Halloween Costume Making

I've fallen off the every-other-year make or buy Halloween costumes schedule.  Most of the kids figure out their own costumes (and usually make them).  This year it was only Adell who wanted a homemade costume.  She and her very best friend, Maggie, wanted to dress up as a duo.  They spent a month discussing ideas and plans.  They tossed around ideas like a magician and a bunny, toy soldiers, puppies, I cannot remember what else.  It was a long month of planning.  Finally, they settled on toy soldiers, not to be confused with army men.   

Lucky me, I got to make both girl's costumes!  Last year, I made Adell's costume.  Every year I make costumes I curse and cry and complain the whole time.  I am proud of the results when it is over...but the process isn't pretty.  Last year, as I was cursing through Adell's costume she asked me "Mom, do you even like sewing costumes?"  I was taken aback.  I do like sewing and costumes are really fun!  However, for years I let me complaining nature get the better of me and my kids figured I hated sewing.  Shame on me.  This year I committed to enjoying the process and telling my kids how much fun I was having.

My positive determination was tested a bit.  The jacket pattern I picked was going to turn out ADORABLE but it was going to be a challenge.  At every turn (and repeated turn, I had to make it twice) I would call out my joy and satisfaction at how well the project was going.  It was a much better year for sewing.

I made two velvet jackets (lined), two black twirly skirts, two top hats, and two sets of shoulder lapels.  I tried to make two wind up keys...but it didn't work.  I wanted the jackets to be something the girls could wear again and that meant not attaching anything to the jacket.  So the key idea went out the window.

The whole thing came together BEAUTIFULLY!  I am so proud of myself!  Both girls liked the costumes and they fit!  Win, win, win!