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A Darling Dress for Wendy Darling

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“You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!” How old were you when you first heard those words? I don't remember my first viewing of the classic Disney film. Peter Pan has never been my favorite Disney movie. (And don't even get me started on the terrible stage musical.) But I do remember my first time going on Disneyland's Peter Pan's Flight attraction and seeing Peter Pan himself wandering around outside the attraction. It was, if you'll forgive the overused cliché, a truly magical moment. It has since become somewhat of a tradition for me to begin every trip this way.

In a thrift store, I found what I assume was a costume for perhaps a Jane Austin play. It was clearly handmade with care and precision. The condition was almost perfect (except for the age-yellowed lace on the collar, yuck). It was a very lucky find. It has a high collar. The sleeves have poofy upper sleeves, with tight long sleeves attached. And it fit me perfectly! It seemed like it was meant to be. I fell in love with the tiny flowers embroidered all over the fabric. When I first saw it, I immediately saw the potential in it for a Wendy cosplay.

First, I cut off the long sleeves, leaving only the poofy, upper sleeves. The edges were bound with bias tape and decorated with some white dainty lace from my stash. I should have tried it on before doing all the hand sewing of the bias tape and the lace, since it is a bit too snug on my biceps. But this is not a deal breaker. Next, I moved on to the neckline. I trimmed the neckline to be much lower and more rounded, like Wendy's dress. That nasty yellow lace went straight into the trash. Sadly, some things can't be salvaged. Again, like the sleeves, I bound the raw edges with bias tape. I hand stitched some double face satin ribbon from Hobby Lobby all the way around, just under the bust, as Wendy has on her dress. For the finishing touches, I made bows for the waist, the sleeves, and the hairbow.

Wendy's costume is clearly a nightgown, as the children are in bed when they Peter Pan for the first time. But my version is more of a day dress, and probably best fits a time period 70 years before the story actually is set. (Hence my Jane Austin comment earlier.) So this is more of a fantasy/fancy dress version of Wendy's gown. Which I like even more.

I was planning to buy a wig, and I probably will eventually, but I just used my own hair for now. Also, I may hem it up just a touch someday, as it is a bit too long still. But these are small adjustments and nothing to be concerned with at the moment.

In the end, I am very pleased with this cosplay. It only took a few evenings to transform this Pride and Prejudice thrift store find to a Disney cosplay. Keep your eyes and your mind open when you go shopping. You never know what treasures you may find!

Thanks for reading!

Yours in hard work, creativity, and a dash of pixie dust,

Sarah



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