DIY - Upcycling Denim Cowgirl Skirt Costume

I originally wrote this post five years ago, but wanted to repost with updated pictures.  My first attempt at costume making through upcycling!  I highly recommend it!

I've seen a lot of projects where people alter or upcycle used items, but I've never tried it.  Last week my husband had his church music camp where the kids performed "Jonah's Druthers".  It was a cute show set in the Wild Wild West.  I offered to get costumes for some of the girls and headed out to Goodwill.  I found this cute long denim skirt in a junior size 13/14.  It just had a little white spot near the ruffle.

I wasn't completely sure how to do this, but quickly decided I was NOT going to cut the side seams.  Instead, I took the girl's waist and length measurements and started by cutting the length to equal the length provided plus two inches for an elastic casing.  I measured from the bottom (to keep the ruffle intact) and cut off the top.  This was a little scary and I'm not sure I would recommend this way if it weren't for the ruffle.  The reason is that I was left with an even bigger waist to fit a size 8 girl.

Shockingly, it wasn't nearly as hard as I expected.  I made the casing by folding the top of the skirt to the inside and sewing a casing 1 inch wide.  I didn't completely close the casing, leaving open about 2 inches in the back so I could insert the elastic.  I used 5/8" elastic and a safety pin to thread it through the casing.  This is normally my least favorite part, but this time it was a breeze.  I just had to make sure the elastic didn't twist.  One I was done I pulled the elastic 4" shorter than the waist measurement and sewed the ends of the elastic together in an overlap.  I tucked it into the casing and sewed it up.  I then topstitched the top of the skirt, stitching a little into the top of the elastic so it wouldn't twist in the casing.  Voila - done!

It made for a really twirly long denim skirt and this little cowgirl loved it!

Used skirt = $4.99.  Time = less than 1 hour.  Satisfaction for two people = priceless.  I like upcycling.

cindy

Shakespeare Costume - Goodwill's the Thing!

To be or not to be?  Hamlet, Act III, Scene I.  To sew or not to sew?  Christian plays Shakespeare in the modern world trying to sell his plays to Hollywood producers.  Enter stage left - a Shakespeare costume!  I considered it a personal challenge for me and Goodwill.  "Do you think I am easier to be played on than a pipe?"  Hamlet, Act III, Scene II.

I looked through lots of pictures on the internet and decided I wanted a long sleeve "flowing" shirt, a vest, tights and a slouchy beret.  I had the fabric to make the vest, so I started with that.  No pattern?  No problem!  I used one of Christian's shirts and outlined the width of the shoulders, arm holes and neck opening.  No need to be too exact - it's not fitted.  "Though this be madness, yet there is method in 't."  Hamlet, Act II, Scene II.

Next - on to Goodwill.  "I like this place and willingly could waste my time in it.  As You Like It, Act II, Scene IV.  I make a MAJOR score and found the perfect shirt!  I cut off the buttons, opened up some "buttonholes" and threaded some leather cording I found.

I also found some black leggings and a women's fleece slouch beret.  Finally, I found the coolest brown double belt with an elastic back for a guaranteed fit for my skinny guy.  "As good luck would have it." The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act III, Scene V.   Now back to costume construction.

I found some great maroon velvety stretch fabric I had in the closet and covered the sides of basketball shorts to wear over the tights.

Then I covered the slouch hat loosely with the same fabric.  First I covered the band and then made a large circle of fabric that would go over the top and gather back at the hat band.

Put it all together and Will Shakespeare has entered the room!  "What's in a name?  That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet."  Romeo and Juliet Act II, Scene II.

 

He looked great, he was awesome and I was proud of that costume!  

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players.  They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts."  As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII.

cindy

I've Been Booed! Free Printables

Over the weekend I noticed something on our front porch.  It wasn't a mail package, but a cute Halloween box full of Halloween goodies!  Attached to the box was a small sign saying "You've Been Booed!"  Inside the box was lots of candy, Halloween stuff (eyeball salt and pepper shakers, a solar dancing pumpkin, a growing zombie, cookie cutters, a kitchen towel - you get the idea).  I wish I could say I had a picture of the box, but my kids (and me) tore it apart looking for all the goodies.  How fun!

Turns out, this is the idea of Tricia at Nola Mommy from 2011.  It's a fun way to get to know your neighbors - even if it is a bit anonymously - and a fun activity for your kids who are either too young to trick or treat or can't in the neighborhood.  This is like the reverse trick or treat!  Here is the original "You've Been Booed" sign along with the complete instructions and free printables from Nola Mommy:

Instructions on How to Boo your Neighbor by Tricia L.

We couldn't wait to put our own "boo baskets" together for two of our neighbors.  It wasn't very expensive - we used some cool metal pails we've had for a while for containers and then added little items from the Dollar Store and Target.  It was fun to find ring pop eyeballs and bloody vampire teeth.  The dish towels from Target are a cute addition too!  Here's what our finished products look like, all ready for "booing":

Don't these pumpkins look like little waiters?

I really love this idea, but I can't take credit for starting it in my neighborhood.  Some nice anonymous neighbor did that!  These would be great for a lot of holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.  The possibilities are endless and you can never get too much community going on, especially when you live in an area where neighbors don't tend to know each other.

Don't forget to check out the full directions at Nola Mommy and happy booing!

cindy

DIY - Easy Colonial Costume

This post can now be found (with the Alexander Hamilton update below) at my new blog, Pretty Home Threads.  Check it out!