A new challenge!

With "Crimes of the Heart" just about wrapped for costuming (opens Friday, Jan. 16, Little Theatre of Virginia Beach!) I'm looking forward to "Zombie Prom" and "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" next. Although I have overlapped a bit before, this will be the first time I've done two shows at the same time. Should be fun! "Mariner" will be the biggest challenge as the director is looking for abstract ideas in costuming and set and I'm kind of a literal minded gal. So we shall see. He seems to like my idea using puppets so I'm going to run with that for my initial designs.

I also got the go-ahead for a sewing-it-for-love project. A dear young friend mentioned a while ago she would like a replica of Susan's farewell dress from Prince Caspian and we will get started on that this week. It's so pretty--- and so is she. I think the most difficult part will be finding the fabric for the overdress--- a Williamsburg blue with a brown floral-ish pattern. Jacquard or damask, I think, not too heavy, not too light. And not too expensive!

Happy New Year!

When I grow up I want to make costumes for the Philadelphia Mummer's Parade.

Yeah.

Today's homeschooling issue:

That's all.

(with thanks to the unknown artist)

Ask and Ye Shall Receive...

Several weeks ago I posted about losing "Into the Woods". And I said I wasn't worried about replacing it because I asked God to take care of it. Almost immediately I got a call from my friend J about the possibility of doing his next show. Well, I'll be measuring the actors for that show tonight. And a few hours ago, the director of "Playboy" put his next script into my hands. And the folks who canceled "Into the Woods" asked me to take on the replacement show; a musical called "Working". So I have work from now through May.

Yup. God is good.

It's open for business!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5978962

I opened the account in June... started making stuff for it before then... and now I've finally listed the first batch. My children's art smocks along with Ronnie's tapestry bags. Check 'em out!

"Tis the season for gifting, after all... ;)

It's November, which means...

Leaves changing, temperatures are 70 degrees on day and 50 the next. The Fall show (Playboy of the Western World) opens and we attempt to decorate outside with a fall theme. And I have a pile of all the stuff I was going to work on all year for Christmas gifts still untouched. Of all the things I put off doing; this has to be the most consistent. I mean, other stuff gets done eventually; deadlines do arrive and somehow projects get done (see my happy She-Ra!) but some of those Christmas gifts have been in the pile for up to 5(?)-10(?!?) years! There's the seasons of the year placemats I started for L & A, animal themed stuff for J's animal rescue and lot's of newer projects that were a great idea but there was always something else. I was going to have a huge stockpile of crafts listed on Etsy by now. I was going to have two or three or more vintage style dresses hanging in my closet for me to wear to church or whenever by now. I was going to have new covers on my blue sofa pillows that matched the new green slipcover and maybe even covered the blue chair with green to match. By now. And... no. They're not even touched except to move 'em around in the stash closet. But November also means I still have a chance. It ain't over yet. Yes, there's Thanksgiving to deal with and schoolwork is behind because of the show and being sick but if I stop goofing around I can still get some of this done by Christmas. And then I can say I've been working on my procrastination issues. Because "See! Look how much I got done this year!"

Even if most of it was in November.

I can breathe again

It's one thing to sew for myself or my children. It's quite another to sew for someone who's paying you and expecting a good job. When I dress a bride or costume a show I always have the utmost confidence as I start and I dissolve to near panic as the time draws near to deliver. I'm certain my customer will see the flaws I see, will hate it or it just plain won't fit. So when I set out to deliver a final I find myself anxious and a little breathless. This was how I felt this weekend as I sent the mentioned-a-few-weeks-ago She-Ra off to her home. It didn't help that it was Columbus Day weekend which delayed her delivery by a day. I was especially worried about fit, having never met my sweet gal in person and had to rely on measurements taken by someone else. ( I changed the zipper to a lace-up back; much more forgiving!) But I'm happy to say that except for a little tuck in the shoulder straps all is well and she sounds quite pleased. All is good in the cave. "Playboy of the Western World" can now take over. And I begin the cycle again.

On a disappointing note: I had been asked to costume "Into the Woods" in the spring for a local theatre--- probably because they knew I had done it before and still own most of the costumes. Unfortunately, it seems the drama company who owns the rights has pulled permission to do it. Maybe they're touring? I dunno. But it made me sad.

On a happpier note: I asked God to replace "Into the Woods" because after Christmas I will be done with TCC's show and Christmas sewing and I just don't feel productive unless I'm fretting about something. So my good friend J from Encore called to ask if I was interested in a spring show for another local theatre. It's not written in stone yet but I'm not worried. God is good.