Hello. My name is Melissa, and I have been making anime outfits since 1997. Until 2000 all my outfits were handsewn, but then I finally got a sewing machine - so costume creation has increased drastically. My first mostly handmade costumes were made about 16 years ago, they were for Star Trek (didn't find pictures from when they were made - but outfits were large enough so I could take recent pictures to put in portfolio). On the rare occasion, I might purchase a costume then repair & alter it to fit me for hallcostuming. I also take a lot of hall costuming pictures at conventions. Check out http://www.icosplay.com for my convention reports.