How to Create Vintage Ghost Costumes for the Stage: Blithe Spirit

[@theplussizecostumer]

As someone who used to do costumes for the theatre I totally understand the challenge. A suggestion for dealing with slippery fabric, Spray Starch. That is if it's fabric that can stand ironing. Another thing that I've done is using gelatine. (Here in the US we can get gelatine in a powered form that will dissolve completely in water. I don't know if using gelatine sheets would work the same.) You melt the gelatine in water, then take fabric and put it into the water letting the fabric soak in the liquid for about 5 minutes. Then take it out and hang it to dry. Then the fabric will be easier to handle. I did this with silk charmeuse which is just as slippery as the fabric you used for the over dresses. And after you've made the garment you just soak it in warm water with a tiny amount of soap and let it dry again. When you're done it will be back to its original slippery self.

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you! I'll bear this in mind if I ever decide to tackle this type of fabric again.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Don’t be so mean to yourself! They turned out beautifully. You made multiple functional garments for the play in a short time!! The sewing police weren’t there so it’s all good. The audience was enjoying the overall look and performance. No one could see any of the things that bothers you! It was a learning experience! As to the fabric never say never someday a kid might give you big eyes and with complete faith that you can do anything request something. It will involve horrid fabric lots of cursing and the realization that you can’t break their little heart. It’s amazing what you can figure out when kids are involved. I’ve been caught in this too many times and not just my kids!

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you ❤️ It was so nice hearing that people in the ordinance liked the costumes and I loved the way they looked on stage. I just hate organza with a passion now 🤣

[@NellieChristopher]

This was a huge project with a lot of potential for stress. You did a great job and can be proud of a wonderful accomplishment! 😃💖🌟

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you ❤️

[@angelanice]

I fully support you prioritizing your needs over appearance! I also am a disabled KZbinr and it's hard to find that balance, you're doing awesome ❤️

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thanks! 💕

[@maryannjohnson5410]

Enjoyed the video, and I thought you looked great throughout it.

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you 💖

[@Thespaewife]

I can really understand taking on too much especially when you have an illness, i'm exactly the same, i'm currently making a three piece peaky blinders style suit having absolutely no experience of tailoring, yip biting off more than i can chew especially as i have fybro. you done really good, they are lucky to have you.

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you ❤️ Sorry to hear you have fibro, it really sucks 💓 Good luck with your project, I'm sure it will turn out fab!

[@firecracker3911]

Beautiful!

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you ❤️

[@RhymingMime]

Clever problem solving for the stage ! Such challenging fabric+especially fitting others! I totally understand getting excited - I just started a job and worked 10 hours before discussing wages 🤦 big no

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thanks! ❤️ Yeah, it's so easy to let the excitable part of you take over lol.

[@michellecornum5856]

Ah, yes, slippery and sheer -- not made any better by being slippery and opaque. Micro-serrated sheers -- they're pricey, but necessary if you have to do this, even once. A large felt mat. Smooth that fabric and pin it down, make sure there is NO TENSION from the excess fabric. You literally cannot fold anything to cut it, so it is best to trace any "on the fold" pattern pieces so they are the entire piece in one piece because even flipping the pattern piece over is going to cause slippage. When pinning to cut, pin down the loose edges, as well, from what you just cut out so that smooth flatness can be maintained. Use as few seams as possible. I'm getting ready to make a yellow and black Herjolfsnes with a sheer black overlay, and the overlay will not be the same as the underdress. The underdress has 16 pieces, the over dress will have 2 -- just front and back. Also, overlocker with the trimming blade disengaged. The second a piece is cut out, I serge all the way around it without trimming any of it. (inset cussing about ravely fabric here.) I don't use stiffeners or starches, though you can. If you do all of these things, I guarantee your experience will still be hell-ish, though perhaps two or three tears less. Oh, and one more thing, if you can slide the pattern piece UNDER the fabric, do so. Ash L G gets full credit for this process. It takes all the guess work out of what's going on under the pattern.

[@craftingwithcasca]

Thank you so much, this is all super useful! ❤️