This costume was inspired by the outfit Sakura-hime wore during her stay in the town of Oto in the animated series Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle. It was also another costume that I completely built from scratch. First I built the pleated skirt on my dressmaker's mannequin. It took a bit of time to get the pleats going just the way I wanted them, but once they were set, I stitched the top of them down and added a waistband. Next I made the kimono top. This was rather simple, since I had made a few kimonos previously. The only difference with this one is the embroidery and applicae sleeves. That portion took just as long as building the rest of the costume, but well worth it, since no one that I have met has done that level stitchery in the hobby of cosplay. Next, I made the cross-back apron. I made it so the straps go from top of the front panel, cross over the back, slip through loops at the waist, and then tie in the back. Then I added little capped shoulders and lace or ruffles around the outer edges. The final part of the costume was the hat. I took a wide plastic headband and added a point of lace with a triangle of leather on either side the center in order to stiffen it. Then I added pieces of ribbon with bells at either end to each side of the headband and finally loops of the same ribbon over top. It took me about 3 weeks in my spare time to make this costume and I still enjoy bringing it out for different events.
