Nutcracker Soldiers

The local ballet commissioned a new set of soldier costumes for the annual nutcracker production.  I had to devise my own patterns, for the most part.  The pants are heavy duty knit, and I made them from a pattern for a sleeveless leotard, combined with a pattern for stirrup cycling pants.  I loved putting all the trim and buttons on the jackets.  I got a great deal on the helmets from a uniform shop that went out of business, but I had to add the gold hat chain and sunburst emblems.  The first photo shows the mock-up that I made in miniature to show the board.  The next photo is from the local newspaper article- they took the picture before the pants and boots were finished, so the girls are in their tights!