In costuming, the need for alterations varies depending on the size of cast, the setting, and the source of the costumes. For example, a small show I worked on recently had a cast of three, no costume changes, and a contemporary setting; I shortened the sleeves on a jacket. Allowing only one week for alterations, as I have in this “costume my summer wardrobe” project, would be inviting disaster in the case of many, if not most, shows.
A couple of things that make it challenging:
- I am not yet at the experience level to really gauge how long each project is going to take. Some, like a machine hem, can be really quick.
- there is always more that could be done, more improvements that could be made. Not unlike in one’s personal wardrobe.
The good thing about stage is what is known as “the 20 foot rule”, aka “the 30 foot rule”, or even jokingly “the 30 meter rule”. Technically speaking, the costumes only have to look good enough to tell the story from the best seat in the house. No such luck in life!
Yesterday I took this dress that has been around for awhile to the next level: I carved out a little in the side seams from armhole to hip. Thankfully, it was a relatively simple alteration, easily within my skill set.
With stage costumes, we can get away with alot of imperfection; with my own wardrobe, I am making an effort to take it up a notch. How many people actually follow all the expert advice out there to perfect ready-to-wear clothing by having it tailored? By planning my wardrobe more purposefully, I should be able to shift resources from shopping to completing.
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