Last week I mentioned that I had been making Viking costumes. A friend of the children was having a viking themed party and we had been invited. At first the children were a bit unsure, my eldest especially is neither a fan of parties or dressing up, but when I phoned to confirm we were coming I was told that everyone else who was going was really excited about the costumes they were making for the party. So I went to our history book shelf, yes we do have one, and found our small collection of viking books and started to look at them. By the time I had gotten to the pages about clothing the children had both joined me and started asking could we make one of these, or this, or this, the seed was sown. I had a look through my fabric and found some brown/grey fleece that would be suitable but nothing else. When we next went into town we bought some more fabric and ribbon.
I made three tunics, the pattern for the children's was loosely based on a nightie I made for my youngest for Christmas. My tunic I made from scratch by taking various measurements of myself and drawing up a the shape onto the fabric. I always sew in this way, rarely if ever following patterns, unlike knitting where I feel I have to follow a pattern. I have been doing a fair amount recently, for Christmas presents and lately birthday presents. I feel like I am getting the measure of my sewing machine, it seems to go 'wrong', actually that should read user error, less often. It has made me want to do some more, my youngest could do with another dress and I have some fabric that I bought months ago for that very job, now I just need to get on with it!
I wore my tunic over a long linen skirt and linen top, my eldest wore trousers and had a sword in the loop on his belt. My youngest wore hers as a dress with tights. I am hoping that these can and will be used again for dressing up at home, or to other parties with similar theme. We have been invited to a Pirate party this weekend but they have done enough dressing up for now they informed me!
Oh, and the birthday girl? I made her one of these in red and gold. She opened her presents in front of all the other children. When she opened ours there was an audible gasp from the room, the best kind of praise don't you think?
Joining in with Nicole for this weeks Keep Calm Craft On, head on over and see what others have been making.
Oh how I loved those days of making costumes for my daughter for this or that. I remember a clown costume made in two colours of lining satin and an angel one made from an old net curtain and also a monkey one so she tells me though I must admit I have forgotten that on. Enjoy your children at this lovely time in their lives. I had thought more about your earlier post regarding secondary school and remember how moving to secondary school was not an easy time as one goes from being a big fish in a small pond to being a very small fish in a huge pond a feeling likely to be even more noticeable for your son if he doesn't like large groups and has been used to being at home with you. But children are nothing if not resilient and it could on the other hand be the making of him so I still can't help you with your decision I am afraid!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant costumes, and a really great choice of gift. Everyone loves a swirly cape.
ReplyDeleteThose costumes are fab and what an accolade to have your gift so well appreciated.
ReplyDeleteSan
Fantastic costumes, you're so talented. How lovely to make something for the birthday girl also.
ReplyDeleteThese are well awesome! Your children would have fit right in with last night's Up Helly Aa festivities here in Shetland!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking costumes! I remember when our girls where little and I would make their costumes...
ReplyDeleteso fun! there is nothing like handmade gifts.
ReplyDeletewell done on the Viking costumes. and the cape - best kind of praise indeed!!!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! :)
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