Sometimes two things in my life serendipitously collide. In this case it was a generous gift of holiday fauna from King of Christmas and my need for a Hobbit Costume. Such a funny combination but it just worked out so well.

To start my story, the Hobbit costume is for a photo retreat I’m attending in November. I really wasn’t sure what to make as “Hobbit” is not really in my wheelhouse. Either is “Pirate” which is also on the menu for that retreat (I’ll save that for another post). And I would like to add here that I really enjoy getting away with friends and strangers that like to play dress up. But even more than that I like to make things I can play dress up in. Historically, that usually means Art Deco attire or even some historic dress, but this year, I have ventured into the world of fantasy. Thank you very much, Sarah J. Mass (and all those other books I read in my teens).

When thinking about and researching Hobbit attire I came across a lot of laced up bodices with dirndl-like skirts, some aprons and some pointy ears (I already have those). So I was lent a dirndl pattern from our very own Christine, who has some experience with Oktoberfest and wearing said garments while serving beer.

The pattern is a classic Folkwear pattern and sewed up fairly easily without requiring too many adjustments. I did make the bodice length shorter and did some fitting with a muslin prototype beforehand. I flatlined the bodice with white cotton and then added metallic cord piping around the neck and armholes. My original intention was to embroider the fabric beforehand, but alas, I ran out of time. To add some depth and interest, bound buttonholes were the next option. I chose a gold colored petersham ribbon for the buttonholes that was a similar color to the gold cord. Normally the teal and gold combo wouldn’t be my first choice, however, my skirt fabric was a black floral with metallic gold details so it really worked out.

Moving on to the window. Because I received the light up artificial wreath, mini-trees and garland from King of Christmas, there was a bit of a deadline to create a pretty window for the store. What was I going to do? I don’t usually think about decorating for the holidays in September, but this situation necessitated that I do. So I looked at my dress and my Hobbit theme and decided that it would work together. I was also inspired by many students who wanted to make Christmas stockings this Summer. So unusual, but alas, it did remind me that I had a pattern available as well as a lot of left over velveteen in both green & red.

Moving on, I saw a need for woodland themed ornaments and decided to go with mushrooms. We may add some acorns in as we move past Halloween, but in the meantime, I’m putting together mushroom kits, because these little guys are so cute.

The window has since changed to reflect the season we are currently in - Spooky Costume Season, so please come by and check it out. Christmas will go up again and we’ll add little easter eggs (that’s a new expression) to keep you guessing and trying to figure out what’s new. In the meantime, thanks again to King of Christmas for the beautiful light up set. It really makes our little window sparkle.

Until next time, happy sewing everyone!