Simplicity 8493: Morticia Addams

What's creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky and all together ooky?  My halloween costume!!  I took my inspiration this year from the glorious Carolyn Jones who played Morticia Addams in the 1960s television show:

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I delved through my pattern stash and came up with Simplicity 8493 as a potential match for the dress:

I made the floor length version with long sleeves.  The pattern has a nice v-neck and fitted bodice that I thought would work well for the costume.  I sewed up the pattern as it was with the exception of adding about 6 inches to the length.  After sewing, I then had David pin the dress to make the 'hobble skirt' effect (i.e. tight to the knees and then a bit flared).  I then sewed out the excess and had to mimic Morticia's walk! too funny!

With the excess floor length, David also cut strips of the fabric and then I sewed them right sides together. I then turned the tubes of fabric inside out to create the tentacles at the bottom of Morticia's dress.

The fabric I chose is a polyester/viscose blend and has quite a bit of stretch.  This allowed me to sew the sleeves fairly tight.  I created a v-shape at the wrist and then just folded the hem under.  I also attached chiffon to the underarm and then tacked it to the middle of the dress--so that it only showed if I moved my arms.

I was literally sewing this right up to the last minute before our Halloween party.

Their house is a museum 
Where people come to see 'em 
They really are a scream 
The Addams Family. 

(Neat) 
(Sweet) 
(Petite) 

So get a witches shawl on 
A broomstick you can crawl on 
We're gonna pay a call on 

The Addams Family.

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Of course, David dressed up as Gomez Addams with the perfect pinstriped suit and he had me in stitches with his portrayal of Gomez...so much fun:

It's been awhile since I've dressed up for Halloween and I had a blast creating this dress.  I'm already plotting and planning for next year!!

What about you? Did you dress up? Did you sew your own costume?

Update: I entered my costume in the Mandors Fabric store competition (my local fabric store).  The winner gets £50 worth of fabric.  Can I ask a big favour?  Will you vote for me?  You can vote on facebook here by just liking my photo.  I would use the winnings to get the fabric for my 1940 gown project!!!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!