All four Baby Grands have incredible imaginations. They continue to put our downstairs playroom to good use, as did their daddies. It serves as a grocery, gym, video store, museum, Lego center and stage. It seems like just yesterday that I made costumes for Brian, Christian, and Cousins Kimberly and Vicki, in anticipation of a summer production. With the clan due to be in attendance over Spring break, I thought to get a jump on costuming.
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Showing inside seams, lapel and outward shoulder folds |
As mentioned last week, there are a gazillion ways to dye the filters. Today's method is quick and clean, as in "no mess". I counted out numbers of filters needed for each vest, ironed and stacked them on top of large baggies. Then, I dripped yellow and green food coloring over Gavin's and Chloe's; red and blue on Aubrey's and Hunter's. Spritzed with water, till saturated; and then turned into bags and placed in sink. There, I added more water, gave them a swirl or two, rinsed and drained. I hung them to dry, with a cookie sheet underneath. Impatient to try my idea, I used a hair-blower to dry one set. I laid out two rows of five each, for a smaller vest. The center pair became the shoulders. I folded and glued, till I got the desired shape: shoulder tabs outwards, side seams inwards, lapels out, etc. I cut to create neck space and folded excess to back.
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Cut neck opening |
When pleased with the shape, I adorned the vest with a ribbon belt, glued around the sides and back. A little bow tucked into the lapel finished it. The boys' versions shall have more masculine ribbon.
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Back - note outward shoulder folds/tabs |
Possibilities are absolutely endless for further decorating. I see pockets and fringe, buttons and trim. But sometimes simplicity speaks; and when pulled apart during play, not to worry... it'll just be a great excuse to dye some more coffee filters.I hope to finish the rest on Friday and shall post more pictures. I love playtime.
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Another day, another vest... it went together so quickly, using ten discs for a larger size. Note the different effect created simply by overlapping filters in a different direction.
