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...

Refashion Runway: The Tunic Challenge

Once again, thank you to everyone following along, sewing along, and voting in this fun competition.  It's been a challenge, but a lot of fun this season!

This week, on Refashion Runway the theme is tunic.  I actually made two tunics this week.  The first one started with a XL men's dress shirt.  After passing it by because of the price, I was fortunate to go back a week later and pick it up for half price.  I love a good deal! 

A Pleasant Peasant Dress

An ongoing refashion series inspired by the 40's, 50's, and 60's.

This is probably one of the simplest refashions I have done lately.  In fact, it was so simple, I failed to take any process photos, so you'll just have to use your imagination!

I came across this picture awhile ago and liked the combination of denim and sheer together.  I kept it in the back of my mind whenever I shopped at the thrift stores.

(source)

While shopping one day I came across this embroidered muumuu for $2.00.  It wasn't exactly like the inspiration photo, but I was drawn to the embroidery on the yoke, and the price tag!

I did a little searching and found that peasant dresses and tops have been around a very long time.  I'd say that they fit into the retro runway series!

 

 

I cut the top of the muumuu off at the waist, allowing about 1" seam allowance for an elastic waist casing.

I also cut off the sleeve length and took everything in at the side seams for a better fit.  I made sure, however, to leave it roomy enough to still pull over my head.

A friend had recently given my a couple of yards of white gauzy fabric.  It was just the ticket!  I measured from my waist down to the length I wanted, adding a hem allowance and the 1" allowance for the elastic waist casing.  I cut two of these lengths from the fabric using the full 45" width for each piece.

I stitched the two rectangles together, gathered the top edge of the skirt and attached it to the bodice with a 1" seam allowance.  I then stitched the 1" seam allowance down to create a casing for the waist elastic, leaving a small opening to insert the elastic.

Once the elastic waist was done, I hemmed the sleeves and the skirting and was good to go!

Thanks to my son for letting me use his fun little retro scooter, lovingly named Jackie, as a prop!

I like to link to these great parties!

Hedgehog Happiness!

My youngest daughter has been decorating her nursery in a woodland animal theme.  To add to the fun, and to give her some lumbar support while nursing, I made her a pillow.

I drew inspiration from this design I found on the internet.  I can't find the original source, but I believe the company is Cocoa Mint Kids.

I cut the various pieces from fabrics that were already in my stash and used fusible webbing to hold them in place.

I then machine appliqued around the fabric.

The details were done by embroidering a variety of stitches.  It helped pass the time as I spent a total of 5 hours on a school bus with my youngest son for his most recent field trip!

Decorative vintage buttons were used for the flower centers.

 Small black buttons were used for the eyes.  Two sizes of black pom-poms were used for the hedgehog's noses.

I finished the edges of the pillow with large piping cut on the bias from some of the fabric that is already used in her nursery.

It was a fun project and should add a pop of cheerfulness to the nursery!

I like to link to these great parties!

For more inspiration, you can check out the toad stool foot stool I recovered for the nursery here, and how I fixed the little guy's dresser here!