Andrea McLeod, a 10-year-old girl from London, Ontario, was determined to dress up in a mushroom costume for Halloween after spotting one at a store. However, the only available costume was meant for toddlers, prompting McLeod to take matters into her own hands and create the costume herself.
With the help of her sewing teacher, McLeod spent about five hours crafting her red and beige mushroom costume, complete with a foam-filled hat and a hoodie-style bottom. She is excited to showcase her handmade creation to her friends on Halloween.
This year, many people like McLeod are opting for DIY costumes over store-bought options. Lindy Creswick, the owner of Lindy Cosplay Supplies in Chatham, Ontario, encourages parents to involve their children in the costume-making process to foster family fun and creativity.
Creswick, who has a background in the costume industry, reminisces about making Halloween costumes for her son and now enjoys creating costumes together with him as adults. In fact, her son is even planning a Halloween-themed wedding reception.
To create a costume successfully, Riley Papp from Sew It Goes sewing studio in London advises careful planning and using online platforms like Pinterest for inspiration. She suggests stocking up on essentials like hot glue, fabric glue, a sewing needle, thread, and a seam ripper.
For more elaborate costumes, Creswick recommends utilizing cardboard and recycled materials for structure. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating household items like feathers, beads, and fabric scraps to enhance costumes. Additionally, she suggests unconventional techniques, such as distressing clothes for added authenticity.
When pressed for last-minute costume ideas, Creswick proposes simple yet humorous options like dressing up as gum on a shoe, a “cereal” killer with glued-on cereal boxes, French toast with a foam slice of bread, or a classic ghost with a white sheet.
Overall, embracing creativity and involving children in the costume-making process can make Halloween a memorable and enjoyable experience for families.
