Tomoe Hotaru
(Mugen Gakuen Junior High Winter Uniform)
土萠ほたる
「無限学園中等の冬服」

Difficulty:   
Hours to Complete: 40-50 (Mostly due to hitting a few snags)
Materials: 97% Cotton/3% Spandex Poplin, Black Watch/Campbell Tartan Plaid Wool, Bias Tape
Worn At: Sakuracon 09

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A big part of inspiration for this costume came from the amazing Japanese cosplayer Usako. She gave me the ideas to use Black Watch instead of just painting blue stripes on green fabric (I personally like the Black Watch better because it's more schoolgirly), the scale of the length of the blouse and size of the bow, and using blue bias tape on the bow (which is glued on using ultra-strength Heat 'n Bond).

The star is an embroidered appliqué, which I hand-stitched the edges down for extra security. The buttons are covered in matching red fabric, and are non-functional except for the wrist cuff buttons; snaps close the blouse instead. I'm also rather self-conscious that the button panel and buttons are off-center, so hopefully it isn't that noticeable? @_@;

Bought components of this costume are the purple stud earrings, black opaque tights, shoes, and black star embroidered appliqué.