Little Things Day 29 | Frozen’s Princess Anna Apron Costume

There is a lot of joy in pretending, dressing up in costume, pretending to be someone else. And that is why I love Halloween. I’d call it a Little Thing, but my Halloween this year will be anything but. You see, my entire family (parents, brothers, nieces, nephews) are all headed to Disney World in the weeks before Halloween, and I just knew I needed to dress up this year. After all, if you can’t dress up in Disney where can you dress up?

So I was on the look out for the perfect costume that was ride friendly but also unique and fun when I discovered apron costumes through this pin. It’s from the Etsy store Queen Elizabeth Aprons, and I was instantly in love. An entire amazing costume? On an apron? That sounded perfect! I knew I had to make my own. Anna from Frozen was the obvious choice. I mean, how often does Disney name a strong, heroic princess after you?

The only problem? I can’t sew. At all.

But I discovered that if you can cut and glue, you can make this costume too.

I started with a simple, blue apron. I found it on Amazon, because I liked the ruffle at the bottom. But really, any apron will work.

Once I had the apron, it was just a matter of cutting fabric to create the gown. I worked in layers, gluing down each layer as I went.

I discovered a few things along the way.

First: sharp scissors make all the difference. Really. Cutting out those swirls on the bodice took some patience and sharp tools. I cut the fabric when it was folded in half so my design would be symmetrical. But sharp scissors meant sharp cuts and even lines. That part turned out really well.

Next, not all fabric glues are created equal. I made an early version of my Anna apron with Tacky Glue, and while everything stuck really well, the glue was visible through the fabric, making it look uneven and kind of just yuck. I discovered Fabric Fuser, I was thrilled and able to glue and create without a lot of uneven splotches on my “gown.”

Also, ribbon is really great for covering up where two fabrics meet and there’s an awkward transition.

I hand drew the details. And while I do consider myself artistic, these aren’t hard shapes to draw. And I have seen the printable for the shapes and decorations online. But here’s the other thing I learned, close is okay. Does this look identical to Anna’s gown? Nope. But it’s close, and so it still looks like her. I’m okay with that. And I know I’ll be recognized when I trick or treat with my kiddo combo both at Disney World and at home.

I had a long-sleeve blue Tee that I will wear underneath with jeans and boots. And it’s kind of ridiculous how excited I am a little thing like playing pretend and dressing up for Halloween, but I so am.

What will you be for Halloween?

Check out my friends and their Adventures in Pinterest project this month.

Jessica from Chaos & Love made awesome Mummy Cake Cans for an early Halloween treat.

Megan at MamaBub made polkadot pillowcases.

And Wendy from Writing a New Story is getting in the Halloween spirit with seasonal popcorn.