For my second cosplay, I chose Eleven from Stranger Things. In Season 1, Episode 4, there’s a moment where she sees herself in the pink dress and blonde wig and quietly says, “pretty.” That single word sparked an entire alternate-universe version of Eleven in my head. I imagined a timeline where she patched things up with Papa (Dr. Brenner), redirected his research into something far less horrifying (teacup demodogs, obviously), moved to California, and El somehow evolved into a Valley Girl.
Dress
The dress started as a Rubies costume purchased on Amazon and needed significant alterations. I hemmed it to match the length of the tutu and used a zigzag crescent stitch to add an embroidered-style detail. Looking back, I’m very glad the seams weren’t flipped back then, because some spots definitely revealed that I was still an amateur at the time.
The back closure was especially rough: a huge gaping opening secured by a tiny square of Velcro at the top. I removed it entirely and installed a zipper instead. Getting the back panels right was a chore in itself. The original sleeves were long, but they felt uncomfortable, and my Valley Girl version of Eleven made much more sense with short sleeves, so I altered those as well. A tutu was added to poof out the dress.
Shoes, Socks, and Comfort Hacks
The rest of the outfit included socks and high heels designed to look like sneakers. While these shoes now only come in pink, they did originally exist in white. With extreme heels like these, I always size up and wear extra socks along with hidden shoe inserts for comfort. Combined with lidocaine spray, this made it possible for me to survive an entire convention day. This is not medical advice… just me sharing what personally works for me.
Wig
The wig was a K’ryssma 26″ platinum blonde wig originally used for my Lady Rainicorn cosplay. I trimmed it using standard crafting scissors and thinning shears to create a more realistic look. Styling was done before the anti-shine treatment, since that process makes the fibers harder to work with afterward.
For the anti-shine method, I soaked the wig for 24 hours in water mixed with fabric softener, then let it air-dry without rinsing. Once fully dry, I applied dry shampoo. I was genuinely shocked by how much this reduced the synthetic shine and how well the dry shampoo adhered to the fibers.
This technique relies on cationic surfactants in the fabric softener binding to certain wig fibers such as kanekalon, toyokalon, or polyester blends. Not all fibers will work, and wigs that come pre-treated that may prevent proper binding. Note the full 24-hour soak is essential. Styling afterward is more difficult due to the added texture, so brushing must be done slowly and carefully.
Demodog
I originally wanted the demodog to walk beside me on a leash, ideally on wheels like a wooden pull toy. Then I remembered the novelty gift-shop leashes that make it look like you’re walking an invisible dog. If the plush was light enough, I could make it look like it was actually walking.
I initially considered modifying a cartoon-style demodog plush, but once I had it in hand, I hated the look and returned it without seam-ripping. While browsing Target’s toy section, I stumbled upon a Spinosaurus plush. The design has since changed slightly, but I found the closest current version. I bought two of them with the intention of taking them apart and sewing them back together Frankenstein style.
During this process, I learned something unexpected: in factory assembly lines, each section is often sewn with a different thread color. I had assumed everything would be the same color. The legs were attached with an extra piece of fabric, and at one point the plush looked like it was screaming for its life with its arms removed. I laughed so hard and was very glad I took photos.
I reattached the back legs to the front, added both spines along the sides to form rib-like structures, and sewed the two mouths side by side. The trickiest part was creating the fifth jaw. I stitched the tongues together, used scrap fabric from the body, and filled the gaping black space with felt painted black. The result was delightfully unsettling.
Leash and Harness
While the invisible dog leash was sturdy, the demodog needed a more secure attachment. I went to Petco and bought the smallest blue dog harness I could find, which felt incredibly *strange* considering it was for a cosplay prop. After adjusting the straps, it fit perfectly.
To improve stability, I added a bow and reinforced the leash connection using a magnetic purse latch salvaged from a broken bag. One half was sewn into the demodog and the other attached to the leash. This final touch made him secure enough to confidently walk the convention floor.
Eggo Purse
The Eggo purse started as a wooden box from Michael’s. I painted it, applied a non-smudge postage label with an old school Eggo design, and sealed that one side with epoxy resin. The handle was made from a chunky chain attached with eye screws. Inside, two smaller chains limited how far the purse could open, secured with the smaller eye screws included in the hardware kit.
Contest
This cosplay debuted at the 2018 RI Comic Con, where I entered my first cosplay contest. Most people in line were visibly nervous, but some of us chatted while waiting. We were assigned numbers to help the MC, and the contestant behind me, who was number 11, offered to switch so that Eleven would be number 11. It was such a sweet and thoughtful gesture.
Knowing we were on a time limit, I planned to maximize my stage presence through acting. The stairs had no guard rail, so before stepping onstage, I turned to the judges and crowd and said, “Sorry, he’s not good with stairs.” I then commanded my demodog “Up” for each step. The MC laughed and joked, “Come on, want a piece of nougat.” A well done reference to Dustin feeding nougat to his demodog.
The judges asked about the dress, and I explained the hemming and zipper replacement. When they asked where I bought the demodog, I told them it was made from two dinosaurs I tore apart and reassembled. One judge asked if he did tricks, and I joked that he loves fetch but eats the stick every time.
I also explained how I made the Eggo purse, prompting the MC to joke that having an Eggo inside might win me the contest. I was ready for a “Leggo my Eggo” moment, but he didn’t touch the bag probably out of respect. As a last-second improv, I said, “Friends don’t lie, but friends don’t share Eggos either,” then turned to the crowd and stuck my tongue out. They laughed.
Photographer: Tricia McEvoy
The Results
In the amateur category, I was up against a singing Elsa and a Beauty and the Beast couple. When my name was announced, I jumped up and down and covered my face, barely able to contain my excitement.
I remain deeply grateful to those who encouraged and supported me throughout this experience. Sharing the news of the win was made even more meaningful by the confidence shown in me. One response in particular, simply saying, “Of course you won,” stayed with me and meant more than words can fully express.
Current Condition
The wig, dress, and Demodog prop remain in good condition. The purse shows minor epoxy bubbling in a few small areas, though this is subtle and only noticeable upon close inspection.