OT: I need a Pioneer outfit for my daughter

[HaleyB]

Little House on the Prarie type.

I found this: http://kellyscostumes.net/PioneerCostumes.html

But they are $60.

I don't sew, or even own a machine... should I just fork over the $$$$

Anyone know of a less expensive option? Second hand is fine. My daughter is enthralled with Laura Inglles Wilder and the Little house books, so I know she will love it and use it (she loves dress up still) but $60 seems like a lot to spend.

 

[the kabuki]

DD12 had to do a Pioneer type outfit couple of years ago. We hit the local Salvation Army, found a peasant type skirt, it was floor length , and browsed until I found a somewhat pioneer shirt. Thing to remember is you don't want any zippers, velcro, shiny ribbons, better to find ties and buttons and keep to blah colors like browns and beiges.

 

[agnes!]

I would hit all the thrift stores/consignment shops in your area. As another poster said, you can easily pick up components that will work. Do some research and maybe take a look online at what colors/styles would work...browns, beiges, certain blues, simple (small) flowered prints, cotton/calico fabric, simple lace trim, black or brown lace-up boots or plain Maryjanes, white or black or brown tights, braid the hair in two braids if possible & trim it out with grosgrain ribbon...since you've seen the series, you already know what general styles are appropriate.
If you can find a smocked dress or a Laura Ashley style dress or perhaps a slightly high-waisted style, all would work. If using a long skirt and a blouse, I think the blouse should be of a high-neck style. Actually, $60 for a "prairie outfit" doesn't sound too bad, but that depends on what is included. I would also take a look at EBay to see if you can pick up something appropriate at a price you like. And you might want to look into any local newspaper ads or ads in a local parents' magazine/newspaper - someone might be selling a prairie outfit that their daughter has outgrown.

Good luck - sounds like fun!
agnes!

 

[Trena]

Those are pretty dresses. They are worth $60.

I would check out all other options before I paid $60. Ask a local high school, or votec school (home ec or sewing class) to sew one for you. You supply the pattern and material. Ask at fabric shops for a local seamstress and see how much they would charge. Heck, just pricing out the fabric and pattern maybe enough to make you feel better about just buying one.

I agree with the other posters, check garge sales, and thrift stores. If all else fails, it might be time to learn a new skill, or pay $60.

 

[1sttimeWDW]

HI,

I'm with you...I do NOT sew or have a sewing machine anymore. I have, however , been blessed w/ a mom who is a seamstress & will make just about anything my dd wants (costumes, seasonal jumpers, and AG doll clothes). She made dd a pioneer dress for Halloween. Just so you don't feel too bad about $60, my dd's outfit cost $35 & I then paid $15 for lace up boots. I bought the pattern at a sale for $1, other wise it would have been $15 by itself. We bought the fabric on sale too. Those long dresses take a LOT of fabric. I second the thrift store shopping idea....or if your heart is set on the style you posted a link too, just bite the bullet & get it. My dd used hers for Halloween & it is used a lot for dress up. If she isn't too sentimental, it can always be resold after it is outgrown to recoup some of the cost.

Galen