Handmade Halloween Costume Contest Winners!!

Yesterday we at Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops wrapped up our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Thanks so much to all the lovely ladies who participated!  There were some seriously adorable costumes we had to begrudgingly choose between, but in the end, there can only be three winners, right?  Our panel of judges consisted of Melissa from Lilac Lane, Dixi from My Childhood Treasures, Marcie from Wonderfully Made 4 You, Robin from Pattern Revolution, and the FF&L Team (Krista, Dianne, and me!).  So without further ado, let's take a look at these little beauties, shall we?

First Place

"Scarecrow" submitted by Shanna M.

She used the Pillowcase Romper from Whimsy Couture.

 

Second Place

"Little Red Riding Hood" submitted by Julie W.

She used The Tea Party Dress from The Handmaiden's Cottage.

 

Third Place

 

"Rapunzel" submitted by Alisa K.

She used the Victorian Romance Dress from Foofoo Threads.

 

 

A Special Thanks to our Other Participants!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Everyone truly did an amazing job!  Judging was definitely not easy!  We hope you all will play along again next year! 

All of the winning costumes were made using patterns we've reviewed right here on the blog.  Check them out by clicking on the tab labeled "Pattern Reviews" along the top of the page.

 

Sponsors

This contest wouldn't have happened without the generous contributions of our fabulous sponsors!!  Please take a second and like them on FB, follow them on Pinterest, check out their shops, and let them know how much we all appreciate them! 

 

Olfa

Purpleseamstress Fabric

5BucksAYard

Wonderfully Made 4 You

Fat Quarter Shop

Modern Yardage

Riley Blake Designs

Pick Your Plum

 

Also, a special "thank you" to Melissa of Lilac Lane for being such a peach and offering all of our contestants a free pattern of choice from her shop! 

 

Congrats again to everyone!  You're all winners in our book! 

Sew and Tell with the Maise Cape (Peacock Version)

 

Just in time for Halloween... this week we are featuring the Peacock Maise Cape from My Childhood Treasures!  Obviously, this gorgeous cape would make for an impressive Halloween costume, but I'd parade my little one around in it all during the chilly months!  What I find totally cool about this pattern is that you also get the original version of the Maise Cape included for free (the peacock version is actually an add-on that's included with the original file).  So you get the peacock version, the Little Red Riding Hood version, and a plain version- all wrapped up into one pattern that we just so happen to have on sale for 25% off this week!  Hurray!!!

 

 

If you wanted to use this pattern as a costume piece, I'm sure you could come up with endless uses!  I'm not creative as some of you, but if you made the cape a little longer, it might work for a witches costume.  You could also make it in some sparkly or lacey fabrics and use it as a cover up for your little princesses if it gets really cold while trick-or-treating in your neck of the woods.  We don't really run into that problem in Alabama too often, but some of you might!  A Little Red Riding Hood costume is an obvious choice and would be absolutely darling!  If you wanted to use the Peacock Version as a costume, you could pair it with blue pants and a blue shirt underneath, or do like the pattern suggests and use the Tutu Dress in pretty shades of blue.  Oh, or how about making it in all white while having your child wear all white, and doing black eyes and a mouth on the hood to make a ghost costume?  And let's not forget that superheroes wear capes ;) 

 

Just some general info about the pattern...  It can be made in sizes 1- 8, and a size chart providing chest measurements is provided.  Since the cape is fully lined, it can be reversible, however it wouldn't work if you did the peacock version because the feathers extend farther down and would be seen from the other side.  A fabric requirement chart is provided, and the smallest size needs a yard for each side of the cape, and the largest size needs 1 1/4 yards for each side of the cape.  There are 12 pages to print out for the cape pattern pieces (which are all nested, color-coded and labeled) and 4 pages for the peacock applique pieces.  A 2x2 inch square is include on the pattern pieces to ensure that your pattern is printing at the correct scale.  There's a convenient "Sewing Terms" glossary at the very end to help you with any sewing terms that you might not be familiar with.  It's a useful reference for any pattern you may be working on!  Please note, this pattern may only be made for personal use.  If you sew for profit, you can contact the designer to inquire about her latest policies in regards to selling the items made from this pattern. 

 

As far as the construction is concerned, I've sewn up a few things from My Childhood Treasures recently and am always pleased with both the process and the end results.  Her patterns are very well-written and have a nice flow to them.  Every step is accompanied with a helpful photo so you're not left wondering if you're doing it right.  The appliques for the Peacock and Little Red Riding Hood are both done using felt.  The patterns for all the pieces, plus detailed directions on how to construct the appliques are included.  Give it a try, and see how easy it is!

 

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We've got Mary Ann reviewing this pattern for us today.  Take a look at her amazing version!

 

 

While thumbing through patterns on Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, I had to stop and do a double take when I ran across the Peacock Maise Cape (special edition) by My Childhood Treasures!  Seeing that I love peacock feathers and the attractive colors they present, it didn’t take me long deciding to purchase the pattern.  Am I glad I did!

 

My sewing inspiration was a neighborhood grandmother who made wonderful dresses for her granddaughters.  As a child, I was so impressed since I didn’t have a grandmother of my own (especially one who sews).  Now, I sew for my grandkids.  Hopefully, I inspire others to create beautiful handmade garments for their families and friends.  I am looking forward to opening an Etsy store in the near future.  You are welcome to view some of my first projects at www.sew-letoile.tumblr.com.

 

Let’s get started!  I am so pleased to review such a versatile pattern.  I chose a peacock print lining called Regent Peacock by Alexander Henry Fabrics Collections that I found at Hobby Lobby.  The outer fabric is teal pinwale corduroy found at JoAnn’s Fabric.  Feathers are cotton scraps in coordinating colors.  

Prewashing is a must if you are working with corduroy and cotton.  Tip: Corduroy can be tricky when preparing to cut pattern pieces.  There is a nap so all pattern pieces need to face the same direction on the fabric.  My printed lining was placed in the same manner. 

 

The directions for this pattern are easy to follow and construction was a breeze.  I’m big on pressing seams as I go along since it makes the finished garment look so much more professionally made.  And yes, the instructions recommend pressing (no wonder the finished cape looks so nice)!  The recommended topstitching is another must for a well made garment.

 

Peacock feathers… Peacock feathers adorn my sewing room so I found inspiration right at my fingertips.  The pattern designer lists suggestions in lieu of felt.  I chose cotton scraps and Pellon fusible interfacing to back the two larger feather pattern pieces and provide some stiffness.  I lined each feather with the matching cape lining.  The feathers give the cape some weight and provide a nice drape.

What a fun sew!  The pattern also includes a template for a peacock headpiece and instructions as well as an appliqué for Little Red Riding Hood and instructions.  I’m seriously thinking of making a pink flamingo cape!  Soon, very soon!

 

Isn't that cape stunning?!?  I love that she left the headpiece off of the hood to make it look a little less "costume-y" for everyday wear!  And the idea to make a pink flamingo version... holy moly I want to see that!!  You could do an owl version, too!  The possibilities are endless!  Who knew you could have so much fun with a cape?? 

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Pair it Up!

In the spirit of Halloween, we're going to showcase a few trick-or-treat bags you could quickly sew up for our Pair it Up section today!

 

The Halloween Treat Bag pattern from Charming Doodle can be used to make 5 different styles of treat bags.  There's a cat, strawberry, fairy princess, jack-o-lantern, and monster to choose from.  But as we've learned above, the only limit is your imagination!  Don't let your little ones go out with a generic plastic pumpkin... or worse, an old Wal-Mart sack, ha!!  We've got this pattern on sale for only $5 for a limited time, so make one up to perfectly compliment that handmade costume you've been working so hard on!

 

The Halloween Bag or Library Tote from Hadley Grace Designs is another fun way for the kids to haul around their loot!  They'll have to trick-or-treat all night to fill that sucker up!  Make it in some spooky Halloween prints and add their initial or an applique to create a customized bag that will receive just as much attention as their costumes!  The bag pattern also works great year round in your favorite prints!

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Make sure you go to the website and purchase your copy of The Peacock Maise Cape for 25% off while it's still on sale  :)  Also, be sure to get your entries in for our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!  Simply design a Halloween costume around one or more of the over 800 patterns we carry on our website.  We're giving away over $300 in awesome prizes from some awesome vendors!  The last day to enter is October 20th, so fire up your sewing machine!!!  Find the details by clicking on the banner below :)

 

 

 Go sew something magical!

 



Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 

 

Sew Up Something Spooky... or Sweet!!!

Are you participating in our 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest???  It's easy-peasy to enter.  Go to our website, Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops, and choose a pattern or two (It can patterns you already own or that you've bought from the designers directly, too.  Just as long as we carry it on our site, you're good to go!) and design a costume around it!  You can turn a peasant dress into a princess dress, you can turn a pair of overalls into a Mario costume, you can take a collared top and pair it with a full skirt and an apron to make an I Love Lucy costume (ahem, that may or may not be what I'm doing...).  Just let your imagination run wild and have FUN!!! 

We have an impressive list of prizes we'll be awarding to three lucky winners.  If you're a fan of fabric and sewing patterns, it just might tickle your fancy!  The prizes total over $300!!  Check out the Facebook prize album we have set up to browse through them all, and be sure to show our sponsors some love! 

To read the original contest post to find out all the details regarding the Costume Contest, follow the link here.  Entries need to be in by the end of the day October 20th.  We'll announce the winners on Halloween!! 

 

 

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And just because we love Halloween around here, we are also having a little fun with a sneaky ghost that's been showing up on our website!  Each weeknight at 9 PM CST, this little guy will show up in a different place on our website.  Be the first to find him and comment where he's hiding on the Ghost Post on our FB wall, and you'll earn yourself a 15% off discount code that can be used on anything on the website for the next 48 hours!  There will only be one winner per weekday, so be quick and look out for clues on the FB page :)

 

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So start browsing, get sewing, and be sure to share this contest with your friends!  We'd love for you to help us spread the word by either pinning this post or sharing on FB!  Thanks so much, and may the best costume win!!

 Go sew something magical!

 



Take a look at where we link up our blog posts! 

 

1st Annual Handmade Halloween Costume Contest!

 

Halloween costumes that are ill-fitting, too expensive, look cheap, and uncomfortable are a thing of the past!  Join us this year for the 1st Annual Handmade Halloween Contest hosted by Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops!  Sewists (or sewers, seamstresses, sewing enthusiasts, people who sew...) will battle with seam rippers, tape measures, scissors, and thread to be graced with the title "Handmade Halloween Super Star" and win some great prizes from some great folks!

 

To Enter:

1.  Choose a pattern or patterns from our website and construct a Halloween costume for yourself, your child, your grandchild, your niece/nephew... whoever you would like to sew for!  You only have to use this pattern as the basis of your costume.  Feel free to add accessories, wigs, or use store-bought components (or even pieces you made using patterns that aren't on the site), as long as the majority of the costume is sewn by you from patterns we have available.  Patterns do not have to be purchased from our site (though we would love you if you did).  You can purchase the pattern directly from the designer, or it can be a pattern that you've had in your stash for awhile, either way is fine as long as it is a pattern that we currently have available on our website!

 

2.  Sew up your costume before October 20, 2013.  **** UPDATE****  You now have until October 30th to submit your entries!!  This will be the last day to enter.  Please do not submit photos of costumes that you have made in previous years or that you did not sew yourself.  Those entries will be disqualified.  Also, please do not make any major modifications to the pattern being used.  We need to be able to recognize with pattern for judging purposes.  Feel free to embellish until your heart is content!  Please keep in mind that the costumes need to family friendly.

 

3.  Submit 3 or more high-quality photographs of the costume being modeled.  Email them to me by clicking on the link here.  Be sure to include your name, email address, which patterns you used, and what the costume is (a brief description).  One entry per person, however, if you've made several costumes, you can photograph them all together and submit them as one entry.  If you can make a collage of all the photos, you can submit one collage instead of 3-4 separate photos.  Picmonkey.com is a great (and free!) way to easily make collages and download them to your computer. 

We're sorry to all of our International friends, but this contest is only open to US Residents.   

 

Judging:

All entries will be judged on three areas:

 

1.  Originality and Creativity

2.  Sewmanship (Is that a real word?) and Quality

3.  The "wow" factor!  Razzle-dazzle us, ladies! 

Once photos are submitted, we will post them here on the blog, and also upload them to our Facebook page into a contest album. 

The 10 photos with the most likes during our open voting period (starting on October 20th, 2013) will progress to the next round.  From there, we will allow our panel of judges composed of some of our favorite pattern designers to cast a vote for their favorite.  Once we tally up the top 5 costumes from that vote, Krista, Dianne, and I (The Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops team) will determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.  ****UPDATE****  On October 30th, a group of designers and the FF&L team will each choose our top 3 favorites, and a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner will be tallied from those results.
 

 The contest will run from September 2nd- October 20th.  **** UPDATE****  You now have until October 30th to submit entries!!  We'll have a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner.  Winners will be announced on Halloween! 

 

Prizes:

 

And what will the winners be getting you might wonder?? 

We've got an awesome collection of prizes from some great vendors! 

For our 1st Place Winner:

A $50 Plum Box from Pick Your Plum

 

A $20 Gift Certificate to Purpleseamstress Fabric

 

45mm Splash rotary cutter ($17.99 MSRP) and a 2/pk of 45mm blades ($15.49 MSRP) from OLFA

 

 $25 Gift Certificate to Modern Yardage

A $30 Gift Certificate to Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops

 

For our 2nd Place Winner:

 

A $25 gift certificate from 5BucksaYard.com

 

$20 Gift Certitificate to Fat Quarter Shop
 

A 3-pack of patterns from Wonderfully Made 4 You

A $20 Gift Certificate to Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops

 

For our 3rd Place Winner:

A Fat Quarter Bundle from Riley Blake Fabrics

A $10 Gift Certificate to Fairytale Frocks & Lollipops
 

 Those are some pretty nifty prizes, if I do say so myself!  We are going to have some happy people on Halloween!  Go visit our sponsors and show them some love! 

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If you need a Trick-or-Treat bag, we've got this fantastic pattern from Hadley Grace Designs you could use!

 

 

And these applique embellishments from Angel Lea Designs would be the perfect way to add some Halloween flair for Trick-or-Treating!

 

 

We are soooo excited to see what everyone creates!  When you have your entries ready, send them here!  If you have a costume in mind and are looking for the perfect pattern to bring your idea to life, send us an email, and maybe we can help!  Put your thinking caps on and start sewing, ladies! 

 

Have fun, and sew something magical!!
 

Take a look at where we link up our blog posts!