Working on my halloween costume.

I'm not a huge halloween person. I mean when I got old enough and had the money to buy my candy, the nostalgia of begging for it ceased.

But as a kid, I do have very fond memories of the time. There was a neighborhood house that always hosted a party for the kids. There we would actually be scared! Remember when you could be scared on halloween, and when you trick or treated at night? We would all get loaded up in about two or three cars/trucks, and be taken to the rich neighborhoods for a good three hours. It was so much fun. Fifteen kids, four or so adults and just a lot of candy!

Now that I'm an adult, halloween is more party time and socializing. I got a complimentary ticket from a friend to an annual vintage halloween party at the Cicada Club. Its my first time going, but everyone I know who has been says that it's a great time. Tons of people dressed in vintage type costumes. It's going to be great.

I found out just a few days ago that I was going so I didn't have a lot of time to plan a costume. I did want to make something but I decided to repurpose a gown I've already made.

I'm not going to cut it up, I'm going to be wearing it.

*photo from carbonated photostream

I based this gown off a pattern cover and made it about 4 years ago when I was just starting with the thole sewing thing.

I do love the chocolate paisley fabric and even found some leftover when I cleaned out my fabric stash. The hem also has a good 4-5" on it so I can cut that down too.

The things that need to be done to the dress are simple.

I want to re-fashion the sleeves and cut off the cuff. I also want to put gathers at the top of the sleeves that mimic the bodice.

The back of the gown is fine, but I used some thick facing to keep the curved shape.

I was thinking on trimming that down, but I don't think so.

I also made a velvet wrap and a velvet belt for this dress.

The wrap I'm going to use, but Im planning on making a cumberbun and big back bow for the dress from the rest of the turquoise velvet I have. That should be a day project at most.

Tomorrow I'm going to rip out the sleeves and get those squared away. Then Ill work on the bow and the hem. Once that's done, all I'll need for my costume is a big fan. The rest of the costume is on it's way.