Category: Applique

It’s amazing how things sort of cosmically come together sometimes. A few weeks ago I was contacted by a woman organizing a Superhero 5K to raise awareness of bullying its long-term effects. She was looking for donations for prizes and had found my superhero masks and asked if I’d donate a set. I was so flattered and eager to help with anything she needed. I then discovered she was organizing the run in my city and had no idea where I lived! So I promptly registered The Hubs and I for the run and asked her if I could donate more. She happily accepted my offer.

It just so happens that the day before, a friend of mine shared a story about a paper-thin, washed-one-too-many-times, beloved Spiderman costume her son owns and how it caused a wardrobe malfunction at the least opportune time–with missionaries on her doorstep! It got me thinking about how I wished there were more options for boys and costumes of their heroes. There are all sorts of dresses you can make to look like Princesses or other girl characters, but boys are left with one-piece, horribly-produced, overpriced Halloween costumes that aren’t meant for the washing machine or daily wear.

So between the two, I was inspired. I’ve seen the hero shirts that have capes that velcro on them and they’re just not my style. Velcro quickly collects junk in it and loses it’s ability to stick to itself (yet manages to stick to other laundry in the washer), and it doesn’t stay on very well, no matter how new the velcro. It’s just not my favorite medium. So I decided I’d make an easy way to put the cape IN the shirt!

Why a cape? Well, because I firmly believe that everyone needs a cape.

more

Congrats to the winner!

If you didn’t win, stay tuned for the tutorial, coming soon!

**************************

Today starts Sew Mama Sew’s giveaway day (week)! I’m really excited to have you here and to give one of you this awesome shirt for a special little superhero in your life.

A wardrobe malfunction a friend of mine shared inspired me to create these unique shirts (tutorial to follow this week). I’ve seen plenty of superhero shirts with velcro capes, but velcro and I aren’t always friends. It’s scratchy, gets full of gunk, and after awhile it’s not quite so sticky anymore. So I decided to make a shirt that was the perfect blend of wearable costume and washable functionality for Mom but leaves plenty of high-flying imagination for your superguy. Or girl, crime needs all fighters, doesn’t it?!

more

For months now Sofie’s been obsessed with Strawberry Shortcake. She’s got tons of “Strawberry Cake” toys and they’re the most treasured playthings in our vast collection. We record the show on The Hub and she spends a decent amount of time every day lost in her own little world, playing with her “friends” and asking me to visit Berry Bitty City. As her love for Strawberry grew, I knew she’d be excited to emulate her for Halloween. I started planning the costume in my mind this summer and as the weeks have grown closer, I’ve been itching to get it made. I finally caught up on my orders this week and was able to give my girl the outfit of her dreams!

It was ridiculously easy to make, taking just a few hours, and I love that it’s real clothes, not a cheap, overpriced store-bought costume that either a) doesn’t go in the washer or b) falls apart after several rounds of laundry. But my favorite thing about it is how happy it makes my girl.

She’s been wearing it all week, fighting me over any reason I ask her to take it off. She wants to sleep in it, wear it to preschool, and show everyone she knows that she is now her beloved Strawberry Cake.

We argued a bit about whether she was going to have a hat (which she REALLY wanted) or Strawberry’s hair bow (which was more what I was thinking). But I’m a sucker for my kids, so she got her hat.

Making this costume was very inexpensive and really fun. In total I spent $17, and still have about 1/2 yard of fabric left over!

more