Amateur Costumer

I've been kept busy at work these last few weeks with our conservatory program (more like a day camp, really), which culminated in a performance of a short opera last night. The students and staff all did so well - I was very, very proud to be working for this organization! As happens when putting on shows, the last week was a bit frantic and our costumer asked for some sewing help on a few of the costumes. It was my first time doing any sort of costuming, and I quickly learned to lower my construction standards, stitch as fast as humanly possible, and embrace polyester and sparkles.

I just hemmed this, but isn't it the coolest fabric? It's the sort of thing that you could never use in everyday life, but it's SO perfect for use as a fairy tale costume! It really looked amazing on stage.

I hemmed and made casings for four pairs of knickers, hemmed a robe, made a skirt start to finish, and then stitched numerous sparkle trims, buttons, and so on by hand on location. The robe and skirt sewing occurred late at night, and these photos were all taken in the wee, small hours of Thursday morning, hence the poor lighting and disheveled look. I'm glad this sort of frenzied sewing doesn't happen too much, but it was really fun to be a part of it all!

I made this one! Simple, floor-length pleated skirt.

It's also fun to have a job where my sewing skills really do come in handy. I've always totally ignored costume patterns and fabrics, but now I'm thinking a few basic patterns may need to make their way to my collection, just in case!