Lamb Chops

I had a really hard time figuring out a Halloween costume for Willa. I didn't really care, I just wanted something cheap and kind of cute. Nothing was really sticking out to me, though, and I finally concluded that I just needed to make a decision and probably buy a costume at Old Navy. That's when I had the brilliant idea! Willa could be Lamb Chops for Halloween!!! She loves Lamb Chops so much, it was the perfect costume. Unfortunately, several detailed web searches showed that there were no Lamb Chops costumes to be bought online, only patterns for a costume.

I almost gave up, but then a crazier idea came to me. My visiting teacher had been posting pictures of all the costumes she had been sewing and selling for big bucks on Etsy. She had just emailed me about visiting; I told her I had bigger fish to fry and asked if she would help me with the costume. She was super super sweet, met me at the fabric store (because I would have had no idea what to buy), then had me come over for three afternoons to work on the costume.

I wish I could say that I made the costume. I cut out fabric. I attempted to read the pattern. Mainly, though, I talked to her and asked what she was doing when she would quickly glance at the pattern instructions and then grab two random scraps of material and sew them together. Seriously, has anyone tried reading a pattern? Would it kill the pattern company to add a few definite and indefinite articles to the instructions? Just to make complete sentences? Please?  "Turn in 5/8" on long unnotched edge of each CUFF section. Press, easing in fullness. Stitch 1/4" from raw edge." What the hey diddle who?

Jenny did a great job, though, and was even nice enough to explain what she was doing and what the pattern was saying! I had a great experience and am kind of invigorated and not as scared of sewing anymore. Maybe I will be able to pick up a pillowcase pattern in the future and, with the help of youtube instructional videos, make one!

 She was a little nervous wearing it, but Ryan brought out the full-length mirror and she did like looking at herself! Hopefully it works out for Halloween. There are red mittens to go along! Isn't it hilarious and adorable?!