I'm not there yet. Though I do know that I want to sell costumes. It's narrowing the scope of that I'm working on.
Right now I'm building corsets, circus costumes, belly dance costumes, and hats by buckram & wire construction.
I'm currently building my costume for Burning Man this Summer. With no reason to start this early other than over-zealousness, I'm finishing it quickly. It is my take on a Cigarette Girl costume, of which my desire to build I'm lending to my internship at Teatro Zinzanni, where I'm constantly working on adorable "Cocktailer" costumes and I want one for my own! It is a corseted bodice over puffy pantaloon shorts, with a feather bustle, gloves, and cap. The classic tray which I'll wear on a strap around my neck will hold the gifts I plan to give out to people I meet on the playa - matchbooks, candy, jewelry, glowsticks, other small, cheap, and lightweight things.
So far, I've spent about 12 hours on the corset, which is close to completion. It's flat lined in coutil, a strongly woven lining fabric, and fully boned using spiral steel, which my loving boyfriend generously tipped for me. The trims are a combination of ones I had on hand, and ones I purchased for this project specifically. After years of sewing, I've accumulated quite a stockpile of fabrics and notions! As for decoration, I'm not sure if I want to add three "frog" closures down the front panels because I'm afraid that will make it too busy. However, it is Burning Man after all - can there really be too much?
The shorts I made from an altered bloomers pattern out of carefully selected coordinating fabric. I love this woven blend, which I found at Discount Fabric on Ashby and San Pablo in Berkeley. It has a light sparkle from the metallic thread woven throughout it.
I'll post photos as soon as I finish more pieces of the costume.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!
Wow. Your craftsmanship is supurb. I have some vintage African fabric. Maybe I can commission something??
ReplyDeletewonderful eye for colors & texture! Can't wait to see the completed project!
ReplyDeleteMiss Shelby Welby Woo:
ReplyDeleteWhat a long way you have come....from the outfits you made for your 4H chickens.
Lots of love
Dad