Creating a Sally costume from The Nightmare Before Christmas can be a fun and rewarding project. Sally is known for her patchwork dress and unique, spooky charm. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an accurate and recognizable Sally costume:
Materials Needed
- Fabric: Various colors of fabric (cotton or felt) for the patchwork dress.
- Thread: Matching or contrasting thread for sewing the patches.
- Needle and Sewing Machine: For sewing the patches and assembling the dress.
- Fabric Glue: Optional, for additional patchwork or quick fixes.
- Face Paint or Makeup: For Sally’s signature look.
- Blue Body Paint: For Sally’s blue skin tone.
- Black Eyeliner: For stitching details on the face.
- Red Wig: For Sally’s red hair (or orange hair spray).
- Sewing Pattern: For the dress or a basic pattern for a dress.
- Scissors: For cutting fabric and patches.
- Measuring Tape: For accurate sizing.
Instructions
1. Design and Cut the Fabric
- Patchwork Pattern: Sally’s dress is known for its patchwork design. Choose fabric in various colors like blue, red, and patterned fabrics to mimic the look of her dress.
- Cut Patches: Cut out various shapes and sizes of fabric patches. These can be rectangles, triangles, or irregular shapes to create the patchwork effect.
2. Sew or Glue Patches
- Attach Patches: Use a sewing machine or fabric glue to attach the patches to a base fabric or dress. Arrange them in a patchwork pattern to resemble Sally’s dress. Sew around the edges of each patch for an authentic look.
- Assemble the Dress: Use a sewing pattern or a basic dress pattern to assemble the base of the dress. Attach the patched fabric to the dress base, ensuring that the patches are evenly distributed.
3. Create the Dress
- Dress Base: Sew or assemble a basic dress using a pattern or tutorial. Make sure the dress fits comfortably and reaches the desired length.
- Add Details: Incorporate details like a tattered hem, uneven edges, or other distressed features to mimic Sally’s dress style.
4. Prepare the Accessories
- Red Wig: Purchase a red wig or use red hair spray to achieve Sally’s signature hairstyle. Style the wig into a loose, wavy look.
- Gloves: Create or purchase long, fingerless gloves to match the patchwork theme of the costume. Use fabric that complements the dress.
5. Face Makeup
- Base Color: Apply blue body paint or makeup to achieve Sally’s blue skin tone. Make sure to blend it well and cover your face, neck, and any exposed skin.
- Stitching Details: Use black eyeliner or face paint to draw stitched lines on your face, simulating the look of Sally’s sewn-together features. Draw stitches around your mouth, eyes, and forehead.
- Eye Makeup: Apply dark eyeliner and mascara to emphasize Sally’s eyes. You can use colored contact lenses if you want to mimic her eye color more closely.
6. Additional Details
- Socks or Tights: Wear striped or mismatched socks or tights to match the patchwork theme.
- Boots: Black or brown boots can complete the look. You can also add patches or details to the boots for extra authenticity.
Example Steps for Assembling the Costume
- Design and Cut Fabric: Choose and cut fabrics for the patchwork design.
- Attach Patches: Sew or glue patches to a base fabric.
- Assemble the Dress: Create or modify a dress to add the patchwork fabric.
- Prepare Accessories: Style a red wig and prepare gloves.
- Apply Makeup: Use body paint for Sally’s blue skin and add stitch details with eyeliner.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Sally costume involves combining sewing, crafting, and makeup skills. By focusing on the patchwork design, the right accessories, and accurate makeup, you can bring Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas to life. Enjoy the process and embrace the spooky, whimsical charm of this beloved character!