Costumes
In these blog posts, I share my process for designing and building various types of costumes, as well as developing a comprehensive costuming plan and budget.
Theatre Costumes
I have designed and created costumes for Musical Theatre shows that include “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “A Chorus Line”, “Chicago”, “James and the Giant Peach”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, and “Addams Family”, among others.
Dance Costumes
I specialize in creating stunning pieces for solos, duets, trios, and group competitions. My specialty lies in crafting award-winning lyrical dance costumes that enhance the beauty and flow of the dance. Check out my gallery of diverse dance costumes to see my portfolio of work. And if you’re interested in creating your own dance costumes, don’t miss my helpful tips and tricks outlined in my blog posts.
Other Costumes
Every so often I receive a request to create a costume for Halloween or cos-play. I have included posts outlining my process for creating such costumes as Britney Spears “Slave 4 U” and “Dooneese” from one of favorite Saturday Night Live skits.
Costuming Resources
Greenstyle Patterns
Pattern company with good designs using stretch fabric. Simple designs that can be used for costume bases.
Spandex World
My second-favorite NYC- and online-based retail source of stretch fabric; I don’t like their physical NYC store as well as Spandex House, but their online ordering system has traditionally been easier to use. They are generally a bit more expensive than Spandex House. Minimum online order is $20.
Manhattan Wardrobe Supply
This is a great NYC- and online-based retailer of tools, dyes, threads, wardrobe care supplies, and sewing notions. They also have a robust blog with great tips for costume professionals and hobbyists.
Tutu.com
One-stop-shop for everything you need to create beautiful ballet and lyrical costumes, including patterns, fabrics, and embellishments. This site also sells instructional books on how to make ballet costumes. This is the best source I’ve found for instructions on constructing a classical tutu, and the best retail source for tulle and tutu net.
“Spandex Doesn’t Scare Me”
Facebook Group for sharing issues, tips, and wins when sewing with “spandex, lycra, and other stretchy things” without fear; Good source of costuming information and ideas.
Dreamtime Creations
Fantastic online source for reasonably-priced rhinestones and other costume embellishments. Offers free shipping for orders over $75.
Wawak
Wawak is an Atlanta-based online sewing retailer. They sell many types of sewing thread in all colors, along with tailoring and seamstress notions, tools, and supplies. They have fast order fulfillment, making the online shopping experience a very positive one. There is no minimum order requirement.
Kwik Sew’s Swim & Action Wear book
This book includes a good standard multi-sized pattern that can be used as a plain base for many styles of dance costumes, including briefs, bra tops, crop tops, and full leotards.
Spandex House
NYC and online-based fabric retailer who specializes in all types of stretch fabric. If you need a stretch costume fabric, they probably have it. Minimum online order is $20
Jalie Patterns
Good source of sewing patterns for stretch dancewear and activewear. Many of their skating costume patterns also work well as the base for dance costumes.Jalie patterns also include many sizes, so one pattern can be used for the tiniest dancer, adults, and any size in-between.
TDF - Theatre Development Fund
This organization supports many facets of the theatre world, and one of their services is a professional theatrical and dance costume rental warehouse in Astoria, NY. They allow visits to view their collection with an appointment set 24 hours in advance. I haven’t done this yet, but it is on my bucket list. In the meantime, their website and Facebook page are fun to follow for inspiration.