The Singing Costumer

My first medieval fair dress was made in maybe 2010 or 2011? I don’t really remember. I was part of the cast for the local Medieval Fair for many, many years, and this was my first costume. I wore it for several years and it served me well.  But by 2015, it was looking a little worse for wear. The trim around the neckline was getting ruined by this one particular necklace I often wore with it. (I know, I know. Be sensible and quit wearing jewelry that destroys costumes.) I was going to be walking in a Christmas parade with the Medieval Fair cast, and I just thought it needed a bit of an upgrade. And if I could give it a bit of holiday pizazz and bling, all the better.       I first removed the damaged trim. At Joann Fabrics, I found some really pretty red and gold brocade. It complemented the red main fabric and the gold lining of the sleeves rather well. So I bought a few yards of it and got to work. I decided to use the brocade as a trim, basically.  I don’t remember exactly how I di

  How do I even begin this blog? Little baby Sarah’s dreams are coming true! Beauty and the Beast has been my favorite Disney movie since the first time I saw it as a little girl. I am still obsessed with the gorgeous stained glass imagery, the catchy Alan Menken music matched perfectly with the clever Howard Ashman lyrics, the flawlessly flawed villain in Gaston, the timeless story… I could go on and on. I was honored to be cast in a production as a Silly Girl in summer 2021.       This dress has been in the works for at least 5 years. I found an Instagram post from 2016, announcing Belle as my Halloween costume that year. That didn’t happen. A few years later, it was almost finished, then I decided I didn’t like the design. I added another layer to the skirts.  And finally here in 2021, I am finishing it up. It consists of a separate bodice and skirt with multiple layers.       For the bodice, I added boning and slightly adjusted the shoulder swags on the bodice. I don’t even know wh

I have been cooking and baking much more than I used to as of late. My favorite meal to make is garlic and butter steak bites, with roasted mushrooms. Simply delicious! I also love roasting parsnips or carrots with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and spices.  And as for baking, I love to bake cakes. I really want to learn to decorate cakes someday. All this to say, I need some aprons. Not only for cooking or baking, but for protecting my shirt while washing dishes or doing other chores. But I love beauty. I love form and function in equal measure.  Why waste my time making something boring? So for your consideration, today I present 2 Disneybounding aprons.         I actually sewed this first apron several years ago, but never posted it here. It is inspired by my favorite Disney Princess, Belle. I bought this apron pattern only because it reminded me of her ballgown. I used Simplicity 2592, view D. (Sadly, this pattern is out of print.) It is very girly and cute, with 3 layers of ruffles.

     I first watched Tim Burton's Nightmare Before Christmas as an adult. It's so charming and sweet. I was inspired in 2019 by Sally's signature patchwork look. It's more of a Disneybound rather than a cosplay. A full cosplay will be coming someday, but for today, I present my Sally-inspired sweater. I decided to make a sweater to coordinate with my future costume. Most years in Oklahoma, October 31 is cool enough to at least require a light sweater. And I can't wear a mundane, everyday coat or sweater with my costumes. Oh no.      I bought 4 sweaters at the thrift store. They were carefully chosen to have different textures in the knitting, and also to match a specific color palette of muted traditional “fall” colors. From the beginning, I knew I wanted a pumpkin orange, a mustard yellow, and a green. Funny enough, those are all also my least favorite colors. But the more I thought about this project, the more I convinced myself that no other colors would do. And