Halloween Costume

For months I've been thinking about what Addie should dress up as for Halloween. I look forward to next year when she can tell us what she wants to be on this fun holiday! Tim suggested that Addie should be something she likes, and right now that means a character from Frozen or Minnie Mouse. Although neither costume option finds itself on the "original scale," I decided to go with Minnie. I figured that just about every other girl would either be Elsa or Ana this year, so at least Addie will be a little more stand out as the mouse. 

Last year I decided to make Addie's costume, having no clue how to properly make anything. But with hot glue in hand, the costume turned out super cute and she looked adorable!

So, I decided to give costume-making another shot this year. I spent a couple hours searching the internet for DIY Minnie Mouse costumes, made a list for the craft store, and pulled out my hot glue gun again. I used a stretchy headband fabric for the waist of the skirt and knotted tulle into the little openings along the bottom of the headband. I hand-stitched the waistband together and then added little white circles to the tulle, along with a polkadot bow made out of ribbon. 

She won't keep a headband on for longer than a few seconds so I made her Minnie Mouse ears (stiff felt and ribbon), and glued them to two hair clips. When she first saw her costume it was on the stuffed bear below and she exclaimed, "Ohhh, sooo pretty!" I then took the skirt off the bear for Addie to try it on and she had a huge outburst, wanting the skirt back on the bear. So, we started her fitting with the ears. Then, she warmed up to the idea of trying on the skirt, leggings, and shirt. Once she had the outfit on she felt pretty special and decided to throw a dance party (see video below). After that, she didn't want to take the costume off and she now asks to wear her Minnie skirt often. I also made a pair of ears for Tim and I. It was a fun experience making her costume again and I'll embrace the challenge while she's young enough to enjoy my simple hand-made specials. Now, I'm looking forward to Halloween night, where I imagine she'll thoroughly embrace carrying around her pumpkin basket and collecting candy.