Halloween is probably my favorite holiday. It’s certainly my favorite to craft for. Fun costumes, crafts, decorations…
The first costume I made myself was one of my Dad’s suits that I reconstructed to look like Madonna in the Who’s That Girl? video. I was in high school at the time.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed making all kinds of costumes, mostly for my kids. Halloween is, of course, a darn good reason to costume!
Our family tradition is this: My kids have until September 30 to choose a costume idea. Once they’re decided, there is no going back and the planning begins in earnest. They tend to lean towards character costumes, which are fun to try to duplicate.
InuYasha
This year, my 13 year old daughter wanted to be one of her all-time favorite characters, InuYasha. I created the top half of the costume based on a kimono I made some years ago. There are a number of custom changes to make the top appear the same as InuYasha’s. The pants are adapted from a pj pattern, with a more flared leg and belt. The wig was purchased, with handcrafted ears added (made from faux fur and felt). The sword and necklace were purchased online. The scabbard is a toy sword scabbard that’s been covered in black fabric. The entire costume is made with quilter’s cotton.
Ryoga
My 10 year old son’s costume this year was Ryoga, from the manga and anime, Ranma 1/2. The top is a reconstructed sweatshirt with a custom collar and cuffs made from cotton fabric. The belt is also cotton fabric. The pants are adapted from a pajama pattern, with loops added to the sides for lacing the legs. The rucksack is completely custom from canvas. The red paper umbrella was purchased online and customized with paint and fabric. The cording is clothesline cord. His headband is made from a strip of darker yellow fabric with squares stenciled on in black paint.
The two characters are from different manga / anime series, but both are creations of the same author, Rumiko Takahashi. We thought we’d have a little fun with that and took a couple of “what are you doing here!?” poses!
Charlie Brown & Pansy Parkinson
My husband and I like to dress up, too! This year, my hubby, Eli, was Charlie Brown in a t-shirt I stenciled and black shorts made from a commercial pattern. I was Slytherin Pansy Parkinson in a hand painted green tie and custom Slytherin buttons…snarky attitude included!
InuYasha and Ryoga are not amused at having a Slytherin at their back!
Visit my Halloween 2008 flickr album for more photos.
Costumes photos 1995 – Present
Happy November!
also posted in Craft Challenge #32 – DIY Halloween Costumes on craftster and on Deviant Art
Sewhooked 