Halloween Costume Update

I've been pretty quiet the past few days, but it's only because I've been busy! I have completed my own costume that consists of a Victorian walking skirt that I found here, a 70's Simplicity vest and the pleated shirt from Simplicity 3990 that the model is wearing.

The Simplicity shirt was pretty easy to make and I didn't have to do a bust alteration since this is one of the patterns that come in B, C, and D sizes. I love that feature and actually wrote the company to say so. Hopefully they will continue to make them. The only fitting issue I have is that the upper arms, in the cap of the sleeve is a little tight, but that's from my own large upper arms. If I make the shirt again I'll have to figure out how to alter that. I always seem to have issues with sleeves since my arms seem to gain most of my weight! But that shirt is very pretty. I did it in some kind of bridal satin that was in the red tag section of JoAnns, but it works for the costume. It's now awaiting a wash to get the marks out.

Right now I'm working on Ed's fancy Vogue 7488 (view B) double-breasted vest. I'm using a home dec weight velvet or velour (I have no idea which is which) since I found it in a thrift store for cheap. The back of the vest is done in crepe backed satin and it's lined in some kind of poly. The pattern is probably an intermediate level and since it has things like welt pockets and interesting lapels, facings and collar it's a little complicated. I'm "getting it" as I go along but I do have to read the directions closely and heaven forbid I work on it while I'm tired. I already screwed up a pocket from doing that. Thankfully I saved it, but it could have been worse.

Once everything is finished I will show pics of us both. I may even do my hair the way I plan to for Halloween; I need to do a test run anyways. I have waist length hair, so figuring out a way to contain it all in a fancy 'do has been a little hard, without having to go to a salon to get a good look. I think I'm going to go with a fancy chignon of sorts; similar to this YouTube video from Johnny Lavoy.