From a 2002 Burning Man sewing manual:

Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Chilled vodka for martinis
works well, but don't use a martini glass because it's too tippy. The
music of your choice should be running on random play so you don't
have to keep changing CD's.
Sew naked. It saves time when you need to try things on.
Make sure you have the appropriate materials. If it's not glitzy,
furry, shiny, bright, vinyl, irridescent, fluffy, sparkly, funky,
wild, metallic, leather, sequined, or glow-in-the-dark, it's not
worth making.
Drink another martini. The olives can be your lunch.
If you think you've added plenty of decoration to the finished
product, add 10% more.
Try on costume at least 5 times, dancing in front of your mirror to
see the full effect. Try it on again with high heels.
Drink more vodka straight from the bottle.
If you don't know how to sew, or don't have a sewing machine, use
glue, staples, or safety pins.
Hey, whatever works!