Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

I'LL EAT YOU UP!

For Halloween this year, I made my 18 month old son a costume from the book: Where The Wild Things Are. He's Max in the wolf costume.

I used a pair of his winter pajamas as the pattern, and a hood from one of his jackets.

I wanted the costume to look like the illustrations from the book, so I made it with white fleece.

I debated about whether to make actual button holes to fasten the front of the costume, or to just sew a zipper with decorative buttons. I ended up adding the zipper, out of practicality--to make it a little warmer, and easier to get on and off.

For the whiskers, I used black pipe cleaners. After I finished, I liked the way they looked, but he's already pulled 3 off. So maybe there is a stronger alternative that doesn't pose as an eye gouging threat. I guess the fact some whiskers are missing adds character.

For the tail I just bought 6" of faux fur that was on sale and made the oval shaped tail, flipped it right side out, jammed a handful of batting inside, and attached it to the back center seam.

The hands and feet I just hemmed, although I had originally planned to make mittens with claw shapes at the end, then have them so they can flip up and velcro to the sleeve, to make it hands free. But just trying to get my little guy to wear mittens is a challenge, so I thought he'd never want them on and just fight them the whole time. I think I may make some white separate mittens to add to it for Halloween.

I also planned on attaching shoe covers to the legs. So it would have the claw toes, using elastic to go down under the arch of the shoe to hold it on. But kind of with the claw mittens, they'd probably always flip up, or make him trip, so practicality overpowered authenticity on this costume. I like it with his little sneakers too though.

The crown. I bought supplies to make a crown, but I don't know if I'll get to it. I was going to either attach it to the hood with velcro, or put elastic in it to keep it on, but I think he would hate it and pull it off, so maybe if he was older, we'd have a crown. Maybe I'll end up making one in the end afterall.

sliding down the hill on his bum

I think it's so cute from the back, with the tail dragging behind.

I had made a Moishe (or Carol in the movie, but that's the wrong name) backpack for him a while ago, but ended up selling it on etsy to another Wild Things fan. So I made him a new backpack for his trick or treating bag, and then to have for fun too. The face has a huge right cheek. I finished it and held it out to sew it on the backpack, and realized his face was all out of proportion. Oh well, he's a monster. Despite his skewed face, I liked the way it turned out. Somehow using my same sketch as the last two, this one turned out looking like a baby Moishe face to me. I also added a little dedication in the backpack, so I won't be tempted to sell it now that it is his.

I like this next one when he was falling a little and his tail is in the air.

Didn't want to pose with the book and pumpkins.

Throwing rocks with Papa into the river...this wild thing's favorite part of the day.

Picture with mom and her cheesy grin...and no make-up. Scary for Halloween! Yikes!