I started making costumes for myself in 1998 I think it was. I dressed up as Eudial from Sailor Moon, managing to complete a simple costume in about a week. I surprised myself that I could do it, and it was a lot of fun, so I tried every year after that to have something new, if time and money allowed. I use patterns when I can, but oftentimes can't figure out what I need to use. Usually I just end up tracing and making my own patterns off of the clothes I already have. I know they fit, and it's easy to see what needs to be changed. It takes me longer to make a costume for myself because there's no one to measure around me. Often times I spend half the construction time trying on a peice, taking it off, sewing it, and repeating that process for the entire day. \('o')/ It's kinda annoying, but I'm willing to put up with it because the finished product always makes me happy. ^_^ Sometimes though, when I'm pressed for time, or can't figure out how to make something, I have friends who can help. :D Yay!