Autograph Birthday Costume

If you’ve got a youngster who likes costumes, here’s an idea for a birthday party activity that he or she can wear for months afterwards.

1. Choose a simple play dress or overalls pattern.

2. Cut out the pattern on bleached or unbleached muslin, white broadcloth, or any durable white fabric.

3. Section the cut-out dress into blocks using light pencil or crayon.

4. Divide the children at the party into equal groups and give each group a section. (If you need more pieces than the pattern allows, simply allow for seams, cut more pieces, and sew it up afterwards.)

5. Let the children draw designs with permanent marking pens, fabric crayons, or liquid embroidery. Regular crayons or anything non-permanent will not work.

6. After completion, frame each picture with rickrack and then stitch up the finished dress or overalls.—Thelissa Zollinger, Houston, Texas

Illustrated by Shauna Mooney