Thursday, October 15, 2009

Sewing Up Some Fun

Halloween around here is kind of a big deal. So, I was excited to find a book of how to make costumes in a nearby library; I just bought it at Better World.com, because it's the coolest book ever. It gives straightforward directions for making about 75 different costumes, some of which are pretty darned complicated.



I feel like Harry Potter must have felt when he started to use the Half-Blood Prince's potions book - suddenly, I'm making complex things like tunics and hats, with ease and very little clothes-making knowledge! I'm a quilter, so I know my way around a sewing machine, but any clothing I turned out before this book came into my life was unwearable. Truly.



However, I'm not the only one making costumes this year! Luke browsed for a while, chose to be Robin Hood - and asked me to teach him to sew.





I only realized later how much I'd been hoping that at least one boy would want to learn this skill... I'm not going to have any daughters, and sewing is such a cool thing to be able to do in any case that your gender shouldn't matter.





He did really well, and loves it - no surprise, since there is a small element of danger in using a sewing machine. Plus, it has similar appeal to some of our outdoor tools (it's a Huskvarna, and they also make things like chainsaws), and it has some pretty cool features that Luke got to try out, like making different stitches, winding a bobbin, and going in reverse.





Finally, at the end of all his hard work, he's got the important parts of a Robin Hood costume! I did one seam on the hat, because it was a complicated bit of sewing, but besides that, Luke did all the sewing and helped with the pattern pinning and cutting. Independence in a nine-year-old is a nice thing, that's for sure!

7 comments:

Firefly Mom said...

That is so cool! I bet he's really proud of himself for making his own costume. I would love for Cody to learn how to sew, but first *I* have to learn ;) Darning socks is about the extent of my abilities.

Karen said...

Firefly Mom - I wish I could darn socks! Seriously, how do you do it so that they can be worn again? Mine always end up with blister-begetting seams in them. I'd love a tutorial!
K

Barbara said...

hmmmm...I think I need that book!

Anonymous said...

Ohhh...that is SO cool! I haven't got a clue how to even turn a sewing machine ON. But last year I DID teach Uber how to sew on a button. I was so proud. :) Be sure and post some pics of him in all his Sherwood glory!

Dana said...

I wish I knew how to sew! I'm hoping my daughter will become interested and she and I can learn together. Luke's costume is looking good!

Rana said...

That is awesome! Some of the greatest designers are men.You never know what the future might hold for him. My mom could sew. I wish I had paid more attention. I hope the kids and I can learn together. Luke's costume looks great.

jessiev said...

bravo, luke! what a great job - and an inspiration!