Happy middle of November! Oscar has a leaf to show you. And a new Sailboat top. The Oliver + S Sailboat top is one of the little boy patterns I was most excited about making for him, but I could never seem to find the right fabric for the job. I’ve long admired Kristin’s striped versions and I’ve been on the lookout for a heavier-weight striped knit since Oscar was a wee lad. Which, clearly, he is no longer.
When he asked to be a pirate for Halloween I decided this shirt would make a decent base for the costume – something I actually wanted to sew and something he could wear afterwards. I found this striped French terry at Mill End – it’s thick and sturdy and easy to sew with, and made for a nice comfortable sweatshirt-like top.
The pattern was great, no surprise there. The neck and hem are finished with facings, so only the sleeves require hemming, and the whole thing was quick and easy to sew. I made a size 3 and added an inch to the length, though I should’ve added two inches, and maybe an inch to the sleeves as well. It just fits. I wish it were bigger. No, I wish he were smaller. But anyway.
Here it is with the rest of the pirate get-up. I ripped off a big square of Essex linen to serve as a bandana, and I made him a little pirate vest based on this MADE post, using Dana’s free Frontier Vest pattern. With gold bias tape and a felt skull-and-crossbones patch to show he meant real pirate business.
And since we’re on the subject of Halloween, Lila requested a black cat costume this year.
The actual sewing was minimal. I added felt pads to a pair of black gloves for the paw effect, and I used black velveteen and a pink silk/cotton blend to make the the Oliver + S Cozy Winter Hood from Little Things to Sew. The cat ears were sewn on after constructing the hood so they wouldn’t lay sideways in the seams.
But the shirt, pants, gloves, and tail all came from Target (as did Oscar’s pants and accessories), and I must say, this was the perfect amount of Halloween sewing for me this year!
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Totally adorable.
‘I wish it was bigger, no, I wish he was smaller’ I completely understand that thought process.
Great costumes for them both, you and I are on the same page with the “wear it all later” costume details this year, eh? Absolutely love the Sailboat top on him and I know what you mean about the size. GAH. O has almost grown out of his too, which means they’re probably the same now. Crazy.
Love Lila’s cat pose!
I love this!!! My kids love being pirates – they had storebought costumes this year, but Joe was Captain Hook and Maggie was Izzie from Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Their pirate stuff is some of their most worn dress up clothes. Obviously the shirt is perfect and super wearable, but dang do I love that little vest! Gold binding! So cool!
And kitty cat is awesome. Very well done all around, Gail.
Reusable costumes are the best in my book! I love the idea of using french terry for this shirt. Your version is lovely! I do think this pattern runs short though- I added 2 or even 3 inch to the one I made and it seemed okay. But I live in fear of shirts that are too short so maybe I’m just overly worried!
The costumes look fantastic Gail, and Oscar and Lila look so adorable. I must keep that shirt pattern in mind for baby M and using knit seems like an excellent idea.
Love both of these. You are “sew” creative! 😉