytheCon Demos

 
Demo #1: Sewing Bubble Dress with Momoko of Momolita
11:30am - 1:00pm
This demo is aimed at students who have basic sewing skills and knows how to use a sewing machine.  This demo might also be useful for advanced students that want to learn some tips and tricks.  I would not recommend this class if you are a total beginner or don't have basic sewing skills.

Momoko will teach:
Tips and Tricks on small scale sewing.
How to make ballloon sleeves and skirting.
Assembling the dress and finishing closures.

Momoko will provide a pattern for the bubble dress and practice material will be available.  She will go through the steps on how to assemble the dress and take questions.  There will be some time for practice, but there won't be enough time for everyone to make a dress.  You will walk away with a pattern and a good idea of how to make it.
*This demo conflicts with the Costume Contest.  
Momoko's Class:

1 HH
7 PK
8 BC
9 RR
12 HN
15 SK
18 JL
10 SE
27 LN
29 JK



 
Demo #2: Sewing Antique Sundress with Romina of I Have Wings.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
This demo is aimed at students who have basic sewing skills and knows how to use a sewing machine.  This demo might also be useful for advanced students that want to learn some tips and tricks.  I would not recommend this class if you are a total beginner or don't have basic sewing skills. 

Romina will teach:
How to read and cut patterns (tips and tricks)
Building bodice
Lining
Working with straps and applique of lace
Using "entredeux" lace style for skirt
Making ruffles
Assembling dress
Closures and final details
Styling

Patterns and practice material will be provided by Romina. She will go through the steps on how to assemble a sundress and take questions after. There will be time to do a bit of practice on a sewing machine, but there won't be enough time for every student to make a dress. You will walk away with a pattern and a good idea of how to make it. Romina might also provide a video of the process to take home!
Romina'a Class:
5 CL
6 CB
11 KH
14 MW
20 RW
21 VT
23 PH) Replacing
24 AA
30 KS
31 JB


 
Demo #3: Customization with Lynne of Happibug
2:00pm - 3:00pm
THIS CLASS IS OPEN, no need to RSVP.  We can accommodate +30 people, just show up 10-15mins ahead of time.  

People of all skill levels are encouraged to attend.  Lynne will cover basics and tips and tricks for more advanced customizers.  More detail to come!


 
Demo #4: Customization with Susan of Photo4Sue
3:00pm - 4:00pm
THIS CLASS IS OPEN, no need to RSVP.  We can accommodate 20-25 people, just show up 10-15mins ahead of time.  

Susan will cover customizing basics, from disassembling the head to sculpting the nose and mouth, make-up application and eye chip removal and painting. She will also show you how to use a Dremel tool.  Be ready with your customizing questions, because goal here is to address as many as she can in the hour!
*This demo conflicts with the Goldie Photo Shoot.  

<<<<< WINNERS ARE:>>>>>

Here are the winners for the sewing demos.  The first 10 numbers are for Momoko's class and the next 10 are for Romina's class.  I hope everyone enjoys the demos!

Please start to line up 5-10 minutes ahead so we can start the demos on time.  We want to cram as much activity into one hour as possible!  For the sewing class we will have a "Demo Volunteer"check your name at entry.  Please remember although the customizing classes didn't have a lottery it's still limited to 25-30 people.  If you want a spot it's best to get in line a little earlier.

<<<<< Sewing Area>>>>>
We are also hoping to have a "Sewing Area" this year.  I'm currently looking for people to loan us their sewing machines.  It would be great to have 3-4 machines out in the open so people can learn how to thread it and the basics of sewing.  Maybe they will walk away with a new skill!  Both sewing demos require basic machine knowledge... this will be a total 101 for beginners.  We're hoping for spontaneous "teachers" to help out potential students.  Anyone can just walk up and ask for help.

BlytheCon Human TShirts

For the first time in BCon history we're offering human sized Tshirts!  BCon Tshirts are made to order and ordering has closed.

BCon 2014 Tees are printed on Gildan preshrunk cotton T-shirts.  These are men's cut, we are limited to only one style because of minimum order requirements and every new style requires a whole new set up fee, etc...  Sorry to those who are on the smaller side.  Although the shirts are preshrunk, they do a bit more shrinking after washing and wearing.  For example I'm a 38"chest, but fit a Medium which is 40" chest.  I would say if you have a 34-36" chest the Small would be good for you.  If you are under 33" these shirts will be too big for you. 

Gildan Ultra Cotton in Forest Green
Sizes are as follows:
S: 36" chest
M: 40" chest
L: 44" chest
XL: 48" chest
2XL: 52" chest
3XL: 56"chest
4XL: 60" chest
5XL: 64" chest

Pre-Order is closed. 

Tshirt List:
Abby K
Andy I
Becca W
Becky B
Bella D
Brian D
Charlotte W
Colleen W
Cynthia W
Diem C
Elizabeth I
Fae
Glenn D
Heidi B
Helen N
Jacqueline B
JJ
Julia S
Kimberly C
Kimberly M
Kris L
Lane M
Leah A
Leigh A
Liana H
Lisa L
Lynne R
Maggie S
Maria Y
Matthew P
Michelle W
Momoko K
Phillaine E
Rachel K
Rebecca P
Reilly J
Romina G
Samantha C
Sara L
Sarah G
Sharon S
Simlian O
Simone L
Susan T
Terence O
Valerie I


Blythe-sized shirts will also be available at the BCon Merch table!  This is a prototype, we'll have a selection of colors.

Munchkin Middies & Wizard of Oz Photo Shoot!

We would like to announce a fun and exciting photo opportunity that will be happening at the Seattle BlytheCon Pre-meet on the afternoon of Friday, August 1st, @3pm at the Olympic Sculpture Park.  A fabulous member of our Blythe community has created a wonderful & whimsical Wizard of Oz themed Photo Shoot with a specially made back drop.  Thank you so much to Julie McQuade of Tickled Pink for putting this all together!  These are the fun things that make BlytheCon so special for all who attend!  

Lollipop Guild        

    Lullaby League   

There will be a special Middie Lullaby League & Lollipop Guild themed photo.  Julie will be selling a limited amount of specially made Lullaby League & Lollipop Guild costumes for Middie to whomever is interested, but anyone who wants to participate by making their own costumes are more then welcome!  As Julie says, “the more Middies the Merrier!" This is not just for Middies, but Neo & Petite Blythes can also join in the fun!  There will be a second special photo that will include all your other Blythes, Neo & Petite alike dressed as your favorite Wizard of Oz characters.  Then you can use the back drop to take pictures of your dolls individually if you wish.    

        

Julie has graciously decided to donate the money she raises from the sale of her Munchkin costumes to the two charities we are supporting with donation baskets, the Seattle Animal Shelter and Northwest Harvest Food Bank.  To quote Julie, "I would rather give the money that I get for the costumes to charities because I'm doing this for everyone to have a cute photo op. :)"  Thank you so much Julie for your kindness and helping these two wonderful local charities!

You may find Julie & her shop Tickled Pink at the following locations:

Etsy Store, Tickled Pink by Julie:  www.plasticbabyz.etsy.com

Facebook Fan Page for Julie’s Shop:  https://www.facebook.com/TickledPinkbyJ?ref=hl

Flickr Group for Tickled Pink by Julie:  https://www.flickr.com/groups/tickledpink/

**Just to clarify, we found out earlier that we could not raise funds for charity with our raffle at this kind of event.  That said, we are still planning on having two donation baskets on our table at Blythe Con where people can choose to donate money to the Seattle Animal Shelter and/or Northwest Harvest Food Bank if they wish.  A lot of people liked the idea of helping local charities, so this is a great opportunity to do just that.  But please know there is absolutely no pressure to do so as this day is for celebrating Blythe, the friendships she has created across the world, and just having fun!  

Allison Katzman & Junko Wong Panel Talk

Pictured above: Blythe Kisses for Allison
We are SO HAPPY to announce there will be a pre-BCon panel with Allison Katzman, Blythe's creator and designer, and Junko Wong, president and CEO of CWC.  This is an extremely rare opportunity to have these two women share their experience and insight.

The panel talk is on Friday, August 1st, the day before BlytheCon.  It will be held at the Seattle Central Library and we are limited to only 100 seats and you must be a ticket holder to RSVP for the talk.  If you'd like to come please purchase a ticket to BCon HERE. We will contact ticket holders for their RSVP within the next 2 weeks.  We will also have a Pre-Meet at the Olympic Sculpture Park later that afternoon.

BlytheCon Panel Talk with Allison Katzman and Junko Wong
Seattle Central Library
Friday, August 1st, 11:30-1:30pm
*The talk will be from Noon - 1pm.  We hope to have a Q&A session after the talk with our guests.

BCon Pre-Meet
Olympic Sculpture Park
Friday, August 1st, 3pm - end

BlytheCon Seattle 2014
Seattle Center's Fisher Pavilion
Saturday, August 2nd, 10:30 - 6pm



We had the privilege to share many great stories with Allison and her daughter over lunch.  The conversation was mind blowing, we found out Allison also designed Emerald Witch!  Blythe was inspired by Betty Boop and NOT Margaret Keane's art.  She designed many other dolls and was the only female designer in her firm, Marvin Glass.  I asked her what it was like, being the only woman working in a "man's world".  She said, "Have you seen MadMen?... Just like that!"  We all laughed!

We didn't want the lunch to end.  Allison was so energetic and vivacious in person.  We hope to bring some of that magic to the panel talk.

We would like to thank Allison and her daughter Abby for meeting with us and Reilly for introducing us.  We'd also like to thank Junko Wong for making the long trek from Tokyo and Angel for arranging everything!  You guys are all awesome for making this talk possible.

Welcome to BlytheCon Seattle!

Hello Everyone,
This blog was created to keep you up to date on BCON activities and a sneak peek at the surprises we have planned!

BlytheCon 2014 will be held in Seattle on August 2nd 2014.  Our venue is Seattle Center’s Fisher Pavilion, a stunning facility in the heart of Seattle.  We are all very excited and honored to be your host this year. 

Tickets are NOW AVAILABLE at Brown Paper Tickets. 
ONLINE TICKET SALES WILL END MONDAY JULY 28TH.  We will have tickets for sale at the door, but "At The Door Tickets" will NOT get goodie bags.  All goodie bags are prepared ahead of time so we won't have any extras for at the door tickets.  Please read the following info in regards to "at the door" ticket sales.

"At the Door" Tickets will be $55, CASH ONLY and will come with admission to BlytheCon and a raffle ticket, but will not come with a goodie bag.  We will admit pre-paid tickets first, then start At The Door ticket sales.  We understand this community's love of spontaneity but pre-sales will help us efficiently facilitate the registration line.  We want people to get in as quickly as possible so they can party.  We like to urge you to buy a ticket ahead of time.

BLYTHECON SEATTLE 2014 Schedule:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014 
Panel Talk with Allison Katzman & Junko Wong
Seattle Central Library
11:30am:              Doors Open
Noon - 1pm:         Panel Talk
1pm - 1:30pm:     Q&A and Autograph signing
1:30pm - 2pm:     Clean-up & Directions distributed for Olympic Sculpture Park

Pre-Meet at Olympic Sculpture Park 
3pm - 7pm:          Meetup at Olympic Sculpture Park

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2014 
BlytheCon Main Event
Fisher Pavilion @ Seattle Center
7am - 9am           Event Set-up with staff and volunteers.
9am - 10:30am    Vendor Set-Up
10:30 am             BlytheCon Opens!
11am - 1pm         Demo #1 Sewing with Momoko Komori of Momolita
Noon - 1pm         Costume Contest
1:00 - 2pm           Demo #2 Sewing with Romina Galotta of I Have Wings
2pm - 3pm           Demo #3 Customization with Lynne Rutherford of Happibug
3pm - 3:30pm      Goldie Photo Shoot
3pm– 4pm           Demo #4 Customization with Susan Tamcsin of Photo4Sue
4pm– 6:30pm      Costume Contest Winner Announced , Raffle Begins & Closing
7pm                     BlytheCon Ends & Clean-up Begins

Meet the BlytheCon 2014 Planning Committee:

Diem Chau (TinyHaus)  Photo courtesy of Hilary/Snoopygirl
Hello!  I'm Diem / TinyHaus, I started collecting Blythes in 2002.  I saw some amazing Blythe photographs online and was instantly hooked!  Tiny Haus was launched in 2005 and I've been a dolly seamstress ever since.  Aside for being a doll collector I'm also an artist and avid gardener.  I feel so fortunate to have found such a great community of people through Blythe.  She has inspired me to learn how to sew, be a better photographer and even learn a little HTML.  I hope to see you at BlytheCon!
Artwork website: www.diemchau.com
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/tinyhaus
Blog: www.guyhats.blogspot.com


Brian Dore (SeattleBlythe)  Photo courtesy of Juan/Dr.Blythenstein
Brian (right), pictured with Juan Jacob Vaz (Dr. Blythenstein) our official "Con Artist".
I am Brian Dore, SeattleBlythe and I have been a part of the Blythe community since 2004.  It is such an honor to be able to help host the Seattle BlytheCon in 2014 and a great celebration for me as it will be my 10th anniversary in this wonderful world of Blythe!  I have collected dolls since I was a child, but I have never felt connected to any other doll as I do Blythe.  So excited to be working with such wonderful & talented friends to bring you on a Journey to the Emerald City.   My professional background is in the theatre & costume design.   I live in the Seattle area with my husband Brent and I am a proud stay at home dad to my beautiful daughter Bella.  I have over one hundred Blythe dolls in my collection.  I owe so much to Blythe and have met so many amazing people through her.  Blythe has taken me on adventures all over the country & world.  I was interview & photographed with Valerie in the book "Me & My Blythe".  This is a wonderful opportunity to pay back the community I love and enjoy so much!  Hope to see you all down the yellow brick road!
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/85412628@N00/


Valerie Iral (BlythelyIGo)
Hi! I'm Valerie "Blythely I go" and have been into Blythe since the summer of 2000 when I found Gina Garan's book "This is Blythe" at Urban Outfitters. The next week I had my first Blythe, my blonde Kenner who only cost me $91 on ebay. My day job is as a meeting & event planner (to fund my Blythe habit). When I'm not mucking about with dolls and my camera, I like to read, travel, play the piano, knit and paint. I'm obsessed with photographing Blythe and take her everywhere I go. My big Blythe claim to fame was winning the SuperPhotogenic photo contest in 2005 and traveling to Japan for the book launch/party where I met many wonderful people. My friend Brian Dore and I then traveled to Japan in 2007 where we were interviewed and photographed for the book "Me & My Blythe".  I'm super excited to be on the planning team for the 2014 BlytheCon in Seattle!
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/40343414@N03/


Sara Lanzillotta (DevoutDolls)
I'm Sara Lanzillotta from Devout.  I love making doll fashions, accessories and tiny dolls and toys for Blythe and other dolls.  I've been doll obsessed for longer than I can remember and I've never had more fun than when I've worked with making items for Blythe.  Blythe is a constant source of inspiration for me.  I love the dolls and love the warm and wonderful community of fans built around them.   I live in Seattle with my husband Bino and grumpy cat Momo.  This year we were blessed with a special edition to my collection with the birth of my daughter, Penelope Rose.  I'm absolutely thrilled to be working with such a great team of friends to bring you the next fun Blythcon!  I can't wait to see all my old pals I've made over the years plus meet some new ones!
My Website: www.DevoutDolls.com
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/devoutdolls
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/14571412@N06/

We are also VERY EXCITED to have the amazing Juan Jacob Vaz (Dr.Blythenstein) as our official "Con Artist". ^_^  We were hoping to launch the site with his finished work, but Juan recently suffered a wrist injury so the work is delayed.  We're sending our good vibes to Juan for a speedy recovery!  Thank you Juan for agreeing to be our artist.