Guest Author - Norma Shephard
How to Make a Cat Woman Costume
Halloween isnt just for kids these days. More and more adults are hosting parties, accompanying their children on treat or treat rounds, and even dressing up. Shops are brimming with indoor and outdoor Halloween decorations, seasonal candies and a wild assortment of costumes. With Halloween just a few weeks away, its time to think about getting your look together. The subject of cats came up at my dream group last night, so lets start there. Many costume variations can be developed around the feline theme, including Cat Woman, Sylvester, and the Cowardly Lion. This article will focus on how to make a cat woman costume.
You will need:
One black Lurex Cat suit or body stocking to fit.
One pair of black gloves.
One set of false nails.
Nail polish.
Narrow guage wire.
One black cloth belt or black fabric to make tail.
Needle and black thread.
Sewing Machine (if you are making the tail).
One narrow hairband.
Black felt or fabric.
Fabric stiffener.
Black eyebrow pencil.
Achieving the Silhouette: Start with a black Lurex cat suit or body stocking from a lingerie supplier. These can be ordered on line if theres no specialty lingerie boutique near you.(The body suit is a good investment that will serve you well later under pant suits etc.)
Adding the Tail: Stitch a length of black fabric into a long narrow tube shape, leaving one end open, turn inside out and press. Insert a length of narrow gauge wire into the fabric tube and form into the shape of tail you desire. Turn in the edges of the open end and stitch closed. Attach with a few hand stitches to the bum area of the cat suit or body stocking.
Making the Cats Claws: shape false nails to simulate claws. Polish the false nails your desired color, then glue to the finger tips of a pair of black gloves.
Making The Ears: Cut two triangles from black felt or fabric. Stiffen with commercial fabric stiffener or unflavored gelatin. Allow to dry. Using a clear fabric glue, apply the ears to a narrow hairband.
Completing the Look: Draw whiskers on your face with a black eyebrow pencil, then complete the look with a pair of slim black boots and a cats eye mask. For a funky fashionable look, remove the lenses from a pair of 1950s cats-eye glasses and get ready to Meow!
P.S. See my hat chat blog (www.thehatmuseum.org) for a peek at Tussaud's version of Cat Woman.
