This was the first costume that I ever made. I made it in 1996 to wear to a convention - my first convention. I was thinking about going dressed up, and I did some research into hiring or purchasing a costume. I was very disappointed with the quality and the price, and I thought to myself 'I can do a better job', so I set out to do just that.

My original plan was to make the standard 'Next Gen' shirt, but I had some problems in the drafting stages, and decided that the dress uniform was easier, and it did turn out to be, and it had the added bonus of being unique.

I don't remember the pattern number, but it was a McCalls pattern that had the basic shape of a top, with a mandarin collar, and a button fastner at the back. I inserted an invisible zip instead. It was the first type of zip I had ever done. I have only done one standard zip since. I find invisible zips a lot easier to work with.

I used gaberdine, and it was lovely to work with. I used the only gold trim I could find. It was ghastly. It kept unravelling all the time.

I was very happy with the result at the time. I know now that I could have made it fit much better, had I known how to. It was a learning experience. After it was done, I swore that I'd never sew again....

..... until the next project captured my attention, and all that went out of the window.