Poodle skirt (50s costume) questions

[sunnysandiegan]

My DD (age 9) wants to be a fifties girl for Halloween. Her school has an annual Sock Hop in the Spring. She has outgrown what she used to wear and last year we borrowed poodle skirts. We layered them because one was too short, but fit in the waist whereas the other was long enough, but was too big in the waist. Layering also provided lots of pouf and fun!

Now, I want to make her one poodle skirt. What fabric do you recommend for the biggest pouf with only one layer of fabric? It is usually quite warm on Halloween night around here.

She already has a white button-up blouse and a pink sweater and a pink scarf. She'll wear white Keds and white socks and her hair in a ponytail.

I was thinking of a gray skirt, but she wants a black one. Whichever color we find will work. Is a poodle applique necessary for a costume such as this (for Halloween night)? Won't it be obvious what she is? It definitely doesn't matter for the Sock Hop, so I'd rather skip it.

I'd like to have her wear this skirt for a couple years. Any suggestions for making it somewhat adjustable?

BTW, I have been sewing for eons. I don't typically sew clothing, however. Home decor, crafts, and quilts are my thing....no fitting required!

Thanks for any tips!

[FillingMyQuiver]

Oh, I LOVE poodle skirts, my mom made me one when I was in 3rd grade and I was able to wear it for quite a few years.

I think this pattern will work quite well. And if you have a JoAnn fabrics by you, McCall patterns are 99c til this Saturday I think (or it may be Thursday).

Polyester felt was what my mom used for mine, no finishing seams or hems and it was quite full. We did the poodle appliques b/c I wanted it.

With the pattern I linked to, it's an elastic waist, so I would imagine making it adjustable wouldn't be too hard. If you use the button hole elastic and leave a small opening in the casing instead of sewing it closed, you could put a button on 1 end of the elastic and cinch it up this year and then loosen it as she gets older. If you make the skirt a little longer for this year, you could probably get a few years out of it.

[sunnysandiegan]

Thanks so much for replying!

I was planning to use an online tutorial since the pattern is pretty easy. I usually make my own patterns anyway. The poodle was stumping me since I don't really draw freehand much.

Your fitting instructions make perfect sense. Since I don't sew clothing, I have never seen felt on a bolt...only in the craft sizes.

We'll be heading out tomorrow to find fabric. Thanks again!

[sunnysandiegan]

WOO HOO! I also posted on my facebook page and a friend with a grown DD has a gorgeous poodle skirt to give my DD. My DD saw pictures and is very excited!

One less expense and project for me.