the blue blog archives: bat boy is on the way

It's about time for me to get cracking on those Halloween costumes! This weekend, I started with the jumpsuit part of B's batman-style costume. And yesterday, we were ready for the first fitting.

He's excited about it, although he's discovered that fittings aren't quite as cool as he thought they'd be. I think he'll change his tune when I sew up the next part: the sleeves with those giant bat wings.

I, however, am thrilled that the thing fits. I've never made a jumpsuit before and got wee bit worried about how to adjust things if it was too short in the torso. Luckily, there did end up being enough room for all his little boy parts, if you know what I mean.

It's a little wrinkly here and there and the the two sides of the zipper are about a millimeter off up at the top, but for a Halloween costume that'll get one wear - and in the dark! - it rocks! Seriously, I'm convinced this is the way to learn to sew: just make Halloween costumes for a few years. There's lots of practice of all kinds of fiddly stuff, and none of it has to be perfect. Even if it's a little off or a little wonky, it's still a batman (or a Spongebob or a pumpkin)!

posted by alison at 12:09 pm | in halloween 2008

Comments

You're lucky to have even a corner where you can leave your sewing machine set up. Many, many years ago, when I was single & working where I was expected to wear "office" attire, I made all my own clothes. I actually rented a 2 bedroom apartment so that I could have a sewing room. What a luxury. Maybe I'll get rid of the bed in the guest room - computer room & use that. Right now I'm reduced to using the dining room table which is not very convenient. I taught myself to sew by sewing. Generally sewing patterns (esp Simplicity & Butterick) have very detailed instructions & you do learn a lot by just sewing things. If you are interested in a good basic sewing book, I had the Singer sewing book years ago & it was excellent. I suspect the current incarnation is too.

Posted by: Donna at October 13, 2008 12:37 PM

I'm still not a very enthusiastic seamstress (my ancient machine goes forward and back, that's all) but I managed to put together some cute Halloween costumes, as you say, when the girls were little. My expert sewing mentor, who did costumes for school plays, used to say "If you can't see the mistake beyond the first row, it doesn't matter."

Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport at October 13, 2008 1:41 PM

You are so funny! It's always Tim Gunn imaginary bursting in on me.

Posted by: Wanett at October 13, 2008 1:45 PM

Where did you find your pattern? I have an aspiring little bat here at home and am trying to come up with something "on the fly". :)

Posted by: Tammy Wells-Angerer at October 13, 2008 2:40 PM

Tammy, the pattern is from McCalls. I have an old version, but they still sell it as McCalls 4951. You can even order it online. Have fun making yours!

Posted by: ALISON at October 13, 2008 3:40 PM

Perhaps I'm missing something, though when you do the neckline treatment (is it a facing, or perhaps it is to be bound by seam binding?), you can get rid of that extra millimeter....not that it matter a whole lot for a Halloween costume, as you say, but just place your line of stitching the same distance away from the top of the zipper on both sides.....

Posted by: Laura at October 13, 2008 6:55 PM

Ah yeah, Laura, I added bias tape to the neckline and I just can't get it to line up exactly on the two sides. It's tricky sewing so close to the zipper - the tape kept shifting just a smidge at the end. Oh well, I can live with a centimeter difference.

Posted by: ALISON at October 13, 2008 7:05 PM

Good points about learning to sew with costumes. To add to your list - the target audience is generally enthusiastic and grateful.

Posted by: Cathy at October 13, 2008 7:29 PM

Kudos to you. I have very fond memories of my mother making our Halloween costumes. I am sure your kids will cherish the costumes and the photos for years to come. ~ksp

Posted by: Kelli at October 13, 2008 10:52 PM

That's a good idea. I was a much braver seamstress when I was mostly sewing garb for the SCA. It's good to learn to sew when you are not completely tied to a perfect result!

Posted by: Seanna Lea at October 14, 2008 5:15 PM