Hello fine folks of the internet!
It’s been far too long since I’ve put up new content, but as is usually the case it’s because I’ve been a busy bee in the other realms of life.
A quick update (to be followed soon by lots of exciting full posts!):
Theatre in the park! Photo by Leif Norman
In August, I stage managed for a local theatre company. We put on a production of A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream free to the public in a park downtown. The park has really turned around in recent years. Formerly a bit of a shady place, it underwent a major cleanup and is now a vibrant centre for lots of local families. Our ‘stage’ was a beautiful fountain at the north end of the park originally built one hundred years ago. Performing in an outdoor public place had it’s challenges, but overall the experience was positive for the company and the community.
Canvas sneakers being dyed to match a costume.
In September, I juggled a gig organizing and maintaining mascot costumes, while working on a very special dress for a friend and colleague. As usual, things tend to happen all at once, but everything got done and the lucky lady was very happy.
Sneak peek at the dress!
Later in the fall I stage managed another show for the same theatre company. This time it was a school tour production of Hamlet. Only about an hour long, it was heavily cut in terms of text and characters to allow us to perform it in high schools with limited time. Previous touring experiences had left me a bit bitter on the concept, but luckily my cast (who also acted as crew to set up and tear down the show every day) were all awesome people and we had lots of fun despite performing a tragedy twice a day. On a day off in Dauphin, I managed to make myself a ball gown with a borrowed sewing machine and thrifted fabric I stashed in my suitcase…
A one day make (for me!) for a formal event. Details soon!
Because free time is for the unemployed, I jumped into Props land immediately after the tour was over. Working for a different theatre company in town, I was hired on to build and modify a wide range of items to be used onstage as part of 4 different shows at two different theatres. My sewing skills came in handy as there was lots of furniture to re-cover, drapes to make (including one that was 29 feet tall), slipcovers and pillows. Of course I did my fair share of air stapling, photoshopping and spray gluing too.
One of three thermal casserole carriers I made as gifts for xmas this year.
Of course there were a few smaller projects for xmas and birthday gifts, but nothing too crazy as ‘the shows must go on’ and often in theatre you don’t get much time off over the holidays.
At this point in time I’m done with the full time gig, but have managed to make myself a few things (at least finish UFOs) for specific events. I’m also excited to work on some custom garment builds again, and do another of my semi-annual sewing room overhauls (which is part of a larger overhaul scheme finally coming into being involving other areas of our living space).
Thanks for stopping by. Come back soon for details of recent (and not so recent) projects, plus another look into my library of reference books!
~Heather