this time my 'budget' find is costing me $$

[Kitzka]

DD dances 5 days a week and is in a new number. in an effort to keep costs down the choreogapher suggested for a costume the kids wear 1 plaid/flannel item and 1 denim item. any combo as long as both were represented and the only caveat was that the denim has to be dark. easy right? ha!

DD can't really dance in jeans so wearing her own jeans was out and she was hoping to be a little funky with the outfit.

I found an old denim dress of mine in the attic and it just about fit her (was a touch big in the chest area). the only issue is that it is a very light denim. i thought so easy peasy! i'll get some 'blue jean' colored rit and just dye it.

well, the first time i didn't leave the dress in the dye bath long enough, so i had to trek to the store and get another box of dye. i dyed it again and this time it was darker but not as dark as the choreographer had asked for.

i did some reasearch and found that i should have used the navy blue not the denim blue and add some black. so off to the store to get ANOTHER 2 boxes of dye.

The dress is sitting in the new dye bath now and i hope that it comes out right but what i thought was going to cost me $4 has cost me about $20 not including all of my time and trips to the store.

I am recycling the dress that hasn't been touched in 15 years but a new, similar dress in the right dark denim would ahve cost $25. i am chalking this up to a lesson learned but i still need to find a flannel shirt (we don't have anything plaid or flannel in the hosue unless you count duck tape). It's spring so i am hoping i can find something at kohls on sale or clearance for under $10. i don't need this project to cost me more than $50.

thanks for letting me vent. it's a little funny but i think i am turning into a smurf from all of the blue dye i am seeing!

Lara

 

[Cindy B]

Just a tidbit: Whenever my daughter/son has a performance, show costume or anything like that my first stop is Goodwill.

My daughter was just in a production of Guys and Dolls. The costume director wanted a bold colored blouse and a skirt. I found a black skirt and the blouse for less than $7, then on top of that, daughter used her student discount --10% off.

The costume designer loved it and had her model it in front of other cast members.

As for plaid, it was all over this past fall: I saw cheap thin plaid shirts at H&M at a very reduced price this week. I

 

[Kitzka]

Thansk Cindy! I am going to check out goodwill for the shirt tonight. Will also check h&M.

I was so happy to have the dress in my house that i was like "dying it? not a problem!" and it wouldn't have been if i had done a little research first. but you live and learn.

But goodwill is a good suggestions. thanks again

Lara

 

[scrapquitler]

I am recycling the dress that hasn't been touched in 15 years but a new, similar dress in the right dark denim would ahve cost $25. i am chalking this up to a lesson learned but i still need to find a flannel shirt (we don't have anything plaid or flannel in the hosue unless you count duck tape). It's spring so i am hoping i can find something at kohls on sale or clearance for under $10. i don't need this project to cost me more than $50.

Go to Goodwill or a similar thrift shop for a flannel shirt. Even if it is a mens one or too big, you can fix it up to make it work (tank top underneath, tie the bottom in a knot, roll up the sleeves). Or find a flannel plaid scarf and have her wear that.

 

[PudgetteD]

Another vote for Goodwill! DDs performance choir did "Everything Old Is New Again" last year. She had to have 3 outfits, one each representing 60s, 70s, and 80s. Goodwill spanned the decades and we got all 3 for less than $25. Along with some 80s accessories from my high school years (legwarmers and neon pink lace gloves with no fingers...LOL) she was set.

 

[mlandgrebe]

I'm a big fan of Goodwill but check K-Mart, too. Our stoore often has great deals on shirts that are out of season. I picked up a Mickey Mouse sweatshirt out of season for $1. I've seen flannels for $3-4 there, too.