If you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute.
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 11:10AM
Back when I was practicing appellate law, a dear co-worker and I adopted the title of this post as an unofficial office slogan. We were so busy that on any given day, we could only deal with the most urgent of deadlines. I find myself in a similar boat these days.
Last year, Max was sick the entire week before Halloween. It turned out to be bronchitis. It was almost serious enough to keep him in for trick or treating, but luckily, he started feeling better and made it out. I am 85% sure he was not faking it.
He asked to be a wizard and I had every intention of finding a pattern and sewing a proper costume for him. But caring for him that week was full-time, especially as we were constantly on guard, attempting to keep his brothers healthy (but of course Leo still got sick).
It was not until the night before Halloween that I found time to try to whip up a wizard costume (and no, the irony that I had to conjure up something was not lost on me). I already had the fabric but no pattern. Below is what I did and it worked well enough. It is certainly not the best constructed garment I've ever made--in fact, it's probably one of the worst--but it was quick and easy and put a smile on my little one's face, a rare sight indeed that week.
In case you are in similar desperate straits (and I sure hope you're not), here is an extremely rudimentary guide to how I made a wizard frock in about 30 minutes. Ours went over the head but you could also cut it up the front to make it more robe like.
I used a satin costuming fabric that was fairly difficult to work with, especially the neckline as it kept slipping (I double folded it). To really save time, I recommend using a fabric that will not fray, such as fleece or jersey, so you wouldn't have to bother with hemming.
As for Leo, he had told us for weeks that he wanted to be an astronaut and the plan was to use Max's costume from the previous year. But the night before the harvest parade at his school, he decided he wanted to be a lion. He really wanted to be a lion.
And I have a problem saying no.
Again, I attempted this with no pattern--what is wrong with me?? I used a pair of his footed pajamas as a guide. I'm sorry I can't diagram it because it was pretty nightmarish and I've blocked it from memory. At least the parade was a few days before Halloween, so in my book, I was done "early." I used fleece, which I love because it is so forgiving.
So after last year's stressfest getting their costumes done, you would think I learned my lesson and finished their costumes early this year, right? Perhaps before we left for Disney? Wrong. Guess what I'll be doing after bedtime this week?
I'm participating in A Soft Place to Land's DIY day. Be sure to check out all the other projects--I always get so many ideas from there!
Reader Comments (8)
Wow - Those are amazing and very impressive for such a short amount of time. I am still up to my eyeballs in tulle, creating fairy costumes for my girls. The project is getting a little ridiculous, but at least I've figured out how to make them no-sew! Thanks for sharing!
I just wanted to let you know that I love your blog and I would like to give you an award. :-)
You can check it out here. http://mommasfabulousplayground.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-first-award.html
Sandra, I just ADORE that title. I laughed so loud... out of recognition of the problem ! ha ha..!!
oh my gosh this is soooooooo cute! They look so adorable!!! Your blog is amazing also! :)
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Priscila
The lion is adorable, as is your blog!
xo,
cristin
Awesome costumes.
Such cute, cute babies.
Too Clever - especially when sleep deprived. :) I so don't have that creative gene -lucky you!
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The costumes are great (I think you did wonderful:-) I wish I could do that... Adorable:-)