Not if you know how to sew or know someone who can sew.
@Higuma- pick a favorite anime and choose characters from that.
I started right after kcon 08, mainly because school started and I talked with my friend and knew what we would cosplay as...I just got so excited about it, that I wanted to start right away. Plus, it makes it easier to get them done early so you can plan for other cosplays, and possiblly get them done in time for the con.