What a Bozo I am!

[Pinky59]

No offense to any bozos, but I found out that I just made an expensive blunder. I bought the "Be a Clown" book (used) and just read it through. Apparently, I wasted $50 on material and notions to make one of those clown pattern costumes from the fabric store. In this book, it says nothing will brand you like a cheap, imitation like one of those costumes. I've spent two weeks working on it (yeah, I'm slow) and wasted all that money. Will I look like a total rube if I wear it? What would you do? Is there any way to salvage it so I don't look like a dork? Thanks!

[Grandpa Weatherbie]

Don't believe everything you read in the newspaper.
Gotta feeling your new outfit is going to be clown-sational.
Can't wait to see pic's?

[Pickles]

Pinky, I think you are WAY too hard on yourself. Without having seen your costume, I think I have an idea of what it looks like. Is it a two-piece with a smock, ruffled top and pants? If so, I think you can use this as the base of your costume. You can eventually make --or have somebody else make -- a coordinating skirt and vest, or maybe a sleeveless apron-dress to go over it. And you can find a matching petticoat on Ebay (I've bought a couple from ex-squaredancers) You can transform the pants you have sewn into bloomers to wear under it all.

But there's no reason why you can't wear the costume that you've made by itself. After all, we're all evolving, and I've seen some really good clowns wearing the type of costume you are talking about.

What kind of fabric are you using? You will have to post a picture when the costume is all ready. Also, look at costumes on the websites of P. Mooseburger and Costumes by Betty to get ideas. A lot of them have that layered look I'm thinking of.

Good luck, keep us posted, and QUIT BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELF. I've been reading your posts, and you are going to be a wonderful clown.

[tim]

I'd like to see the costume. I don't see at all why it would be a waste. We all start out with whatever we start out with. You should see some of our early pictures! The important thing is that it is something which makes YOU feel funny. If you're comfortable with it, and it generally looks good, who else should care? I think all the author is suggesting is to be uniquely yourself, really.

[Peppermint Kathie]

I agree with Pickles, you really are too hard on yourself!!! I too, am a newbie clown and have many misgivings about costume, wig, makeup, etc but have decided that as long as I am courteous, genuine, enjoy what I'm doing, it shouldn't really matter what I look like. Having read various other thread topics, I am realizing too that no one cares what you look like, its your clown spirit they are relating to! Enjoy your new costume, be proud of the fact you made it and stop worrying! If you are not happy with it later, change it! I have found most of my costume at a Thrift shop, beautiful pink polka dot shirts, lined pajama pantaloons, funny jackets etc. I even found a pair of Converse "extra high top" sparkly pink running shoes , size 10, for $5.00!!! I couldn't believe it! You never know what you will find.
Enjoy!

[Waldo]

Actually, calling someone a Bozo in this circle would be a complement!

[Pinky59]

Thanks Everyone! Pickles, you look so professional in your picture. I want to be YOU when I grow up. Actually, the costume is kinda the male version (if there is such a thing): it's the big one piece jumpsuit thingy. My best friend wisely pointed out (after I bought it all) that going to the bathroom would be a challenge. Oooops. Forgot about that. Anyway, the material is adorable, it's baby blue with lollipops, ice cream cones and candy all over it (in shades of pink and purple and yellow). When (if) I fiinish it, I will post a picture. Guess there's no sense stopping now. Thanks again!

[Pinky59]

Waldo, where in VA are you from? I just moved to NC from VA (northern Va, Manassas).

[Waldo]

I am from Newport News. Too many Yankees up north in Manassas.

[Pinky59]

Ha! Now I'm more southern than you, here in New Bern, NC!