- Problem #1--I'm not very good at sewing clothing, and I don't really enjoy it.
- Problem #2--The pattern had a gazillion pattern pieces to cut. It took me hours just to cut the dang thing out.
- Problem #3--I used costume satin. This was probably the biggest problem of all. That stuff is awful. I really had no idea what I was getting into. I ended up interfacing nearly every piece, plus added an additional layer of fabric on the bodice to give it more stability and strength. I also edge stitched everything along the bodice and wings because I couldn't get it to lay flat. All the extra effort was well worth it in the end. The costume is far from perfect, but she loves it and is refusing to take it off.
- Problem #4--I thought the pattern was hard to understand and use. I used the Simplicity 2872 pattern. I found the pattern quite frustrating and had to reread the instructions many, many times. Since I don't make clothing often, this was likely a large cause of my frustration.
- Problem #5--The belt is a huge pain to put on and take off. It laces up in the back and adds just one more layer of difficulty when putting this costume on. I think I might remake it after Halloween and make it longer with snaps to be more user friendly. I'd like her to be able to use this as a dress-up, and the fiddly belt makes it hard for her to put on.
I'll chalk this one up to experience. In the end she loves it, and that's what matters. I think next time we'll just purchase a costume rather than any attempts at being super mom. Costume sewing just isn't my thing, and I'm perfectly okay with that. I gave it my best. Now back to quilting...
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Ugh! I hate, hate, HATE sewing costume satin. Did it two Halloweens in a row, and this year I'm using felt. Which is easier, but not necessarily better. It looks good in the end, though!
ReplyDeleteOh you are a good mum - when we can get outfits from the supermarket for £5/$8, I am NEVER going to try!
ReplyDeleteNow you just have to stop her growing, ever!
She does look adorable!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out really cute, I'm glad she loves it! I haven't used costume satin before, now I know to avoid it! That sounds just terrible to deal with.
ReplyDeleteIt looks great!
ReplyDeleteI'm still debating whether to make or buy my kids' costumes.
The first few times I sewed with a Big 4 pattern, I had a friend next to me or my mom on speed dial. Now, I've done it often enough, the instructions make sense to me, but I can still call my mom if I need it. Love the back up.
"Super mom" - LOVE that comment!! It turned out amazing!! And just think all that you've learned from this experience ...
ReplyDeleteSooo cute! LOVE the pink!! :)
Did you make her wings? I was going to make Caitlyn a tinker bell costume and have everything cut out for it and everything...but I just don't have the time. So I ended up getting her one from the Disney store. Oh well... ;)
ReplyDeleteIts lovely! I swore I wouldn't make another costume, but I have one girl who can't handle itchy things (no costume ever made is acceptable) and one that still wants to be Disney characters but they no longer make her size. Today as I worked on adjusting the cursed pattern I checked the internet to see how much I would have to pay to not make a costume. If she were littler it could be had for $250 - I guess the stores are all out...Lucky you to be done!
ReplyDeleteit looks great!
ReplyDeleteTGIF (thank goodness it's finished)! It's fabulous but I totally hear you on that awful fabric. I was vacuuming up fun fur for the better part of a month after I made last year's costume but I think that satin is probably worse. This year's costume for Miss Princess Fairy (a gorgeous communion or flower girl dress in a very nice pink satin - completely and beautifully finished inside and out) was purchased at Value Village. Best $8 I ever spent. Highly recommended.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! She sure looks like you.
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you on sewing on satin.....not fun!
It's so cute. Great job!
ReplyDeleteShe's looks so pretty! And all of a sudden, she looks really old to me. When did that happen!? Great job on the dress! It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt looks gorgeous, Kati. Maybe it was worth your troubles? I'm with you on sewing clothes. It's too tricky!
ReplyDeleteMiss C looks adorable, but I can only imagine the frustration. That is how I feel on nearly every sewing project I ever take on. At least you finish your projects :) I love her haircut too, and like Diana said, she looks so grown up. I kind of think she looks like your mom in these pictures and I've never seen that much resemblance before.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Kati - she loves it and that's all that matters. Kudos to you for giving it a try. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteLittle miss C is adorable in her costume. I'm proud of you for trying a costume. Don't think I'll ever be able to do it myself. :) Our visitors are arriving this afternoon and I"m SOOOOO excited. Thanks for feeding my fabric addiction. I've died and gone to heaven. :)
ReplyDeletep.s. I think you're a super mom even if you don't make the outfit. The fact that you've sacrificed a lot to stay home and take care of those adorable kiddos makes you wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's you. I've been sewing from patterns since I was a little and simplicity/McCall's patterns have gotten worse and worse. The diagrams are not clear, the instructions are difficult to understand and often have you do things in a much more complicated way than necessary. If I hadn't been sewing for years I'd have been lost in the last few patterns. I've not tried Burda or Vogue recently but hopefully they're better. She looks adorable and so happy!
ReplyDeleteIt looks fabulous, but you're a far better woman than I using all that costume fabric!
ReplyDeleteYou did SUCH a great job! Emma is getting a costume from Costco this year! haha. :)
ReplyDelete