DIY.
An acronym that might as well be in a foreign language.
I am the least crafty, least creative, do it yourself person out there. I have been known to use glue to hem jeans. I have used velcro. I am simply not skilled in the world of craft, sewing, or do it yourself anything.
I can shop by myself. I can order things online by myself. I can even talk to myself. But DIY? No. Not so much.
The problem is that my daughter, is a DIY queen. She uses scotch tape like it was golden thread. She can sew on a button or sew a pillow like a master seamstress. No, I did not teach her. Montessori did. (thank you Montessori).
So this year, when she said that she wanted to make her own witch costume, I went pale. When she said she wanted to use fabric and sew, I turned green from the nausea. Helping her make her own DIY witch costume? No, no, no, no, no.
Seizing the Opportunity for Mother Daughter Bonding
Ignoring the panic that was rising from the pit of my stomach, I said yes to the idea of making the witch costume. How hard could it really be? Plus, given Principessa’s propensity for all things creative, I figured that she would be leading us in the DIY charge. I would just be there for moral support. To thread the needle, to tie the knots, to revel in her excitement.
Step One: A trip to the Fabric Store
You have to understand, going to the fabric store as a non crafty, non sewing person is a bit like traveling to a foreign country. I did not speak the language, know the local favorites, or understand the cultural non verbal cues. Our hour there was a mix of ooh and ahhh’s, coupled with a dash of culture shock. Principessa was amazing as she sought out materials, without going over the top, sticking to the vision she had in her mind for her witch costume.
Step Two: Assessing and Planning
Notice the fabric glue. Fabric glue is my friend.
Step Three: Starting Small
I thought about sewing the ribbon on. I quickly gave up that plan and used glue instead.
Step Four: Full Immersion
Hard at work sewing and cutting.
The result of being hard at work. No, Principessa did not sew this. I did.
Step Five: Voila’
The good news? The costume is finished with time to spare before Halloween. Also? Principessa and I are still alive and talking to one another. And although her DIY witch costume may not win any awards for sewing precision or for elegance, it is exactly how she wanted it to be. She is happy, I am happy, and life is good.
xo
Elena
This post is part of Daily Buzz Mom’s 9×9 about Halloween costumes. They provided a gift card for the supplies invovled with the costume. All ideas were Principessa’s (except for the green ribbon around the collar, that was mine).
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
The costume looks great! Kudos to you for being such a good sport about letting her make it.
i cannot tell you how awesome I think this costume is! Not only because you allowed your daughter to use her creativity (which she is known for), but because you did it with her.
How incredible!
Love it.
You are both amazing, honestly. I love this, and it makes me (just a tiny bit) sad that Abbey wanted a pre-made costume this year. Maybe one day she’ll want to make one (and I shall borrow your fabric glue, LOL)
When I first saw all those supplies I was like Elena what did you get yourself into… but you two did it! I love DIY costumes. Most of all I love how you listened, really listened to Principessa’s ideas and allowed her to use all her creative juices. I can only imagine she was over the moon happy with her costume and all that time you two got to spend together. -Laverne
I think it’s grape! I mean great
And I especially love that she’ll be the only girl in the neighborhood with that costume. Awesome job!
I think that’s great! I love that she used her creativity and you did it with her.
Looks like you all had a great time together. I can see her walking around with it on, so proud of herself!
For someone who is non-crafty, I think that’s a darn good costume!!
I am impressed, I am jealous, I am AMAZED because I am even less crafty than you…..for sure.
She looks amazing and so does her WITCH costume
You are totally inspiring me with this because we are making my girls costumes this year (eventually? I hope?) and I am SCARED! A two-headed hydra? Yeah, so far she looks more like a member of the Viet Kong. Not so bueno, my friend!
Wow–what an awesome costume. I’m impressed!
Love it! I think that’s one of the best costumes I’ve seen lately. Unique and made with love. What more could you want? And the fact that you helped to make it despite your lack of crafty skills gives those of us who also have no crafty skills hope.
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