the blue blog archives: the faces of halloween

Today's the day! I've been busy transforming the felt and satin fabrics into Halloween fun. The boys' classes are having a Halloween party at school today and visiting a local senior center in costume, so they got to wear their costumes this morning to school. And I got to get some preview pics...

B "loves his ghost costume" (direct quote!!). After the basic shape was done, I added some big black eyes to the hood and then he asked for some spiders and spooky details. I rushed out to JoAnn's Fabric yesterday morning and grabbed the last two pieces of black felt that they had in the store to make some spiders and a big "BOO". I'll be making more spiders today while he's at school and tonight I'll hang some of that fake cobweb stuff all over it, so he's even more ghosty. He walked at least half the way to school with his arms up and you could tell he loved being a ghost. I had sort of poo-pooed it as a kind of boring costume idea at first (bad mommy!), but he is such a character, he is totally making it work.

Spongebob was a absolute blast to make! I used the sewing machine to draw on all the face details and just stitched down the top of the tie (since fabric will stick to flannel on its own). S put it on the first time and giggled, saying, "the tie is right near my penis." Ha! He's such a goofy kid, a perfect Spongebob. The Krusty Krab hat wasn't done in time to be a part of the school costume, but it's looking great and will be the perfect final touch to add to the costume for this evening.

This year has been a real experiment for me in coming up with costume patterns and details all on my own. It's been fun and freeing to try things out in this low-pressure, no-fit, just-for-fun project. I've learned a lot, feel so much more comfortable with the sewing machine and am excited to get back to my other sewing projects. Right after I change my needle of course - layers upon layers of felt and flannel and satin and this one is DONE!

See ya tomorrow with photos of the whole family, including wee viking and mommy....

posted by alison at 9:14 am | in halloween 2007

Comments

Can't wait to see the wee viking!!

Posted by: Helene at October 31, 2007 9:29 AM

Very, very cute. I'm really impressed. Your kids will always remember that you made those just for them.

Posted by: Leslie at October 31, 2007 10:12 AM

i love that you made your kid's costumes. i saw so many this year that were store bought and kind of boring!!! your kid's will have great memories when they are older of all the great costumes and things mom did for them!!

Posted by: ilikeredbean at October 31, 2007 11:08 AM

I'm looking forward to the pictures! ;)

Posted by: Sandy at October 31, 2007 11:31 AM

Aww, such adorable kids! I miss the old days of trick or treating and wearing costumes to school!

Posted by: Lindsey Hartmann at October 31, 2007 12:44 PM

Halloween has got to be one of the best holidays for crafty moms. One's kids outgrow the "make me a costume, Mom" days (sad) then, as young adults, they come back to you (happy!) I got to contribute to a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle costume for a 22 year old this year. Fun. By the way, I could swear I saw one of your boys in a Red Sox hat in a close-up on Emily Rooney's "Greater Boston" on PBS last night. Is that possible?

Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport at October 31, 2007 1:00 PM

wow, super fun! I can't wait to see the final results. I bet they have a blast today.

It's interesting that Halloween is a no-pressure sewing event for you. I have the complete opposite experience! Maybe if I sewed more often. Well, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Posted by: Cassandra at October 31, 2007 1:29 PM

"Costumes For Kids" that could be your next book! You are so good at it, and any Mom would appreciate easy to make, no fit costumes.

Can't wait to see the family photos.

Posted by: Katherine at October 31, 2007 2:29 PM

Hopefully 'S' doesn't go around class today announcing the close proximity of the tie to his 'manhood'!!! Ha silly boys! Great costumes!

I love 'free' style sewing - I adapted a sweatsuit to be a scarecrow outfit for my little guy - a little bit of fleece and some creative cutting did the trick!

Posted by: Deana at October 31, 2007 3:08 PM

"the tie is right near my penis."

Dang, I love that kid.

Posted by: Shannon at October 31, 2007 4:02 PM

It's become a tradition with me to see what you've done for costumes. Once again, amazing! You're such a cool mom!

Posted by: Dava at October 31, 2007 6:28 PM

Hahaha. I never comment, but the costumes are so great, your kids are so adorable and fun, and spongebob tie remark was too funny. You have a sweet and beautiful family.

Posted by: Karen at October 31, 2007 10:09 PM

HAHAHA I love that comment about the tie!!! :D
Looking forward to seeing all of your pictures ;)

Posted by: Bruxa at November 1, 2007 5:29 AM

Oh they look great!! There's nothing better than making your own costumes.

Posted by: kimberly at November 1, 2007 7:02 AM

Very cool. I'll have to show Gil. I just hope he doesn't get any ideas ;-) or before I'll know it I'll need to make him a Bobbie-Sckogie outfit.

Posted by: Orli at November 1, 2007 9:01 AM