Let's Runaway to the Circus!

Each Halloween I like to do coordinating costumes with my husband.  We also decorate our van for trunk-or-treating to match the theme.  This year, I was inspired to do vintage circus after thrifting a heavily embroidered and sequined skirt.  As it turned out, the weather didn't permit trunk-or-treating, so the activities were moved indoors.  I have to admit it was easier decorating a classroom than running electrical cords and such to decorate the van!

I had fun collecting curtains, fringed trim, decorated tins, etc. for the circus theme.  I also found a music box clown that I modified to fit the theme.  I ordered a cymbal-clanging monkey from Amazon.  After printing out letters and different flourishes, I made a sign using foam core board.  The white globe lights around the perimeter operated in random motion and added to the fun.  We also made a "Wheel of Fortune" from a bicycle wheel (not shown).  The kids had fun spinning the wheel and then choosing a prize from the appropriate container.  I also printed several vintage circus posters and hung them around the room.  I found some free calliope music on the internet and had it playing for the evening.

So here's a few more details of the costumes...

My husband's coat started out as a woman's coat.  It was the right color of deep red and fit him perfectly.  I don't have any process photos, but will try to explain.  At the front edges at waist height, I made a straight cut a few inches toward each side, then cut at an angle downward to the sideseams, then straight across the back bottom edge, removing some of the length.  The newly cut lapels were trimmed in gold piping and covered with velvet.  I then folded them back and tacked them in place.  Velvet was also added to the existing collar.  Buttons were added to complete the look.  The truth is, there was A LOT of hand sewing on this coat!  I also made a gold metallic vest to complete the look.

I thrifted some pillow shams that were a perfect match.  I cut the trim from the shams, edged it with piping, and then hand stitched it to the sleeves.

The epaulettes were made from scraps of my jacket lining and thrifted fringe.  In fact, I scored a whole bolt of gold fringe for $1.99!  I'm not sure what I'll use it for, but when I figure it out...I've got it!

My jacket started as a nice black jacket with black on black trim across the front and silver buttons.  I started by changing out the buttons for some gold ones in my stash.  I also used gold-colored Hot Ribbon and ironed it on over the existing trim.

I cut the jacket at the waist and added a pleated peplum with gold lining.  The gold fabric was a silky sheet I thrifted.  I turned the front of the peplum up for an added feature.  I ordered gold appliques off the internet, cut them, then hand stitched them to the sleeves.  

The peplum was cut in a way so that the gold lining would peak out of the pleating.  Gold buttons were added to the back.

Another gold applique was added to the back.

The skirt is covered with heavy embroidery and sequins.  And, I mean HEAVY...it weighs a ton!

I thrifted some gold lace yardage that matched well with the outfit.  I cut some strips, gathered them, then stitched them to the top of a pair of socks.  The lace peaked out of the top of my boots and added some extra fun.

I made my top hat by cutting a piece of cardboard to fit the top of a plastic cup.   I glued the cardboard in place then covered the whole thing with black fabric.  I also cut a circle from cardboard and glued some stiff wire around the edge.  I covered this with fabric as well.  I glued the hat to the brim with a glue gun.  I then embellished the hat with various trim, including a fun carousel tiger ornament!  The whole hat was glued to a sturdy headband.

It was a fun evening and a fun theme!  Now, I need to start thinking about next year!

I like to link to these great parties!