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•  Probably the most important piece of advice I can give is "do your research". I usually spend a good month on research and scouting out materials before I ever sew the first stitch. Get images of your costume from every angle possible and print them out. Take your images to the fabric store so you can match up fabrics and buy patterns if needed. Order fabric swatches online if you can't find it locally. The same goes for any other supplies you may need for props, wigs, etc. You can never do enough research.
•  This one is slightly off-topic but very important. A lot of us in the costuming community seem to have an affinity for cats. If you do have cats, please be very cautious not to leave thread or needles/pins out where your cat can get to them. If your cat swallows these items the result can be lethal. The thread can build up and cause intestinal blockage and require painful and expensive surgery. Keep your sewing notions in a box or somewhere your cat can't access them and always vacuum your sewing area to get any stray threads or needles that may have escaped your attention. The same precautions apply to all other pets as well. If dogs will eat poop I assume they won't say no to some needles and thread.
• It should go without saying but always use the utmost caution when working with power tools or chemicals. Remember, just because Joe Cosplayer did a fiberglass tutorial without a respirator and gloves doesn't mean you should. This is another area where it's very important to do your research before diving into a new technique. You do not want a Darwin Award. [/lecture]
• Don't be afraid to ask for advice. On the flip side, don't message someone asking them to basically write a tutorial for you on costume xyz. You should have the majority of the costume figured out on your own (remember our talk about doing your research?) but there might be some part you just can't pin down. Focus on that and you're much more likely to get a helpful response. Costuming message boards are also a great place for getting advice.
• Some costumers will tell you that you shouldn't cosplay a character you don't look like/share a similar body type with/etc. and will berate you for doing otherwise. I say that's an asinine notion. Make whatever costume inspires you. The whole point behind this hobby is to have fun and to step outside yourself for a little while. I recommend taking on the costumes you're enthusiastic about regardless of physical similarity to the character. 
• Try not to be discouraged if you enter a costume contest and walk away empty-handed. Use it as an opportunity to size up the competition and determine why they won. If you're a chatty person you might try talking with them about their costume and the work that went into it. Most costumers are only too happy to discuss their work.
• When speaking with costume contest judges be polite and concise. They have a lot of contestants to see and very little time. Don't get an attitude and don't whine. Nothing will get you written off faster than acting like a turd.
• Practice, practice practice. If you don't know how to sew take advantage of sewing classes in your community or have a knowledgeable friend of family member show you the ropes. Find some $1/yd fabric and go nuts. Don't be afraid to mess up, it's how we learn what not to do.
• Try to have scrap to practice on before moving on to your final piece. This applies to sewing, props, wigs and what have you. Nothing sucks worse than ruining your final piece and having to start over.

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Simplicity's Simply The Best Sewing Book: I will admit to having a particular bias toward this book. It was my very first sewing book and was given to me by my grandmother. Sentiment aside it really is a very good book to start out with. It covers many of the basics such as reading a pattern envelope, using a pattern, choosing fabric, measuring yourself, adjusting the pattern for a perfect fit, hand sewing, machine sewing, serging and the list goes on. Whenever I need to brush up on something this is the book I most often find myself reaching for. It's also handy because it's bound with a plastic comb so it can lay out flat for reference while you work.

Claire Shaeffer's Fabric Sewing Guide: This is probably the most comprehensive text I have found so far on working with different fabric types. It has sections for each type of fabric that explains practically everything there is to know about that particular fabric. Basics include what projects the fabric is suitable for, how to care for it both before and after sewing, the best methods for sewing, cutting and marking it and much more. It is incredibly detailed and will be an indispensable addition to your library.
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• Serrated Scissors- I went for about ten years before discovering serrated scissors but now that I have them I'll never go without them again. The top blade has a knife edge while the bottom blade is serrated so they're particularly useful for slippery fabrics like satin or organza. The serrated blade holds the fabric in place so you get a more accurate cut. Note that to get the full benefit you can only cut one layer at a time.
• Rotary Cutters- I find I get a much more accurate cut with rotary cutters than with standard scissors since the fabric and pattern remain flat as opposed to being lifted to get scissors underneath it. It also makes the task of cutting out much quicker for me. There are exceptions but in general I favor rotary cutters for most of my cutting.

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