Handmade Halloween

Some of my very best memories from childhood involve frolicking around in the various Halloween costumes my mom sewed for my sister and me. From fuzzy animals (I'm the mouse on the right) to gauzy Disney princess numbers, she transformed us into whatever our little hearts desired each year. Now, as an adult, I still can’t bring myself to buy a pre-made Halloween costume, instead preferring to cobble together something unique and of the silly and last-minute variety (and yes, I still rope my mom into helping).

There are many ways to put together great Halloween attire on the fly without spending a lot of time on something you'll only wear once. And, as we here at STC Craft are suckers for any excuse to pull out the craft supplies, where better to start than with costumes inspired by our books?

Have you tried dressing up a found piece with fun hair and makeup? Learn to master the art of prohibition-era flapper finger waves or mod Twiggy eyeliner with The Bust DIY Guide to Life:

 

If you've already spent time creating the perfect handmade wardrobe, why don't you take something you already love wearing and put it to double use? This sultry sheath from Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing can go from a date night outfit to Mad Men-inspired trick-or-treating digs, and the leaf scarf from Sewing Green would make the perfect addition to your Mother Nature or Jolly Green Giant costume.

 

When all else fails, wear a hat! The right topper can transform an otherwise simple outfit, like this witch hat from Knitting From the Center Out, or bear hat from Oliver + S Little Things to Sew (you can customize the ear shape for different critters!):

 

It's amazing what a difference a few handmade add-ons can make (just look at these creative costumes made from STC Craft author Liesl Gibson’s Oliver + S patterns!), but if you still need some inspiration, make sure to stop by and check out our Halloween pinboard. Let the treats roll in!