Costume meme

Ganked off Isis Wardrobe, who makes some lovely 18th century outfits.

1. What was your first costume?
The first I remember was for a fancy dress competition at primary school. I used my mum's academic gown as a base for a bird outfit with a card board beak and big feet.. it was either a puffin or penguin I don't remember which for certain. I think my brother was a cardboard box robot.

2. Did someone get you into costuming? Or on your own?
Well probably my mum. we made costumes for fancy dress competitions or indeed just to dress up for as long as I can remember.

3. What is your favourite costume?
Very good question possibly my wedding dress which was Elizabethan though there are parts I wasn't happy with it still looked very good.. I really should remember to scan some photos at some point However doing the whole lot including Jon's outfit, the best man's, my brother's (who gave me away) and two bridesmaids was very good and having the best man wanting to keep his even thought he wasn't a costume person was great.

4. Which is your least favourite costume?
There have been several mostly when I haven't really given myself enough time to make them properly. Can I say the dress I wore for my mum's wedding ? Sorry mum I know I couldn't get to a fitting or anything but a busty, dumpy young adult was never going to look good in the pink ruffled outfit that her little sister though was fabulous!

5. At conventions, do people compliment you on your costumes?
I don't go to conventions but I have had compliments and roleplay events.. well technically I went to one convention but it was quite small.

6. How many have you done?
Costumes? Lots I used to make them for a living so I lost count.

7. What are the top 6 on your list of "Want to Costume!"
It constantly changes..
I NEED an underbust corset.
I have recently spent some time looking at 1940/1950 stuff and want to do a really nice outfit for that era and possibly got to some tea dances.
I want a really nice over the top victorian outfit probably a bustle dress, with hat and fabulous coat too!.
I also want a steampunk outfit which could overlap with the victorian but I'm thinking more female engineer/explorer.
I'd like an 18th dress with panniers.. my current roleplay character keeps refusing to let me make something really nice though. Ideally with a proper 18th century fabric.
I'd really like to do a really well trimmed empire line outfit with a proper long spencer jacket and hat
Oh and making proper more modern shoes not just turn shoes !!

8. What female costume do you want to do most?
I want a underbust corset but that isn't really a costume.. otherwise I'd love to do something really OTT but just don't have the time or brain power.. possibly a steampunk outfit which included metalworking to make it!

9. What male?
A really fantastic 18th century outfit for Tom or indeed a steampunk one for him probably with a full flowing coat, high collar.. nice fitted waistcoat (possibly corseted), fitted trousers, spats. and room for plenty of pockets and guns..

10. What do you prefer to do, make or buy your costumes?
Make though i am gradually finding people who's work I trust enough to consider buying from Plus I have less time for myself these days.

11. Your most memorable experience? What makes it so memorable?
My wedding was pretty memorable. I made outfits for all the wedding party, about 1/3 of the guest were in costume, mostly 16th century. we had a bill block with crossed bills standing at attention outside the door of the church and a bishop to take the wedding service! Plus we did it on a shoestring and had the reception in the vicarage ground (mum being the vicar) with dancing and so on laid on my friends and family.

12. Your dream costume?
Something that makes me seem taller and elegant.. at 5"3 at a push and rather dumpy even with good curves elegant is had to achieve. I do a really good cleveage though!

13. Is there a pattern in your costuming? If so, what?
Yes it's lead by what roleplaying systems we are currently playing mostly.. this changes over the years.

14. Your most recent costume?
Umm I got halfway through an 1950's outfit but ended up not finishing it or going to the event it was for due to Jake dieing but I do plan to finish it.

15. What do you prefer? Cosplaying in a group or on your own?
Well costume for me is for setting the scene and that's not really relevant on my own!

16. (and one I added) What skill are you most proud to have learnt?
How to make proper 15th century hoes and how to pick the fabric to get the right stretch.. just cos i made so many when I was making re-enactment costume for a living and they were the bane of my life.