Claudia was started months before she was finished. In fact I can't even recall when those dates were.I do remember that the pattern was decided on and fabric bought at the end of summer of 2001. I finished the main part of the jacket and most of the skirt... and there it hung when I went off to school and wasn't tended to again until shortly before Otakon 2002. I was given wary advice about the collar, and it was heeded. I spent 3 days alone getting the shape right. I had about 6 different paper cut outs and one fabric cut out till I cut the real fabric. I only had just enough of the right color. I knew I would not find it again because the fabric hunt itself was terrible. Eveything was too expensive for green suiting and things like it.
It's a fully functional suit, lined and all. When I wore it to Ota it was good but it lacked shaping. When I brought it home I hiked up the lining and took it in to mold to a female curve like I had to do with Rosebride. I also got new shoes for $12 bucks though they are 2 sizes too big.
She is a great costume and I am glad I made it. I find the longer you spend on a costume the easier it is to change into it.

Anime Festival Orlando

Dragon*Con

Anime Weekend Atlanta

Anime Festival Orlando 2002

Otakon