It's a hard knock life

Ever since my days as a teacher, I've believed in the power of attacking subjects from different angles. If a kid develops a natural interest in butterflies, for example, sing songs about them, study the science behind them, draw pictures of them, make up stories about them, etc. In the classroom, you want to provide every opportunity for all different types of learners to engage. I imagine preschoolers can benefit from the same approach at home, so I try to do that with my kids now, too.

Except when Bo gets interested in something like poop. There will be no paintings of poop hanging on the clothesline in the kitchen.

While poop is always a favorite topic of discussion for Bo, the obsession du jour is the musical "Annie." The Broadway production was in town last weekend. We went, she loved it, and now I can't stop singing the songs.

A good friend of hers saw the musical, too, and according to her mom has always wanted to be an orphan. So for the little girl's fifth birthday, I sewed up two costumes--an orphan's work dress and the famous red-and-white number Annie wears at the end of the play.

I cannot believe I let the red dress out of the house today without taking a picture (the birthday party was this afternoon). But here are a few shots of the orphan dress--blurry because it's being worn by Bo while singing "It's a Hard Knock Life" (lots of floor scrubbing going on).

I need to make another version of each dress--for Bo to keep, of course--so I'll post photos of those one day soon. In the meantime, poor Annie is being attacked from all angles--art, acting, music, math ("Annie had one dog, but then she lost the dog ... how many dogs does she have left?" Just kidding. Bo burst out crying during that scene so I won't torture her with that little game.)

I didn't use a pattern here. Just sewed a basic lined jumper with a ruffle on the bottom and added an apron to the front, plus a few patches and pockets made from Klay's recent fabric donation. I meant to make bloomers, but I ran out of time. The dress is a little big on Bo because her friend is a couple of years older. 

Yes, she's wearing lipstick here. C'mon. What orphan doesn't wear bright red lipstick??

Comments

[Carolyn L.]

I'm so amazed you can do these things without a pattern! That dress is way cute.

[Shoebuy.com Coupons Chick]

I love Annie and I love that you can make your own dresses. I can't do it well at all.

[Nis]

That's so cute, Mimi! Love it. I wish I could sew, sigh. Stacey linked to your blog today...I hope you get lots of fun new visitors! :)

xoxo
N

[Susannah @ the Art Nest]

oh, I want one too! How fantastic~ Can't wait to see the red dress!
Susannah

[Jeanne]

That is so sweet that you made the dress for her. You should have a video of her singing..with the red lipstick of course. I am having a huge giveaway...come on over.

[Klay]

I once did the costumes for a children's production of Annie - it was to most fun making all those scrub dresses and aprons. I love your version and I'm
looking forward to seeing the second versions too. Tea staining is a fun time with Annie costumes, all that grunge goes well with Red lipstick :)

[Megan]

Thanks so much, guys. It's such a simple little dress--didn't require much skill at all. Klay, I bet your creations were amazing. What an interesting career you've had.
Jeanne--you have quite a giveaway going on over there! How generous of you! I'm going to write something about it in a sec.
Susannah--I'm with you. I want one of these orphan dresses in my size. I think it'd make housework more fun (especially with the soundtrack to the musical blaring in the background).

[sarah s s]

i love the layers here! fabulous dress!

[Megan]

Thanks, Sarah! It's definitely one of those dresses I'd love to have in my own size. Wouldn't that be a fun way to clean house?

[Amy Hudnall]

I love the "Annie" dresses. My daughter has also become the biggest Annie fan after seeing the play. Around the house, I am "Grace" and her dad is "Daddy Warbucks." Anyway, I am interested in party ideas. I was curious if you had any Annie ideas after attending the Annie party.

[Megan]

Thanks, Amy! It wasn't an actual Annie party we went to, though. That was just the gift we gave the birthday girl because we knew she loved the play, too.
Hmm ... what could you do, though?
Favors: little stuffed-animal dogs that look like Sandy? Or burn everyone a CD with some of the best Annie songs (this depends on how many guests you have. I think there's a limit on how many you can burn).
Cake: A cake that looks like Daddy Warbucks' mansion? Or a cake that looks like a bucket and mop?
Depending on the age of the kids, you could break them into groups and have them act out a song from the musical.
Hmmm ... I want to come.

[My Boaz's Ruth]

I loved Annie growing up and, even without a costume, used to pretend I was a orphan, etc.

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what a lovely cute littel girl, i mean, wearing some lipstick? that's the sweetest thing!

[Hollie Eastman]

Now I'm going to be singing it's a hard knock life...love the dress, and I was a teacher too!!=)
Hollie

[Megan]

You were, Hollie?! I didn't know that. What grade? When? Where? How long? I've been missing it lately.