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At the Lichfield Costume Hire, i regularly performed quick alterations and repairs along side making new garments for hire and the shop. Here are three examples of pattern drafting a pair of mens shorts, a completed womans engineers skirt and a replaced zip (green dress).
During my time at Hand & Lock, i had the chance to experiment with beading techniques as well as help finish commissions for places such as burberry. The majority of my tasks consisted of neatening threads and delivering orders to customers.
At the Royal Opera House (London) i assisted the menswear workroom with their ballet production of Frankenstein. To start with i cut and made the collars and cuffs for the majority of the principle dancers coats, but i soon moved on to assisting with the making of the sleeves, pleats and attaching all of the lining.
For just over 2 months i worked at Opera Australia. During this period of time i worked on multiple productions...the main two however were Turandot and Marriage of Figaro. I frequently took on ad-hoc tasks such as quick repairs but primarily shadowed the heads of menswear and womenswear and the making tasks they handed to me. Key makes during this time include, 50 childrens breeches, a fat suit, toiles of trousers and a large emperors gown. On occasion i was moved to stock, headwear and costume storage to work on some more immediate tasks.
I was Hat Therapy in Hebden Bridge for just under 6 months learning more about the millinery trade. General day to day tasks consisted of making hats, greeting and assisting customers in the shop, maintaining/rearranging the shop, uploading/updating the online shop and taking custom orders. In terms of making, i was able to experience blocking with multiple types of fabric and grasp more of an understanding of working with wool, leather, felt, buckram, lace, netting and more. Often my handmade pieces featured in the shop window.
During the summer of 2015, i assisted with the production of the BBC's TV show Hank Zipzer (series 3). When i arrived they were working on the costumes for the alien scene. Alot of the work i produced was small alterations and add ons to pre bought clothes, however i also had the privilege of helping make this giant, green monster. Other tasks undertaken include fittings, dressing, washing, ironing, taking care of stock and preparing the dressing rooms.
My first ever placement was with freelancer, Sophie Belinda. With her i was able to experience the day to day tasks and motivations self employment demands as well as meeting with clients and making custom orders. I often worked on the embellishment elements on custom prom and wedding dresses and from time to time moved on to making floral headbands, bunting and small clutch bags.