rootofnewt | Rrrrar!

Ronan waffled between wanting to be a superhero (red and orange colors) and wanting to be a horse. Given his propensity for epic meltdowns, I figured it wouldn't be that hard to just have both costumes on hand. This was wise--two weeks ago, he said he wanted to be a superhero horse. And he's remained firm in his resolve.

We bought the horse costume (the step-in kind, not the bodysuit kind) at Target. I figure he'll get LOTS of enjoyment from it (he already has) and I've already had a friend ask to buy it off me when kiddo outgrows it.

Finding matching red shirt and leggings. Harder than you'd think. See, girl's collections are typically primary paired with print. So they may have all print leggings and all primary (or primary with print trim) tops. Or the other way around. It's next to impossible to find the same cotton knit red in one store. This makes dyelots really freakin' hard to match. Orange reds, pink reds, scarlet reds, purple reds . . .

I finally found leggings at JC Penney which matched (close enough) a well fitted long-sleeve tee from the activewear girls section at Target. It was three inches too long, but that's okay. Old Navy DID have red leggings and red cotton (boy) shirts, but the leggings were stretch and the boy shirts were boxy and brushed cotton, so they didn't quite match--and weren't available in his sizes in store.

That was a few weeks ago. I meant to go shopping before vacation, but didn't get around to it. Instead I found myself at home this week, too fatigued and achy and brainfoggy to drive. I finally got out to Joanne's on Wednesday.

Today I have:
•drafted, cut, bound a satin cape (orange satin with red binding). Every time I buy cheap satin, I swear to myself I will never again mess with it. Then it goes on sale for a buck fifty a yard and I forget all those promises.
•hemmed the shirt (turned it up three inches) and stenciled on a gold target. Yes, he wants his logo to be a target.
•cut gauntlets out of fun foam. Must either punch holes or buy electrical tape.
•cut out fusible and two pieces for his mask. Pirate cotton lining>fusible>satin. I need to figure out if I want to buy fraycheck for the eyeholes. Also thinking about binding the outside edges. I might hate myself forever if I do that.
•dyed undies (and dingy socks) bright orange

I think that after I finish this mask, I'll actually be DONE three days early!. Won't feel so guilty going to DC this weekend. Will probably do a total copout myself on Halloween and dress as a witch. You know--add a pointy hat to my everyday attire.