Happy Halloween: 1881 Bonnie

Bonnie got a lot of mileage out of her Halloween costume this year.  Her 4th grade class got to visit a one room schoolhouse in Waterford, VA this month.  I made her costume because of course I am obsessed that way.  She was able to wear the costume to several Halloween parties and will wear it tonight. 

The dress is silk taffeta that I have had in my stash forever.  I think I got it at Fashion Fabrics at least 8 or 9 years ago.  I underlined it in muslin to give it some body.  I used Simplicity 3725 view A.  I omitted the stand up collar and added the lace collar shown above.  While searching through my stash I came across the collar.  I think a friend gave it to me in college - like 25 years ago (yikes!).

I barely had enough fabric for the dress, so matching plaids was SUPER fun.  It took me far longer to cut out the fabric than it did to actually sew the dress.  I had to fudge a little, but at least the lines across the bodice and skirt look reasonably straight.

I also omitted the zipper and added buttons down the back.  Buttons are a little bigger than I wanted, but it's what I had in the stash.  I had to create a placket for the buttons below waistline because there is no center back seam. 



The lace from the cuffs was from the stash.  I actually have lots of white lace in my stash, unfortunately I either didn't have enough or it didn't look right for the hem.  I ended up buying the lace for the hem and Bonnie's hair ribbons from JoAnn's.  Total cost for Bonnie's dress was $12 (excluding sunk costs from years ago).

I attempted to french braid her hair.  Bonnie informed me throughout the process that Aunt Ann (my sister) did a much better job.  I can sew - but I can't do hair.

The chaperons were asked to dress up, so here is my ensemble.  Nothing like a shawl and full skirt to make you look svelte.

Happy Halloween from Princess the Guinea Pig!

And Katie!

Bonnie the Alien

Bonnie played an alien in her school play this year.  I am all for an elaborate costume, but this is a no sewing costume that really turned out great.  Bonnie and I put together this costume.  The top, skirt and slippers are from the preteen shop, Justice.   The slippers were a huge score! 

The green boa, face mask and Styrofoam balls were from Michael's craft store. The antennae headband is from a St. Patrick's Day headband that originally had shamrocks.

 Bonnie and I painted the Styrofoam balls and the face mask with paper dye.  Bonnie glued googly eyes on the mask.

It was a big hit and Bonnie loved it.  Best part is that Bonnie was able to wear the top and skirt all summer.