I was so happy when Funimation announced that they had re-licensed The Vision of Escaflowne! I had wanted to watch it for a few years but couldn’t since it had been out of print due to Bandai’s closure. I watched the film first and two days later went back to the store and picked up the tv series. I fell in love with the series instantly, and almost a week after I finished it, I started it all over again! The series means so much to me and Yoko Kanno’s “The Story of Escaflowne” moves me every time I listen to it. The ending is the greatest ending I’ve ever seen to a TV series EVER. I love all the characters and their designs, but I decided to go with Merle since she has such a strong will, isn’t afraid to speak her mind, and she’s a cat girl: anime’s BEST cat girl to be exact! >:) I should also mention that working on this costume (and rewatching the series) helped me get through the passing of my precious furbaby. I’m truly thankful for this series existence as it continues to help me get through really hard days when my endometriosis is being excruciating. This is the comfiest and easiest costume I’ve ever made, and I received so many compliments in it (we’d end up talking about Escaflowne for a good bit! 😊) I’m glad I was able to make Merle and show my love for Escaflowne since it means so much to me. ❤