@ sewers...

[2curlydogs]

I have this black taffeta bridesmaids dress from SIL's wedding that I'm wondering if I can turn that into a cape for a king for Halloween? Any ideas/patterns? Or not so much?

I may also have a red crepe one, too....

[wawa]

Sept 22, 2014 13:50:29 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

I have this black taffeta bridesmaids dress from SIL's wedding that I'm wondering if I can turn that into a cape for a king for Halloween? Any ideas/patterns? Or not so much?

I may also have a red crepe one, too....

A cape isn't really complicated.  If the height works you could easily just cut the skirt off in it's entirety, cut it open down the front, fold back and sew that edge and the waist band edge, add a clasp and TADA cape.

If the skirt if very full, or you aren't looking for as full of a cape take off as much of the front as you want. 

Assorted capes and cloaks are some of the only sewing projects I've ever finished.  a lot of easy patterns are just a half circle, but I like a nice 3/4 circle cape for maximum swish with a minimum of leg tangling.

example of half circle pattern: www.marthastewart.com/265987/the-greatest-capes-7-halloween-costumes

[meshaliuknits]

Sept 22, 2014 13:50:29 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

I have this black taffeta bridesmaids dress from SIL's wedding that I'm wondering if I can turn that into a cape for a king for Halloween? Any ideas/patterns? Or not so much?

I may also have a red crepe one, too....

@helenabonhamcarter has told me I can make a cloak. I'm certain you can make a cape. I've also been given a link to this free pattern.

Hope that helps for your fancy boy!

[meshaliuknits]

Also, I've clearly watched too much TMNT because my first thought to the title of your post was this:

[2curlydogs]

I have no sewing skills. Or, more, I have had limited opportunity to do any sewing, so I'm not sure the extent. It's generally limited to repairing ripped stuffed animals and the occasional hem. Several years ago, though, I made surcoats out of cheap sheets and H and I went as characters from Monty Python (him: the black knight, me: Galahad).

I think I can handle taking apart a skirt. I don't have a seam ripper, though. Or nice scissors. Hm.

[meshaliuknits]

Sept 22, 2014 14:59:56 GMT -5 2curlydogs said:

I have no sewing skills. Or, more, I have had limited opportunity to do any sewing, so I'm not sure the extent. It's generally limited to repairing ripped stuffed animals and the occasional hem. Several years ago, though, I made surcoats out of cheap sheets and H and I went as characters from Monty Python (him: the black knight, me: Galahad).

I think I can handle taking apart a skirt. I don't have a seam ripper, though. Or nice scissors. Hm.

Our sewing skills are comparable!

I would print a coupon for JoAnn Fabrics and buy a seam ripper. I've used it quite a bit and my sewing machine has never been out of the box.

[Deleted]

You can do it! Since you don't sew usually, I recommend going to the sewing section in walmart and getting a cheap pair of scissors and some stitch witchery tape. Iron that bad boy's hems.

[decemberwedding07]

Sept 22, 2014 14:41:56 GMT -5 meshaliuknits said:

Also, I've clearly watched too much TMNT because my first thought to the title of your post was this:

I thought the same thing.  I was like, "Sewer babies?"

[demandypants]

Halloween costumes are an excellent reason to cut corners and use stuff like hem tape (They even make a sticky kind). If the skirt is really gathered at the waist, I wouldn't remove it totally from the waist as it will just open up to a bigger rectangle, and I would use part of the waist band as the collar to the cape. If the skirt tapers to the waist, then no worries. Take it off of the bodice (or just cut it away). I think it is a great reuse of the fabric!

[somersault72]

Sept 22, 2014 15:59:57 GMT -5 decemberwedding07 said:

Sept 22, 2014 14:41:56 GMT -5 meshaliuknits said:

Also, I've clearly watched too much TMNT because my first thought to the title of your post was this:

I thought the same thing.  I was like, "Sewer babies?"

Glad I wasn't the only one!