My Mother Ginger in the news!

The Mayor played the part of Mother Ginger in this year's production. He was perfectly delightful to work with, although I did end up having to make him his own blouse, bodice, and pantaloons, as the existing costume didn't fit him properly. He has measurements to match his personality.

I pasted some links to a few news spots about his role and the costume. I blatantly stole the pictures above from the news, but since I made the costume, I figure I have the right to use the photos, don't you agree?

I made the hoopskirt and costume about 7 years ago. It's not beautiful, but it does the job. The skirt was a major feat of PVC architecture, let me tell you. I even had to do MATH for this construction. The skirt has a circumference of around 28 feet.

http://missoularedtape.com/?p=2112

http://www.missoulian.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/article_e86b3e1a-eb91-11de-a1c3-001cc4c03286.html

Nutcracker Mice are Nice!

I managed to live through another Nutcracker season. I was preparing my costumer's report, and realized that I sewed at least 22 new garments for the show, not including props, such as sashes, pillows, and draperies. Additionally, I altered, repaired, or rebuilt about 100 costumes, with changes ranging from simple hemlines and moving closure hardware to the complete dismantling and refurbishing of tutus. No wonder I caught a cold.



I didn't take any photos myself (I was too busy!) I will, however, try to salvage a few pictures for my blog as I find them on other people's photostreams, or wepages or wherever.

For example, these little mice are very cute! They were used in a season-long advertising campaign. Their photos were taken all over town, and people had to guess the location to win tickets. I actually made these little mousy costumes last season (a baker's dozen).

The mouse costumes all have stuffed furry breeches with suspenders under those fancy tunics, which are worn with gray leotards that the studio already owned. The main fabric is a jacobean floral, with sleeveheads and front decorative panels of a luminous gold. The trim on the collars and faux pocket flaps are purple velvet. I used purple satin ribbon and gold star-shaped buttons for embellishment. These mouse costumes also feature long tails with wire inside, so the tails can be used as weapons to fight their arch-enemy, the Nutcracker Prince!

I find the tunic approach, over suspendered breeches to be very forgiving for costume fitting. I only had to make signifigant alterations to one mouse costume, for a particularly stout little mouse.