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Sunday, October 28, 2012

It's A Halloween Costume Miracle!



All I can say is that it's some kind of miracle that I finished this Halloween costume in time for the school carnival.  I had planned on starting on this costume a week ago but as you may know, I was in Connecticut attending a funeral instead.  With only two days to buy the fabric, cut the pattern and sew up the costume, I wasn't sure if I could do it.  I already had to cancel my daughters birthday party due to the funeral.  I didn't want to have to tell her I couldn't make her costume either.  So, I decided to just go for it. 

Friday, day before carnival: I go online to look over the pattern one more time before I commit.  I notice that the costume is supposed to be hand sewn, ugh.  I also notice in the comments that the foam the pattern calls for is hard to find, double ugh.  I already know I'm going to have to deviate from the pattern.

I get home with the fabric and get to work.  I only stop to pick up the kids from school and make dinner.  Then I go straight back to work.  By 11:30 PM I've cut out all the pieces and have sewn all the green dots on the blue felt.

Saturday, day of carnival:  I wake up at 6:00AM and immediately start laying out the butterfly pattern.  I keep thinking do I try to top stitch it with the sewing machine or, *gulp*, glue it? No, I stick with hand sewing it together (yep, I'm pretty much out of mind at this point).  I hand sew until I have to go to the school to set up the crafts for the carnival.  Come back home, eat, and get back to work. 


I can't believe  I've finished the back of the costume, all hand sewn!  I've got two hours until I need to be at the carnival.  At this moment I feel like I'm on a Halloween episode of Project Runway minus the cameras and snarky competition.  I've got two options, glue the pieces on or leave it blank.  I make the call to glue on the front pieces.  After all, I don't want her mistaken for a moth or bat after all the trouble I've gone through thus far.

I sew both set of wings together, stuff with foam, and sew up the opening. Next, I glue on the pieces and let it dry as I get ready.  And up to the very last minute (no exaggeration) I sew on the elastic straps.  I grab a handful of safety pins, shove them in my pocket and run out the door.

Mission accomplished!

15 comments:

Michelle L. said...

Whewwww! What cool colors! It looks so cute, and your little model is pretty adorable!

Alvina said...

Oh that's super cute!! Looks great!

Suzanne said...

Wow! The first thought that comes to mind when I see the costume is "That's impressive!" Never would I guess it was created under such a tight timeline. It's amazing and you did a fantastic job.

kids costumes said...

I love this butterfly pattern halloween costume as well as its look too beautiful and wonderful. Thanks for giving this butterfly costume.

Unknown said...

That's a great story, Jessica, I could feel the clock ticking down while reading it. I'm so glad you made it. What a relief that must have been for you and your little one!

She looks beautiful, btw!

Petals said...

It is beautiful.

Lisa E said...

You win a mom award!!! Hope your daughter appreciated the extra effort.

Jennifer said...

Beautiful!

Deanna said...

So gorgeous! I didn't make a single costume this year...bad mom! :)

Amy said...

well done! my favorite parts- 1. that sweet smile 2. the sparkly feelers are so darn cute :)

Joy said...

Aaaah - mazing! That smile on your little one - Priceless!

Kems said...

The costume is adorable and she looks very happy! =o) Glad you finished it on time. I think you should make costumes for your kids, then sell them to other kids for the following Halloween. =oP

Laurinda said...

Just amazing!

tamdoll said...

This is a beautiful costume!!!

I also wanted to message you with a paper-doll project that I thought you would like - there are french directions, but it's pretty easy to figure out - clicking on the 3rd box ("&") brings you to a printable .pdf - http://www.marieclaireidees.com/,fabrique-ta-petite-poupee-kokeshi-en-papier,2610233,101043.asp?xtor=EPR-6

LimeRiot said...

Brilliant!! This would have taken me a full year to put together!! Impressive work to get it done so perfectly and so dang quick! It's a wonderful costume.

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