A real costume treat

Today's savings: $30

Thinking about a Halloween costume? If your child aspires to be more creative than a hobo this year, costumes can be expensive unless you're really crafty. But even crafty people have busy schedules and may not have the time to sew.

There's a cheaper, faster way to make a costume instead of buying fabric and stitching a pattern. Start looking at garage sales, or take a look around your child's room, for oversized stuffed animals that no longer hold interest for your 8-year-old. Remove the stuffing from the toy, and cut away the face, hands and legs, and slide the now-empty stuffed animal over your child's head. You'll need to find something to dress up the lower half but, in Maine, your child is probably wearing bulky pants for warmth on Oct. 31 anyway.

If you're looking for a free costume, try the costume sale and swap held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday through September and October at 14 Summer St., Norway. Adults and children can bring in a costume and swap for something in the shop. For more information, call 743-8192.

-- Tightwad Gazette

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