Making pirate costumes for DDs, what fabric?

[graygables]

I bought bleached muslin for the shirts and they both have black velour pants they'll wear. I also had some red/wavy striped fabric for sashes and they announced they wanted VESTS, too! OY! Any suggestions on 'pirate-y' fabric for girls' vests? Oh, and I need to keep it cheap...this is probably a one-time wear situation.

thanks for any ideas!

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I'd suggest going to your local fabric store and looking through the remnant area and if they have one the bolt ends/mill store/or whatever they call it. Most fabric stores have sections where they sell fabric that is reduced considerably. I'd look for either something in black - maybe a black based print that coordinates or some sort of tapestry - so don't overlook the home decorating rems. Usually once a home decorating fabric drops to less than 5 yards it hits the remnant area because it isn't enough to use in the intended purpose. But vests, even for adults only take a yard or so fof fabric - less for kids. Keep in mind too that a pirate vest wouldn't be a tailored one - more of an open front, sleeveless jacket.

Historically it would have started life as the peasant jerkin and eventually lost its lacings!

Another thought - not sure how old your girls are - is to do more of a bodice. My DD did this last year for homecoming when they dressed like their opponent (Buccaneers) and used the bodice overlay from a witch's costume. But that is going to be a bit more work than the vest.

Whatever you do - good luch and Arrggghhh matey!

Deb

 

[graygables]

Thanks for the ideas! I'm struggling enough with the concept of a collar and cuffs...a vest was scaring me!

 

[marthachick]

Try the Walmart $1 to $2 per yard tables. They start having "Halloweeny/costume" material about now on those tables.

Or how about looking at a thrift store for an already made vest that would work? Maybe get a men's vest & "decorate" it.

Good luck & have fun!

 

[Baloo]

I was thinking along the lines of marthachick about the Thrift store.That's were the beginnings of most of my DS costumes have started. I can sew if I have to but going beyond a straight line and actually following a store bought pattern scare the heck outta me!!!

Good luck and post a picture when you're done please!