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I am currently working as a freelance dress maker and costume maker. I can also design when given appropriate specifications.
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Freelance Costume Maker and Dress Maker

Anniesland, Glasgow

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I am a freelance seamstress and dress maker. I specialise in costume construction for stage and screen. I can create designs from specifications and can create samples or finished garments from them or a design given. Feel free to get in touch with me if you would like a quote or further information on my skills base. Please see my blog on blogspot for further reference.
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Charity shops we're a comin'!

We moved into our fab little flat in the west end of Glasgow in July and up until a week ago we still had stacked cardboard boxes in our living room with our little library of books in them. We desperately needed a bookcase, coffee table and some sort of furniture that I could work at and store all of my crafty things in and something for Tim to work on his music on. We've been looking and looking round the charity shops on Dumbarton road (which are amazing by the way) but found nothing for months. On September the 7th 'The Salvation Army' had a special sale day where they kept back tonnes of awesome furniture and collections of bits and bobs to sell on this one day. It opened at 10:00 and we arrived at 10:10 and it was jam-packed and pretty much everything had gone...except a bookcase for a crazy cheap price of £25! Literally ran over and someone stepped in front of me and nabbed it first. Devastated!

So to consolidate ourselves we went for a couple of coffees in Big Mouth Cafe ~(if you ever go try the oreo cake- delicious) which put me in a bit of a better mood..and, you know, seen as we were there already...we decided to pop into some of the other charity shops. British Heart foundation were having a sale and low behold we found a perfect coffee table. Yus!

 After a bit of checking over the condition Tim discovered a cool little novelty! (secret extending bits at both ends of the table ...ooooooo) Well Tims certainly excited about it:)

SO we bought it. Feeling both relieved and excited we thought we might just pop into one more shop as its a favourite- Its should be world renowned you can find such great treasures in for bargainous prices!'Emmaus' What a place. 
So anyway we popped in and there was SO MANY cool things it was hard not to buy the whole shop..(but our bank balance prevented us). We found a very lovely desk for £65. 
I loved it but as we were intending to get a bookcase as well we thought it was a little too much. Before going to get another consolation coffee we thought we'd have a sneaky ask if we could get a price reduction and she gave us a whole £15 off! What a generous lady. So mounting it on his shoulders Tim took a very careful walk to the train station. We got it home safe and trained back over to Partick for our coffee table.

It seems that Tim may have claimed it as his music desk already!

 As we were carrying it down the shop chuckle-brother style I hesitated, as the wheels in my head started turning, and wondered if Tim had seen the big cabinet with shelves which would be quite a handy piece of furniture perhaps to store things in, such as books or something... So he legged it back down. Came back and we ummed and arred about it for 10 minutes then he went back and bought it. And thats how its done. 

Three pieces of furniture in one day. Everything we needed. AMAZING!:)

Now to get the Annie Sloan!

Filling our house for free!

Following becoming a Mrs in July 2012 I went with my Mr to travel the world and meet some of his close family members that weren't able to come to our wedding. We had such an incredible 8 months and were so thankful for so many kind wedding gifts towards our trip. We came back with, lets say, quite a bit less in le bank than we had left with. Moving into our new flat we knew it was a big priority for us both to have a warm, cosy, open home so people always felt welcome and at home when they came to visit the Kwant crib. 

When we were planning our wedding decorations we quickly discovered the vintage geek within and got hooked on visiting the local charity shops on Dumbarton road in Glasgow. Our motto is that if its lasted more than 50 years in such good condition then it'll last another 50! As my Dad says..'They don't make em like they used to'. Furniture was made to last in the good ol days and I just think its the best thing ever that now you can find this really solid furniture for cheapy cheap in charity shops. 

Great furniture+ giving to charity= a great buy!

We collected vintage teacups for our big day and no joke Tim was on speed dial on quite a few lady's phones who ran the charity shops in Dumbarton for whenever they had an incoming stock up of teacups in their shop. Tim found a bargainous old trunk in a local antiques shop at £20 which my Mum (upholsterer extraordinaire) helped me to re-felt the inside of. 

After a bit of umming and arring on where to put it and what to use it for in the flat, we tried it out with our DVDs and they were a perfect fit..meant to be!

We moved into a furnished flat but the Ikea white and brown plastic and glass furniture just wasn't our idea of homey but these two artists were thankful for the blank canvas before them. So..we went hunting in my parents shed which had treasures untold:) My Mum had kept my Great Auntie Aida's table which had been varnished a very dark brown. It was a perfect size for our little living room as the leaves folded down for when it wasn't in use and I think it was grateful to be used again. My awesome husband yet again came to the rescue with the power tools and sanded down the top and revealed a gorgeous oak underneath the varnish. It gave the old farmhouse appeal that I love. We waxed the surface to protect it and made up our own version of green chalk paint for the legs.

Here is the finished piece with its first use. Obviously a cream tea was the way to celebrate!

Our next finding was an old carved wardrobe with little twisty coat hooks and a big drawer- perhaps Edwardian style? Its pretty solid and we really loved the design but again it was quite darkly varnished. After chasing out a few ginormous spiders with their webby homes..Tim started up the old sander and blasted off the dark colour to reveal a lighter wood underneath. We got it into the flat but didn't quite manage to get it up the narrow stairs to the bedroom:( so...it became a coat wardrobe in the hallway. Well I suppose you need a fair few coats living in Glasgow so its not entirely crazy! The bottom drawer became Tim's man drawer. Well you've gotta give them something eh?


                                                 

While Tim was doing some manual labour with a family friend who was renovating an old house he came across this dresser. Its destination was unfortunately the bonfire so the hero that he is saved it from its firey death. The sanding master yet again transformed an old unappealing fire destined furnishing into a gorgeous masterpiece! 

              

Sanded then oiled with Danish oil to bring out the grain for the final touch!

Our final freebie was all thanks to freecycle and a very kind giver. Although full of memories he very generously decided to do an act of charity for those skint people out there and put an awesome old wooden rocking chair up free for re-homing...and we were very willing to oblige in doing that. He even dropped it off for us. What a guy. We're still undecided if it needs a bit of a spruce up or not with a lick of paint...we'll see. Either way it really adds to the homey touch we're wanting for our new abode.

My wire crafts

On our years travel last year we were invited by my husband's grandmother to go and stay with her for a few months. Obviously it was more than a pleasure to take her up on that offer! 
We stayed in the Strand on the coast and it was absolutely beautiful. Apart from the whole 'getting eaten by a shark' fear it was one of the best holidays ever. In the local open market by the sea there were a few very talented guys with some pliers and some galvanised wire at the ready for any passing customers who might want their name fashioned for a decoration at a very reasonable price. Heres one we picked up in SA.

Although they seemed to do it twice as neat and fast as I felt I could ever do it... I still felt very inspired, so on coming home and finding pliers and wire in the man drawer (new novelty for this married lady)thought I'd give it a shot. I was pretty proud of my first efforts but found it a little plain. Looking on good ol pinterest I found that someone had spruced up their wire creation by wrapping wool around it. 

In our new flat, along a long line of flats people are forever calling up asking where our flat is so to point people in the right direction I thought this little hanging name sign would be perfect. I always like to add a little colour into the world too and thats one thing our front door definitely needs!I decided to mix up the colours of wool and I've got to say I feel very proud of the result!It was much easier than I thought! What do you think?

My sketches..

The year after I finished sixth form I decided to take a year out before uni and before I knew it I ended up in Ghana. One of the best years of my life. Completely eye opening and heart opening and even more. I definitely couldn't put all my experiences, thoughts and feelings down in one sitting. I lived in the rural north of Ghana for six months with a friend. I hear broadband has been boosted in that area now, but when we were living there we didn't have any internet or TV and it was BOILING outside. So the normal entertainments I took for granted as a teenager had gone down the drain. But from it I was able to have a go at different hobbies I'd always longed to try. My main and I feel my most successful one was sketching.
I literally paused a movie on the PC I had and started sketching and found that I wasn't half bad when you could actually tell it was a person... then even more specifically who it was. I know I have a lot to learn about the technicalities of drawing and looking at fine art still blows me away feeling like I'm completely incompetent, but I still feel I'm on my way there. 

So here are my first few attempts straight from sunny Africa.

From a theatre prop workshop to the catwalk!

At the end of May I said a sad farewell to Leigh and the gang as I felt Middlesbrough was just a bit too far to get on the 3 and a half hour, zig-zagging train to from Glasgow to Middlesbrough (sad times). But looking onwards and upwards I set out to look for a new job over yonder border. I was so thankful to join such a friendly, creative church (The one and only Hope Church Glasgow!) as only a few days after moving into our new flat I came by some freelance work working alongside Cassandra Belanger Macindoe who owns The Stitchery. Trained in fashion design she does a range of exciting work such as making patterns for the sewing magazine 'Cloth', teaching sewing classes and doing various other freelance work. Check out her website for more details. She was also quite recently on the first episode of Kirsty Allsops new show 'Kirstie's Fill your house for free.' 

A local fashion designer in Glasgow employed her to make two dresses that went on the catwalk at the end of July. Again unfortunately I am unable to share the projects I was working on due to copyright reasons but again would like to share that it was a great experience working with Cassandra. This was I hope only my first taster of the fashion industry and from this job I felt very inspired to try and design my own clothes. My first effort is a dress that will very soon be posted up. So keep a wary eye out!

Props and fat suits

I finished my degree in Entertainment design crafts at CCAD (Cleveland College of Art and Design) last June. The fastest three years of my life! To end a crazy busy year we took our workrooms apart and putting down the sewing machines and picking up hammers and power tools built up the stage for our degree show. I finished with mixed feelings of relief and pride as our costumes took the stage. Although I thought it was a good way to end the year and our course together, in all honesty I wasn't in much hope of any possible employment to follow as its such a small college in a tiny seaside town. What an encouragement it was when I was picked out from the many other ones on display, well my devil costume was (see previous projects if this doesn't make sense). Leigh Cranston who owns the props company LCProps gave me a trial period at his workshop in Middlesbrough. LCProps specialises in props mainly for theatre work but has a wide variety of jobs such as film work,  music shows, independent work etc.

Although I didn't specialise in props I was initially able to make the fabric prop structures that involved sewing and from there Leigh taught me how to use different materials and tools I didn't have the opportunity to use previously. So much fun. Due to so many projects coming in over the few weeks I worked there I was able to experience such a range of new challenges, learning new methods and seeing how a workshop like this works. As stated in my 'About me' section I am a huge fan of Disney! As you can imagine I was a little more than over-excited when the first project I was able to work on was for the west-end theatre production 'Disney's The Lion King' that was due to go on tour around the United Kingdom. Unfortunately due to copyright reasons I am unable to show any photos of the projects I worked on or to link my blog to any other images on the web of the props. I also can't share the methods and materials used but I do want to share that I had so much fun working there. I was able to work both independently and in a team on three different types of leaf structures worn as costume props in the scene, 'Can you feel the love tonight'. As part of the team at LCProps I had the opportunity to help with painting Scar's costume, cutting out and partially sewing Mufasa's collar and making the basis that makes up Rafiki's fingers. Too Cool.
Other things I was able to help with was the fat suit for the character of Bruce in the west end theatre production Matilda and also on some props for the Human Centipede 3 that is due to be out in May 2013.

We had a few long days as it came up to deadlines but we were able to meet them all (yippee) and I learned a lot from how Leigh came up with quick solutions to the odd hiccups that came up. Working there gave me a real confidence and enthusiasm for learning new techniques outside of 'the seamstress box' I put myself in previously. 

My Inspiration for costume

If you need to know one thing about me it would have to be that I LOVE Disney. I think I have a lot to owe to my childhood hero. Through the magic of animal tailors and seamstresses at the age of three I was captivated with costume construction as the rabbits, mice and birds swung, zip-wired and with their tiny paws stabbed the huge needle back and forth to sew the dress together WHILST creating an impeccably finished garment. Only after my first project did I realise just how much training these wee critters must have had to pull off something that perfectly made.....especially being that small and all.

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Although looming deadlines does often make me wish I had that natural ability to create a perfect finished piece in a matter of minutes, I have a deep down appreciation of being able to learn, improve and refine those oh so important skills needed to create such well made costumes evident in film and theatre today. Theres nothing compared to the feeling of meeting a challenging deadline whilst keeping up a good quality and foreseeing all the possible issues that might arise. But above all I love being able to create something functional and often really sophisticated looking from the few pieces of materials lying on my work desk at the beginning of the project.

Pride and Prejudice
It was my next obsession that got me really hooked. Jane Austen. What a legend. I mean what girl doesn't want to watch Colin Firth as Mr Darcy stride coolly across the lawn on repeat for the 52nd time? If he could change Elizabeth Bennet's mind from hate to adoring love in the 6 hours I watch then he had me from scene one, act one. Theres a fine line between my love for him and my love for the pretty dresses. Whatever sucked me in to that world I've been wanting to make historical costume that might just transport me back to that time ever since. 



Theres something really romantic about the period dramas. Not being able to go back in time but through them imagining living in a time when one of the most important things for a lady was to decide what she was going to wear to the ball. 

My passion in costume is inspired by how it reflects the characters personality, culture and lifestyle to bring the character to life and aids in engaging the performer into their role. I love how it subtly aids in conveying themes and emotions to draw the audience into the story and how costume together with all the other elements together create the best final production possible.

Although I am at the very beginning of my career I am a very eager learner and try to take every opportunity to learn and to build up my range and ability of skills.I love costume and I hope I get the opportunity to develop and push my creative thinking and practical skills. Its such an exciting journey and I really can't wait to get started. I wonder where I'll be in 10 years? Maybe on the newest production of Pride and Prejudice. Lets hope so.

CV

Profile

I am a degree graduate in Entertainment Design Crafts and specialise in costume construction achieving Second Class Honours Division One.My passion in costume is inspired by how it reflects the characters personality, culture and lifestyle to bring the character to life and aids in engaging the performer into their role. I love how it subtly aids in conveying themes and emotions to draw the audience into the story and how costume together with all the other elements together create the best final production possible.

I am hard working, enthusiastic, can work under tight time pressures and enjoy working independently and in a team. I enjoy new experiences and learning new skills. Although I am at the very beginning of my career I am a very eager learner and will take every opportunity to learn from who I am working with in all situations to acquire a good knowledge of costume construction and to build up my range and ability of skills.

Education AND Qualifications

2012  Bachelor's degree in Entertainment Design Crafts achieving Second Class Honours Division one
         - Cleveland College of Art and Design as part of the University of Teeside

2009-2010 Foundation Degree Costume Construction for Stage and Screen

        -Cleveland College of Art and Design as part of the University of Teeside

2001-2008 A-Level Qualifications 

         Textiles-C

         Psychology-B

         Health and Social Care -C

        

Eleven G.C.S.E qualifications including:

         Textiles A, 

         English Literature A, 

         English Language A, 

                     Maths B

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog. I will keep you up to date with new projects here :)