Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Business and pleasure...

First, I'm sorry I've been away for a while. My mom, my friend Karen and I were directors at Camp Winnataska, the greatest place on earth. We had so much fun. When I got back, I hopped right into making my costume for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows book release party. Normally I don't talk about business on my blog, but this is one of those times when they blissfully combine. I work at a fabulous library. We has a party from 10:00 to midnight so that people could come and pick up their reserved copies of the seventh Harry Potter book. There were games, costume contests, potion lessons, trivia, and so much fun! They asked me to dress up as the evil, vile, disgusting, mean Professor Umbridge. Here's my costume:

I had so much fun at the party. Scared some kids, gave some kids detention... it was a blast.

Here's another pic from the party of Professor Umbridge and Rita Skeeter:


A few details on the costume:

CAPE
Pattern:
Simplicity 3959, View D & E hybrid
Fabric and Trim: The perfect purple and pink tweed from Hancock Fabric. The trim is a variegated chenille that was in the upholstery section.
Details: The cape pattern fastened in the middle (click for the line drawing) which wouldn't do. It wasn't too difficult to change. I cut the front piece on the fold instead of the selvages. The worst part of this plan was to redraw the pattern for the front and side front facings, but it wasn't that bad. The other major change was to omit the lining, which I didn't feel was necessary in Alabama in July. Four large fabric covered button holes, and that was that.

SKIRT
Pattern: Simplicity 4546, View A
Fabric: Linen, cotton, poly blend
Details: The only change to this was that I cut the skirt pieces on the bias.

Any other question... let me know.

Hem, hem
Elin "Professor-Umbridge" Glenn

13 comments:

Olson said...

Elin, I'm sorry but you look too much like Professor Umbridge. I guess that's a compliment on your costuming skills. I guess you already have your Halloween costume.

Erica Bunker said...

Elin what a great costume! Always a pleasure to meet someone online who is right in my own backyard!

Anonymous said...

Ok, Elin, we are scared. Really, really scared. Isaac's eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw the photos. Please don't give us detention, pleeeease.... we promise to tell no lies.

Unknown said...

Hi. I also work at a library and my coworker and I went as Max and the Wild Thing. I have been wanting to go as Dolores Umbridge for a couple years but haven't got anything together in time. I am already planning for 2010, and was wondering if you would be interested in selling your cape? If not, I will use the pattern you recommended and make my own. After all, I have a whole year to complete it! You did a great job on the costume!

Elin said...

Hi Donna! I just can't part with the cape. I never know when I will need to frighten children again! It really was a fast project. If you have any questions about making yours, let me know!

Katie Barabas said...

I love LOVE love this costume! But I can't sew at ALL! Are you still unwilling to sell your cape?

Katie

Elin said...

Hi Katie...
Sorry, but I can't sell my cape! We have another Harry Potter event at the library this summer. I'm sure you can find a local seamstress to make one for you! Let me know if you have any questions.

mary said...

how many yards of fabric did you need for the cape?

Elin said...

Hi Mary. Here's a link to an image of the back of the pattern.
http://sew-n-sewpatterns.mybisi.com/product/simplicity-3959-trench-dress-coat-pattern-cape-wool-belt-tie
I don't remember exactly how much I used, but I'm pretty sure that I went by the pattern. Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions.

Unknown said...

I know this is late, but I just saw this. This is FANTASTIC!!! Seriously, Amazing!!

Unknown said...

What pattern did you use for blouse? Trying to make this.

Elin said...

Hi Carol. I found a pink vintage blouse at the thrift store. There were a few to chose from so perhaps you'll luck out too!

Anonymous said...

Still don’t want to sell your cape?