Jedi Costume for Toddlers Part 1

Let me me start out by saying that I HATE flimsy polyester one-use costumes. Especially ones that cost $40 or even more. In colder climes, these costumes will be covered up by coats during trick-or-treating, so there went your money down the tubes, right? We had one for Livi's very short attempt at trick-or-treating last year when she was about 18 months old, and we just felt lucky that it was a mild Halloween. The year before had been freezing, and this year looks to be about inbetween. Not freezing, but chilly, so she needs a costume with substance.

So, I combined necessity with creativity (this is me flattering myself) and made sure that the bulk of her costume would be items that she could wear for the rest of the winter: brown leather boots that were $17, brown thick cloth or khaki pants (about $4-8; I bought both), and a cream-colored tunic-style top ($7), all from Target. She needed winter boots anyway, and I saved money by not getting a toon-embled pair (her dad can't stand Dora the Explorer anyway). Also, plain brown suede can go with most outfits, doesn't show stains as easily as pink, and these were insulated with soft, downy faux-fur. The pants and shirt can be worn in a variety of outfits, especially the top, which I might save for nice-dress but informal occasions.

I found a lightsaber toy from Wal-mart that was only $7.50 that lights up and is light-weight enough for a two and a half year-old to carry; the same toy was 50 cents more at Target. All the other cheap models didn't light up, and the fancier toy light sabers that did light up were $20-40 and heavy for a small child. Parents, if you're planning on doing at least some of your trick-or-treating at night, I definitely advise getting something that lights up for your child to carry; preferrably it would be something unique enough that every kid on the block won't have the same one. It helps them see a little better, makes them easier to pick out, and is just plain fun for them.


Right now I'm still working on the pieces that will really make it a Jedi-looking costume: either a tabard or a modified uwagi, and a modifed obi. The uwagi would probably be me picking up a simple white cotton top from a martial arts and dyeing it brown. The tabard I would would simply make from a swath of fabric, using modfied patterns I found online. This last option appeals to me because then I could use some of the left-over fabric to make the obi. The first one appeals to me because it is easy.

If I'm really strapped for time and cash, I may just make her a utility belt and choose a little vest to go with it. I think I may go with that option in the end, so that she might look a little more...feminine? I don't really want her to be girly or anything, but her dad gets a little irritated when people confuse her for a boy (which happens a lot when small children wear gender-neutral clothing). Maybe a head-band.

Links to some helpful sources:

Wikipedia list of Japanese clothing with links to specific articles
Padawan's Guide-Basic Jedi Costume
Jedi Assembly Tabard Article
Amber's Jedi Meditation Chamber-A small site about Jedi costuming
Individual Chic-Blog post tutorial on making an obi

It Begins

I know it's been done many, many, many a time, but I'm toying with the idea of starting a blog that's not just about me, but also includes randomly helpful resources for people like me. Like, how to make a Jedi costume for a 3 year-old that is pragmatic in its use of re-wearable items, or which websites/books/approaches to clearing the lines of communication between spouses and improving romance are meaningful to someone with an ounce of real personality. Of course this blog would also include more common things like Greek appetizer recipes, poetry resources, video game reviews, etc. I plan on having a lot of fun. I say this because currently I am depressed and need to cheer myself up.