Construction Details:

The costume itself (Dress, Apron, Bloomers, Head-Frill, Ribbons) were made by (commissioned from) my friend Amber (Mimette).
While I dealt with the ears, tail, wig, shoes, etc.
First time ear/tail making, but I had a learned a ton and am really proud of the results. Had a really nice faux black fur in my bin-o-fabric which was enough to make all three pieces! Ears were simple enough. I really like how they turned out, they match the manga illustrations really well. The tail was a bit harder to accomplish. I took some large gauge aluminum wire, which I was able to have three "strands" of in the tail, wrapped them in a thin foam sleeve which I then sewed/tied with heavy-duty thread together so the wire wouldn't slide around or bend (which is a large problem most tails come across when trying to stay up). Then I wrapped the foam sheath with bunches of Fiberfill and used clear thread to form a sort of "net" around it, so that it would stay close to the foam. Then I stuffed it into the tail and secured it at several points with thread. I attached it to a belt which had large grommets in it, which I could use the extra wire coming out of the tail and wrap it around, also sewing and gluing it all together, and using a piece of craft foam on the inside so it wouldn't scrape at my back. I wanted it to stand on it's own. It ALMOST got there. Because of the bell, I had to secure it to the back of my dress, under the apron, with some fishing line.
But it bobs nicely and I had NO problems with it. I could even sit down with it on.
PHEW. Ears sewn onto wig for security. Boots found and altered according to illustrations with new laces and puff paint.

Personal Thoughts:

I have wanted to cosplay as Ichigo for many, many years. Her battle outfit is still one of the top ones on my list. But at least now I can say I have cosplayed as her!
Every year Youmacon has a Maid Cafe. (First one in the US, look it up). I have been going to Youma since year one, and have always wanted to be a maid but never really looked into how I could be one, well, I finally did some more asking and was accepted! I knew I had to do Ichigo's maid outfit.
I chose the manga version, as clothing wise, it isn't all that different. But I wanted to have her beautiful pink hair, as well as wear her cat "appendages".
I had a super great (and BUSY!) time as a maid! Had a few bell malfunctions, but all in all. I really love this costume! It's super comfy to wear and adorable.

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