Kathleen M O’Brien

Kathleen M. O’Brien began sewing at age 4, learning traditional techniques from her mother and grandmother. She collects and studies vintage clothing to decipher mysteries of drape and fit in previous eras. Her costumes include both original designs and reproductions, utilizing many historical techniques. She enjoys sharing these skills and her collection, and has published e-books on vintage garments and topics for writers.

Follow Kathleen M O’Brien online at

3:00 PM | Location: Boomer A

Spiritualism & the Occult in Victorian Times

Victorian culture across the world had a broad and complex relationship with spiritualism and the occult. Let's discuss!

Moderator: Bekah June

Panelists: Bekah June, Tim Chessmore, Kathleen M O'Brien, Jeff Provine, Rie Sheridan Rose, Karen Thrower

Tracks: General Interest, History, Supernatural & Paranormal

4:00 PM | Location: Boomer B

Retrofuture: Visions of the Future from the Past

From robots that clean and tablet computers, to jetpacks and flying cars. Join the fun as our panelists discuss how the past saw the future! What did they get right, what did they get laughably wrong?

Moderator: Mel. White

Panelists: Mel. White, Mark Alfred, Tim Frayser, Sheila Hartney, Chaz Kemp, Kathleen M O'Brien

Tracks: STEM, History, Culture & World Affairs, Science Fiction, Pop Culture & Entertainment

7:00 PM | Location: Hotel Suite (look for location on the signage boards)

Historical Fashion Exhibit

SoonerCon attendees are invited to join costumer and historic-clothing collector Ms. Kathleen M O'Brien in her parlor for a viewing of antique and vintage garments. Questions welcome! (2 hours, come-and-go viewings.)

Moderator: Kathleen M O'Brien

Panelists: Kathleen M O'Brien

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, History, General Interest

9:00 AM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Interior Courtyard - Fountain

Koffeeklatch

Join panelists in the hotel breakfast area for morning networking and conversation. BYO coffee, please.

Moderator: Mark Alfred

Panelists: Mark Alfred, Alice-of-Hearts, Aoi Kitsu, Beku.Cos, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Aaron Bossig, Brook Bullock, David Carrico, Cat of WhiskersandBeans, Peri Charlifu, Rosemary Clement-Moore, Crazy Red Artist, EBA Comedy, Daniel Erickson, Rhonda Eudaly, Everyday Futurist, Shai Fenwick, Mark Finn, Caleb Haldane, Sally Hamilton, Teddy Harvia, Lyde Van Hoy, Barrett Huddleston, Nick Johnson, Jovial Juggernaut, vickey malone kennedy, Knightmage, Julia S. Mandala, A. Lee Martinez, Moe, Tracy S. Morris, Kathleen M O'Brien, Remy Domino, Joey “Okie Space Queen” Rodman, James Simpson, Seth Skorkowsky, A C Smart, Tommy B. Smith, Squirrelly Jedi Photography, Stevo the Gutter Nerd, B J Thrower

Tracks: General Interest, Meetup, Food & Drink

Noon | Location: Hotel Suite (look for location on the signage boards)

Historical Fashion Exhibit

SoonerCon attendees are invited to join costumer and historic-clothing collector Ms. Kathleen M O'Brien in her parlor for a viewing of antique and vintage garments. Questions welcome! (3 hours, come-and-go viewings.)

Moderator: Kathleen M O'Brien

Panelists: Kathleen M O'Brien

Tracks: History, Costuming & Fashion, General Interest

5:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

Create an OC Cosplay

Want to join the cosplay craze, but can't find the right character that fits your personality? Create your own original character! Pick a name, develop your story, and design your costume. The options are limitless! Panelists discuss designing an OC cosplay concept.

Moderator: The Singing Costumer

Panelists: Vanessa Green, Kekkuda, Kathleen M O'Brien, Raiva, TattedSith Cosplay

Tracks: Maker, Art, Cosplay, Costuming & Fashion

10:00 PM | Location: Embassy Hotel: Crimson Meeting Room

Late Night Artists Chat Vol. 2

This is a chance for artists and fans to meet in a relaxed setting to talk all things art! Ask questions, share ideas, and socialize. (Hotel side)

Moderator: Mitzi Bartlett

Panelists: Mitzi Bartlett, Blair Bartlett - Alternate Realities Studio, Peri Charlifu, JR Daniels, Muriel Fahrion, Jan S. Gephardt, Teddy Harvia, Rubiee Tallyn Hayes, W J Hodgson, Bekah June, Mike Kennedy, Kimber, Luna Reign Cosplay, Harold Neal, Kathleen M O'Brien

Tracks: Art, General Interest, Meetup

10:00 AM | Location: Boomer B

I Will NEVER Make That Again

#neveragain: Artists, costumers, crafters and makers share ugly truths about the toughest creation they've ever made, and how it shaped their work going forward. Pics or it didn't happen!

Moderator: Kathleen M O'Brien

Panelists: Kathleen M O'Brien, Julie Barrett, Tim Chessmore, Cal Custard, Dara Fogel, PhD, WandererTJ

Tracks: Art, Cosplay, Maker, Costuming & Fashion

1:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

Final Touches and Details

Little touches can make a costume. There's a lot more than your garment when it comes to finishing your cosplay, but you can do it! Shoes, wigs, make-up, props—come learn to embellish your favorite costume for a fully polished LOOK.

Moderator: Carousel Costumes

Panelists: Carousel Costumes, Kekkuda, Mimic Rae, Kathleen M O'Brien, TattedSith Cosplay

Tracks: Costuming & Fashion, Maker, Cosplay

3:00 PM | Location: Oklahoma G

Costuming and Cosplay for Body Positivity

As the saying goes, if you want a Slave Leia bikini body, just put on a Slave Leia bikini. Cosplay is not fashion gatekeeping. Panelists share their experiences and tips for maintaining body positivity. Let's talk about body positivity and why it matters for creativity and wellness in cosplay.

Moderator: R Karch Photography

Panelists: R Karch Photography, Carousel Costumes, Sherri Dean, Knightmage, Kathleen M O'Brien

Tracks: Health & Wellness, Costuming & Fashion, Cosplay