The New Year

Hello! I have been negligent. Oh my! So much has happened since my last post.

I am still teaching three sewing students. They are now working on a project that has a separating zipper and lots of bias binding trim. We are almost finished and reasy for a summer hiatus.

Alterations have become a bit of a nightmare. I have retired from doing them for the most part.

I continue to manage costumes and wardrobe for Turner Chapel's Drama Ministry.

The Easter production had 59 cast members and was a costuming success. We are going to eventually focus on improving the sound. (Not my ministry). Many compliments were heard regarding costumes.

My motto is to sew everyday when it is feasible. I made Christmas gifts after Christmas this year. I even created some for next year. A quilt was made for one sister and the other sister's quilt will be finished soon. 

I lost over 30 pounds and none of my clothes fit. I have managed to alter a few pieces but I many more to do. What a good problem to have.

A Costumer I Am, regularly.

Peace, Wanda J

Anybody There

 Oh My! I have been working. I have been teaching. I have been Costume Designer, Costumer, Wardrobe Tech and all of the above.

I just about fell apart during this "Paindemic." Too much to consider.

Do I take this job? Do I allow anyone to come into my house? How many masks can be made this week? 

The world loosened restrictions and then I tested positive on at least one occasion of Mother's Day 2022. It was crazy to say the least.

I tried to stay at least 6 feet away (and still do if possible), particularly, in public. Mom likes to cough without turning her head and any other precautionary methods. It is absolutely gross and she coughs often due to her swallowing concerns.

Health is concerning to almost every one of my family members. We are all aging and those habits and maladies have caught up with us like smoking, lack of exercise and terrible eating habits.

But enough of that type of news. During these times and world events my skills and talents allowed me to use my skills. I worked with a feature film via Zoom, Christmas was filmed partially on a nearby farm where the neighbors thought up some interesting dialogue about what was taking place. 

December 2019 was fraught with memories of working with Black Nativity. What a delightful group of cast and crew members. I could have and would have organized things much differently to use and transport to the two different venues. Overall it was a positive experience. I would do it all over despite the attack on my character while an audience via conference call was listening. My spirit will not be crushed despite this turn of events. By the way people in costuming/wardrobe, rubber bands and/or masking tape  does not bode well on footwear. 

In January 2020, I resumed work on my Cathedral Window Quilt which I made for myself. I said it right, I thought I was finished. My intentions were to make it queen sized, then I relented but now I am on track to complete a generous sized one for my queen sized bed. 

The saga continues . . . But until then I bid you peace, warmth, warm hugs and prosperity. I promise I wont be long. Enjoy sewing, quilting or otherwise participate in creative situations everyday you possibly can.   

Has Anyone Determined the Price of Sanity and Humanity?

 Today I sit and ponder a myriad of thoughts. What next? Which protocol is in place? What is needed for my next destination? What will happen next? When can travel be done freely and safely?

My projects have dwindled in the last 6 months in one way yet magnified in another. Yes, I was a maker of masks along with two other individuals who helped tremendously. Together we created over 400 up until the middle of June. Since then I am working solo and am able to reclaim my kitchen and become a lot more creative. That helps with sanity.

For those individuals picking up masks, I adopted a contact free pickup which worked out rather well. Donations were accepted so I could continue the work. Creating for a purpose.  The Comfort and Care  Pastor of the church picked up regular Saturday deliveries of masks: 1 per family member was the standard. Am I shamed that the first were utilitarian and made with on-hand inventory of fabric and notions? Not exactly. Some of it costume remnants and others from my personal inventory; when I take the time to sew stash. They were constructed well and simply done so we could churn out the required numbers.

After the initial delivery, elastic was a nightmare to procure. I ordered from several sources and what each provider had in inventory was so different. I used it all: shoestrings, bias tape ties, elastic 1/4," 1/8," and 3/8" in width with 3/8" being my least favorite. Locating elastic that could be delivered in a reasonable time frame was nearly impossible. Two large rolls were finally delivered to me after a month (a month's time from California). Whoever advised cutting the wider elastic down, succeeded in helping me waste some of my on-hand inventory. Enough about elastic. 

Here is a peek:        Creativity calmed me so. While I built (costume wording) these masks,  

there was a sense of calm and excitement. These photos represent the styles in the inventory.

Now that I covered the adventure of mask making, I will change the subject to what I was working on prior to the pandemic, also as the pandemic approached and my current midst pandemic projects. 

                   

Mask making became more creative for a stint of a couple of months. Mostly from bandanas and custom colors. But at this point and time masks are a welcomed distant future. Here are a few examples.

So finally on to a new adventure that has to do with sustainability. This is so near and dear to my heart.

Fast fashion and the habits of manufacturing clothing and everything in general have helped to destroy the earth. I am doing my part. follow my latest travels on this journey.

This was orginally done in 2020. I intend to keep up but this has been really challenging to manage this pandemic and political outbursts. It has affected the entire temperment and attitude of the world. I will keep it light here and carry on. Be safe and stay healthy. 

I AM Costumer : MY CURRENT SITUATION

I AM Costumer : MY CURRENT SITUATION: So it has been a while since I have spoken with those of you who are interested in my musings in the world of costumes and wardrobes and mor...

MY CURRENT SITUATION

So it has been a while since I have spoken with those of you who are interested in my musings in the world of costumes and wardrobes and more.

My eyes have opened wider with each venture. In the past year I have continued my journey in the field in spite of the things that some times try to get in the way. Things include life and home decisions and situations, travels, projects and so much more. Yes, I did finish Ethan's Quilt and included a storage bag/pillow case. His mom was excited about the creativity. 

It has been a year and a half since my last entry and I was absolutely thinking about the blog but never put in the work. I could have brought my laptop to the sets and to the meetings. That seems practical, doesn't it?

My supporters are growing for sure. I am constantly thinking and producing product and projects and collecting ideas but the posting part is often beyond me. Requests come often enough to keep me busy enough including teaching two very young persons how to hand sew this summer. I loved it as it connected me with the two that I would have otherwise not spent as much time. They entertained me with every visit. 

Together we made things like pillows of the tiny kind while incorporating stitches like running, basting, overcast or whipstitch. Having had the experience of teaching sewing for several years, I made adaptations while we created yo-yos of the fabric kind, drawstring bags, and finally pillowcases. In the 4 weeks we met (two days for 1.5+ hours) giving them home work was not fruitful. It was summer and they had the interest but oh, silly me, they had such busy schedules.  The emphasis still is and was for them to practice, practice, practice.

 Sewing on buttons, threading needles, single and double thread stitches and more were crammed into these sessions.

The mom who approached me is interested in having them continue this school year and we will work it out. My mission has become to pass down these skills I acquired over the many years. With clothing construction almost nil or just plain old watered down by today's standards, I promise not to torture but to expound upon what has been already begun. They are excited about learning more and the socialization part is tantamount for sure.

My other exploits have been the gardening of the container kind, traveling to NYC to complete the Wardrobe Technician and Costume Design Specialist Certificates at FIT in November 2018, returning to NC for decorating for our annual Family Reunion on Thanksgiving and most recently a missions trip to Trinidad. The theater has commissioned me to work locally on "Real Life, " A Hip Hopera written by Joel P. King; Christmas and Easter Productions for my church, and an original play entitled "The Manifest," written and directed by Maxine Williams Wright.  August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean" was the culmination of my summer theater journey. It was a treat to outfit the characters from the year 1905. Also, the photograph taken in 2018 for the Juneteenth festivities in Marietta, GA was republished this year as part of an article describing the historical event and the weekend planned. Although I was not a participant, I was excited about the newspaper coverage.

Surely, I have missed something I have worked on in the last year and a half and I am embarrassed that it took so long to get to this entry. Better things are coming!

Wanda J

IT IS THE YEAR 2018!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!  Oh my how the time does fly! The Costumer in me has been recuperating in January from the December 17th production and other responsibilities before that date. Help was needed to distribute, repair, fit, attend rehearsals and was not available until the dress rehearsal and the final show. The production was an overall success where persons who opinions I value approached me and were happily complimenting the program. That filled my heart with joy.

I have a young lady, a high school student, who has shown interest and promise to the world of theater and wants to major in technology in college then use that technology to work behind the scenes in the area of costumes. She expressed that she learns so much when she works with me and truly enjoys the experience.
I could not pay her for her assistance but I did present her with a copy of the guide I refer to when necessary, "The Costume Technician's Handbook," by Rosemary Ingham and Liz Covey. This book was recommended by a one of a kind instructor, facilitator at FIT. It is the go to book for almost everything having to do with costumes. Immediately, I replaced the book for it is like gold. She started perusing the book immediately.

When I wrote the last post in October 2017, I was actually in New Jersey, taking coursework at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). The certificates in the related areas of Costume Design Specialist and Wardrobe Technician are within my reach with just a few classes to take. I bit off a little more that I can chew and the result was having to drop two of the 5 classes. Upon my return home, there was an online course to complete along with two major assignments due to my instructors in a timely fashion. Lots of pressure and time constraints but the missions were completed
satisfactorily. Did I also include the job of helping to organize the details for a 50th Birthday Celebration for a dear friend in this timeline?   The Costumer I Am would have it no other way than to be constantly in motion; creatively, that is.

This coursework along with the interaction with instructors and students from throughout the world has served to enhance, reinforce, exhilarate, encourage, develop, extrude, examine, master, motivate, ignite, focus  and so much more. The experiences have been absolutely priceless. 

Ethan's quilt had been put aside for a time. Part of it was because the flow of the creative process (How do I place these 16 blocks together after making the decisions on the blocks to create (colors  & fabrics)?) The other part was those projects and events in between. Alas, the top is done mostly. What do you think? My design wall is coming on the  posts to follow.

Oh my, it has been a year since we last spoke. I have created, supervised, assisted, repaired, inventoried, stitched, and in a variety of film and theater events. Also participation as an Extra in  projects done locally including the feature film "A Question of Faith."  It is a well done, recently released, feature film done by the Silver Lining entity. It is a film for everyone. So please go see it. That is my free promo.

Proudly I state that I updated my resume' to include the gigs as reminded by my sister just yesterday. Certainly it is my intent to do this as these events occur. In reviewing at my resume,' the jobs came fast and furious, even overlapping at the end of 2016 and the first few months of 2017. Quite an exciting time being a part of each and every opportunity. A part as an Extra in an independent film (and assistant costumer) took place on my birthday in January and I earnestly tried to get them to rearrange. Well, who do I think I am?  Recently, I saw the trailer  and glad to report I made it through the edit.  It is so much fun to digress.

My recent works have been repairs to costumes that honestly were interesting to handle and to investigate the design and techniques used to create them. Norcostco and Southeast Costume Company are the go to places around the ATL for costumes. I actually must visit Southeast's location soon. Norcostco is buzzing with activity for the upcoming Halloween season.

Before I sign off I must share with you that I am  working on a labor of love quilt for my great nephew, Ethan. Photos are coming!!!

My goodness how time flies. It has been September since my last post. This is not what I intended and unfortunately I have not kept the promise to post more often.

What has happened since September? Livin' Fat and the Christmas Production took up most of the costuming hours with some foundation work being developed  on two other projects.  Finding outfits for the 1970's was an adventure with a "minimal" budget and only a smidgen of time. The Christmas Production always takes on new life and this year Mary, the mother of Jesus had 5 different looks. Joseph had at least three.

There is never a dull moment in the life of a  Costumer. In Atlanta, it is quite expected that you do all of the work alone.That means; the meetings, the shopping, the fittings, the sketching, the sewing, the maintaining, the cleaning and repairing, dressing, set up and break down. I have even been asked to bring a team when I am doing jobs for free. Thoughts on this anyone?? Please share.

This craft and artistry that I bring to the table is something hat has been developed over years of study and practice. My costumes are to be done well. Allow me the necessary resources: access, space, money and time. The results will be unforgettable. I can promise you that.

"WE THREE KINGS"

Projects, Projects, Projects

In the past 4 weeks, life has been an adventure of sorts. A variety of of situations and events have unfolded -- too many to mention. Mom's health concerns and mine have been the priority. Let me just say I am behind on a few projects. Sewing and quilting has happened but not as much as I prefer.

There are now 180 blocks for the improvisational quilt. Once I finished the last, I was determined to have the design wall in place or at least in the works. The supplies have been purchased and this week has been designated "finish all the projects you can week" while keeping up with mom, meetings, rehearsals, and sewing.

We are gearing up for the Christmas Production to be held on December 11, 2017. It is an contemporary storytelling of the birth of Christ. The account is from the bible and is kept pretty much in tact, however, laced with humor and anachronisms. What has been shared with me is the main characters will be performing classical dance.

I AM (the) Costumer. Just thought this acclamation was appropriate here.

I will keep you posted.

Wanda J

Enjoy these closeups of 3 of the patched blocks!

When I started this blog, the intention was to post at least twice weekly.  That has not happened but I am committed to up the stakes to at least once a week starting today.

Today I want to share another Atlanta area resource when it comes to fabrics, and other delightful embellishments. It is Gail K Fabrics. One of the two locations of Gail K fabrics located in Norcross off Interstate 85.

The website is neatly organized and explains the offerings. Happily, Gail K will assist with weddings, performance, costume and ecclesiastical needs. There are notions that are available for the whim and needs of those seeking the extraordinary and the historical.

Once inside the Cheshire Bridge location in Atlanta, what I discovered inside made me more than happy. It was delightful. Easily I overspent. It was right after I made a major decision to spend more time in my studio (at least 4 to 6 hours daily). I discovered Gail K at 
Fine Fabrics from a local designer who was so helpful.

Next week I will share my latest costuming adventures.Thanks for reading this blog. Please share it with others.

Just Checking In

Hi: I am checking in this morning to let you all know that I am still here. Stay tuned folks. There is so much more to come. Keep Costuming Alive!!

It Reminds Me of Fabric Shopping in NYC.

After sewing here for years  in the A-T-L as Atlanta is commonly called,I longed for my shopping haunts in New Jersey and New York City regularly. The truth is fabric shopping of this type has been changed everywhere even in the garment district in NYC. My old haunts in New Jersey that were located right outside of the city and a bit further away in Elizabeth, Lodi and Jersey City had more to offer in the way of fabric shops stocked with fabric types  that can be used for theater and other types of sewing. When I checked online, I did find that Mc Gowen was still open in Elizabeth. I would go there depending on what type of fabrics I was looking. There is a name I am not familiar with but it is in a familiar shopping spot, Lodi, New Jersey. Budlee Fabric it is named which is 30 minutes outside of NYC.

Nonetheless, when I get he chance, I will check these out for myself, happily. On each of my trips to NYC, for the past 5 summers I have schlepped bound tubes of fabric that I found at great bargains or just the right color. I would roll it down the streets from the store into Port Authority and onto the bus to NJ and then  pack my car when the visit ended so they would end in Georgia being made into costumes.

The location I want to feature is Fine Fabrics located in Norcross, Georgia. It has changed management since and locations since we were first introduced a few years back. On my last visit, I met a young lady who is connected with FSU and was shopping for 200 circus costumes. She said nothing like Fine Fabrics exists in Florida. We spoke briefly and I gave her my card before she headed out.

This is my go to resource for costumes, home decor, fashions and more. There is a vast assortment. They have notions of all types as well. You will meet upholsterers, designers, and people who do window treatments and custom sewing while shopping. The staff is very customer friendly.

My photos will not do this place any justice. There is so much available in such a large space. It is my understanding the merchandise comes from NYC. So please check out their website. If you happen upon the A-T-L metro area and you are in need or maybe in want of fabric, visit this establishment.

Celebrate Independence!

The attached photo is actually from my profile on Pinterest. It is a quilt I made for a coworker for her new baby. Her reply when asked what colors were the baby's room were: red, white and blue. She was quite happy when she received it. My instructions to her were to use it. Now more than ever before I ask people to use rather than store and save what I have made particularly the quilts.

Now if Aunt Bet would listen, that would be lovely. She had removed from the wall the memory quilt made in honor of both of my grandparents to have it painted and decided to put it in plastic. She removed it from plastic after I recommended a cotton pillow case. Sad to say but right now it has been relegated to a corner hidden behind an opened door just waiting to be enjoyed again.

Handcrafted for Chase

On 5/27 I was involved in a horrible accident and my activities have been limited in comparison to the past. The items from the destroyed car were placed just inside the entrance to the studio. BIG mistake! It has since been corrected.

This post will represent additional views of my studio. The top photo are two stacks of blocks for a quilt I am  planning just because. I showed them to two ladies who are aware of sewing techniques and both said I was crazy because the stack in the forefront consists of a take on crazy quilting or basically improvisational. I am using scraps for the quilt. The story is, and I am sticking to it, that these are fabrics from past projects and there were no newly purchased pieces for this project. The stack behind consists of solids or one fabric type. The plan is to at least complete the top prior to summer's end. We will see.

Here where I hang costumes and other garments both finished and those not. It takes up little space being sufficient enough to hang a few garments even those that are floor length.

Since I have had to make adjustments in my routine, my next posts will be based on where I shop and what they feature. Until then, tell me what you think.

Right from the Start!

My beginning posts will be an introduction to what this costuming life entails and the current project or projects that have me consumed at the time. As a person who enjoys the creation of garments that will be seen on a screen or stage, this blog will start with a photo or two of my studio where the magic does (or does not) happen.

The musings of others who dwell in fabrics, dress forms, several sewing machines and countless buttons, trims and other notions  respectfully understand that what we do is a labor of love that takes time, wisdom, and a special sense of humor.

Being organized is crucial but the former teacher earns a failing grade on many days and other days earns an A or at least a B. My studio is actually a screened-in porch added by the former owner of this ranch style home. It is in the back of the house which has 10 large windows. I recently put curtains on those windows and tried not to break the bank. It made a difference, a big difference in the ambiance of the room.

The room is ever evolving but my latest toy is a Singer High Speed Overedge and Safety Stitch Machine. I am still learning how to use it but I do enjoy the speed of a commercial machine. I must laugh here. I recently learned how to thread the machine in Japanese via YouTube when the thread broke. I must make it back for a 13 mile trip to get more instruction. I love my vendor, Southeast Sewing, who can be found at www.sewingmachine.com located in Atlanta' s warehouse district.
Does anyone know how I can get that information in English or at least a clearly printed instruction. (The line drawings are quite unclear)?

Other questions I have have to do my studio: Where do actors/clients change clothes? How do I keep the curious at bay? Recently, a family member traipsed through with wet hands, glistening from perspiration, and had the food pan and utensils in hand. The question here is: How do you make it delicately but firmly clear at the same time that this room is not a thruway?