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Saturday, May 24, 2014

Meet my Draping Teacher!

You all know I work with illustrious Mr. Jim who is my tailoring teacher. I've also have had the pleasure of taking lessons from Mrs. Pat who is a TALENTED Freelance Draper (I highlighted a little bit about my draping experiences in this POST). I happened to run across her contact info while visiting a new fabric store in town. I was all too delighted when she agreed to give me draping lessons. I have updates on my progress but will save that for a later post. I just wanted to dedicate this one to her work. While visiting her studio I asked to see her portfolio and was literally blown away! She's been draping for over 20+ years and has spent most of that time working in costuming/theatre work and really knows her stuff.  She's currently working on Swan Lake costumes for the Boston Ballet who will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this year!
Here's Mrs. Pat holding a magazine which highlighted the Nut Cracker production on which she worked. Can you believe she made the Nut Cracker's jacket that's featured? I should've got a close up pic of it. It's marvelous!


Here's a costume she made for the Nutcracker production at the Boston Ballet. Isn't it GORGEOUS! Just look at all of the detail in the corset and tutu.


 Here's another outfit she worked on. She made the skirt. I love the texture, colors and lightness!


 Here's the drawing for the previous skirt. Designers provide drapers with very detailed sketches in which drapers get to recreate. Mrs. Pat has worked on jackets similar to the one on the bottom right. She just finished one of 4 needed for the upcoming Swan Lake production.


Here's a pic of one of many elaborate dresses she helped create from a sketch.

I REALLY enjoyed looking through her portfolio. It gave me a newfound respect and awe for costume work and for the hard work drapers put into it!  It really invigorated my spirits on how we sewers have a marvelous gift to create beautiful clothing. What a marvelous gift it is! I'm continually working on my draping to hone my skills. I'll update you on my progress soon:)

11 comments:

  1. Victoria, maybe I need to move to Savannah. You meet some of the most talented people!! Dara

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    1. If you don't move here Dara, then definitely come in for a visit:)

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  2. I was thinking the same thing as Dara :)

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  3. How awesome to be tutored by such a talented seamstress! Those costumes are amazing!

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    1. I know Vanessa! Nearly knocked my socks off!

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing all this great information about your teacher/s. I have always lived by the firm belief that when we stop learning, it is time for us to leave this earth. You are living proof of that belief. As well as you sew, you realize that there is always room to learn more. I applaud you on your wisdom and your yearning to learn as much as you possibly can. I know you are sharing that same longing for knowledge to your daughter. The world needs more people like you.

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    1. Thanks so much Vernelle! I take that as the highest compliment. Such kind words! I'm LOVE learning and am driven to try and be the best I can be. We'll see where it and God takes me. It's been an adventure so far!

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    2. Vernelle, I say the exact same thing all the time..."when you feel like you've learned everything...you might as well leave this earth". I feel that as long as we have breathe in our bodies, we are ever learning. Like you, Victoria, I yearn to learn more and more. Like someone else said, you seem to meet some of the most talented. The best part about it is they are willing to share their talents with you...awesome! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! P.S. Awesome work by your draping teacher, the very talented Mrs. Pat!

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  5. Wow Victoria! I agree with everyone here, you do meet some very fascinating, talented people! Congratulations on being tutored by yet any super instructor and good luck!

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  6. Such beautiful costumes, so much inspiration. Thanks for this post.

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