Costumes 2010

After much discussion, the kids decided on a Mario theme for their costumes.  Unfortunately, this was two weeks ago, and I had not seen costumes with this theme in the stores (I guess I went to the wrong ones).  I also couldn't find patterns for what I would need. I did find this guide for the Mario hat, I combined it with this beret guide.  For the overalls and pants I traced pants they are currently wearing and modified them.  I created the mushroom top from scratch.  I completed Pumpkin's first and adjusted it for Little Miss'.  After Pink Toad was completed the kids asked about Toadette instead. Um, no, I had three costumes to make from scratch and one to finish in two weeks time.  Make that five costumes, as Hubby really wanted me to have a new one this year.  About a week ago a delivery came that had accessories for his costume and accessories for my costume.  I'll try hun, but no guarantees.

 Munchkin as Mario.  I wish I had had an overalls pattern or found a pair in the store to buy.  I kept having fits with the sewing machine, all told they took me about eight hours to complete.

 

Little Miss as the pink Toad.  I added the strap to help keep it on her head, then the strap got stretched out.  We went with a white shirt instead of nude as they're easier to come by.  Actually, for Mario and Pink Toad I purchased two plain T Shirts each and cut one to make long sleeves for the other.

Pumpkin as Toad.  He didn't like his hat and kept walking off, so Hubby had to hold him.  For Pumpkin's shirt, Hubby found a plain white long sleeve onesie at Target.  Don't they look cute?

Hubby as Gandalf.  I started this costume when Munchkin was a toddler.  I was making Munchkin's wizard costume and Hubby & I decided to make a matching one for him.  I finished the hat and barely pieced together the rest.  No trim, finished edges, or closure.  It sat in my sewing tote for seven years.

 Can you guess who Hubby wanted me to be?  Notice the pointy ear?

I tried to get a dress made for me.  I even had a pattern and we bought material.  I ran out of time.  This afternoon I developed tendinitis in my elbow from all the cutting and sewing I've done lately.  Hubby asked me to finish my costume when I go on transfer leave.  For the ward Trunk-or-Treat I pulled out this barely worn dress, the pseudo cape from one of Hubby's old costumes, and donned the accessories Hubby picked out for me: wig, pointy ears, and necklace.

Part of my justification is my upcoming deployment.  Part is that I made Munchkin's first costume.  I have wanted to make additional costumes several times in the past,  including purchasing patterns and even materials.  I wanted to make the costumes this year.  I wanted to see the joy in their eyes when they had their finished costumes and knew how much time and effort I put into making them.  I wanted my kids to have another [recent] memory of something I did for them while I am half a world away.  I also wanted the memory for myself when I get homesick and lonely.