D-I-Y Duds

Dressing up for Halloween is such a treat for kids, it’s no wonder they talk about their costumes all-year ‘round! And if your little ones are dreaming of costumes you can’t find in stores, Emma Hardy’s new book “Cute And Easy Costumes For Kids” is an adorable and accessible resource for DIY costuming. With ideas for 35 inventive costumes from cupcakes to robots and all the patterns you need included, the book is a must-read for any parent hoping to tap into their creative side this season. We chatted with Emma to glean some of her crafty wisdom and to hear what her two daughters are hoping to be this Halloween.

You’re a stylist and designer with a background in home interiors by trade—how how did you start sewing children’s costumes?

I started making costumes for my own children. I remember going shopping for a last–minute witch costume when my eldest daughter was little and just walking out of the shop and heading straight for the fabric store; I couldn’t bear to pay for such a poor quality costume. I ended up staying up late sewing but the finished outfit was so much nicer.

Where do you find inspiration for your costumes? Are any of these outfits that your own children have requested?

When
you have children there are so many costumes that are needed over the
years, for parties, Halloween, school plays and more. We have amassed
quite a collection now! Lots of the ideas in the book are based on
costumes that I have made for my two.

What has been your favorite or most special costume you’ve made so far?

My girls have worn and worn the princess and fairy costumes that I have made, so they are definitely the favorites.

What advice do you have for parents who may be new to the idea of DIY costumes but want to make something unique for their kids?

Don’t feel too pressurized to make a perfect outfit! Kids
love whatever you make for them, especially if they can choose the
fabrics and materials themselves. If you are pushed for time, team a few
homemade bits with store-bought clothes—don’t feel like you have to
make the whole thing.

What’s one costume in your book that you particularly recommend to an amateur sewer?

The
reindeer outfit is so quick and easy to make and is suitable for any
age. Grab a pair of gloves, fill them with stuffing and sew them onto a
hooded top—what could be easier?

What
is a good, unexpected resource for picking up costume-making materials?
What materials or items are great basics for making costumes?

Table
top sales, garage or stoop sales are great places to find low cost
materials. Look for old clothes that can be cut up and recycled. As for
store-bought fabrics, you can never have enough felt! It’s really easy
to use and comes in a great range of colors.

What costumes do you have in the works for your own family this year?

My
eldest has ideas for an owl costume involving lots of paper feathers
and a cardboard beak, and my youngest is planning to dress as a cat and
has requested that it be to super furry with a very long tail!

Emma
Hardy is also the author of “Green Crafts For Kids” and “Sewing For
Kids.” She lives in London with her husband and two daughters. For more
information, visit cicobooks.com.

Mummy Pizza Magic
Impress Your Little Ghouls And Goblins With These Scarily Easy Halloween Treats!

Ingredients:
Bagels or English muffins
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Black olives
Scallions
Pizza sauce

Method:
Spread tomato sauce on the bagels or English muffins.
Place medium-sized shreds of mozzarella on the sauce for the mummy’s wrappings.
Slice black olives into thin rounds to resemble the eye; cut a small piece of scallion to place inside the olive for the pupil.
Bake in the oven on broil for 5-10 minutes or until cheese has fully melted.
Enjoy!