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Sandy Alderman
Madrigal Costume Director
What research did you do before you began to design costumes
for a madrigal dinner?
I looked for books in the library on period piece clothing
of that era.
What experience did you have before this madrigal?
I have designed costumes for many years with our local
theater group. I also designed and helped with the C-Span Lincoln and Douglas
Debate, designed some dresses for Mrs. Lincoln in Visiting with the
Lincolns and have sewn professionally for many years.
Where did you get the patterns or ideas for the costumes?
From the information that I found, I sketched some designs
and looked through the pattern books at a local fabric store to find some
patterns that would fit the designs that I needed. If I could not find
a pattern, I created one.
What would you have done differently?
I don't know that I would have done anything differently,
because I continue to change each dress or tabard so no one looks the same.
What would you do again?
Keep the fabrics rich in velvets, tapestries, and darker
colors.
What was the hardest part of this project?
Special fitting all the sizes. Women range from size
4 to size 24. Men range from small to xx-large.
What was the most rewarding part?
Seeing my creations come to life the night of the madrigal.
Also, knowing how each person felt so regal and beautiful in his/her costume.
What would you encourage people taking on a similar
task to do?
Make sure you have plenty of time to devote to such a
detailed and time consuming project. Do your research, search for the right
fabrics, take pride in your work(don't skimp), and have fun!
For additional information:
The Renaissance Tailor
http://www.vertetsable.com/
~ History, patterns, and instructions to Renaissance
clothing
Renaissance
Links
http://home.rochester.rr.com/inwoods/weblinks-historyrenaissance.htm
~ Look at clothes, theater, language and many other aspects
of a successful Renaissance Fair
Costuming
Guide
http://www.renfair.com/guide2.htm#menmid
~ Lists appropriate colors for various social classes
Guide to Commercial
Costume Patterns
http://www.reddawn.net/costume
~ Complete with pattern numbers, photos, and critiques
Photos
of Elizabethan Costumes
http://www.faucet.net/costume/period/eliz.html
Smock
Pattern Generator
http://www.dnaco.net/%7Ealeed/corsets/smockpat/index.html
~ Fill in measurements and get a step-by-step pattern.
The
Elizabethan Blackwork Embroidery Archives
http://www.pacificnet.net/~pmarmor/bwarch.html |
