So, I was a bit lazy this year - I did not make my costume. This is, in fact, my Dorothy costume from an
eighth grade production of
The Wizard of Oz, pulled out of retirement because I
absolutely have to wear a costume on Halloween.
 |
| Image from The Wizard of Oz (1939) |
My mom also wore the costume on Friday and Saturday evening for a couple of
Halloween parties, so it has been making the rounds this year.
 |
Aaahh, memories - children's theatre in a multi-purpose room.
Let's see how many children can be packed onto one "stage." |
I clearly remember being horrified that the yellow gingham
apron pulled out of the costume closet was going to be my Dorothy costume. Evidently, I did enough whining and
complaining, and my mom agreed to make my costume.
This was before
Simplicity had come out with
an adult Dorothy Gale costume. Mom did take home economics in
high school (the fact that the class was not offered at my high school still irks me) and made a few garments - I have proof in the form of a very cute
dress currently residing in my closet.
However, her Singer sewing machine had been gathering dust for many, many
years, and drafting a pattern was a bit overwhelming. My piano teacher came over and helped draft
the bodice pieces on paper grocery bags. Isn't it funny the things we remember?
There were some stressful moments, as I recall, but the
costume turned out beautifully. And it
is still getting some use, so I feel totally justified in my demands. After all, if I was going to be Dorothy, I
had to have my blue gingham and ruby slippers.
Turns out, this is one of two garments that my mom sewed
for me. The other was also a costume - a gypsy/harem girl for Halloween which won a prize at school. So she many not have been prolific, but she did a great job
when properly motivated!
And she relinquished that Singer sewing machine to me a few years later when I had the urge to start
sewing my own clothing. Eventually one
of the plastic gears broke, and the machine was retired. At that point, I could not live without, so I
purchased a White 979, which is the machine I have been using for at least 10
years. I wonder how many hours of use
that translates to – quite a few, I expect!
And if I was going as Dorothy, I needed a Wizard of Oz themed costume for my
little guy.
Toto was way too obvious
(and Valentino does not have dark or long fur), a flying monkey was too scary, he would have nothing to do with a Glinda costume, well, you get the idea.
In the story,
Scarecrow is Dorothy’s best friend – perfect!
 |
| Protecting the fields of corn - look out for those crows! |
And look how adorable he is! He
was extremely patient with the whole experience, and loved all the attention he
received, not to mention the treats!
 |
| Time to go to the office to be admired! |
 |
| "Can I take these silly clothes off yet?" |
Pinafore: Made by
mom.
Blouse: I don’t
remember – it was probably thrifted.
Shoes: Nine West “Vishnu” from 6pm.com
