Halloween is always such a whirlwind event. Leil needed her costume for school last Friday, it worked out well to have a deadline BEFORE Halloween. I was stitching up final details on Caitlin’s costume the day of. I was also making sure I had enough food to keep six 14 year-olds fed for the Saturday night sleep over (which ended up being a stay-up-all-night-over).
I used 2 different patterns for Leil’s costume. The skirt was McCall’s M5696, View E. I refolded the pleats on the front to match the character’s pleat design. The shirt was from Ottobre Summer 3/2006, #28. I left off the sleeves, made the pockets narrower, and used velcro down the front. The buttons were sewn on for effect. We made up the sleeves based on the picture. I bound them on both ends and stitched them to the bottom of the armhole for about an inch.
A huge feeling of relaxation set in once the last kid had been picked up Sunday morning. My house was clean, there was an extra hour in the day and the sun was shining.
Caitlin’s costume highlight was the Sis Boom Patricia Tunic by Jennifer Paganelli and Carla Hegeman-Crim (Link from Zelda would have been so lucky to have his clothes made from this pattern). A downloadable pattern that contains full sized pattern pieces that you tape together. This was my first time sewing this type of pattern and I’m sold on it. First off, Carla’s detailed instructions are fantastic! I followed them to the letter and the results were perfect. I love the small finishing details (tuck at the top of the sleeve, the ever-so-subtle princess seam giving shape to the front, the perfectly placed side vents). I modified the Yoke shape to match Link’s character. It occurred to me that you could create any shape you wanted which is fun. The pattern also provides an option for turning the yoke facing to the inside.
The other thing that occurred to me while making this pattern was that I can now print it off in my size and make it for myself! With multi-sized patterns you only get to use the pattern in one size if you cut the tissue. You’d have to trace the whole thing to use different sizes. I’m never that patient. Also, if I screw up the fitting modifications I can always re-print and start over.
The purchased turtle neck that we cut down the front is interesting. I bought it at Walmart for $4.50. It’s 95% organic cotton, 5% spandex. Are you serious!
So, here’s to the turning of the calendar page to November. Wishing us all luck in sewing our hearts out for the next two months!
Anyone else have the candy IV thing going on? I have got to stay out of that bag while the kids are at school!
yes, the candy iv. help me!
love your costumes. hope you have recovered from the “sleep” over!
Awesome costumes…even if I had no idea who they’re supposed to be – but the girls were happy, which is all that matters! Brave Mom for have a “sleep-over” on the night with and extra hour!
GREAT costumes……….. and what a great mama!!!!
pat yourself on the back and have another piece of candy!
You’re costumes look great — I bet the girls could even wear them as every day clothes! You are so clever to modify a T-neck. I would never have thought of that. So funny about the candy IV and the stay up all night over. I know exactly what you mean.
Wonderful job on both costumes, Kathy!!! I’m must admit that I am especially partial to Link because 1) I played lots of Zelda on my original NES back in the day and 2) you used our Patricia pattern! Thanks so much for the great review!!!
Well Carla and I are so thankful for this…I’m telling you the stars lined up for me the day Carla walked into my life!!! Thanks so much Kathy!
What great costumes! Leil is beautiful and looks so grown up! Did Caitlin opt out of having her face in her pictures? I love to see everybody’s kids pics. You certainly ARE a good momma for going to such lengths to make those gorgeous outfits. I agree that they would make great everyday outfits. I like them both, but I think I like the sleeves on Leil’s costume the best of all.
Keep up the good work.
Linda: At 14 Caitlin most definitely does not want her face on my blog!
Leil is SO grown up! I hardly recognize her! I guess I need to get up there for a visit…..
I love the “cut” turtleneck on Caitlin – cool idea for the future…
Miss you – LOTS!
xoxo
so cute! you did an amazing job on those costumes!
I look forward to your Halloween costumes each year, Kathy! It’s fun to watch your girls’ interests evolve over the years. I’ve been “off the hook” the last two Halloweens, so no stressing out the day of – what a relief, but I also miss the creative buzz. Wonder how long your girls will keep wanting to dress up for Halloween? I bet with your costumes, they’ll keep at it for awhile longer. My 12 year old wanted to be an Elizabethan maid just days before Halloween – it wasn’t going to happen on such short notice
Your work is beautiful and your girls are fortunate to have such a creative mom.
I’m at the age where I could be if I wanted to be, a member of AARP. I’m not always tuned into the latest ‘characters,’ so a clue or two please…what are the girls dressed up as?
Thanks.
Nevermind regarding my question in a previous post.
I read an earlier post where you explained the costumes you were going to make and now I get what your girls were dressed up as.
Teaches me to read your posts in chronological order!
You’re a rock star mom.
Fantastic work!!! Your girls are so lucky. I know I always loved the costumes Mom made for me. Hope all is well in your corner of the planet. ox
I wish I could sew like this…these are wonderful Kathy.
I can cover boxes with aluminum foil to make robots instead.
Hope your kids got lots of candy!