It was “70s Day” at Oliver’s high school today, and, after a complex series of negotiations, he proposed dressing up as Gene Wilder’s character from the 1971 Willy Wonka film.

While a purple waistcoat of Catherine’s and a green bow tie filled most of Oliver’s needs, a top hat was needed. But, if you can believe it, our top hat cupboard was bare.

With the clock ticking, I managed to convert a bright green St. Patrick’s Day hat and two sacrificial pillow cases into a reasonable facsimile.

I haven’t been called to such heights of urgent crafting since the Hallowe’en cow costume of 2002.