A Bolero for Queen Elsa (Or, Princesses get cold too...)

Holiday season 2016, I got the opportunity to walk in a Christmas parade with some princesses and it was lots of fun. But before the parade, I knew that the Princesses would be cold. I know that Queen Elsa wouldn't mind it, since the cold doesn't bother her anyway, but I didn't want to leave her out of the fun.

Of course, a princess can't wear just any old coat. Oh, no. Not on my watch. Now, I only had time to make two, so our Alice of Wonderland fame had to make due with a borrowed cloak. But she was warm enough, so I didn't worry about her.

I was shopping at Ross Dress for Less in early December and found some super soft blankets in a few beautiful colors. Yes, the princesses were literally wearing blankets :-) This fact still makes me laugh a few years later. I love it.

Else wore a smart bolero in cream with embossed lines, cut as to not obscure her beautiful sequined bodice.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/4f/df/81/4fdf810f7fee1d5078c83938d809317d--bolero-pattern-free-pattern.jpg

Original pattern (Very Cute)

And Queen Elsa's version (Simply Spectacular!) (Can you tell I LOVE how this came out?)

I found "Free Sewing Pattern: Faux Fur Bolero" on http://www.sewdaily.com/ and simply lengthened the sleeves. This took a little bit of trial and error. The first try, I drew a straight line the length that I wanted the sleeves (including a seam allowance). It worked, but I realized I needed to come in a little bit narrower at the wrist to be more flattering. The second try was much better.

As I pulled it out of storage this week to take these photos, I thought it needed a little something extra. Because let's face it, Elsa is a little extra. So, I found my bag of Elsa jewelry and inside was a single snowflake button from Hobby Lobby. I sewed it at the neckline, and then made a loop on the opposite side for a very simple closure.

It's so pretty and adds just the right finishing touch.

The blankets weren't the easiest fabrics to sew, and made QUITE a mess when I cut out the patterns. But in the end, I'm glad I persevered. I think the princesses looked beautiful!

Hope you enjoyed and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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