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The Princess Costume is a classic for a reason! Who doesn’t want to dress like a princess? It’s simple to create your own no-sew princess costume for use as a Halloween costume, or just for everyday pretend play. 

Even if you don’t sew, this princess costume idea is perfectly simple to construct. You can make this princess dress in under an hour using a few no-sew tricks. The main requirements for a great-looking princess dress are proper length and the right color, so let your child help you pick out the perfect color of fabric and ribbon for a dress she’ll just love.

Don’t let these instructions stress you out! You’re basically making a tube of fabric with elastic. You can do it!

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DIY Princess Costume Materials:

• 1 yard of fabric (color of your—or your child’s—choice)
• 1 spool of coordinating ribbon
• fusible fabric webbing tape (I used Stitch Witchery)
• ¼-inch wide elastic (length depends on your child’s measurements)
• safety pin
• hot glue gun
• hot glue sticks
• scissors
• iron
• measuring tape
• ribbon (at least 36-inches long)

Princess Costume Instructions:

Adjusting the Size: This dress fits a 5T nicely, but if you want to make a different size, measure from your princess’s armpits down to the tops of her feet and get your fabric cut to that length. Once you add the casing and the bottom hem, the dress should be about 3-inches above her feet, to keep her from tripping.

1. Iron the fabric to remove excess wrinkles and creases. Open up the fabric and lay with right side down. You should have a rectangular piece of fabric with two raw edges and two finished edges. Fold over one raw edge about 1-inch and iron to crease. After fabric is creased, iron a piece of fusible fabric webbing tape under the crease and fuse fabric according to package instructions. This is the hem of the dress.

2. With fabric still right side down, fold the other raw edge over about 2-inches and iron to crease (this will be the edge opposite the hem). Use your hot glue gun to glue just the very edge of the 2-inch fold, leaving a casing. You will run the elastic through this casing later, so be sure to leave an unglued area wide enough to eventually feed through a safety pin and the elastic.

3. Lay fabric out flat with right side up. Fold in half so that the plain edges meet. Hot glue the two plain edges together to form the back seam. You should now have a tube of fabric with the hem at the bottom, the casing at the top, and a seam at the back. The dress will be inside-out.

4. Leave dress inside out for now. Flatten the dress so the seam is in the middle back. Cut a 24-inch piece from your ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half to find the middle. Hot glue the very middle of the 24-inch piece of ribbon to the front-center of the dress (over the casing) so it forms a V. This will be a halter strap to keep the dress from falling down.

5. Turn dress right side-out. Flatten dress so seam is in the middle back. Take your remaining piece of ribbon (about 12-inches depending on your child’s size) and fold it in half to find the middle of the ribbon. About 6-inches down from the top of the dress, squirt a 4-inch line of hot glue horizontally on front of dress, and attach the center of the ribbon to the line of hot glue. This will fix the ribbon waist ties to the dress.

6. Use the measuring tape to measure around your child’s chest right at the armpits. Add 2-inches and cut a length of ¼-inch elastic using that measurement. Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic, and thread through the casing at the top of the tube. When the elastic is threaded completely through the casing, tie ends of elastic together.
 

7. To wear the dress, the elasticized top will be pulled up to the armpits. Tie the neck ribbon around the back of the neck halter-style. Take the long waistband ribbons and criss-cross them around the body as many times as you can and tie at the back or the front.

No Sew Princess Costume Tips

What to Wear With This Costume: Pair this dress with a long-sleeved top or t-shirt underneath, and add tights for warmth while trick-or-treating.

Accessorize: Be sure to glam this dress up with the right accessories. Every princess needs a crown, jewelry, a wrap or feather boa. You can find most of these things at the dollar store or your local department store, or craft them up yourself.

Fabric choices: Plain cotton is the cheapest option, and the easiest to work with in terms of ironing. Polyester can come in many different finishes, and can look very shiny and princess-y, and will have a good drape and fluidity. You can find inexpensive costume fabrics at your local fabric store that will work nicely. You can add additional ribbons and trim to fancy it up as much as you like.

Washability: You can actually wash this garment, even though it’s constructed with hot glue! Hang to dry.

The post No-Sew Princess Costume Tutorial appeared first on Dollar Store Crafts.

BGN recently had the opportunity to chat with the women of Black Lightning about season 2, while on a recent set visit. It is the ultimate dream of any talent or writer to be a part of a show where the executive producers and showrunners genuinely consider their talent’s perspectives, have diverse writing rooms, and create an atmosphere on set amongst the production crew that inspires the work of the talent involved. All of the women concur that what showrunners and executive producers Salim and Mara Brock-Akil are creating is of great magnitude. It is shifting paradigms and putting images on the television screen that are giving an open invitation to others to see things differently.

In season 2, Black Lightning fans will see transparent characters who do not always have it all together. Salim Akil and Mara Brock-Akil have come to the forefront of creating women who are strong and complex. As women acting in the Black Lightning series, they all express gratitude for being a part of something that allows them to tell well-informed and great stories.

Christine Adams (Lynn Pierce), Nafessa Williams (Anissa Pierce) and China Anne McClain (Jennifer Pierce) all unanimously agree that it is the magic that is happening in the writer’s room that affords them the opportunity to bring such real, transparent and relatable characters to life in a way that is influential and meaningful. They see the opportunity to showcase female characters who are strong physically and mentally, as a privilege.

Lynn Pierce is not just a mom who cares deeply for her daughters. She’s a well-respected medical researcher who is not afraid to do what needs to be done to protect her community and stand beside her daughters, yet she gets to be vulnerable and soft. Anissa Pierce is an extremely, intelligent part-time teacher who studies medicine, and is a proud lesbian. Jennifer Pierce is a smart, beautiful teenager who does not shy away from having a good time, and she’s refreshingly far from perfect.

The women of Black Lightning concur that telling authentic stories about people who are real, who matter, and that showcasing practical beauty makes a positive and powerful impact on women and young girls. Lastly, all of the women purport that working with creative teams that strive for and have a genuine passion for deeper cultural and human understanding has a great influence on the work that talent brings forth.

Adams, states that “I’m basically not wearing any makeup in my scenes, and that speaks to the authenticity of the show. You know, not everyone’s hair is always done.” The Pierce women are naturally beautiful, and the team wanted to showcase women who were not overly made up.

Adams stated that when she auditioned for the role she wore a wig because she just assumed that’s what they would have wanted. “So, I got the job. Went in the first day with real, cropped short hair. Salim was like…that’s what we want!” Adams states that many will still come up to her, and talk with her about her natural hair and what it means to them. “The impact has been huge”. Adams boldly asserts that being given that space to look and feel as real as possible makes the narrative so much richer.

China Anne McClain who plays the youngest Pierce daughter is reluctant to embrace her talents. She says of her character that she’s glad that Jennifer is reluctant because it gives her character more of an arc. Oftentimes, we see images where the character easily submits to the obligation or responsibility that comes along with a gift or talent. The beautiful thing about Jennifer in season 2 of Black Lightning is that her struggle is showcased. We get to see the painful and uncomfortable journey of a real teenage girl who just wants to live her life and have fun. This makes for a more realistic story, and this type of narrative is just as authentic.

Not everyone has a smooth transition when embracing new things, experiences or gifts. Jennifer’s narrative explores this difficulty in a manner that is necessary is real and relatable for those who may be struggling in this area. McClain states, “Thunder is like the complete opposite. She accepts the obligation. She loves that she has superpowers, and I like that Jennifer is the complete opposite side of the coin.” It shows that sisters can grow and develop differently, and still support one another. “Thank God that we have people like the Akils’ running our show because they let us have a say in our characters. If the way something is written doesn’t feel right, they let us change it or have input. And, I love that.”

In Black Lightning, the women have such a strong voice. As Anissa Pierce, Williams is wholeheartedly embracing her opportunity to tell stories that matter to communities that are often marginalized. While we had the opportunity to see Anissa embrace her superpowers in season 1, in season 2 be prepared to see a more mature superhero who doesn’t need validation.

On playing an intelligent teacher and med student who happens to be a lesbian Williams states, “I believe as a Black woman, and as a Black woman in this industry wanting to see more of myself and more of my people…lesbians and gay, LGBTQ people are no different. Those stories need to be told. So, I could care less if somebody judges me, or what people think of me telling this story…I am an artist, and I want to tell all stories.”

When asked about feminism, Williams made it clear that she feels women are to support one another.  She feels that women should not compete like they have been conditioned to do in the past, but rather “Support each other and love on each other a little bit more. We’ll get there quicker, together.”

On what makes this role different from any other role that she has played, Williams proudly declares, “Black little girls are seeing superheroes who look like them, with cornrows! I feel like I am walking in my purpose.” All of the women that BGN chat with on the set visit shared this same sentiment.

Season two of Black Lightning airs at 9 PM EST on the CW.

The post BGN Interview: Christine Adams, Nafessa Williams and China Anne McClain of ‘Black Lightning’ appeared first on Black Girl Nerds.

There’s something special that happens when you get to bond with a parent over a video game. Contributor CB Rucker talked about bonding over sports video games with his father. Me? I came from a Street Fighter II family. My mother wasn’t big into videos games, but there was something about Street Fighter II that made her want next. Something about Ryu’s hurricane kick [Tatsumaki if ya nasty] and Chun-Li’s Spinning Bird Kick that awoke the fight in her.

So much so, that years later when the commercial for Street Fighter dropped, she saw her mans and dem Ryu after all these years, looked me dead in the windows of my soul, my gamer, and said, “Is that Ryu? I want that game! Omar, do you have that system?! *pointing at the tv like ” are you seeing this?!” Let’s get that game!* Playing against my mother in Street Fighter is one of my favorite memories of her before she ran out of quarters for the continue died. So, when I saw Craig of the Creek drop the episode “Power Punchers,” I said “Nah! Nah, they not about to do it to us are they? They goin’ give us the video game bonding.” Bring on the .gifs!

Enter Power Punchers

Yes. They. Were. The episode revolves around the nightly ritual of Craig Williams finishing his homework and then battling his father in one round of the 90’s 2D fighter Pocket Fighters (a Capcom homage) before bed. What ensues is the cutest family struggle I’ve ever seen on family television. Not only are we seeing a Black family being a regular family together, it’s a Black father bonding with his kid over a video game from his youth. That’s it. It sounds so simple, but we don’t get to see that too often in most cartoons or even most live actions shows. This episode felt like going back through a time machine when your parent either took interest in what you were into or got you into something they enjoyed.

Ages may be different, but the Black Boy joy ain’t changed

You got no idea how long we been wanting to see this image on television.
Craig of the Creek continues to tell the stories that are straight from the current adult’s childhood.
I’d say this scene reminds me of when I was playing WCW/NWO Revenge against my father, and he made me tap out to the figure 4 but I don’t acknowledge that loss because I was toying with him so in actuality I defeated myself despite him telling mom otherwise.

All the Button Mashers Put Ya Hands Up

Not the button mashing! Craig of the Creek exposing everybody!
Button mashing is everybody’s ground zero.
Before the Game Pros, game genies, cheat codes, or thinking to press start to look at the move set, all you had were the strength of your own two hands!
You gotta mash them buttons and learn to walk before you can run with combos.

Duane Williams Hit the Victory Dance for Dads Everywhere

You’ve never felt the waves of disdain and hate unless you’ve had a parent hit you with a victory dance.
A mom or dad busting out a victory dance over you will set you off, fam.
I done seen my sister have to leave the room when mom beat her in cards.
Duane Williams hit Craig, not only a victory dance, but his character, Kid Jammer’s, victory dance? That double damage to the ego. Ya boi Craig fed up.

“Find a Master ‘fore you can Come Back into the Dojo”

David, of the Elders of the Creek, sees Craig doing Kid Jammers victory dance (as he was venting to his friends about always losing to his father) and instantly recognizing it as the move set from Power Punchers. I love this as it shows David not only taking Craig under his wing but as a fan of old-school video games from the 90’s. He shows Craig the world of emulators and being able to play thousands of old cartridge games on a computer now.

This shows a great difference in the times between the older Duane playing the game on a console (and probably in an arcade back in his day) and David who sought out the game and appreciates it using today’s technology in order to play it. Craig of the Creek flourishes in these attentions to details. Like how Craig is using a controller, but we see David using an arcade style controller. Also, David is a great teacher for Craig as he’s patient and shows him moves bit by bit so that he can flesh out his skills. Fam, this is some real way of the samurai shit. Craig of the Creek loves to use anime tropes, and it only gets wilder from here. Craig is on a mission, fam. “I’ll do whatever it takes to finally annihilate my dad… who shows me nothing but love and support.” Bars.

Rematch Time

Craig wants all of the smoke! Duane just trying to do his lil’ girl’s hair, but Craig draggin’ him back into the fighting ring. It freaking be like that at times when you trying to defeat your parent in a game. It is throw down time. Don’t you duck me Old Man/ Old Woman. We goin’ settle this score!

This much Improvement Over One Night? Somethings Up??

Special Moves Training!

David has to teach Craig at his house. Craig knows this is a bad idea cause his dad will be home any minute but then learns David is going to show him Admiral Anchor’s special move. The day you learn to master the quarter circle (or the Hadouken motion as we call it) you have achieved peak gamer.

You Think I Don’t Know What Happens in my Own House?!”

We’re here now. Daune sees his son has taken up a new master. He’s become a fighter. He went to train with someone else in order to defeat him. He has been forsaken by his own son, fam! Then Craig hits him with that trill, “How can I beat you when I only get to play a few minutes a night, and you’ve got a hundred years of experience! You were holding me back so bad that if you weren’t, I woulda beat you by now.” There it is. The gauntlet has been thrown down. There’s only one thing left for Duane to do. Duane gotta put his son in line. Every mother/father knows this time, when your kid thinks they can finally beat you in a game. Now, it is challenge day in the Williams household!

Craig of The Creek vs Duane of the Console

Show your dad who you are now, Craig!

The Experience Points Been Over 9,000?!

The Weights are off Now!

Duane Exposing his Own Son on the Sticks? Ruthless!

You know someone is getting the breaks beat off them in an anime when a character is so amazed/shook/impressed they ask, “Who is this guy?” Duane Williams out here on the sticks giving his son that work that he learned back in his arcade days. The skills he learned taking folks out on his Saga (get it?) console from the comfort of his own home. This is Jordan dropping 38 points with the flu. Tony Hawk landing the 900. Martha Stewart getting “Cornucopia Life” tat’d across the belly after her bid up north.

There can be Only One!

Who Wants it More?!

Here Comes the Hail Mary…

Everything Ends…

The Heart of the Matter

Once the dust was cleared, what it all came down to was Duane wanting to spend time with his son. It’s a hard thing when your kids start to outgrow activities you’d do together. Tell me that ain’t the realist man. Craig’s brother, Bernard, use to play against Duane all the time. Once he beat Duane, they stopped playing. That’s rough, man. That’s gotta feel like your child growing up an outgrowing you as a parent in some sense as well. Why is there this much heart in this show? My god!

The Time has Come

I Ain’t Hear no Bell.

Craig lets his dad know he ain’t in a hurry to grow up just yet.

The Saga Continues!

You can’t tell me it gets any cuter than this. Craig of the Creek is really out here continuously paying homage to 90’s-2000’s kids that have become adults now while giving great stories to the children of the present. You wanted family-oriented stories and your audience being able to see themselves on screen? Craig of the Creek got you. Don’t even get me started on the Mario Kart inspired kart racing episode.

Bonus Round

A New Challenger has Arrived

Jessica is ready for the smoke?! Let that young fighter live! Let your girl learn the ways of the shogun! Big brother Bernard stepping in to let Jessica know her time will come?! Is he going to train her? Is he just letting Craig finish out his turn in the console’s dojo with their father before Jessica gets sent in? Is Power Punchers a Williams’ family tradition that all the children must go through! Oooooh my gawd, why this show so good!?

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The post Craig of the Creek Brilliantly Showed Father and Son Bonding/Beefing Over a Video Game appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.