Most of my sewing is making costumes, either for dance or cosplay. So I'm posting my first cosplay costume: Yachiru from Bleach.

That's me in the pink hair. I made everything for this costume, except the wig. It's a traditional Japanese costume, kimono over kosode, with hakama.

Kimono: In this case, it's a men's kimono, so the sleeves are not very wide. Kimono construction is basically a tube, which works for an Asian body style, but a little more problematic for a curvy Caucasian.

Kosode: Another kimono, basically an undergarment. The layered look is in for kimonos. For this, the kosode is white, the kimono is black.

Hakama: Wide legged pleated pants. All these clothes were basically made from rectangles. Ironing the pleats for this was not particularly fun...

Tabi socks: Traditional split toed socks. usually made from silk, I made mine from a cotton knit. Just seemed more practical.

Waraji sandals: these are usually made from rice straw; since I didn't have that available, I made mine from jute. I found the instructions on Ebay of all places. These were the easiest thing to make for this costume.

Katana: This is not a katana; it's really a bouken, a practice sword. It's made from wood and is purchased from a karate supply store. I painted the scabbard black, added the gold details, the white cord and the pink hilt wrap.

Anyhoo, another crazy hobby! Yes, I did wear this to a convention, but so many other people were in costume, it would have been weird to be in street clothes. Also, it was fun to learn about traditional Japanese costumes.