Washyuu (AKA Washu or Washyu), the greatest mad scientist in the universe, is a character from the anime series Tenchi Muyo. She is a genius, and recognizes that fact. She also insists that everyone around her recognize that fact as well. She is such a genius, that she created two puppets (A-Bo and B-Ko) who sit on her shoulders and remind her what a genius she is. They are her personal cheering squad, much to the annoyance of the other characters.

What attracted me to this character, other than the remarkable similarities in our brilliance, was the puppets. They seemed like they would be fun to make, and even more fun to interact with other people. I decided on this particular costume of Washyuu's because I had yet to see it fully executed, and her Washyuu's everyday costume (blue shirt with tan shorts) was more popular. Little did I know that a lot of individuals would attempt this costume as well, and that the most interesting part of the costume (the detailed lapels) woudl be all but obscured by the puppets.

This design required a little adaptation, as Washyuu's dimensions were a little, ahem, unrealistic. I made the greem coat and blue dress as a single item for easy of wear. The green and white lapels were added as separate pieces, with the lower green lapel running up into the collar. Rather than creating a white sash, which would shift during the day, I created a white belt that laced up the back, with folded fabric attached for decorative purposes. As every costume I do, the belt has corset stays to prevent it from rucking. Washyuu has two inner collars, both of which I decided against doing because they would interfere with the puppets. (I attempted to do them and they came out horribly and this is my justification). After much grief in shopping, I eventually dyed tights mustard yellow.

The only element I am truly unhappy with is the wig. I had planned on at least spiking the front area but unfortunately had run out of time. In addition, my natural hair line is extremely low, so all wigs look unrealistic on my head. (As opposed to the hot pink hair that grows naturally out of people's heads!)

Okay, now the puppets. My original plan was to create puppets as close to the anime design as possible. However, Kel and I spent entirely too much time during our formative years watching the Muppets. There is just something about maribou "cacque" feathers that appeals to people. The hardest element, of course, was the mouth mechanism. There was probably a simple way to do it, but since this was my first attempt at automation in costuming, I thought I did an okay job.

The puppet body is a simple teddy bear pattern. The only real changes I made was the arm shape, and running a "hole up their bums." I cut a hole in the bottom of the puppet and attached a sleeve slightly wider than the PVC pipe I would be using.

Their heads were created by wetting and stretching millinery buckrom over a plastic honeydew. After it dried, I removed the buckrom, cut it to shape, and attached semi-circles of buckrom for the inside of the mouth. The mouth was attached by way of hinges, with duck tape over it for strength. I then filled in the head with layers of foam core board, the upper level with a ring and string, and the lower part with a channel for the PVC pipe. Essential, the lower part of the mouth would stay stable, and by pulling on the string, the upper part of the mouth would fall back. Elastic within the mouth would then pull the mouth closed when I released the string.

Okay, now all the problems. Unfortunately, within about 5 mintues A-Ko's mouth mechanism broke. I haven't performed brain surgery yet, but hopefully it can be repaired.

Also, I made a wire structure to keep them in place on my shoulders, and by the end of the day, the wire had been bent so much the puppets had a tendancy to escape. Therefore, B-Ko kept trying to go after everyone's hair.

Regardless, this was a fun costume to wear, and I loved surprising (and scaring small children) everyone.