Pattern Reviews · Sewing Tutorials

Sewing for Halloween: Mermaids & Pirates

 My family does themed Halloween costumes every year and our kids wanted to be pirates and mermaids this year!  I am so excited to share these makes with you all! This was such a fun (and easy!) theme to bring to life with my kids.

First, I will share the mermaid costumes with you. My two youngest daughters LOVE anything mermaid and magical so this was such a perfect fit for both of them. I used the Sirena pattern from Boo & Lu patterns. This pattern is mermaid perfection, I did not alter this pattern in any way to achieve my daughter’s costumes! We created some over the top mermaid headpieces with face make-up to complete their look.

Next, my older two kids wanted to be pirates for Halloween. For my son’s costume I used the Master of Disguise and Imagine patterns from Sew A Little Seam. If you aren’t familiar with the Master of Disguise pattern it is just PACKED with endless costume options. I actually blogged all about this pattern here when it released several years ago. This time I chose the cropped length woven pants, open vest, peasant shirt with zig zag hem and boot covers for his look. I did not modify the pattern for any of these costume pieces. To complete his look he wanted an authentic looking pirate hat so I used the witch hat included in the Imagine pattern but modified it and then used fabric stiffener to get it to really hold the shape. For the hat modification I cut the pointy portion of the hat off and then sewed another circle on top the same circumference as the hat opening. I then sewed up a quick self-drafted belt and head sash to tie together his pirate look.

Finally, my for my daughter’s look I mashed the Raven and Dragonfly patterns from Boo & Lu. For her top I used the Dragonfly which comes with a top option and did not modify the pattern pieces. For her skirt I used the Raven pattern and cut at the natural waistline in the dress pattern piece to create a skirt instead of a dress and finished it by adding a waistband. To complete her look I added self-drafted sashes.

I just love sewing up our family costumes every Halloween and can’t wait to see what next year has in store! I hope you are inspired for your costumes and I would love to have you follow me on Instagram for my sewing adventures as well!

*This post does include some affiliate links but all opinions and views are my own*

Pattern Reviews

Pattern Review: Breanna’s Peekaboo Shorts, Pants & Capris by Simple Life Pattern Company

Simple Life Pattern Company just re-released Breanna’s Peekaboo Shorts, Pants and Capris with updated fit and sizing options.

Breanna’s is an advanced beginner pattern for woven or knit fabrics with sizing that runs from 2T up to size 12.  There are three different lengths to choose from:  shorts, capris or pants and have optional side ties for a ruched look.  The waistband is a flat front and elastic back.

I sewed up the shorts option since it is already HOT here in South Florida and this is going to be our summer uniform this year!  I opted for the optional side ties and used cotton woven fabric from Hobby Lobby.  The pattern was very easy to grade between sizing for that perfect fit.  My daughter is wearing a size 6 in width and size 7 in length.  We paired these shorts with a Kyra Cross Back Top in the A-Line fit in cotton lycra from Purple Seamstress.  This was also my first time sewing up Kyra and it is my new favorite!  This top has so many options and is perfect for summer.  I love the A-Line top and dress but the twirly skirt option gets my girls every time (and Kyra has both!).

 

The pattern is on sale 20% off through May 13 and I can’t wait to see yours sewn up.   If you buy this pattern on sale let us know what you think!

**I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS PATTERN AS PART OF THE TESTING PROCESS. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**