Halloween
DIY Halloween Costumes For many of us, Halloween falls in school half term again for many of us. So, why not start a fun project with the kids to make their own simple Halloween costume? Gill from GillyMac Designs share how to create a Wicked Witch outfit and a Scary Spider costume to cover all spooky eventualities! Tie-dyeing is the cornerstone of all good homemade costumes. I love it and I haven’t met a child who doesn’t feel the same! Washing machine dyes are easy to use, create no mess and kids are excited to see their creations appear so quickly.
Wicked Witch Costume For budding witches, you will need the following to make the outfit: Any fabrics you have to hand; 1m of 2cm wide elastic;
covered in fabric, cut the elastic ends back to the required length and secure by sewing, tying the ends together, or even with a safety pin. Once put together, the wicked witch outfit could be accessorised with stripy tights and a hat.
Scary Spider Costume
Elastic bands; Dye; A light-coloured cotton t-shirt. Whilst I have used old netting and some sparkly voile as fabrics, old scarves or shirts are great for this project. How to make If the t-shirt is new, wash it first. Then with as many elastic bands as you can manage, start to twist and fold the t-shirt fabric, securing with the bands. It is important that the bands are really tight and you use as many as possible as this will ensure the dye creates clear patterns in the final garment. Now wash the t-shirt with the dye (using the manufacturer’s instructions) and finally wash again with soap to remove any residual dye. For the witch’s skirt: 1. Cut strips of your fabric twice as long as you would like the skirt to be and then add 5cm to this length. The width of your strips should be around 10cm.
For scary spiders, you will need the following: 3 pairs of black socks More old socks A light coloured cotton t-shirt for tie-dyeing OR a black t-shirt or dark shirt Dye (if you are tie-dyeing) Safety pins or needle and thread or glue gun How to make If you are tie-dyeing, use t-shirt and follow instructions for witches costume above. Then: 1. Stuff three pairs of black socks with more (old) socks, or anything lightweight, maintaining the curve at the ankle. 2. Attach the stuffed socks to the back of the t-shirt using safety pins, a glue gun or by sewing them.
2. Fold a strip in half and place it underneath the elastic.
3. Make sure the legs are all facing the right direction.
3. Now bring the cut ends of the strip over the top of the elastic and between the fold. Pull the fabric and it will tighten around the elastic.
Accessorise the outfit with black leggings, or with a pair of jeans and spiky hair!
4. Continue adding more strips until the elastic starts to fill up. 5. Wrap the elastic around your child’s waist to test the size. 6. When you have enough of the elastic 18
Families North London
Gill from GillyMac Designs teaches children and adults to sew via her in-person and online classes. Gill has won national awards for her work with children and was recruited to teach classes for Liberty of London and works
nationally for the Quilters Guild of the British Isles. Follow GillyMac Designs at www.gillymacdesigns.com, or on Facebook and Instagram where she shares more tie-dye, Halloween, and small sewing project ideas.
Bonfire Night Safety Did you know that sparklers burn at 200 Degrees Centigrade - 5 times hotter than cooking oil? Whether you’re planning sparklers in the garden or a full-blown bonfire and fireworks, here are some simple tips to keep you safe this Bonfire Night. Sparklers should not be given to children under 5 Keep a bucket of cold water outside in case of burn injuries Children can be sensitive to loud noises, consider investing in a pair of ear defenders. If you are planning to let off fireworks, consult the Firework Code at www.rospa.com Keep pets indoors. Animals have acute hearing and loud noises disturb them Remember, the safest way to celebrate Bonfire Night is to attend an organised display
