GearPunkD

I've always loved sewing and making clothes for myself and others. It all started during University, when a friend took me to an Anime convention and introduced me to the wide world of costuming and cosplay. I was inspired, and knew immediately I wanted to be part of the cosplay community.

We started planning our costumes for next year's convention right away, and decided to go as Chii and Freya from Chobits! I also made a Grimmjow costume for another dear friend of mine; he looked pretty awesome in it!

A few months after the convention, I heard about an amateur arts and crafts sale being held on campus, and decided to ask for a table to sell some of my creations. I made several top hat headbands and purses, and they sold really well! The fact that people were interested in the things I had made, and wanted to buy them was such a great feeling! I participated in the craft sale the next year as well, and sold even more items!

Shortly after the sale, I decided it was time to get serious about my sewing and set up a real, live online store. And this is the result! What started out as DinoBunnyDesigns has now turned into GearPunk'D, a shop filled with items that represent my unique take on steampunk and fantasy fashion. I try to combine the usual Victorian garb that makes up most of steampunk clothing with my other interests, such as cosplay, traditional Japanese culture, my love of botany, and of course, lots of colours!

As my business grows, I try to participate in more and more artistic events, such as fashion shows and costume contests, and have set up shop at a variety of local one-day arts markets. My favourite activities, however, are day-dreaming about new designs and organizing photo sessions for new items. With the help of my lovely sister and go-to model, Emily, new friend and make-up artist, Coral, and my lifelong friend and professional photographer, Linda, as well as lots of enthusiastic volunteers and friends, GearPunk'D continues to grow and change!

When I'm not sewing, I'm outside biking, camping, canoeing and generally getting muddy (that is, when I'm not hiding indoors playing video games with my favourite guy ;-). I have a background in Environmental Studies from University and have always loved being outdoors. It is my hope that, in the future, I can integrate both my loves of sewing and the outdoors into a line of nature-inspired, eco-friendly costumes to augment my existing collections, starting with organic fabrics and other natural materials! Fingers crossed!

And now you know,
- Eva M.