Episode 146 - Annye Driscoll – Being Maker Fishmeal

Summary: Annye Driscoll, aka Maker Fishmeal, is a writer, teacher, cosplayer, and self-described “very slow crafter” who has built a creative life around making, learning, and sharing what they know. In this episode, Annye talks about learning to sew, discovering cosplay, the welcoming and unconventional world of cosplay culture, and the process behind creating elaborate costumes. They also share the stories behind their books, their love of natural history and their many hobbies—from horseback riding to fencing and gaming. It’s a fun, wide-ranging conversation about creativity, curiosity, and why there’s no right speed for making.

Episode Notes:  What happens when sewing, cosplay, writing, teaching, natural history, horses, gaming, and a whole lot of curiosity come together? You get Annye Driscoll, better known online as Maker Fishmeal.

Annye is a writer, teacher, software developer, cosplayer, and self-described “very slow crafter.” They’ve written books including The Ultimate Glue Guide, Finish Your Cosplay!, and Ultimate Encyclopedia of Fabrics and Unconventional Materials, and they have a fascinating approach to creativity and making.

In this episode, Annye takes us into the world of cosplay, talks about how they learned to sew, explains why the cosplay community is so special to them, and shares what goes into creating their costumes. We also get into their books, their love of natural history, their many hobbies—and what it really means to be a “slow crafter.”

It’s a great conversation about making things, following your curiosity, and finding your people. So, let’s get started. This is Sew & So.

They live in Ohio with their partner, kitties, pony, and school of fancy guppies.

(1:25) Meet Annye Driscoll!

(1:54) Who is Maker Fishmeal and how did Annye come up with this name?

(3:10) How did they learn to sew and who was their inspiration?

(4:55) When did they realize that creating was going to be a part of their life?

(6:18) What was Annye’s first experience with Cosplay?

(7:28) Annye talks about the Cosplay community and why it’s so special to them.

(9:07) What goes into the costumes they create and what’s the process?

(10:34) How does someone learn to work with foam? Cosplay’s Ultimate Guide to EVA Foam by Beverly Downan

(11:57) What’s the one thing about the Cosplay culture that Annye wants people to know?

(13:13) Annye calls themselves “a very slow crafter”. What does that mean?

(14:14) They say that cosplayers come to their craft from an unconventional place. What does that mean?

(16:41) Annye talks about their many and diverse hobbies…and what is their theory about horses?

(18:36) Annye talks about the books they’ve written.

(21:40) What’s the process when they release a book?

(22:54) How can you find out where Annye will be and where to meet them?

(23:12) Why is Annye a self-professed natural history geek?

(26:36) What’s next for Annye?

(27:01) Is there a question we didn’t ask?

(27:16) How can you contact Annye? www.Makerfishmeal.com…reach out please…they really mean it!

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