“Do we need the monkey?”
If you’ve been watching my Twitter or Instagram, you’ll have noticed weeks upon weeks of updates pertaining to my Halloween costume. Well, here it is, folks!
This year I’m going as Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark in her “Streets of Cairo” outfit of red harem pants and white peasant blouse (and Patrick as Indy of course). And guess what…I did it all myself! And I can’t deny that I’m pretty darn proud.
It was a long and grueling process. But long story short… After pouring over the film multiple times, as well as screencaping it myself, I sketched out the embroidery design, scanned it, then printed out strips to then trace onto the blouse using a water soluble pencil, followed by days upon days of hand-embroidering. I aimed to be as accurate as possible, down to details that I think many miss in the film, including some zig-zag stitching under the arms and down the side, as well as four dots on the back of the blouse (although some concessions were made. I believe the smaller design between the larger design on the sleeves is actually eyelet work). And while it may seem like a lot of work for just one event, I have plans to wear it again down the road for Comic-Con and Halloween at Disneyland.
I want to thank our friend and stellar photographer Anthony for shooting these. He’s so amazing!
My Costume
Blouse: New Look Pattern 6892, slightly altered, hand-embroidered by myself. (Download my pattern here. For personal use only. Do not sell.)
Pants: New Look Pattern 6132, slightly altered.
Sash: 1/4 of a yard of fabric, trimmed up, sewn in rousing with snaps in back.
Shoes: Thrifted
Monkey: Thrifted
Monkey’s vest: Made myself.
Patrick’s Costume
Hat: Disneyland
Shirt and Pants: Thrifted
Bag and Holster: Belong to my dad
Gun: Flea market
Whip: Swapmeet
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Those photos are phenomenal! And I love the costumes. Well done!
Oh my gosh I love it!! So creative and detailed. You look fab!! 🙂
Your costume is wonderful! I can’t believe the detail you went to, but it has really paid off! I’d wear that outfit any day, not just for halloween! x
WOW the embroidery is fantastic! I can’t believe you did that by hand!
Wonderful costumes. You both look amazing and your embroidery work is fabulous!
I am doffing my (vintage) hat something fierce over here right now. You both look so, so incredibly awesome! Amazing job on your top, it is without a doubt, stunning. The monkey adds such a cheeky dose of fun to this beyond cool pair of Halloween costume, so I say you do indeed need him.
♥ Jessica
this is awesome!
Awesome! One of the best “his and hers” that I’ve seen in a while. I’m amazed that you took the time to hand embroider the top but it looks so wonderful that I don’t blame you and you can wear it with more than just this costume! These types of peasant blouses were popular from the ’30s on into the ’50s.
I’m currently making my costume (stay tuned) and now I’m thinking I want to make a matching one for the hub as well! Hmm. . . . Thanks for sharing. I just love it!
A knockout; very impressive! And the monkey is adorable, just the thing.
That is insanely awesome – the detail is just fantastic. And all the embroidery would have taken FOREVER. I’m off to play Lego Indiana Jones. You’ve inspired me.
Holy Cow lady! You guys look amazing! And that blouse! I would be wearing it day to day it is so beautiful. Imagine the response it will get in Disneyland!
I am floored. Good work!
Lisa.
Janey, you have outdne yourself again! You didn’t need the monkey to authenticate your look…I knew who you two were straight away…but he’s such a cute addition! It is so nice to see a fab couples outfit. You must have mountains of patience to take on a task like this, especially when you kept it so authentic, and so much hand sewing was involved. Well done old chum. xx
Holy amazing handiwork Batman! And thanks for that undone top button on Patrick. Very nice touch 😛
AWESOME! My favorite movie ever. I’ve wanted to make a similar outfit for years. You guys look fantastic!
Awesome job!
You look fantastic! And your attention to detail is so inspiring, and the shirt looks like a PERFECT match. Are you going to wear a brown wig on Halloween?
I’ve contemplated a wig, but I think I’m going to pass this year. Although I may end up getting one if we go to Comic Con sometime in the future.
Janey, you did an amazing job on your costume – I love it! I’m amazed by your talent and your attention to detail!
Aww, thanks!!
Wow! This is amazing! Would you be willing to share your embroidery plan for the blouse? I’m making my own for Halloween and your embroidery work is amazing!
Sure! I’ll send it to you in an e-mail.
I absolutely love your Marion costume and the attention to detail is amazing. I’ve been wanting to make this costume myself but I’ve been having trouble with the embroidery on the shirt. Would it be possible for you to share the pattern you made?
Yes! I can e-mail it to you.