Harry Potter costumes a quick project for Halloween
Dear Julia: I know it’s late to be getting started on a Halloween costume, but I want to make my kids’ costumes this year. They are so expensive at the costume stores, and then they never wear them again. I feel like it’s a big waste of money. My boys want to dress up like Harry Potter. Can you find me a pattern that’s quick and easy to make? — Sarah S.
Hi Sarah: I hear you! Halloween costumes are expensive, especially after purchasing all of the accessories that go along with the costume.
I think a Harry Potter robe is a good choice because it will be a fast project. You can construct the robe, and then your boys can just wear pants and a shirt they already have.
Simplicity has a pattern that includes sizes for a child, teen and adult. It’s pattern No. 8723. In addition to the robe, the pattern also includes a sweater and tie. Your boys might even enjoy wearing their Harry Potter costumes again. Dear Julia: I am about to make a dress with chiffon. This will be my first time working with such a lightweight fabric. I’m a little intimidated. Do you have any tips for working with this type of fabric? Thanks. — Taylor M.
Hi Taylor: Sewing chiffon doesn’t have to be difficult if you take a few precautions. To begin, make sure you’re using the right type of pins. Use only very fine, sharp pins or pins made specifically for silk. Heavy duty pins will leave holes in your delicate chiffon. And if you have pattern weights and a rotary cutter, even better — you can avoid using the pins when cutting the fabric.
Before cutting the fabric, place tissue paper underneath and cut through the pattern piece, fabric and tissue paper. This will help to keep the fabric in place while you cut. Once your pieces are cut, use those fine pins to pin the pieces together, or baste your pieces together instead of using pins.
Sew the pieces together with a fine thread and a fine needle — 70/10 or less — and use a shorter stitch length, between 12 to 20 stitches per inch. Avoid back-tacking, and instead hand tie your thread tails.
If you follow these tips, you should have good results. Good luck!
Readers, do you have any tips for Taylor? Send questions to Julia Cameron, c/o King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or SewSimpleColumn@gmail. com.