Sometimes I love stress. Not the average stress we face, like paying the bills or working through our children’s more difficult stages; but the kind where there are deadlines, but the process in general is a good time. Creative stress. Halloween costumes are certainly a creative stress.
I tend to start brainstorming several months prior, but we don’t often commit until a few weeks before the big night. I have the best intentions of making both my kids’ costumes, but I usually end up buying one and making one. It allows me to put 100% into one outfit and my son prefers the instant gratification of store-bought anyway.
Last year was the exception, when I made both of their costumes (in thanks to Xander’s love of The Great Pumpkin). A sheet with some tulle-covered holes was hardly any work though.
Xander’s costume for trick-or-treating this year has already arrived via Fed Ex, and I’m sewing away on Milly’s. If she longs to be what half of all little girls long to be this year, I’m going do my best to make hers a bit different. I’ve learned felt and fleece are perfect for costume making. They’re cheap, warm on a cool night, don’t require hemming, and have some give when you’re just making things up as you go. While I like to follow rules, I’ve never liked to follow patterns. Do you have costumes all figured out yet? It’s hard to believe Halloween is almost a week away.
If you’re still looking for some last minute entertaining ideas, Xander’s Friday the 13th birthday party was full of frightfully fun food and decor.
And this post has some quick and easily additions to add some spook to your spaces.
What costumes are you putting together this year?
Brad says
I love this! That ghost costume is awesome… easy, but awesome nonetheless. And Milly's costume promises to be beautiful if judging by that picture alone. I can't wait to see the finished result.
My little girl will be Dorothy Gale this year. The Wizard of Oz has been on repeat for the last few months so it's only appropriate although I think those ruby slippers may actually be magic… we can't seem to get them off her feet ever since they arrived!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
Oh wow – that is going to be one awesome Anna costume! My Ellie has wanted to be Elsa for Halloween since like last January. I went the store bought route this year though – my first time ever. I kind of miss the making, but I need a hall pass this year.
Autumn Beach says
Oh dear…yes, I have already warned my daughter that every other little girl in her class will probably be Elsa, too. Alas, she is undeterred. Although, I spy some Anna going on in this post. I'm SO Team Anna. I don't know why Elsa gets all the glory. Anywho…store-bought. Costco and done. And I'm pretty sure my son is the only little boy in Kansas City wanting to be Derek Jeter for Halloween this year. Oh well…what's a mom to do?
themakerista@gmail.com says
I hear ya! Michelangelo for X and Anna for Milly…two of the most popular costumes out there!
Albertina M. Cisneros says
that costume is going to be the prettiest thing! and heirloom for sure. I do hope you are saving them for your grandchildren!!
Bethany DeVore says
I made my daughter's costume last year, but she fell in love with one in the store this year and I couldn't resist the easiness of just buying it! I always enjoy seeing the ones you make for you kids. They're so adorable!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Bethany! I love to make but the ease of buying is wonderful too. 🙂
Julia Konya says
My son usually loves the instant gratification too. I'm so glad I finished my daughter's and it was a success. And I already know what I'm doing next year.
Your kiddos are so adorable.
Megan Duesterhaus says
Couldn't agree more about felt and fleece – and I'd add vinyl to the list too! We've used all three in our costumes this year! You're a gal after my own heart with not following patterns and making it up as you go. I'll sew pillows and curtains all day, but sewing clothes scares me to pieces. This year I've embraced the creative process and have been having a blast creating the characters from Tangled! Who needs patterns?!?!
themakerista@gmail.com says
So smart, Megan! Glad we're on the same page. 🙂
Rachel Rardon says
That's the cutest witch I've ever seen in my life. Can't wait to see the costumes this year!
themakerista@gmail.com says
You're sweet. Thanks Rachel!
Jessica Taylor says
Such a lovely post! This little witch is adorable. The ghost is great, too.
Regular home cleaning Clapham
jana bek says
Love their costumes & that is the cutest Halloween set up!! So festive & perfect for outdoors! X jana
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jana!