London, Ontario resident, 10-year-old Andrea McLeod, found her ideal Halloween costume – a mushroom outfit – while shopping. However, the only available size was for toddlers, prompting her to take matters into her own hands and craft the costume herself.
McLeod spent approximately five hours creating the red and beige mushroom costume, which she plans to flaunt to her friends on Friday. She expressed excitement, anticipating her friends’ reactions, deeming the costume to be “cool” and possibly “cute.”
This year, individuals like McLeod are leaning towards DIY costumes instead of store-bought options. Lindy Creswick, the owner of Lindy Cosplay Supplies in Chatham, Ontario, advocates for involving children in the costume-making process to foster family fun and creativity.
Creswick, who previously worked in the costume industry, emphasized the importance of allowing kids to lead in creating their Halloween outfits. She shared her experience of crafting costumes with her son, who still enjoys dressing up as an adult. In fact, her son plans to have a costume-themed reception for his upcoming Halloween wedding.
Planning is crucial in costume-making, according to Riley Papp, co-owner of Sew It Goes sewing studio in London, where McLeod crafted her costume. Papp suggested using Pinterest and Google for inspiration to streamline the shopping process by creating a specific list of needed materials.
Papp recommended basic items like hot glue, fabric glue, hemming tape, a sewing needle, thread, and a seam ripper for beginners. She highlighted the versatility of costume materials, which can range from fabric store supplies to dollar-store crafting felt and repurposed clothing items.
Creswick advised utilizing cardboard and recycled containers for costumes requiring more structure. She also emphasized the value of incorporating household items like feathers, beads, scrap fabric, and curtain drapes to enhance costume details.
For those seeking last-minute costume ideas, Creswick recommended simple and humorous options, encouraging individuals to unleash their creativity without striving for perfection.
Some quick costume ideas included dressing as gum on a shoe, a “cereal” killer with cereal boxes attached to clothing, French toast with foam or cardboard slices, and a classic ghost with a simple sheet.