Filed under: Uncategorized
Our opera house holds a fundraiser (2nd year) for renovations. It is called Project Runway Repurposed. The designers are able to choose from donated clothing and fabric and then make new garments to be worn in a fashion show that are then auctioned off.
I started with:
this pink sweater, floral shower curtain and a tweed jacket. I also had a lime green fabric remnant, with a large tulip print and a green wraparound sweater.
When I saw them, I thought ‘Mad Men’, so I decided to make a lady’s wiggle dress, and a girl’s dress. I decided to use the sweater to make little shrugs or jackets.
I really liked the neckline of the middle dress here…but wanted a bit of flair, so I added:
the kickpleat.
For the girl’s dress, I used this pattern, which apparently used to belong to Roseann:
Here are my daughters modeling the outfits…
My youngest (10yo) submitted two fairy costume designs in the Beginner category. I will post pics of that soon.
Filed under: Uncategorized
I have been spending time looking at so many inspiring blogs and thinking ‘Hey, I need to post this or that to my blog”. I even signed up for the fabulous Wardrobe Refashion, so that I would be prompted to post my goings-on…
I , Dawn, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of “new” manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 4 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings! Signed, Dawn.
I do have so many projects in the air right now…a Project Runway Refashioned show at the end of the month and both Once Upon a Mattress and Music Man shows this spring! Lots of fun (and stress)!
Parting photos:
Inspiration for Marion the Librarian
And the dress Laurey wears in the “Dream Ballet” in Oklahoma!
Hope to keep a resolution to post more!
Filed under: Uncategorized
I am in the middle of organizing the basement (aka the hole under our house). I have finally gone through costumes from the past, and boxed and labeled them, so that hopefully I won’t have to dig through boxes to find something.
This if from a middle school production of 42nd Street. The actress and I loved this dress–after it was used for some time, I gave it to her!
Right now, I am gearing up for the following events for fall: Oklahoma!, our annual Madrigal Dinner at the middle school, and Schoolhouse Rock Live!
And, because I love the insanity, for spring: Music Man and Once Upon a Mattress.
Here are some inspiration photos that I have been collecting:
I like the detail on the green suit…hope to modify for Oklahoma!
Also liking this one for Eulalie…
Well, back to the sorting!
Filed under: Uncategorized
I am swamped…and actually liking it! I have a driveway full of mulch that needs a home by Friday; I have one more dress to sew for a local designer (more on that later); I have meetings for various projects scheduled (like Music Man):
I love this striped dress–maybe for Eulalie Shinn?
In other news, my attempts at breaking into the costume/wardrobe world in our movie industry here is proving futile. Most likely, I will be attending an expo on Sunday, and maybe I can make some contacts there!
Enjoying the lazy days of summer…it seems to be going more slowly than normal, which I like. My eldest daughter sang with her previous choir teacher at Balloonfest today.
I made many of these costumes for our Annual Madrigal Dinner. This year, we are putting on Once Upon a Mattress, and I am super excited. I am inspired by the TV movie and Carol Burnett’s Queen….so you will see that in my costume versions.
I will be starting on this crown before the end of July! I love it!
In addition to messing up well-known sayings, I have been going through my pattern stash (while watching Outlander; not as bad as one might think!). Anyway, I love my patterns! I often use them to inspire me.
I pulled out the following, to comment on the paper bag effect from the 60s–a stylish way to keep the neck warm?
Simplicity 5765
and Butterick 3302
So I giggle…but then I see this:
Is the paper bag effect making a comeback? Should it?
Filed under: Vintage Love
It has been ages…..to celebrate, I am posting a favorite pic! 
I came across this picture while searching for some inspiration for a ‘formal’ to make for a friend’s daughter for a production of Grease. I will have to post pics of that. I really have been quite busy with costuming and sewing, but real work gets in the way of updates.
I have so many goals for the summer: an Etsy shop, an online gallery for costuming (we have some film opportunities here in MI) and updating here. Oh, and to find a job again because I was laid off. Good while it lasted!
Filed under: Costuming Madness
Well, I have completely overbooked myself, per usual. I am madly dashing about finishing up Madrigal dinner costumes, trying to wrap my head around set dress for “It’s a Wonderful Life-The Musical”, working a new job giving presentations about cyber safety to K-8th graders, oh and the ordinary laundry/dishes/childcare thing.
I interviewed for a part-time Language Arts position one town over, and I am their top candidate!!! This makes me so happy; I have waited for a contracted teaching position for so long.
Project on the mannequin:
I found a great (but really expensive) ‘velvet’ with gold cording pattern at JoAnn’s. I coupled this with a deep gold velvet curtain panel from Salvation Army ($1.50!) and some creamy gold chiffon. Pics when finished for a lucky 8th grade girl!
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Well, where have the months gone? I am ashamed to see how long it has been since I have written. So long, in fact, that I had to click on the ‘forget your password’ button.
But, it is not as if I have not been busy. It just seems overwhelming to break out the camera to take pics of the exciting things that are happening in this casa.
I am going to try to be better; really, I am. I have so much to share!
*Pictures of the ONE HUNDRED vintage patterns that I treated myself to for my birthday (okay, okay, that was in July)
*Costumes from the WORLD PREMIERE of Swamp Opera…with music by Heywood Banks (written by his wife). Google him for the YouTube…so hilarious!
*Various projects while I contemplate opening an Etsy store (anyone have a good resource on how-to or advice–I would greatly appreciate!)
*Total bedroom redo–right down to the studs! It is now a cool blue oasis!
*I am participating in my first swap…an aqua and red one over at Apron Thrift Girl. This is SO exciting because I love this color combo!
I will leave you with this eye makeup image…courtesy of ellyyap.blogspot.com…imitation is the greatest form of flattery, no?
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We have had the craziest weather lately! A huge snowfall that cancels school (and my payday) followed by a digging out period, and then some rain to wash away snow. Snowdays do allow me to get some ‘Millie’ sewing done–these are Opening Scene Daydresses. . . .
And, as promised, I have included some of the beading I have been doing for the play. . .here is a hip decoration and a headband!
