The design chosen for this competition is the Japanese Kimono by Folkwear Patterns. This yukata or unlined informal kimono can be worn in various lengths, as a dress, coat, or robe. The pattern also includes instructions for making an informal obi or sash, and is sized for men and women to 6 ft. tall. 

The pattern is available in the Seattle area from Nancy’s Sewing Basket (206.282.9112) or from Lark Books. 

Rules (Mostly adapted from CostumeCon)

1. The garment must be made from the basic pattern above. Minor creative design changes are permitted. This could involve such things as eliminating, changing, or adding minor pieces, as long as the overall silhouette is recognizable as being derived from the pattern. For example, changing the length of the garment to mid-calf, eliminating the sash, and adding epaulettes is allowed. Substituting a narrow sleeve and adding wide flared skirt insets is not allowed, as this significantly changes the silhouette of the garment. 
   
2. The garment may be made any size, as long as it fits a human being. Sorry, no doll, action figure, pet, or alien-sized kimonos for this contest. 
   
3. Materials and techniques are entirely up to you. All types of embellishments from traditional to fantasy are encouraged; however, the “no messy substances” rule will be invoked. Please limit your work to the garment itself. An obi or sash is optional, but it should not be the focal point of the costume. And, while accessories such as matching headpieces, jewelry, shoes, under-robes, etc. may be interesting and fun when you wear your garment as a hall costume, they are not part of this competition and should not be displayed with your entry.
   
4. You must have a Norwescon 25 badge number to enter the competition. 
   
5. One entry per person. 
   
6. All entries will be displayed in the Art Show. You need to bring a dress form or other stable floor stand on which to display your entry. 
   
7. Entries may be brought to the Art Show any time that it is open; however, all contestants should have their entries in by Friday evening. If you cannot bring your entry to the Art Show yourself, you may have someone else bring it for you, as long as they have your Norwescon badge number to complete the Registration Form. 
   

Pre-Registration
We need to know how many pieces will be in the show in advance, so we can plan space and time for judging and display. Please contact the Contest Director no later than March 1st at (removed) as soon as you know that you want to enter.

Documentation
Each entry must have a completed Registration Form attached. Registration Forms will be sent by e-mail from the Contest Director, and there will be a small supply of extra forms at the convention if your original form gets misplaced or forgotten. 

If you want to provide additional documentation for the judges, limit it to one side of an 8 ½ x 11 page. 

To ensure your documents stay with your garment, please bring your completed Registration Form and supporting documentation page (if applicable) in a clear plastic document protector. Contestants are also asked to bring whatever they need (for example: a cord, ribbon, or safety pin) to secure the document protector to the dress form, or stand. These items will not be available from the Art Show staff. 

Judging
Judging takes place on or before Sunday morning of the convention. The judges will examine the garments for creativity, workmanship, use of materials, and overall concept. The judges will also tally the People’s Choice ballots at that time. Ribbons and other prizes may be awarded at the judges’ discretion. Entries should be retrieved Sunday between 2:00pm and when the Art Show closes.