December 6: Make
What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use?
Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
(Author: Gretchen Rubin)
Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?
(Author: Gretchen Rubin)
*****
I cannot express how excited I was to see this prompt in my inbox this morning! Right after Halloween, I started to post pictures of my costume and the steps I took to sew it. Before I had a chance to finish my entry, I jumped on a plane for my vacation. It seemed silly to publish the post 2 weeks after Halloween, so it's still been in my drafts. And now I get to finally post it!!
At work, a group of us like to dress up and be festive for Halloween. Because I had been feeling sick for about 2 weeks and was getting ready for my vacation, I decided not to stress myself out by trying to come up with a costume. I'm not the type of person who buys store-bought costumes. No offense to those who do! But those costumes never fit me very well, and they can be a bit pricey. If I'm going to spend money on something, then I would rather it be something that covers my booty and doesn't look cheap.
And then randomly the Sunday before Halloween, I came up with an idea to dress as Cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story. Normally I call up my mom and ask her to sew me something, but this time I decided to take on the challenge and do it myself. After some research online, I printed out the best picture I could find and headed over to Joann's Fabrics (which FYI - hooooorible lines...as in, I waited in line for over an hour to get my material cut). I used a pair of jeans and a white button down shirt that I already owned. And of course my cowboy boots.
When the costume was finally put together, I was surprised that I was able to do on my own.
At work, a group of us like to dress up and be festive for Halloween. Because I had been feeling sick for about 2 weeks and was getting ready for my vacation, I decided not to stress myself out by trying to come up with a costume. I'm not the type of person who buys store-bought costumes. No offense to those who do! But those costumes never fit me very well, and they can be a bit pricey. If I'm going to spend money on something, then I would rather it be something that covers my booty and doesn't look cheap.
And then randomly the Sunday before Halloween, I came up with an idea to dress as Cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story. Normally I call up my mom and ask her to sew me something, but this time I decided to take on the challenge and do it myself. After some research online, I printed out the best picture I could find and headed over to Joann's Fabrics (which FYI - hooooorible lines...as in, I waited in line for over an hour to get my material cut). I used a pair of jeans and a white button down shirt that I already owned. And of course my cowboy boots.
When the costume was finally put together, I was surprised that I was able to do on my own.
*****
Making the chaps ended up being the easiest part of the costume. I used a pair of jeans that I don't normally wear. I folded them in half to make a pattern, and cut the cow print material into a perfect form. I bought a white sheet of felt and cut 6 rectangles to be the "fringe" and sewed the pieces along the sides of the chaps.
*****
The shirt was also pretty easy. I cut some yellow fabric and sewed it along the inside and outside of the cuffs. I then sewed more yellow fabric along the front of the shirt. I found some great red rope string stuff at Hobby Lobby and made a swirly pattern with it and used red thread to sew it on the yellow fabric.
*****
The hat was the most tricky part of the costume for me. Cowgirl Jessie's hat isn't really a cowboy hat. Its shape almost resembles a chip and dip platter. While at Michael's, I found a foam cowboy hat. Next to it was a foam top hat. My mind went to work, and I grabbed both hats with a plan in mind. I realized if I cut of the rim and trimmed some of the length of the top hat, and then cut off the top of the cowboy hat, wedge the rest of the top hat into the opening of the cowboy hat, then I would have the perfect shape. I have to admit I was quite proud of myself for thinking of this. I added a satin ribbon band and then sprayed some sticky glue to a white ribbon and encircled the brim of the hat and then wound it up and over the brim.
 |
| I forgot to take pictures before adding the ribbonl |
*****
And the finished product - Cowgirl Jessie
*****
Making this costume reminded me how crafty I used to be - and I guess, still am. I have ideas for DIY projects to make my apartment more homey. I just need to stop being so lazy and go look for supplies. Hopefully in 2011 I can hone in on my crafty side and add a little flare to my otherwise blah apartment. Then maybe I will invite people over...maybe...
No comments:
Post a Comment