Hi Ladies,
My 7 year old wants to be The Paperbag Princess for Halloween (great story if you've never read it). I can't figure out how to make a dress out of paper that doesn't tear when she sits. Any ideas? The school costume parade is this Friday, yikes!
Thanks!
Thank you all for your advice!I ended up using clear packing tape along all the edges so they wouldn't tear. On the inside I reinforced with duct tape, and I tore a slit in the back to allow some more space for sitting. It survived the school parade and I'm sure it'll survive Halloween night! I did have her wear light brown clothing underneath just in case of a wardrobe malfunction. She also enjoyed going into the yard and rubbing dirt on her costume and using some on he cheeks and nose. I wish I knew how to post a picture because it's a really easy and inexpensive costume.
Thanks again!
Hi T.,
I would make a simple shift from cloth (or buy a cheap dress from Goodwill), then glue or sew heavy duty paper bags all over it in layers, like shingles.
You can make the dress kindof how you would make a normal dress. You will need to make tons of layers or pleating and hold them together with glue, tape or staples. Most patterns for real clothes begin with paper. Good luck.
What if it is in 3 pieces - a paper bag top, on the bottom of the top, cut out a little 'ruffle' that can lift up when she sits, have her wear khaki shorts or pants, and pin another bag (maybe with more 'ruffles' to make it easier to walk) to the shorts..?
Need to look up that book - sounds cute.
how about if she wears leggings and a shirt underneath, and then so what if it tears?
Maybe you could use the fabric that designers use to make patterns and drape the clothes before the cut and sew. I don't know how to spell it but it sounds like "muslan". I'm a fan of project runway but I can hardly sew a button on so I don't know the terms.
How about one of those Brown paper Lawn bags?
The hardware stores sell them..
I LOVE the Paper Bag Princess.. Totally so cute.
layer the paper bags like 3-4 to make it thick. or find some paper bag colored material and sew one
Paper bags well taped with duct tape on the inside. My kids always got the full treatment from me in costume making. I bought patterns. You can also get velcro to iron on and it'll stick together for a time. We also used glue guns to hold costumes together. Be generous with the amount of paper so there is less pulling and tearing.
get the big leaf bags that will be stronger and give her some more room don't try to make it really form fitting. she can decorate it to her hearts content. I would go to a second hand store and get a big jeweled belt to go over the outside to bring it in a little bit. and make the arm holes big enough for movement. I think its a really clever idea
