Shopping for DIY Costume

Last November we celebrated the National Reading Month. We were asked to cosplay different book characters. The mechanics was simple. We needed to dress like a character of a book. Everyone was asked to participate in the said activity. As much they want us to participate, the organizers reminded us to observe thrift on our spendings. They discouraged us to spend too much on costume. And what would be the best way to do it was a DIY costume.

I went off to the Ukay-ukay market to get the best deals for a DIY costume. It is where we can buy the cheapest clothing in town. Clothes in the Ukay-ukay stores are preloved and are still in very good condition. You can find clothes as low as 10Php (0.18$) depending on its condition.

My colleague said they were able to find ready to wear ukay costumes we can use. I planned to buy one instead of a DIY so I could save more time and use it for other work related activities.

I had a 15-minute bus ride to get to the town of Hilongos. On my way there, I found this lovely view of the ricefield splashed in golden color as the rice grains were already matured and were almost ready to harvest.

The weather was fine that day. My view of the ricefields along the road added more beauty to this lovely day.

The rice in this area was already harvested as you can see the piles of hay.

This field was plowed and ready for another round of planting.

I arrived at the market and went directly to the ukay- ukay stores. I quickly noticed the dresses displayed. There were different costumes to choose from. But most of the dresses displayed were for kids.

Here were some of the children's dresses that can be used as fairy costumes.

There were also dresses that can be used as costumes for horror stories.

I found sailor's moon's costume. This brought back childhood memories.

There were more displays but I was not able to find something I could wear.

I decided to just stick to the plan of making a DIY costume. In mind was one of the character of the 101 Dalmatian. Not Cruella de Vil but one of the dogs 😆. I just find it easier to work on.

I went to another ukay store where I found most of the items sold were white shirts, skirts and dresses.

I bought a white t-shirt for 60Php (1.02$) and white skirt for 10Php (0.18$). The skirt was in very good condition but needed thorough washing due to stains.

These were the clothes I purchased. I washed them thoroughly and after I sundried them, I started to work on my project. I planned to make a dalmation costume with the white t-shirt and skirt.

So I looked for an unused black t-shirt to use as black spots. I cut it into regular and irregular circles and attached them one by one by stitching each one to the white t-shirt and skirt I bought.

I intended to just stitch it instead of painting the black spots so I could just detach them later and use the clothes again or daily use.

_{I used the simplest stitch which is the running stitch to attached the black spots. This way it would be easier to detach them.}

_{Almost done but it got me confused if what I made is a dalmation or a cow. 😆😆}

So came the anticipated Culmination day and we had to show off our costumes. Everyone was at their best and I could see the effort they poured into their costumes.

Here's my final look with the costume I made together with my workmates who most of them also made their DIY costumes.

_{My dalmation look togther with my friend in Goldilocks costume.}

_{Dalmatian, Goldilocks, A Vampire and Mary Poppins}

_{Goldilocks, Wednesday Adams and Minnie Mouse}

_{A mermaid under the sun 😁}

It was a funfilled learning activity for everyone. It promoted creativeness and resourcefulness to everyone who participated and observed the event as we learned from each other.

This is my #MarketFriday participation by @dswigle.

Thank you for dropping by my blog.