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!!!
Monday, October 16, 2017
Saturday, December 31, 2016
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.
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.
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| "WE THREE KINGS" |
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
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!
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!
Sunday, August 7, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, July 18, 2016
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!!
Friday, July 8, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, July 4, 2016
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.
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
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