Somewhere in Time, Unlimited - Design Studio: Costume Alchemy. Costumes Seattle, Victorian Dress, Victorian Men's Attire, Historical Costuming, Lady Victoria

	Somewhere in Time, Unlimited presents: Design Studio - Costume Alchemy June 30, 2012 King County Library Redmond, WA
	SITU Design Studio. Definition: A form of "show-n-tell" whereby members and friends of SITU learn about historical costuming by viewing garments, accessories and drawings. Sometimes these sessions are era-specific, other times participants learn about historical costuming in general.
	On this day, members and friends of SITU gathered at the library for a most fascinating presentation by a number of different historical costumers. Many had been costuming for a long time, while others have been costuming for a shorter time period. Each presenter brought in examples of garments. Today's Design Studio focused on what someone could purchase from a thrift store, ebay, or sew, in order to put together an outfit for an event or gathering. Our "Alchemy" Design Studio was hosted by Miss Sharon and Miss Shirley. (Left) A few participants were looking through design boards in advance.
The tables contained beautiful examples of costuming ideas and books to consult. If you enjoy historical costuming, the Seattle area is a great place! There are a number of costume groups in Seattle. Somewhere in Time, Unlimited (SITU) is one of them.
	Our presenters brought in the most amazing assortment of goods. This beautiful hat had been purchased by Miss Joan at a thrift store. She wondered about the unusual pink-sand sort of tone it has. One day, while she was cruising another thrift store, she found an outfit with the EXACT color match. She even had the grey gloves to compliment! Lucky finds indeed...
Hats by Queen Julia
	Participants of today's Design Studio were encouraged to write a question onto a little card provided, and tuck it onto the board. The questions would be posed to the presenters, so that all could learn. What a terrific idea!
Before the Design Studio began, all were encouraged to enjoy the potluck tea which was laid out on the buffet. Miss Sharon brought her beautiful teacup collection for us to use! (Front row, L-R) Miss Kathy, Miss Sharon (Back row, L-R) Miss Patty, Miss Joan, 2 participants
Miss Shirley (in turquoise) answers a question from Lady Paisley	Miss Mary is an instructor in our area. She shows us her husband's garments for this class.
Miss Mary showed us how to alter a shirt.	Miss Joan is holding up a fine vintage shawl.
Queen Julia is a recent addition to historical costuming. Here, Queen shows us how she creates her fantastic hats... Voila!

Miss Pippin (blue) sits in rapt attention, while Countess Cassimira scribbles notes.	Miss Patty is showing her husband's Regency jacket.

Miss Patty explains that she look a long wool coat, and with a little creative imagination, converted the coat into Regency-era tails!

Here is another example of Miss Patty's handiwork. She has reinvented the use of a pretty blazer, then added an equally smart striped skirt.

Miss Agnes is another professional instructor and long-time historical costumer. In this example, she is describing the "swimming costume" she had created a few years ago. She offered a few suggestions how, if she were to sew this pattern again, she would make different decisions regarding adjustments and openings.

When creating an 18th century garment, we learned that historical costumers frequently use the fabric from quilted duvet covers as petticoats, to replicate the quilted petticoats worn in the 1700's.


Here, Miss Agnes shows us different 18th century garments.

Lady Paisley makes a presentation using accessories. Will you use short gloves, or long? What is the protocol?
	What a darling jacket. I think it has "Pippin's name" all over it! Thank you for visiting our page. If you'd like to learn more about this fun and lively costuming group in Seattle, which is comprised of men, women and children totalling approximately 100 households, please visit our Homepage. There, you can view more photos from Prior Events, more educational opportunities such as Workshops and Design Studios, along with gatherings we have planned for the near future. We costume from Tudor through the 1950's, holding several themed parties each year. We look forward to meeting you soon....

Updated Nov 15, 2012