My Sewing Machine Is Trying To Kill Me
I decided Caroline should be Tinkerbell for Halloween because, hello, the child practically IS a magical pixie.
And in typical Suzanne-fashion I also decided I should MAKE her a Tinkerbell costume. Because this one with the light up wings from the Disney store is too gaudy (it’s not) and this one in the baby-size isn’t pretty enough (it is) and this one is too yellow and the wings on this one aren’t cute enough and GOSH, if I’m going to end up spending $30 on a costume I might as well just sew it myself! That will be cheaper, easier AND cuter! I’ll just check Pinterest for a pattern.
Go ahead and punch me in the face now, since anyone with half a brain can tell you “I’ll just do that thing I saw on Pinterest” NEVER ENDS WELL.
I started with this pattern from Make It Love It and…improvised. I might rock a party or a bake sale or a set of knitting needles but I am TERRIFIED of my sewing machine. Luckily, I’ve never let being terrible at something stop me from trying again. I’m slightly oblivious and stupid that way.
So instead of writing the blog post I was planning to write yesterday or working on the sponsored post I have due Wednesday or making a healthy family dinner for my kids or doing the breakfast dishes or any of the other things that actually need to get done I dragged Evan and Caroline to the craft store where I spent $65 on supplies and then wasted 4 hours attempting to sewing a green leotard I probably could have ordered from China for $12.
Well, that’s not strictly true. I spent like $40 on fabric (it was on sale!) and $15 on the CUTEST Tinkerbell-green wings and headband and wand they were selling in the pre-made costume section and another $10 on random craft supplies because that’s what happens when you go to Joann’s with a bunch of coupons.
The good news is Caroline is SUPER excited about her costume. I had her try on Attempt #2 and she refused to take it off. After I put the kids to bed I got Attempt #3 sewed and hemmed (note to self: YOU ARE TERRIBLE AT SEWING. Next time pick something easier to work with that lycra) and the ruffled sleeves done. Then my machine started jamming and I almost went blind with rage so I’m giving myself a break before I attempt the 3 layer petal skirt. Maybe I’ll make the sparkly green tutu tonight (at least I know the tutu doesn’t involve any sewing!!) and try the skirt again tomorrow.
Second-worst case scenario is I throw the whole mess in a box and mail it to my mom to fix. Truly worst-case scenario is I throw the whole thing in the trash and just order that dress from the Disney Store. Although those shoes are super cute.
————————————UPDATE————————————
BOOM.
Tags: Caroline, costume, crafts, Halloween, motherhood, sewing, things I hate, tinkerbell
And there is one thing you can be sure of….Caroline is going to be ADORABLE in WHATEVER costume you put her in!
You are crazy. I have been sewing Halloween costumes for years and even I won’t touch Lycra with a ten foot seam ripper.
Have you ever considered looking for modeling work for Caroline? Seriously – this picture is stunning.
Dude. I’m supposed to be making a Tinker Bell costume this year TOO. But I’m putting it off until The end of the month. It’s possible I’m hoping she’ll change her mind…? Ugh.
She is a magical pixie! I love to sew and I hate to admit it but lycra scares me!
Ha. I cook, I crochet, I even do occasional crafts … but I won’t touch sewing. I just send things I like to my mother-in-law and ask her to do it. And my kids usually look darling in their store-bought costumes, even if everyone thinks I suck as a mom. ;)
Caroline DOES look like a pixie.
This was me last year, except it was a mermaid costume. This year, store bought costumes for everyone!
Hahah, I almost picked up wings and a headband from J’s today! Then I was like “NO! DON’T DO IT!” because I still have tons of birthday stuff to figure out. lol! She’s going to be adorable.
You made that?! Gorgeous! I am so super impressed. And she IS a perfectly magical pixie :)
She is a gorgeous Tinkerbell!
Sophia was Tinkerbell last year and I made her costume but nothing as elaborate and beautiful as this.
I’m impressed! Lycra is a scary, scary fabric… but the end result is adorable!
that rocks! Any inspiration for an Ariel?
You just slayed me with cuteness. If she trick-or-treating at my house, I’d totally give her a large fistful of candy.