Juicy Bits

229: animated characters

This year we actually had halloween.  Yay!  Last year was such a let down.

The kids both picked characters from animated films. 

Aurora wanted to be Vanellope Von Schweetz from Wreck it Ralph.  If you're not familiar, this is her: 

Super cute.  Both the character and the girl. :)  

For the most part it wasn't a ridiculously challenging costume to make, except then it kinda was.  The sweatshirt was store bought (Thank you, Target).  It's not exactly the right color, but I can live with that.  But finding leggings that were in a close color proved impossible.  So I decided to make them. Just go buy some turquoise and white knit fabrics and bust out the serger, right?  Nope. No knit fabric at all close in color.  I attempted painting some tights.  Disaster.  Finally in a last desperate search of the mall I found an XL woman's Tshirt that was close in color to cut up.  Turned out to be a slinky material that got holes kinda easily, but the leggings made it through the holiday with only one repair.

Then came the wig.  Ever made a yarn wig before? In theory it's easy.  And probably for ones that hang down, not too bad.  But this was a challenge to get it in a decent looking ponytail and stay in place.  The sewing on of the yarn was easy enough, but I definitely was a little too liberal and the pony tail ended up being like 6" in diameter.  So my advice is to start with less and add as needed.  I used the top of a pair of tights as the base (knotted and sewn up).  The elastic made a snug fit but it didn't come close to staying put.  But I found some wig clips (little combs that snap like barrettes) to sew in around the edge and they did the trick. Overall, not on my list of things I want to make again.

Theo's was a bit easier.  Of course it was the second choice.  At first we were going with Toad from Super Mario brothers, but boy that mushroom head is challenging to get right.  I have a mostly formed foam base that's all ready for a try again next year. :)

But when I suggested that he and his buddy go as minions, well, the friend aspect won him over.  If you don't know, they're from Despicable Me.

His costume was mostly about finding the right stuff.  Overalls bigger than toddler size are hard to come by.  And funny thing is if you searched for them on Amazon, yellow sweatshirts and googles come up too.   Obviously a popular costume this year.  I found the overalls at a local tracor supply store.  And the sweatshirts online.  I'm not thrilled they had writing on them, but again, yellow hoodies weren't exactly in every store. 

I made the google from the rings of mason jar lids.  They're help together with a metal epoxy and the rest is hot glued on.  I sewed the patches on the overalls and used pie cleaners for the hair.  I did agree to make 2 costumes, but still easier than Toad's hat.

 Hope you had a great Halloween and got to eat as much chocolate as I did!

JT

215: the halloween that wasn't

As many of you know, halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  The costumes the kids chose this year, may not have been my favorite, but still lots of love went into making them.  And then halloween just didn't happen. Overshadowed by a little thing called Hurricane Sandy.

First I was stuck in Houston after Quilt Market for the storm and some of the aftermath.  Couldn't get back until late Halloween night and there was no trick-or-treating.  We went without power for 10 days and went to a hotel and then family's to keep warm.  There were some rescheduled Halloween activities, but we couldn't make any. :(

The good news is the kids' school had a Halloween party the friday before, so they did can a chance to wear their costumes at least once.  And I took pictures before I left.

Aurora chose to be Moaning Myrtle from Harry Potter. So basically I had to make the same kind of Hogwarts uniform as last year, but in all grey so she looked like a ghost.

Here she is happy:

Then typical pouty Myrtle:

Notice the Ravenclaw crest which I had to make by hand because obviously they don't sell them in grey.

 

Theo's choice was no surprise.  He's crazy for Angry Birds.  I don't really get it.  It's cute and all, but how does it have that much appeal?  It's just everywhere!  And from the first time he tried it, he was hooked.

His costume was a hoot because he loved bouncing around and bumping into things in his own protective pillow.  I knew if was going to be hot and unwieldy at the party so he had a t-shirt underneath for when he had to take it off.

I love his angry face.

Of course he changed his mind about which color he wanted to be after I bought all the materials... but he had to stick with the classic red.

 

Hope you Halloweens were more enjoyable and frankly safer than ours here in NJ.  And have a great Thanksgiving!

JT

197: Errol and Hermione

It's time for this year's Halloween creations... a continuation of our Harry Potter mania.

I didn't really have to make much for Aurora's Hermione Granger costume, because I had already made most of it for her birthday party.

But, Theo decided to be Errol (The Weasley family's owl. He couldn't be Hedwig because she's a girl.)  That was more of a challenge.

In reality he first wanted to be a Chihuahua, but really?  How exactly does one make that?  I mean I can do pointy ears, but he'd just look like a cat.  So with some mild suggestion he went with owl.  Yay!  So much cute potential.

So, no, I did not use a pattern.  I referenced a hood on a commercial pattern, but that's about it.  I started with this Beenie Babies owl called "Hoot" I have and used it as a model.

The body is made of fleece.  It's lined and stuffed with polyfill and batting.  The tail does stick out a bit and has more stuffing.  Then I added the "feathers".  They are flannels, fleeces, and wools and because I didn't want some to fray more than others I fray checked all the edges.  Yes, I'm psycho like that.

They are sewn on everywhere but around the face (where they are glued).  I also added little pleats in the tops of each one to add volume.

The body is velcroed (is that a word?) at the shoulders, as are the removable wings.  There were even little pockets to keep his hands warm (which was a good idea considering that, indeed, that is snow on the ground).

He was a big hit everywhere we went.  He had two Halloween parades and he was able to go trick-or-treating this year (he was sick last year).

 

Aurora was an adorable Herminone.  I had attempted to make the cloak accurate to the movie, but really did you know they change from movie-to-movie?  So I went with my best interpretation.  The patch was bought.  The tie was made (I even made the striped fabric by sewing on ribbons) because the color of the commercial ones was all wrong.  The sweater was from a thrift store with ribbons sewn at the collar.

I made the wand also, which I will go into on the posts about her party, whenever they are.  Sadly, it was a casualty of the night as it got dropped and ruined.

The funnest (don't care that that's not a word) accessory was the book.  It was an old book, and we didn't bother to change the title or anything.  But what we did do was make it scream when you opened it.  I bought one of those recordable greeting cards and we all yelled really loud and told you to "shut the book, would ya!".  The idea was like it was one of the magical books from the restricted section of the library.  She loved it and enjoyed showing it to all her classmates.  Plus, who is Hermione without a book?

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!

JT

 

 

168: boo to you

Yes, I know Halloween is over.  I shall not apologize for being approximately one holiday behind, especially since I still haven't blogged Aurora's September birthday pictures.

Anyway, these are just a few little halloween loose ends.  First the yummy cookies I made for Theo's class.  I tried to reduce my work by only using two icing colors, but, yes, they still took more time than 3-year-olds could possibly care about.  My problem is I freaking love sugar cookies.  Yum!  So I'll make for any ol' reason ...

Next, this is a halloween wall quilt my mom made for me.  Gorgeous, right? It's from a kit from Keepsake Quilting a few years ago.  I think it's a brilliant use of batiks.  I kinda don't want to put it away now.

And finally, a peek at my little costume.  I've got no pix of me in it, so you'll have to deal.  I made the top with my new serger.  :) If you're wondering, the words are Aurora's "word wall words", so that makes me... yes, a spelling bee.  It's pretty lame that I feel the need to explain that, but no one really got it, which is mostly a reflection of the limited creativity I put into it. But it was quick, cute, and totally appropriate for an elementary school party.

I have intentions to be back before Thanksgiving, but just in case...

I am thankful for all my awesome readers!

JT

167: a good witch and a fast driver

Happy Halloween!

 

I hope you're all having a fun day.  I love Halloween.  I don't often get to dress up anymore but I miss it.  Maybe next year I'll have a party?  I did actually dress up for Aurora's school party this year, but nothing too elaborate.  I didn't take pictures.  Maybe I'll snap a few soon.

But, of course, I get to channel my costuming energies into the kids.  I'll be so sad when (if?) they don't want homemade anymore.  Did you know that Aurora's monster costume is kinda famous?  Aside from the inquiries I get, my sister saw someone that doesn't know her printed the picture out as part of their decoration at Burning Man.  It's so bizarre to think something spreads around like that.

This year Aurora wanted to be Glinda.  It's much more poofy pinkness than I would have chosen, but I have to admit she looked beautiful.  

 

She helped with the design.  She wanted nothing to do with the tall crown from the movie.  And she really like the bow on a lace-up corset.  And it must be short-sleeved for the party, but have a jacket for trick-or-treating.

 

I used 2 patterns to refer to.  The top is from Simplicity 3680.  The little jacket is based on the dress pattern McCalls 5954.  The corset I just made my own muslin for and the skirt is made up.

Even though nearly everyone called her a princess, she is very appreciative and I love sewing for her.

This year, for the first time she did a little trick-or-treating with some other kids in the neighborhood.  The image of her running along holding up her skirt with a huge smile on her face is one I'll treasure forever.  I wish I had video.

Theo requested race car driver (big surprise).  He's not too big on the whole costume thing.

 
He really doesn't want to try them on before the big day.  As a result his is a bit snug.  A little short in the torso.  

I based his on these firesuit costumes.  I used McCalls 5952 as a reference, but changed it a little.

 

Sadly, he was sick today.  In no shape to go out trick-or-treating.  I was hoping I could get him into it for 1 or 2 houses, just to say he went out, but no go. 

 

Oh well, at least he was happy in the pictures.  Plenty of goofing around.

I hope you all had a great night.  There's more chocolate calling my name right now.

JT

P.S. Can I ask you guys for a favor?  Can some of you click on a picture or two and tell me if the pop-up picture is more vibrant than the one in the post?  I'm having some trouble with Typepad where my photos get desaturated when I resize them to anything but the full size in the post. It's bumming me out, but I want to see if it's only on my computer.  Anyone else have this problem?

147: peer pressure

That's what I'm chalking my new obsession up to.  My obsession with period dramas, that is.

My friend Melissa over at Yummy Goods recently saw the 2006 Masterpiece Theater version of Jane Eyre at the suggestion of a good friend of hers.  And now the love is spreading.

She's started a Bronte-along, and you can join in the fun.  You can watch the movie, read the book, channel your creative juices into a related project, and even move on to related movies/books.

Personally, I'm not doing anything more than indulging myself in watching some entertaining flicks.  I can't see making time to be creative about it, but really the thoughts of all those gorgeous costumes are creeping into my head...

Anyway, In last few days I've watched: Jane Eyre, North and South, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, and Wives and Daughters. 

Jane Eyre is by far the most swoon-worthy.  And if you want to be sucked in, I suggest you start there.  If your belly doesn't do little flip-flops at all the smouldery looks, well then I don't what to tell you...

I think I liked North and South next best, but I wish it was more of just a straight up love story.

Did you know you can watch most of these immediately on youtube?  The quality is crap, but the instant gratification is priceless.  But I will be buying a copy of that 2006 Jane Eyre for sure.

If you have a favorite period drama, do share.  I've heard Bright Star is really good and I may be trying that next.  Anyone see a Wuthering Heights they liked?  I read the book and didn't like it at all so I've stayed away from it thus far...

JT

125: sweet as strawberries and the king of super-heroes

I really do love halloween.  It makes me sad that I don't get the opportunity to dress up very often anymore.  I may need to throw a party again sometime soon.

But that's OK, I can live vicariously through my kids.  :)

So I did get the chance to sew again this year.  Next year Quilt Market is on Halloween, so I don't know how that's going to go.

Aurora requested Strawberry Shortcake.  But not your regular old Strawberry Shortcake.  She has a new look, you know.  A new movie came out on DVD recently.

I thought this was a great idea, very sweet and pretty simple too.  I took a t-shirt and sewed the skirt onto the bottom.  This lovely strawberry fabric came in handy.  Then came the accessories: a hat, a bag, tights, and even a jacket.  Sadly the strawberry buttons for the jacket didn't make it in time.

I have to say, the weather at Halloween here in the Northeast drives me crazy.  Some years it's freezing.  Like you need to wear a million layers and even a coat over your costume.  That's often a pain.  But then you have a party or something to go to indoors and you'll sweat to death.  I put the turtleneck under Aurora's this time and had the jacket, but even though it was raining it was like 65-70 degrees out so no need for the jacket.  Frustrating.  

I think this might be generally cute enough that she can just wear it as regular clothes.  If you love the little strawberry patches, you can get them at Fabrichound.

And yes, that is pink hair.  we sprayed it, which is a big mess, but perhaps less annoying than a wig.  She only colored it 2 of the 4 times she dressed up.

Now, Theo didn't get to decide.  I went with a generic super hero.  We were calling him "Super Theo!"  But, yes, it is an Elvis jumpsuit.  I just added the "T" on the belt and the back of the cape and lengthened the cape a little.  I had originally planned for a mask, but it never happened.  And I know the hairdo isn't exactly The King, but more of a cute greaser.  

I wish it was possible to get a clear action shot, as he was very excited he was "gonna fly".  The running/flying shots all look something like this:

But I did enjoy this jumping one.  Definitely an action hero.

What a cutie!

Hope you all had a great holiday.  We had a grand total of ONE trick-or-treater because of the rain.  Yikes that's a lot of left-over candy!

JT

95: the glitz and the glam

In keeping with the theme of some of the more "retro" sewing I've done, here's a little look at the glitzy world of ballroom gowns.

I've mentioned before that my husband and I dance.  In fact, that's how we met.  Anyway, we used to do it a lot more before we had kids.  We took several lesson a week.  Did some shows and a little teaching.  And even competed once.

But to do a show right, you need the right look.  And it's showy for sure.  Lots of rhinestones. 

And the dresses cost a ton.  Thousands of dollars.  Not exactly in the budget...but I'm always up for a sewing challenge.

So, I set out to learn about the construction of such dresses.  It's not easy because they're all stretch material and you really have to consider how they move etc.  And don't get me started on the rhinestones.  There are literally thousands of them on there.  And each one put on individually by hand.

That's why I'm in awe of Dancing with the Stars (No, I don't watch it anymore cause really who has 4 hours a week to dedicate to one show?).  They churn those costumes out so quickly and they are NOT easy.

Anyway, these two gowns are 2 of the ballroom ones I've made.  Maybe someday I'll show you the latin ones (a bit racier).  They're both my own design adapted from parts of patterns here and there.

The blue one I actually won a contest from the big name in couture ballroom - Chrisanne.  I painted the design onto the dress with fabric paint.  Considering it's not really intended to be stretchy, it's held up remarkably well.

Here's an action shot of me actually dancing the gown.  I wish I had more good ones (this is scanned and I seriously need Photoshop to revamp it a bit) to show you but really most of them pre-dated good digital cameras.  Just sitting on the dressform doesn't really show you how much volume and movement they have .

Well, folks I think I have to sign off until after Market...I promise to come back with my creative juices all revved up!  Hopefully I'll take some of that inspiration and translate it to actual projects...

Ciao.

JT

46: under the sea and out of a cave

Is that where monsters live?  In caves?

Anyhoo...I'm here to share "Happy Halloween!" wishes and pictures of the kids all dressed up.

 

 

I'll have you all know that I finished Aurora's Ariel costume a full 24 hours before halloween.  You might not know it, but that's pretty miraculous for me.  Typically if I manage to get something like that done ahead of time I just keep adding to it.  I was very tempted this time, but I resisted...

  

I do love costumes and I'm so pleased with how this came out.  But I may have to rethink my approach next year.  Instead of being happy to make something myself that is recognizable and well made, I sort of got caught up in creating more like a "couture" costume.  A bit much for a 4-year-old.

 

And, is it wrong that I'm jealous of her? 

 I want to dress up.  But I really need another reason other than trick-or-treating... Maybe next year is time for another party.  Then I can save the "couture" for myself.  

 

I know you've seen the monster costume already, but I had to share Theo wearing it...

Have a great day!

JT

45: mermaid accessories

As I may have mentioned, I’m working on a mermaid costume for Aurora for Halloween.  Ariel to be specific.  Not that I want to be specific…but you know she does.  I’m not getting too much leeway on this one.  I didn’t make the seashells facing the right direction and I’m still not sure she’s willing to wear it this way.  J

But I’m trying to add a little creativity in here and there.  And these are a few of the little details to it.

First there are the slippers.  I have been informed that “mermaids don’t have feet” but she has to wear something on hers, right?

So her feet and legs are turquoise to look like water.  And, I wanted to make them a little sparkly and sweet so I used the Ballet Slippers pattern from Favorite Things.  Other than the material I choose not being ideal, they came out great.

(You’ll have to pardon my pictures, but it *gasp* snowed here today.  I mean really, it’s not like I live in Northern Vermont…anyway I didn’t feel like bustin' out the tripod, so flash it is.)

Next up is a starfish hair accessory.  This took some convincing.  Luckily I was able to show her pictures of Ariel at Disney World where she had one in her hair.

 

And finally, a sea turtle necklace.   She still says she’s not wearing this.  We’ll see who wins that one…

The costume is almost complete, except for a little cape I needed to make in an attempt to keep her warm in her school parade.  Really?  Snow in October?  Come on…

JT

42: more halloween goodness

Since I started the whole costume showcase, I thought I'd share the other two I've made for Aurora. 

Age 2: Pumpkin Fairy

The wings are store bought from Pottery Barn kids, but the rest is homemade.  

When I look at these pictures I think how insane I went on the little details.  I always do that.  I mean it's not like anyone else would notice the veins on the leaves or the shape of the hat (I was going for a pixie, flower fairy type thing).

Age 3: Bat

This was her choice.  Of course I wanted to cute it up a bit and not just do a basic one.  Hence the dress and socks...

And the ears are much like my favorite bat...Bartok the Magnificent!

JT

41: best costume ever

So, I'm sure it will come as no shock to you all that I LOVE Halloween.  It might be my favorite holiday.  It's a close call with Christmas.  But as far as crafting/sewing goes...it's definitely tops.

I actually got really into sewing by doing costumes.  I was big in the drama club (*cough* drama geek...) in high school and I was in charge of costumes for our cast of 200 people.  That's how I learned to sew anything, even if I didn't have a pattern.

Plus, I love to dress up.  And, of course, to look good while doing it.  ;)

Well, now that I have kids, I put a lot of pressure on myself to sew fantastic costumes.  When they were each only a couple of months old, I allowed myself to rest and didn't make anything.  But I doubt I'll do store-bought again until they beg me for it...

Anyway, when Aurora was just over a year I made her this amazing monster costume.

Yes, she's actually saying "Roar!" in that picture.

Although you might not believe me, I swear I'm not obsessed with monsters.  Really.  Truly.

I wanted to make her some kind of fuzzy animal, but not the same old thing straight from a pattern.  Then I found the fur and fell in love.  I took panda and dinosaur patterns and combined them with my own touches and presto!

It looks a lot like Sully from Monsters, Inc. which wasn't totally my plan, but I'm OK with.

And I'm sorry, but I can't top this.  Ever.  I won't even try.

Of course my dilemma this year is if I re-use it for Theo or make him his own.  I don't want him not to have his own stuff, but I would love to see it used again...

What do you think?  I do currently have a plan for him, but I haven't actually started sewing yet.

JT