Crafty stuff

Making ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ donkey ears

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

I have actually done some costuming!

Mr D & I went to a friend ‘Night & Dreams’ themed masquerade birthday ball. I pulled out my Cobwebs & Roses dress for Titania, and Mr D pulled out his tails, and I made him a pair of donkey ears for a Bottom who would sweep Titania off her feet every day of the week.

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Here’s how I did it:

Take one ratty old rabbit fur collar, grey:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Chop in half:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Fold in half, lining side in, and zig zag:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Three cheers for the Janome Sewist 521, pretty much the only >NZ$500 machine that will go through four  layers of fur, two layers of collar stiffening, two layers of padding, and lining, plus double that at the ends, without a whisper of complaint:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Now assemble the  frame and trimmings:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Two $2 shop flower garlands, assorted bits of florists wire, florists tape, ears.

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Denude the headbands of flowers and leaves:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Wrap wires around both headbands to hold ears, and insert into ears:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Sew ears around frame to secure on:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Cover wires in florist tape to prevent pokies:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Wind leaves back around headbands:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Done!  Handsomest donkey ever!

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

Really comfortable too!  I enjoyed wearing them after the party:

Making Bottom Donkey Ears for a Midsummer Nights Dream thedreamstress.com

9 Comments

  1. Deanna says

    Oh! It looks like so much fun! You two are so cute. 🙂

  2. Tracy Ragland says

    And a marvelous time was had by all!

  3. Lynne says

    You both look so charming! So appropriate that Mr D should go as a weaver – the perfect partner for Milady Sewist! And a big cheer for the Janome – that’s impressive!

  4. I like your T-shirt! A lot!
    I know, that’s an inappropriate comment. I like the ears, too. That headband arrangement is very clever.

  5. Susan says

    So fabulous!! You both look wonderful!!

  6. Gillian Stapleton says

    Go Mr D – what a dashing chap!

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