Accessories everywhere

The ostrich feathers have arrived

I had to test them!

Ring for the cardinal - what one can do with two large buttons!

Ribbons everywhere

Medal for D-Artagnan on becoming a musketeer

Applique for the saddle cover for the horse

Lace, frills and very large breeches

Jabots for the 10 mini musketeers

Extravagant frills for the adult musketeers

Very, very large breeches to allow the actor to hide one of his lower legs in them

Ribbons for the cardinal’s bible

Wired hat brims

It’s amazing what you learn when you say “Well, I’ve never done that, but I’ll have a go”.

 

She isn't blogging - oh yes she is!

Too much panto’  making going on to allow time for blogging. 16 costumes to make from scratch, 11 to adapt from existing wardrobe stores, numerous accessories to make - rapier frogs anyone?

New making experiences this year:

Dyeing swan’s feathers ( gathered legally in Hyde Park, at the Serpentine). Dyed using Dye-na-Flow dyes and a foam brush. Not sure how permanent this will be, but as long as the stage roof doesn’t leak, it should be fine.

Sewing leather - who knew this was so straightforward!

and a reason to get out my floral mini-hammer!

Stitching fun:

Bling for the directors to wear at the first Sunday rehearsal

Garters for the adult leads, male and female

Bling for shoes and hats

When the sewing gets busy, even my work computer is used as a surface

Chaos in the sewing room - I always start off saying to myself that I will work in an organised and tidy manner - it never happens.

A set of musketeers

For anyone with an interest in costume, there is a terrific exhibition by and about the costume department at the National Theatre, free and on until the middle of 2020.