This picture originally came from an old Halloween photo from my youth. My mom stitched the princess dress (no doubt from a pattern) and then constructed the crown and scepter for me as well. I never knew of anyone back then who bought a Halloween costume. Either “mom” made it, or you dug around in your closet and came up with something from what was on hand. I’m not necessarily against anyone buying a costume, but to me, it can take some of the fun out of Halloween. Even if you don’t sew, you can easily whip up a costume with a few simple tips:

• Glue it! There are 10 zillion types of glue available these days. My local craft store has almost an entire isle dedicated to glue. Besides the standard stuff like paper, you can find glues for metals (like tacky glue) or fabrics (yes, fabric glue).
• When using fabric, look for types of fabric that don’t require much if any finishing such as felt or polyester. It’s just a costume, so it’s no major deal if you don’t meticulously hem it, but some fabrics (such as cotton) can ravel like crazy.
• Not into glue? Then fuse it! Fabric stores, craft stores, and even some of the big-box stores carry fusible webbing that allow you to use your iron to connect up pieces of material.
• Finally, see what you have on hand. I actually won a children’s costume contest once wearing my mom’s bathrobe, slippers, curlers in my hair, and holding a spatula. I was a “harried housewife.” A simple peasant blouse, skirt, and tons of jewelry can transform you into a gypsy. Old work clothes and a pillow case tied to a stick (which can double for the trick or treat bag), and you become a carefree hobo.

Save your time and money for what counts, getting lots of Halloween goodies!