“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”

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?  

That's not Toto! - R.I.P. Buddy.

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

Scarecrow Costume:  Made by me. (Modified Simplicity 3939 and Simplicity 2740)