HALLOWEEN COSTUMES REVIEW

Costumes are all complete. I painted the crows beak last night and I am in the process of working on the staff. I had originally played around with the idea of making a plush crow but decided on a store bought one instead. I also need to do some adjusting to the headpiece. Apparently it's made for someone with a giant head.





Simplicity 9891


Pattern Description: Renaissance Style Costume Dress

Pattern Size: Size 10

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions were easy to follow. It did take me a minute to wrap my head around the collar construction.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Because I was trying to mimic the look of this characters costume I liked the collar and sleeves of this dress.

Fabric Used:
Black stretch velvet–Joanns  Purple costume satin - Joanns

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I made the sleeves out of the same fabric as the dress and I lined the sleeves. I also added a removable dickie-turtle neck to look like that of the characters collar and neck.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I'd sew it again. I recommend not using stretch velvet. I was on a budget and didn't want to pay the price for velvet.  In fact maybe not use velvet at all. It is unbelievably heavy.







Simplicity 5520


Pattern Description: Kids Princess Costume


Pattern Size: Size 5 in width and 6 in length

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions were easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

The pattern seemed to run big. Based on my daughter's measurements, the envelope  instructed me to cut out a 5. I had to take it in almost an inch on either side. The first time in a long time I've had to adjust a pattern.

Fabric Used:
Pink costume satin - Hobby Lobby

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Took it in on the sides. I also added small belt loops on the side for the rope belt. Because of the satin material, the belt kept sliding down.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I'd sew it again.

MALIFICENT SLEEVES

The sleeves are complete! I had some major problems with the sleeves. The main problem is I'm using cheap stretch velvet because I didn't want to spend the money on real velvet. I ran into a problem when I had to line them with the cheap purple satin. One whole sleeve had to be redone. Lots of cussing involved. It fits great and is quite heavy. When I hold my arms out it is quite dramatic. All that's left is hemming and steaming the dress.

I haven't decided  if I like the idea of a cape. I'm afraid it might completely obscure the dress. I'm going to start my daughters sleeping beauty dress and think about it.

MALIFICENT COSTUME

I've attached the collar to the front and back of the dress. Next up is to sew up the side seams and start working on the sleeves.

THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN!!!!

Yes, it's that time of year again. Halloween!! The time of year where I spend 2 1/2 months working on costumes and decorations. Halloween to me is like Christmas to most people. We officially have more Halloween decor than any other holiday. I think it's every artists favorite holiday. The only holiday where you can create costumes and become someone else.

So this year our costume theme is Sleeping Beauty. One of my favorite Disney films. I have always loved the backgrounds, which were all designed by Eyvind Earle. Look him up! Below is concept art painted by him for the film.



I will be playing the part of Malificent and my 4 year old will be Sleeping Beauty. All she really cares about is that she gets to be wear a pink gown.





So there is no Malificent or Sleeping Beauty costume in print. So I have decided to create my versions of the the films costumes. I have decided to use Simplicity pattern 9891. Mainly because of the collar which resembles that of Malificent's.

Below is a sketch of how I hope it will look like in the end. There will be the dress as well as a cape.





Here's what I've completed so far. The collar, pretty cool. It is black velvet lined with purple satin.

Below is our past Halloween themes. Last year was by far the most detail oriented and time consuming costumes I have ever made. My husband loves it so much he wants to wear it again this year and maybe add some better props to it.



2011



2010

The Leia and Ewok costume was pretty simple to make. The Storm Trooper, not so easy. My husband spent months on this.



2009