Halloween on the cheap

Here's the finished Woody vest. I think I only spent about $2-3 for the portions of fabric used here. I spent more for the entire pieces of fabric, mostly because I didn't know how to estimate how much I needed, but I am going to use the remainder of the cowprint material to fashion some chaps for my Jessie costume.

It actually turned out better than I thought it might (and it's much more symmetrical than the picture seems to suggest). We finished it on Sunday evening (a full week and a half before the Big Day!!). I say we because I had a substantial amount of help from my mother. Thanks, "Dear Linda", I couldn't have done it without you!


Because I started so early, I was able to take my time in finding a suitable Woody-like shirt. I didn't want to buy a real one because I was convinced I could find something that would work for far less money (and could possibly be worn again just as a regular shirt too). I couldn't be happier about this purchase--I only spent $2.80 on it at the local children's resale shop. It was the third time I had been there, and I was about to leave in thrice defeat when I decided to look in the clothing racks just one more time. And there it was, hiding in the size 5 section. Aha!! It's perfect!



Now, I did splurge a bit on the "crowning" portion of the costume. But even that was a deal: I got the entire Woody set on the Disney website for 33% off and free shipping. And therefore I paid only $10.94 with tax for all three pieces. I couldn't really figure out a way to make any of that myself for cheaper, and their authenticity leaves a little wiggle room for the mere suggestion of the other pieces of the costume. And anyway, I figure it makes for a good dress-up set for everyday play.



I helped Jackson put on the full costume at my parents house on Sunday. I didn't take any pictures because I didn't want to spoil the big reveal on the actual day. Besides, just as I feared/expected, he only left it all on for only about 2.3 seconds, so no time for pictures anyway. That's my boy!

The only things I lack making are some boot covers that I need to fashion out of two pieces of felt I bought at 50 cents each. Then I'll add just a regular pair of jeans and a red bandanna (which I already own and just have to find) so no expense there. My estimated total cost then comes to only $16-17, compared to $39.50 in the store for the "genuine" outfit (which does not include the hat, belt, holster set--that is another $14.50 at regular price).

♦