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Minnie Mouse

Minnie Mouse was not on my list of costumes to make. But I was asked to appear at a Minnie Mouse-themed birthday party with only 1 week notice, so I had to hustle! I didn't have ANY ideas, so I searched pictures for inspiration. I sent one to the birthday girl's mom, and she approved. So, now to get to work!!!


Minnie has several signature elements to her look.

1. Full-skirted red dress with white polka dots.
2. A matching hairbow
3. White gloves
3. Yellow pumps




For item 1: I took Simplicity 8523 for the blouse and made a few modifications. I first added the same fish-eye darts I used last time I made this pattern. I took the red polka dot fabric and a plain white cotton for a underlining and sewed them as one. I added width to the sleeve to make them quite full. Lastly, I added some lace trim to the sleeves and the neckline.

The dress is in two pieces. I chose a simple circle skirt for maximum fullness. It is trimmed with lace matching the blouse.

My skirt needed a petticoat to fill it out. I had a thrift-store mermaid-style wedding petticoat in the stash, so I cut it to be just below the knee instead of floor length. It was impossible to resist twirling and dancing when trying the petticoat and skirt for the first time.

This is my attempt at a twirling photo

For item 2 and 3: I bought a Snow White wig on Amazon. Now, Minnie doesn't have hair, but I decided I did need hair. And Snow White is on my list to make. Kill two birds with one stone and all that. Ears (with a matching bow included) and gloves were also from Amazon.

For item 4: Shoes proved the most difficult item to find. I looked EVERYWHERE and couldn't find plain yellow heels. Payless Shoe Source, DSW, Famous Footwear. You name it, I checked there. Finally, I made the rounds of the local thrift stores and FINALLY found some that would work. I found them a few days before the party. Funny story; on the day of the photoshoot, I thought I had forgotten them at home. I looked everywhere in my car (I thought). I get home, fail to locate them inside, go back out to the car and there they were in the back seat.



It was really easy to wear and not too difficult to sew. My favorite element of the costume is definitely the circle skirt and petticoat. I will be making more in the future, no doubt.

And now, a true story to finish this post. I was waiting in the car for the party to start, and a group of 3 or 4 neighbor girls were playing outside. I heard a quiet "1,2,3" and then they all shouted in unison "Where's Mickey?" and then they all tried to hide behind a tree. "He's at Disneyland, of course." I replied. I think one of them said "She saw us!" It absolutely made my day.

Thanks for reading and have a magical day!
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