Dress-up isn’t only for Halloween. Your kids will also love dressing up to act out stories, go to the Renaissance Faire, and just for the fun of it.
One of my children’s favorite costume accessories is the hooded cloak. My son currently has two clokes in his closet, my daughter have three. In past years there have also been tunics and a princess dress.
This year, I’m working on making new costumes and accessories, and I’ve come across an excellent resource to get the ideas flowing.
Dawn’s Costume Guide is written for Renaissance Faire goers but the patterns and instructions can be used to make a great variety of costumes for your kids, and even yourself! Besides, with the new Harry Potter movie coming out and all the recent fantasy movies, hooded cloaks are all the current rage.
Clothing
For clothing, Dawn’s Costume Guide gives instructions on how to make a simple bodice, a tunic, a full skirt, drawstring breeches, a cloak and hood, a tabard, chemise, and fitted breeches. If you know how to use a sewing machine and have some experience sewing clothing, the instructions should not cause you any problems. Everything is written clearly and well illustrated.
Accessories
I live for accessories, and when it comes to playing dress-up, so do my kids. Dawn’s Costume Guide have directions for making a bunch of fun things, such as a pouch, gypsy purse, Elizabethan neck ruff, Elizabethan bumroll, Elizabethan beaded necklaces, soft Tudor cap, a mask, a Celtic style draped shawl, and a snood or caul.
Looking for More
I’m always on the lookout for exciting websites to share with my readers. If you know of or run a website that can be tied in with children’s books, please feel free to drop me a line.
