Character Name: Elfir Traum (Elie) Series: Elie no Atorie (Atelier Elie) Debut: Anime Expo 2003 Construction Notes: While I was still working in Japan, I considered making a costume for AX03. I didn't have access to a lot of the supplies I had at home and just a little bit of money to spare. I found roughly 15 meters of this orange fabric at the shopping complex I worked in. It was on sale and quite durable for hand-sewing, so I gave it a shot. I rummaged through some Japanese sewing magazines and books, altered a pattern on my own, and even bought a manform bust for 1500 yen. My roommates thought I was nuts but I finished the basic dress before I returned to the States. My boyfriend helped with the additional accessories. It's still unfinished, but I'm still happy with how it turned out! To date, this is the first costume I've completely hand-sewn!