Making costumes – Dear Liza

Improving the Jellyfish

Dear Liza,

After a week or so of stuffing and sewing on the jellyfish hat, I realized that, as a jellyfish, it was sort of a flop.
It was more like a sparkly, lavender plate of mashed potatoes.

I decided that the top poofy bit was a bit too poofy and needed some editing. I snipped a few threads, laid the fabric out, and took about six inches off all the way around. Notice all those ribbon tentacles tucked inside, out of mischief.

Once it was trimmed, I gathered it all up again and fit it back on the hat. This time, I sewed it right into the straw of the hat. The whole thing feels solid and more manageable.

The edging ruffle got doubled over, gathered up and sewn onto the hat. This was a very fiddly part of the project.

And here it is, for now. It will get a few more tentacles, a bit of a trim, some dangling lights, and some sort of under-dress, and then it will be ready for SOAK.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Jellyfish Progress

Dear Liza,

My jellyfish costume for SOAK is coming along! First, I had to make sure the battery packs for the electric tentacles would fit in my hat and work properly.

Then I made elastic straps so they would stay put inside the hat.

Once the mechanics were set, I needed to start making it look like a jellyfish! Sparkly fabric and tule got gathered and stuffed…

Then a ruffle for the brim got gathered.

None of the ruffled bits are glued or sewn on, just resting in place, so I can make adjustments as needed.

But I am sewing the tentacles on!

And here’s what I have so far.

Next, I give the hat-skirt thing a gather and add lots more tentacles, then see how the lights look with everything.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Jellyfish Hunting in Happy Valley

Dear Liza,

This week we had some of those perfect spring days. Cool and sunny, no wind, and just right for an adventure.

I also needed supplies for my jellyfish costume for SOAK, and Joann Fabrics and Crafts is down in Happy Valley. That is a half hour trip via the number 15 bus and the Green Line train.

So before lunch, Grandpa Nelson and I set out. I love taking transit through new neighborhoods. Since I’m not busy navigating, I can appreciate the trees, murals, and houses.

Our transfer from the bus to the train was easy, giving us time to enjoy the sunlight and some public art before whisking us down to Happy Valley.

The exhausting part of the day was the long walks across the ginormous parking lots!! My whole neighborhood of Sunnyside could fit in The Home Depot lot. Cars are space hogs.

After a quick lunch at Carl’s Jr., I found just what I needed at Joann. Lavender tule and sparkly fabrics, ribbons and yarn and some interesting ruffled lace will make a lovely jellyfish.

I drew the design on the back of a junk mailing so I have it in my head.

Our trip home was quick and easy, and after a bit of a lay down, I was ready for the rest of the day.

I love spring!

Love,

Grandma Judy

Halloween and Crafts

Dear Liza,

Today was predicted to be stormy and wet, with possible thunder storms. And that’s okay, because I was inside helping make Jasper’s Halloween costume.

There were several detours along the way, however. Grandpa Nelson wanted to stop by Fleur de Lis Bakery for brunch. Yummy pastries and coffee? Not a problem!

Another errand took us to Home Depot, where we saw Halloween AND Christmas decorations! Holiday overlap…weird….

Finally, we got home and I got started. Each piece only took a little while….the light grey scarf and the dark grey bandanna needed an edge, the arm wraps needed to be torn and safety pins located to attach them.

Auntie Bridgett also worked her magic on the piece. Jasper is being a Stealth Armor ninja, and Auntie Katie provided the dark grey body suit.

I also made cookies to decorate with Katie and the Cousins. I will try and remember to take pictures of the costumes and the cookies to show you!

I think this was a productive day. Happy Halloween!

Love,

Grandma Judy