Beginner Seamstress Nails Princess Anna Costume

Amanda Brown: Marketing Specialist by day, Kirklee’s Costume Maker by Night.

“It’s awesome … making Halloween costumes for my little one!”

Health Insurance Marketing Communications Specialist Amanda Brown has been sewing just shy of a year.

“My mother bought me my first sewing machine last Christmas and I’ve loved it since! I grew up watching her sew and it’s come (mostly) naturally to me,” explained the Indianapolis native.

Amanda’s sewing abilities have blossomed over the past 10 months. So she felt confident tackling an important request from stepdaughter Kirklee, stepping up to the challenge of fashioning a special Halloween costume to be worn in the kndergartner’s school costume parade and for neighborhood trick-or-treating.

“Last year, she was Elsa, so naturally, she had to go as Princess Anna this year,” said Amanda.

Perfect Finish! New Seamstress Amanda Brown’s Princess Anna Costume for Stepdaughter Kirklee.

“I’ve made her quite a few basic dresses, but taking on a costume was a whole new challenge for me. After all, I’d still consider myself relatively inexperienced making garments,” Amanda noted.

Kirklee’s costume took Amanda a few hours over about 3 nights. “All together, I probably spent 6-8 hours on the Princess Anna costume. Well worth it for the end result!” she said.

“She LOVES the costume and was very concerned it would not be done in time for her to show off on her school’s Costume Day!” Amanda said regarding Kirklee’s reaction her Halloween princess attire.

 Amanda’s Method:

“I pulled some pieces from patterns and just winged other parts,” Amanda explained. Along with a basic gathered skirt, she used the bodice from an Ainslee Fox Posey Party Dress pattern featured here on Etsy. “For the cape, I just folded pink fleece into a triangle and cut a curve into it. I made the capelet out of another piece of fleece with a similar curve, attached the pom pom trim, created a basic collar, and added the buckle at the neck.”

Amanda’s favorite part of the creation process was free-handing the flowers.

Amanda’s WIP: Freehanding Flowers on Bodice

“The flowers look embroidered from afar, but would you believe I actually just used regular old fabric paint? I’ve never been good at embroidery or applique, and I knew that if I tried it would either take too much time that I don’t have, or end in frustration or tears, so I opted for the easier option,”  said Amanda, who first drew the flower pattern using a water soluble pencil.

Full circle: “Kirk” and Amanda

Amanda’s Joy:

Amanda also loved seeing everything come together. “You know that feeling when it’s starting to look like the end-result you have in your head? That’s my favorite,” she said.

Amanda identifies with the Sew God credo: “Our stories as makers are valuable.”

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at other seamstresses, crocheters, and crafters and thought, wow, I’ll never be that good. I think it’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere, and the only way you can GET to be that good is by practice! Every crafter has those stories of projects that went horribly wrong, but they also have stories of great successes. Remember not to compare yourself to others!”

Amanda’s Mom’s Halloween Handiwork.

“When I was Kirklee’s age (6), my mother used to make all of my Halloween costumes by hand … everything from Dorothy to Jasmine to Raggedy Ann. My parents would take my brother and I trick-or-treating through our huge neighborhood, and we’d come home with our full buckets of candy.”

“It’s awesome that things have come full circle and now I am making Halloween costumes for my little one!” said Amanda.

 Check out more of self-proclaimed craft nerd Amanda’s creations here.

God created, sew should we.  [Creative Joy = Therapy = Undeniable Rippling Effects.]  Our stories as makers are valuable. [Life is humbling. Sharing our journeys is uplifting and productive.]