Being a firm believer in making kids' costumes myself, I got to work. I found some old clothes that vaguely matched the colours of Spiderman, I got out my black marker pen, and I chopped up an old holey pair of red tights. Both Betty and I were pretty excited about the outcome, and she proudly modelled it for Tom, who at the time smiled bravely and said 'lovely'.
However, when the kids were in bed he confessed that he found the outfit 'heartbreaking', and was worried that Betty at five is too old to wear homemade outfits, and that she would get teased for wearing a cut-out pair of toddler's tights on her head (with the leg holes sewn closed so they accidentally resembled ears), in an altogether unconvincing outfit.
I totally disagree with him. If Betty were actively into Spiderman, and dare I say it, a boy, every little detail might then be important, but she isn't, at all. And she thoroughly enjoyed making the costume with me.
However, this was a battle that Tom won. Basically he got rather emotional about it and told me how the whole episode may be somehow related to an unresolved childhood issue of his own, where he was teased by his peers for wearing clothes from C&A instead of labelled outfits from Tony Pryce sports.
So Oliver from Mega Fancy Dress (supplier of all things fancy dress) very kindly sent us a top notch Spiderman outfit for Betty to wear to the party. When I asked Betty which outfit she wanted to wear, she opted for the one with the professional finish.
Well, it does have a flashing red spider on the padded breast - I can't compete with that.
22 comments:
I think your home made costume was a great effort - it's not far off the first costume Spiderman wore when he became a wrestler (before he was a superhero) and even closer to the Scarlet Spiderman, who tried to replace Spiderman in the comics. Of course I sound like a massive geek now, but I'd be proud of that costume :)
Hi James, really??! Wow! What a lovely comment - thank you! :)
tough call. As someone who loves making stuff, and am encouraging that with The Girl, I love your spidey effort.
But. Kids do like to fit in. At 5 it's more important to 'be the same' than have the right name/brand, it really is about being like their mates. So I would probably have gone for the shop bought.
tough one though, and I have to reiterate, I LOVE your homemade effort. Love it.
x
Definitely! My Mum helped me make all my costumes as a child, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything - besides, children love to use their imaginations, and I’m sure engaging their creativity whilst making something fun can only be beneficial in the long run.
Hi Sadie, I am sure you are probably right, as much as it pains me to say it! xx
James, hear hear!
I think your costume was great! We did a homemade Angry Bird costume for Halloween, and got lots of comments on how much better it was than the official bought ones. I don't think Littleboy 1 got teased about it, rather the opposite.
Hi NVG, that is really lovely to hear! oooh I am in such a quandary now! Sadly don't think i can go against Tom and Betty now though :(
I think it's win-win. You've indulged your creativity, and have given Betty the fun and joy of sharing that with you. Tom has indulged his protectiveness, and has ensured that Betty won't receive any negative comments. Betty wins all round.
I think your outfit turned out very well and that you show real talent in making it up. Of course, it can't compete with the professional outfit and I'm sure Betty will be forever grateful to you for getting it for her. She will make a very good impression at the party. It was a pure act of love to get it for her. I want to say how good it was of you to do it. Thanks, Mum.
Hilarious! It's a tale of two parents all over, isn't it? I think you've done the honourable thing and fulfilled Betty's peer group expectations. Shame it comes down to that.
So cute! I think you did a fabulous job at the home made outfit! I wouldn't have known where to start.
CJ x
Love the home made outfit. Would have worn it myself if I was 1) small enough 2) Young enough 3) Going to a spiderman party. Peer group pressure sucks though, and it is a shame that this happened for your little girl and her costume. But you be proud of yourself, because I thought the outfit you made was unique, and that photo can be brought out in years to come, when she is a mum trying to be a good mum, just like you.
Being a first time mum, with a little one who is only 3 months old, I can't wait to make her many ludicrous outfits. Not that yours was ludicrous, far from it! I also have to ask, why on earth would someone have a party where the kids have to all come dressed as the same thing?? Sure, have a cowboy party or something, but there can be no variation with a spideman party at all... Would have made picking up the correct child at home time interesting I'm sure! Very amusing :) shame your little one didn't get to wear your costume though.
It's a difficult one. I've tried to cut corners with home-made costumes in the past, only to feel guilty after the event. If I suggest making something these days, it's just not good enough....they want to fit in with the crowd!
But I think your costume was so sweet, with a very personal touch. Kids, tststs!!
Love them both, both hilarious in different ways. I love fake muscles in kids costumes - they are so funny!
I think what we need now is an update... did Betty enjoy the party? Were there any kids not adhering to the strict spiderman rules, did anyone else have a homemade costume?
B
x
Oh, I am heartbroken, a teeny bit, by this. She looked so much cuter in your outfit... but I understand the need to fit in...
What an awful unfair idea to ask kids to come as something which in my house would certainly have to be bought (not having your skill - and I am not mocking).
My 2 girls are almost 3yrs old and almost 7 months old. I don't like the look of the party-invite future!
The soon-to-be 3 yr old is having a Teddy Bears Picnic for her birthday, but I was even considering calling it a Toys Picnic in case the guests didn't have teddies. And there are only 3 guests... Think maybe I'm too much the other extreme :D
Love your blog.
i love the homemade one! Much better than I could have done!
wow thats nice, home made dress is really awesome
I love the DIY idea! It would definitely save you money if you don't wish to opt for the Spider-man costumes at BuyCostumes.com.
Post a Comment