User blog:Scarfed Mystery/Weiss Cosplay Advice/Help?

So I'm cosplaying Weiss for a convention that is in July (of next year) and I wanted to get started.

First of all, I have little to no expirence in sewing/making clothes; which will pose a problem.

Second of all, I have never made a cosplay (it's my first time actually making one).

Some questions I have... Advice and help would be much appreciated.
 * Approximentally how much material do I need?
 * What kind of cardboard should I use?
 * How much should I spend?
 * Styling the wig?
 * Make-up?
 * Should I ask for assistance from friends or work on the project independently?
 * Colored contacts? (I really don't know how that would work out...)

Some additional information:

- I'm 5'1~2-ish (female)

- I'm cosplaying with some friends. (My friend who is cosplaying Ruby is shorter than me, my other friend who is cosplaying Yang is tall; which is good? We currently have no one for Blake.)