MacBeth -costuming

   

 In January, I had the honor of helping to create, and alter existing costumes, for Skinhorse Theater's production of "The Scottish Play". For the week leading up to dress rehearsal, I moved my machine and materials into Tigermen Den in the Bywater, and hung out with these awesome talented people. The fact that the script had been economized to be preformed by only 5 actors was a plus, but then there were 5 people playing 12 seperate characters so the focus moved to changing them convincingly.
      Lee had already found a perfect pattern and material for the three weīrd sisters and I spent a day with him in his studio finishing, fixing, and reinforcing their hooded "body cloaks".

To Organize, I made a wanted poster for each of the characters. Where I had not yet photographed the actors in their costumes, I downloaded funny (sometimes) images of other versions of those characters from thespian history. As I surveyed each persons costume, I would write ideas down of how to add to it or a list of alterations that needed to be performed.

Crowns. Always a crucial wardrobe prop -after all it IS what all the murder is about innit? Thanks to Southern Costume Company in the CBD for letting me dig around for a few hours. Serious contender on the left and as a joke, the other.

 Below are some production stills by Bill Brown. Enjoy

Really had a wonderful time working with these awesome people. Looking forward to sharing some current sewing for theater projects that I am working on. Be sure you visit you some fringe in the fall.

Black and White Polka Dot

Black and White Polka Dot

UPDATE: Some highlights from our shoot! Enjoy.

Original Piece: swim suit

Black Mesh Swimsuit

A diy sewing blog

Okay my privileged class of humans... time to start making your own things again. You should no longer wear any or as many of the things that are made on the other side of the planet by people who are overworked in terrible conditions to the point of jumping off the roof of their respective factories. 

Luckily enough learning to make your own things can be rewarding in an endless number of ways. Not only do the things you make or alter yourself become unmistakably yours, but they (ideally) fit you (your bf or gf brother sister acquaintance stranger) better than any clothing retailer would dare imagine.

The very first step in any such endeavor... is realizing that learning any new skill takes a lot of patience at first. Be kind to yourself when undertaking things for the first time, or you will never enjoy them. Emphasize discovery over mistake. You WILL waste thread fabric and time, but there will also be moments of sewing glory, which you are encouraged to bask in.

I am also for hire. If you live in the New Orleans, and need clothing made or altered, I can do it for you for a reasonable fee. If you are a fellow disciple of the threaded arts, get in touch. Finally, I want to say that though I have been sewing for over a decade here and there, I STILL don't really have a clue as to what I am doing, and in that the title "seamstar" is somewhat tongue in cheek. Have fun, measure twice, and try whatever you are curious about.