Thank the Maker

Among the many Star Wars guests I was looking forward to meeting at Star Wars Celebration VI was Aaron Allston; author of the Wraith Squadron series of books.  In fact, his book “X-Wing: Solo Command” is the first ever mention of Shadow Squadron. (pg. 291)

Celebration VI was a very exciting time for fans of Aaron Allston, because after YEARS of us lobbying for more Wraith Squadron books at every given opportunity… “X-Wing: Mercy Kill” hit shelves on August 15th.  “Mercy Kill” is the tenth installment in the popular series.  I’d brought along my copy, hoping to get it signed by Allston, but his scheduled signing at the Barnes and Noble booth was going to conflict with my other commitments… SITHSPIT!

Krash/Shadow 12 with Aaron Allston

So I was surprised when my sister turned to me, as we walked along the third floor hallway of the convention center and asked, “Hey, isn't that…”

It was Aaron Allston!

I went over and introduced myself, told him how much of a fan I was of his work on Wraith Squadron and simply wanted to thank him for writing such a great series of books for us fans of the Rebel Pilots.  When I explained that I wanted to meet him, because my Rebel Legion pilot call-sign is “Shadow 12” – and that in “Solo Command” there’s a reference to a Shadow Twelve, who was killed in an ambush by the Super Star Destroyer IRON FIST – and that (jokingly) Aaron Allston killed me!  Without missing a beat, Aaron Allston replied with…

“I kill off a lot of characters in my books.”

Did you hear that? Aaron Allston just said I’m a character in one of his books! :D

The Rebel Pilot "bucket list"

When it comes to Star Wars, there aren’t many things left on my personal “bucket list”…

* Lightsaber duel with Darth Vader in a stadium full of fans (Columbus Crew) = CHECK!

* Play “Star Wars” themed laser tag (Lazer Xtreme) = CHECK!

* Meet a NASA astronaut (twice) = CHECK!

* Perform onstage with an orchestra playing Star Wars music (Cleveland POPS – twice) = CHECK!

And a few others…

But there was ONE thing I had yet to participate in as a member of The Rebel Legion:  be part of one of the Rebel Legion group photos, at a major event!

My first experience with The Rebel Legion group photo was at Celebration II; but I wasn’t a member yet. I’d missed the Rebel Legion group picture at Celebration III, because I was working for Official Pix that morning; and I’ve missed the two Celebrations in between leading up to this.  The closest that I’ve come was opening weekend of “Where Science Meets Imagination” over at COSI; which many would argue was a major event.  Don’t get me wrong; COSI was awesome -- first time I got to troop with a bunch of Rebel Pilots from outside of (then) Midwest Base -- which was a weekend I’ll never forget.  While COSI was (to this day) one of the largest local events we’d ever hosted, what I’m looking for is to be part of a Rebel Legion group picture that attracted people from all over the world!

photo courtesy of BrianKenobi

So on Friday morning at Celebration VI, all of us from Great Lakes Base got suited up in our favorite Rebel costumes and made our way to the main lobby of the Orange County Convention Center -- where Great Lakes Base would be meeting for a group picture, followed by the main Rebel Legion group photo.  For the GLB group photo, we were the first Base to get together for a photo op -- plus we had one of the largest contingents of members showing up for a Base photo: three Wookiees, several Jedi and Clonetroopers, a pair of Rebel Pilots, about half a dozen Face Characters.  That’s not even counting the people who missed the group photos, because they were at the CLONE WARS panel or other events going on during CVI.

Then came time for the Rebel Legion group photo op, which let me tell you is like trying to herd kittens -- half just go wherever they want!  Slowly, all the various costume subgroups within The Rebel Legion began to fall into place: Rebel Pilots in the center, Jedi to the right, Clones and other Rebel Troopers to the left, then filling up the front rows with Face Characters and members of Legion Command Staff.  I’d camped out a spot to the side – over in the Rebel Pilot section – and was trying to help shuffle some of the smaller pilots to the front; because after 12 years of school class pictures, the last thing I wanted is for a fellow Rebel Pilot to get home and find out their “bucket list” will have to wait… because they got stuck behind the 6’ 2” tall guy from Ohio!

Once everyone was assembled, and while a few people jockey for the BEST position to be seen in the picture (don’t think the rest of us didn’t notice ;) ) Commander Cody and the Rebel Legion Council handed out “Rebel of the Year”, “Costumer of the Year” and “Base Commander of the Year” awards.  Congratulations to all the winners!

Then came the moment I’d been waiting (nearly 8 years) for…

photo courtesy of The Rebel Legion

* Participated in a Rebel Legion group photo, at a major event = CHECK!

Chasing Amy

by: Grumpy

photo courtesy of Grumpy

Here are a few pics of Cami Lutgens from (Freedom Base) and myself (Great Lakes Base) with Amy Allen.  We met a couple of years ago at SheVaCon, in Roanoke, Virginia.  Since we both knew that we were going to Celebration VI, I came up with an idea to give a gift to Amy Allen.

I made up a framed set of trading cards that included: Amy Allen’s Rebel Legion Honorary Member card, myself (as Commander Bly) and Cami (as Aayla).  This set included the joint card we just got from the RL series 5 set, along with a personal patch that I had made for myself.  I gave Amy patch # 1 of 50.  

The frame includes cutout windows on both sides, so the backs of the cards could still be seen.

Amy Allen

Jedi General Aayla Secura

Celebration VI 2012

We gave it to her, but forgot to get any pictures of her holding it… D'oh!

Just too excited to meet her, I guess?

"Rebel Air" Rides Again!

You may have noticed that there was this major Star Wars convention held in Orlando recently; and Great Lakes Base was well represented at Star Wars Celebration VI.  Over the next couple weeks, I’m going to try gathering some of the best stories, photos and overall personal experiences from many of the GLB members who attended CVI this past weekend.  To get things started, I’ll begin with one of my own.

"Rebel Air" now boarding!

When it came time for Celebration VI, this was (by far) the farthest “Rebel Air” has ever travelled.  The Orlando Convention Center is roughly 1,044 miles (17.25 hrs.) from my house, which took us through Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and finally along the east coast of Florida all the way to Orlando.  Which let me tell you makes for a LONG drive, even taking stops for food/gas/rest – especially driving mostly at night and in the early hours of the morning.  For the most part the drive was easy, except when Xellos’ GPS took us on this detour in West Virginia – along narrow winding roads, all at a 45 degree incline… and then, out of nowhere, this Dalmatian jumps in the middle of the road in front of us!!! (don’t worry, we went around him – the dog is fine)  The only person that I can compare the experience to is the way Jolly carpools from Michigan – Atlanta for DragonCon; or as I told him as we met up during the convention, that I had “made the Jolly Run in less then 12 Parsecs.” ;)

Even the rental car we drove to Celebration VI had a story to tell.  Enterprise Rental had given us a Chrysler Town & Country, which kinda looks like a Republic Gunship – when both sliding doors are open.  Well… that just inspired us even more to play along with the “Rebel Air” theme; watching “Empire Strikes Back” DVD and listening to the entire “Dark Forces” series of audio books along the drive.  Even the morning of the Rebel Legion group photo, Malo-Ha and Xellos took pictures with our Republic Gunship – side doors open, as if jumping into the battle on some planet during the Clone Wars.

They say “getting there is half the fun” and in the case of Celebration VI and the “Rebel Air” crew from Ohio … it’s true!

The Cleveland Orchestra - John Williams 80th birthday

photo courtesy of Sith-Seamstress

George Lucas has said that he wanted to tell the story of “Star Wars” from the perspective of the droids C3P0 and R2-D2, because their story covers the entire saga.  There is another whose impact on the Star Wars universe has covered all six movies, and much more, and his name is John Williams.  And because this year marks John Williams’ 80^th birthday, the members of Great Lakes Base, Mando Mercs and Ohio Garrison were at Blossom Music Center to help The Cleveland Orchestra pay tribute to John Williams’ legacy of movie music.

This was my third tour “trooping” at Blossom Music Center, and frankly this is one of my favorite venues.  This giant outdoor amphitheater is one of northeast Ohio’s most popular summer destinations.  Tucked away in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Blossom Music Center is a virtual “Endor” – halfway between Cleveland and Akron.  Maybe that’s why Blossom is the perfect outdoor venue for Star Wars costumers?  As guests entered the main gate, they’d come across Princess Leia and Padme walking through gardens that could be on Naboo, or they’d find themselves running up the hill with Captain Rex and the clone army, maybe look for cover as Rebel Pilots and Mandolorian bounty hunters traded blaster fire with some Imperial troopers.  Or the most dangerous scene of all: a Jedi wanders out alone on the lawn with maybe 10-12 kids… all with their very own lightsabers! ;)

GLB - The Cleveland Orchestra/John Williams tribute "Mission Photos"

The Cleveland Orchestra is known as one of “The Big Five” among symphony orchestras in the country, and I can tell you their reputation is well deserved!  On this night, The Cleveland Orchestra was under the leadership of Richard Kaufman – who happened to work with John Williams on several film scores.  Throughout the evening, Kaufman would pause (between songs) and recount a story about his experience playing under John Williams on movies like “Jaws” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” – which gave the evening a very personal feeling.

Overall, the concert was a huge success!  Thanks to everyone who pulled together to make this “double-header” of such high-profile events possible. 

Akron Aeros

photo courtesy of Snips92

You’d think that with Star Wars Celebration VI just over a week away, that this would be the time when everyone would be taking it easy, maybe finishing up some last minute costume projects and overall conserving our resources for a roadtrip to Orlando?  Yeah, not so much!

In fact, it’s because of CVI that we had to move the date for the second annual Akron Aeros “Star Wars Night” to early August – and were forced to miss the Akron Children’s Hospital Summer Festival that was part of last year’s event.  Thankfully, the Akron Aeros were able to get the custom “Star Wars” baseball jerseys approved for this year’s game -- with proceeds from the silent auction going to (where else) Akron Children’s Hospital.

Akron Aeros "Star Wars Night" - Mission Photos

Once that was settled, it was time for Great Lakes Base, Mando Mercs and Ohio Garrison to once again descend upon Canal Park (Akron, Ohio) for another year of “Star Wars” themed baseball!  This year, it was Sheikachika’s turn (as Princess Leia) to throw out the opening pitch -- you may remember her “brother” BrianKenobi (Luke Skywalker) threw out the ceremonial fastball across home plate.  Once the game got started, it would seem “the Force” was with the Akron Aeros -- as they lit up the New Hampshire Fisher Cats by a score of 8-3.

Thanks to some “aggressive negotiations” by Snips92 -- negotiations with a pen, rather than a lightsaber -- we managed to WIN one of the Akron Aeros “Star Wars” baseball jersey auctions.  Afterwards, everyone took turns posing for pictures holding the jersey -- it was like our own championship trophy, being passed around the players to celebrate.

And as if the Aeros did not display enough firepower during the game, the team hosted a special “Star Wars Fireworks” show -- all done to selections of John Williams’ music from the Star Wars films.  Being on the field during the fireworks is sort of the icing on the cake for us.  Several of us stayed in costume for the fireworks, lightsaber dueling with our friends at night, fireworks going off over our heads and the music of John Williams filling our ears and hearts with everything that makes Star Wars just so awesome!

Speaking of John Williams, did you know this year is his 80^th birthday? Well, the Cleveland Orchestra does, guess this weekend is a “double-header” for us!

Fat Cat Crafts

One of the greatest perks to being a member of Rebel Legion is that I get to meet all types of interesting people.  Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Kathleen Schmid, owner and operator of Fat Cat Crafts -- who designs homemade pincushion cats; including a NEW series of Star Wars character cats. In fact, Kathleen’s Fat Cats are making a bit of a name for her within the Star Wars crafts community.  

“All Wings Report In” sat down with Kathleen recently, to discuss how pincushion cats made their way into “a galaxy far, far away.”

AWRI: How about a little background on Fat Cat Crafts, when did you start?

I posted my first pincushion cat up on Etsy in September of 2008.  I posted up a basic black cat with a red collar.  Though it took many months of experimenting before that with how I wanted them to look and figuring out the proper pattern.  And over the last few years they’ve evolved -- a lot.  They’ve gotten bigger and much more complicated.  I never imagined that I would have taken on so many character styles.  When I opened shop back in 2008, the only idea I had was the basic sitting cat.

AWRI: How many Fat Cats have you made over the years?

I’ve made too many Fat Cats to count.  I have over 120 characters in my shop right now; plus extra custom orders characters that aren’t part of the available items.  Then if you add into it Etsy sales, craft fair sales, other offline sales and ones I’ve made for myself there are a ton of Fat Cats floating around.  I’ve pulled lots of all nighters, especially during the holiday season, to complete orders.

AWRI: Abut how long does it take to create on Fat Cat Crafts pincushion?

To make a basic cat (no skirt/attire/extra details/etc.) it takes about an hour to complete.  The majority of the sewing is done by hand so the work can get pretty time consuming.  Though, others can take up to and sometimes over 2 hours, such as the ones with multiple clothing layers, painted or clay pieces.

AWRI: What inspired you to create Star Wars Fat Cats?

The Star Wars cats came into play after an event that I did for the library I work at, which was putting on a “May the Fourth Be With You” event.  And previously for other events, I made costumes and came dressed up.  So of course I did for this one as well. I made a Padme costume.  Our library had invited members from the Rebel Legion, 501st and Mandalorian Mercs.  Though I will admit, I was unaware of it at the time. I had absolutely no idea what was in store for this event.  I just showed up in costume and was greeted by multiple costumed characters.  And I, along with all the other library employees and the members visiting the event, was amazed at how awesome the costumed groups were.  The energy and spirit that they put into the event was incredible.  

 I had so much fun walking around the library and taking pictures with them that night.  And I was still in the Star Wars frame of mind that I can home and started working on a Princess Leia cat pincushion, which was the costume I almost made until I (at the last minute) changed my mind to Padme.  I loved how Leia turned out, so I decided she needed a Han Solo.  And with perfect timing -- just as I was figuring out Han Solo -- I got a custom order request for an Obi Wan Kenobi; but I decided I needed a bad guy to go with the three good guys.  And who’s more evil than Darth Vader?  No one!  

I plan on having about 14 Star Wars characters in all, when all is said and done.  The one I’m most excited about is Yoda, him being my favorite character in all.  Though due to his color scheme, I have to dye the pom poms (supplies I use for the arms and feet) to the proper color, and I haven’t done that yet.  Chewbacca proves to be another issue because all my cats are completely functioning pincushions.

The majority of people that collect them do not use them as such, but I strive on the fact that they can be used as such.  Chewbacca, being incredibly furry, is going to be a tough one to make and still have him serve as a functioning pincushion.  But I’ll figure out a way. Han Solo needs his Chewie.

AWRI: We talked about how your Star Wars Fat Cats are going to be featured during a crafts panel at Star Wars Celebration VI - what would that type of international exposure mean to a small business like Fat Cat Crafts?

That’s pretty cool!  I wish I were going to be there to see it!  Yes, at least one of my Star Wars pincushion cats will be making his debut at Star Wars Celebration VI in a Fan Made Collectibles panel.  That exposure could mean everything!  With only one person running Fat Cat Crafts, it’s pretty hard to get everything done that needs to get done: filling orders, creating new characters, promoting, networking, etc and still trying to have a life.  The list can do on forever.  So this sort of exposure at such a high profile event is amazing!  Though, I’m more unbelievably proud and honored that some one feels my work is good enough to display at such a major event.  And excited!

AWRI: Where can Star Wars fans (after CVI) find you to order their own Fat Cats?

I can be found on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/FatCatCrafts -- Etsy pretty much an Ebay style site for crafters. Everyone has their own online store through Etsy. There are some pretty cool shops there!  I also post up updates, info and pictures through my Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/FatCatCrafts and I plan on starting up a new blog soon.

AWRI: You’ve mentioned that your favorite holiday is Halloween and you enjoy dressing up in costumes. How has your experience dressing up as Padme been so far?

I LOVE Halloween! And yes, I love making costumes and dressing up. I don’t see myself growing out of that anytime soon. In fact, my cat costume is still hanging on the back of my door -- just waiting for Boo at the Zoo this year.  And my Max costume from “Where the Wild Things Are” is hanging up as well. Though, that one is because I have no idea where to store it -- the tail is huge!

Dressing up as Padme has been a blast!  Normally, I pick really weird or obscure characters to dress up as and no one knows who I am.  This one the majority of people know who I am, and the others think I’m Princess Leia -- so at least they’re in the right field.  It’s great to interact with the kids and the other Star Wars costumers.  At one of the events, I had a little boy dressed up as Darth Vader who kept following me, taking pictures with me and said I was his girlfriend -- it was really sweet.  Another time, a kid made me a droid with Padme’s name on it from a paper towel roll -- it’s still on my shelf.

Maker Faire Detroit 2012

photo courtesy of Angelariel

by: Angelariel

Where can you find not only robots of all shapes and sizes (including a few very familiar astromechs), a life-sized Mousetrap game, vehicles that were steam powered before Steampunk was cool, wild customized cycles to carry one rider…or six, handmade food and jewelry and gifts, music made by mixing instruments with 8-bit videogame soundtracks, and of course a plethora of Star Wars characters and that’s just the start? At Maker Faire Detroit of course.

Maker Faire, the annual festival of all things handmade, hacked, imagined then brought to life is the brainchild of Make magazine and held in several cities across the country through the year.  This year’s Detroit Faire is held at The Henry Museum in Dearborn. Michigan -- the weekend of July 28-29.

Members of the Great Lakes Base along with the Great Lakes Garrison, Mandalorian Mercs, the R2-D2 Builders Club, and the debut of the Great Lakes Gonk Builders turned out in “force” to put on an excellent display of the handmade spirit that Maker Faire is based upon. 

photo courtesy of Andrew Miller

Over the course of the weekend approximately 20,000 people were in attendance with a considerable number of them stopping by the fantastic display that the participating groups put together.  They learned how Stormtrooper armor is made, Tusken Raiders put their clothing together to protect themselves from the heat and sand on Tatooine, leather is turned into accessories for the well-dressed Jedi to wear, astromech droids are built, Gamorrean Guard heads are painstakingly sculpted, and how cool it is to replicate the bits and pieces of your favorite childhood films with your own two hands.  They also got to vote on their favorite Gonk droid with Star Wars prizes going to a random voter and the awarding of the Gold Gonk to Rob Miller (aka "Tubby Tusken" ) for his lovely Princess Gonk.

They also learned about all the wonderful volunteer work the groups do locally and worldwide throughout the year.

GLB Maker Faire Detroit "Mission Photos"

When not busy answering questions, several members of the groups were in costume to the delight of the attendees and other exhibitors, young and old.  And through the sale of toy lightsabers (which were sold out way before the end of the first day) $850.00 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  Next year we will be sure to stock up to raise even more.  We also made some potential new recruits along with countless smiles.

The group was one of the hits of the entire Faire earning three Editor’s Choice Blue Ribbons from Make Magazine and had become a favorite event of ours to participate in and next year we have even bigger plans. If you have a Maker Faire near you I cannot recommend highly enough to attend or even better, get your local base involved as a volunteer exhibitor.