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| L in Merida costume |
Every Christmas, I sew a matching dress for L's American Girl doll that matches her Halloween costume. This year she was Merida, a Disney princess from Brave. She wanted Merida instead of Elsa from Frozen because she was a strong princess who didn't wear makeup!
Who knew this year's costume would cause me so much angst!
Problem #1: To begin with, I couldn't find similar material anywhere. I tried every fabric store within a 30 mile radius, but no luck. Finally, I ended up ordering a Merida costume. Of course, it was significantly past Halloween and the only size I could find was a small (I was hoping to order a large size thinking I could make another similar dress to sell).
Problem #2: No one sold a Merida pattern; not even anything close. So, I adapted a bodice and skirt from another pattern. Just had to create the front bodice V-insert and the sleeve inserts.
Problem #3: I had to deconstruct the purchased costume and hope for enough material. Undoing the dress was tedious; not difficult but what a mess it made with small pieces of thread everywhere! There was plenty of material for the skirt and overskirt but barely enough for the bodice. Seems multi-sized costumes use stretch material for the back bodice rather than the velour used for the front.
Problem #4: Time, time, time and then some more time. I never did complete the AG costume for Christmas. It has now become a New Year's gift.
Problem #5: With only one last trim to sew, I misplaced the last bit of gold rick rack needed. I looked all over for it around my sewing area. Wasted hours looking for it and finally, decided it was a lost cause. Thankfully, the next morning my daughter found it and the costume was finished!!!!
I'm very happy with the results but...what I've learned from this:
For craft shows, I'm going to draft a Merida dress pattern that is similar to the movie dress rather than L's Halloween costume. It has to be easier!!
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| Closeup of Bodice |
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| Gown Merida's |
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