Costumes

These last 4 days I have taken off running, partially because I've been busy and having some knee pain, but also I feel out of the habit. It is so easy NOT to run. But today, I'm going to get back on the wagon tonight and I hope my knee feels better. If it doesn't I might have to buy a foam roller and see if it helps. I'm volunteering for the Kansas City marathon this weekend and am looking forward to being inspired. I'm handing out water bottles at the end and I'm afraid all I will see is exhaustion, but maybe some exhilaration too.

Anyway, because I haven't been running, I've gotten to do other things, mainly finish up our Halloween costumes. When I last left you, I was making the princess outfit for myself. You can scroll back a little to see the progress. Also, maybe you need to look at my inspiration.

Princess Peach in all her glory

 So, since the last time I wrote, I added the dark pink fabric on the bottom of the dress, cut the sleeves off and made a collar/necklace.  Here is the finished project.

Princess Peach mommy style

 I actually don't like looking at that picture too much. I look frumpy and I might I need a haircut. Well, I know I do, but I just haven't got motivated enough to make a call. Overall I think I did a pretty good job. Obviously the dress isn't a perfect fit for the princess dress, but I think anyone who sees me might make a correct guess (especially if I am standing my Mario and Luigi). When I sewed the bustle, I made it to fit my hip area and not the high waist that this dress needs. That being said, the bustle is a little loose.  Also, I wish I could have made the sleeves a little more poof. I added a band of color and elastic, but it isn't as poofy as peach's. I have a crown to wear with the costume, but you'll have to wait until Halloween to see the full costume.

Once I finished my outfit, I needed to make Frances' aka Toad. Really, all she needs is a special had and a blue vest. I went to the thrift store last week and found a light blue vest, but I thought I could make better. And you know what? I think I did.

Here is the real Toad.

The first step was making the vest. I looked at the back of one of Frances' jackets and then extrapolated the rest. Here is the finished project.

Here it is! I'm so happy with the finished result.

After the vest I had to make a hat. I looked on ravelry.com and found a similar hat that looked like toad, but then I changed it a little. I can't decide if I should stuff it to make it stick up or not. Frances hates hats and luckily for me, this hat fits her tight so she can't take it off. What to see a blurry picture of the outfit? Oh sure, why not.

So cute!

Speaking of Frances, we've been having our ups and downs with her sleeping. To be honest, mostly downs, but I think that is turning around. We are trying to stay on a strict schedule and I think she likes it. She has always been a happy baby, but now she will just laugh for no good reason.

She is also doing a ton of new stuff, the most exciting of these is that she signs more.

This is her signing more. 

 Here's another picture for you, because I can't resist.

Now with all of that sewing done, I can't wait for Halloween!