A Dirndl for Halloween

I am mostly German, and my husband is, too. I had always loved the look of a dirndl and decided this was the year to make my own for Halloween. I love a good excuse to play dress-up!

I started out with this blouse and embroidered vest from the thrift shop.

I also bought a curtain panel in a matching plum color to make my skirt. The petticoat was unearthed from my mom's closet, where it had been hanging out since my wedding.

For the vest, I took in the sides a few inches to make it snug. I carefully removed the trim from the front of the vest so I could cut the front into more of a low-cut U-shape. When I reattached it, I found that the edge of the vest was now longer, and the trim too short, but I hid the gap under the buttons. I made a simple elastic-waist skirt from the curtain panel. The petticoat was much more of a challenge. The stretchy top panel was worn out, so I had to remove it and a good bit of the width and length. I was able to work it out, though, even reusing the original zipper. 

The final touch was a sweet vintage apron for $5 at my local hospital charity shop. 

Here is the final outfit. I love how it turned out! I wore my hair in braids and accessorized with a plastic stein filled with Bavarian-style pretzels for my daughter's school party. I didn't think they'd like it if I brought beer.

Happy Halloween!  -Amy