Monday, February 15, 2010

(costume) Designing Woman

Designing the costumes for a local production of Pride and Prejudice has given me new appreciation for fabric, seamstresses and historians.

Anxiety dreams have filled my head the last few nights, and auditions are still 2 days away. It is this waiting that is driving me crazy. I have had the designs done (for the most part) since last month, but until the roles are cast, it is not possible to begin the measuring, sewing and altering.

I have never undertaken anything this large in the costuming world before. The last show I designed for required creativity (one character had to look like he was a Macy's Day Parade balloon, complete with miniature figures dangling from his arms and legs to anchor him), and the show before that had much Goodwill hunting (ha!), to find '80's acid washed denim and hideous jumpers.

Nothing like this. This has upwards of 30 characters. It is set in early 19th century. In England. with soldiers. British soldiers during the Napoleonic period. do you have any idea how complicated their uniforms were? not exactly something that can be modified from something you find at Goodwill.

Fortunately! 1. I have an amazing team of extremely talented seamstresses. (soooo important (sew important?), because beyond the occasional Halloween costume...I do not sew!) and 2. I have a mom who loves fabric and fabric stores and knows so much more about it all than I do and is willing to go with me as often as I need, to get the best bargains ...even if it means being at the fabric shop 4 days in a row over President's Weekend! and MOST important3.  I am not costuming for this...

ack!
I  can't even begin to imagine.

3 comments:

Daniel said...

Fiddle dee dee ... that doesn't look so hard .....

Mer said...

I know the costumes are going to be amazing. :) I am looking forward to seeing you work your magic! :)

Lisa P said...

I can't even imagine taking that on--have at it and I'm sure it'll be fun, memorable and awesome!