98 – Dress up for one Halloween in a crazy elaborate costume

Maybe it isn’t necessarily considered “crazy elaborate” but it’s really close. I received tons of compliments, and even one, “one of the best costumes I’ve ever seen.” That qualifies. (and was totally awesome)

Digging through my favorite thrift store and my own closet, this is also one of the most economical costumes I’ve put together. I thought it would be easier to match her outfit more because it was actually pretty simple (red dress, white apron, tights) but with limited time and budget I had to get creative and incorporate a couple of elements from her with my own interpretation.

As a super novice with the sewing machine, I am particularly proud of the green diamond and strawberry on the skirt, an homage to her apron (which was the most difficult part of her outfit to try to replicate. Where do people buy ruffly aprons?). The skirt is actually two skirts; one had the sheer lining with the perfect polka-dot hem but was too big, and the white skirt had the right flounce so I could live without a crinoline. I cut out the lining and pinned it to the white skirt.

The hat is the one thing I wish I had been able to find in a costume shop without having to purchase an entire packaged costume for $80. Right up until the moment I spotted the colonial night-cap type thing I went with, I had no idea what I was going to do.  Sewed a couple of strawberries I cut out of felt to the back and top and added a bow from ribbon that perfectly matched the pink polka-dot hem to the front.  I definitely like it but how cute would the “real thing” be?

Next year I’m going for either Jem or Rainbow Brite.

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