When Andrea McLeod, 10, from London, Ontario, saw a mushroom costume while shopping, she knew it was exactly what she wanted to dress up as for Halloween this year.
There was only one problem: the only costume in the store was a toddler’s size.
That’s when mcleod She decided to make the costume herself.
“I bought fabric and instructions, then my sewing teacher helped me make it and sew it,” she said. “The hat part is filled with foam and the bottom part is like a hoodie.”
It took McLeod about five hours to sew her red and beige mushroom costume, which she plans to show off to her friends on Friday.
“When I tried it on, it looked cool… They’re going to think it’s cute or something,” McLeod said.
McLeod and others are swapping store-bought costumes for DIY options this year.
“I really encourage parents to let their kids participate in this. They want to encourage family fun and creativity in putting it together,” said Lindy Creswick, owner of Lindy Cosplay Supplies in Chatham, Ontario.
Creswick has worked in the costume industry and now runs cosplay repair booths at Comic-Con festivals across the province.
She said she made many of her son’s Halloween costumes when he was little.
As he grew older, Creswick and his son began making costumes together and both still enjoy dressing up as adults. — So much so that Creswick’s son is getting married on Halloween and is cheering on costumes at the reception.
“It usually doesn’t take much effort to get kids excited. They’re usually excited about the idea.” [of making costumes]Creswick said, adding that parents should let children take the lead in their Halloween costumes.
“It’s good for parents to let them do it their way because the way they see it and perceive it will be different than what adults might see. That’s an important focus for kids, especially if they do it together.”
Plan Ahead, Hit Often
Planning is the first step when it comes to making a costume, according to Riley Papp, co-owner of the Sew It Goes sewing studio in London, where McLeod made her outfit.
“You really have to know exactly what you want to make, gather the materials and try not to make as many stops back to the craft stores,” Papp said.
Papp uses Pinterest and Google to find inspiration for many sewing projects, allowing her to shop with a specific list.
Some of the things I would put on a beginner’s shopping list include hot glue, fabric glue, hem tape, a sewing needle, thread, and a seam ripper.
While Papp said costume materials can come from a fabric store, you can also make costumes with craft felt from a dollar store and old clothes from home or a thrift store.
“When it comes to making a costume, you don’t have to be perfect. It can be very complicated. You can use a lot of glue,” Papp said. She advises having a couple of safety pins on hand on Halloween night in case there are any costume mishaps.
For costumes that require more shaping and construction, Creswick recommends using cardboard and other recycled containers.
“Don’t throw out the little boxes and cartons that things come in… and if you need something that’s sturdier, just fill it with bags, mesh, or something you have at home.”
Creskwick said she also looks around her house for items that can add more pizzazz to her costumes, such as feathers, beads, fabric scraps and even curtains.
To give fine details to her pieces, Creswick said she used some innovative techniques, like when she needed to dirt her clothes for an old witch costume.
“I left a skirt and a blouse I had put together in the driveway and told my husband, ‘Don’t move them. Keep driving on them.’ He seemed really miserable during the week,” she said.
Last minute costume ideas
Creswick said she likes Halloween costumes that are simple and fun.
“Just let your mind wander. Don’t in any way think it has to be perfect.”
Some of Creswick’s easy last minute costume ideas include:
- Gum in a shoe: Wear all pink and tie a shoe on top of your head.
- “Cereal” Killer: Cut out several cereal boxes and tape them to your clothes. He carries a plastic knife.
- French toast: Cut a piece of foam or cardboard in the shape of a slice of bread. Put straps on it so it hangs over your shoulders. Wear a beret.
- Ghost: “Just throw a blanket over yourself,” Creswick said.
