The buyer dropped around with some cash for the fabric I agreed to source, and a sketch with exact dimensions marked on it so that I could produce exactly what was needed. I was also able to ask a few questions in regard to finish, and then, away I went. Using my industrial machine in the garage, I was able to get the job finished quicker than anticipated.

Now I was waiting for the Billy cart fabric. The director himself went to source it to suit his vision, it took him a while to get around town finding just the right pieces for me to tack together. I took that time to pack my bag and kit, ready for the night and next day.
Eventually, later than expected, he arrived, with the the fabric, the printed hession, the sticks and the ideas.
He made a sketch, thankfully, experience has taught him to specify exact dimensions, – (some “designers” like to leave the specifications to the maker, hoping they will get their vision exacted. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way if you have a specific vision) and we spent half an hour discussing it’s construction. How was it going to be used? how much weight did the seams need to hold? do you want fraying or neat edges? What angles are you going to see the sail from? using the fabric with the pattern going this way means that it needs to be re-enforced like this, otherwise the whole thing will twist, is it ok if the finished product looks like this (sketch sketch sketch)? because in order to achieve that, I’m going to have to do this and this as well to it.. how important is this design feature, how important is that design feature? etc. We discussed it until I was confidant I understood exactly what was wanted, and was able to deliver it in the time frame allotted. It’s important for me to know which short cuts to take, and which features need that extra little time to sit correctly. It’s no good if I don’t get the product finished on time, so sometimes a little compromise is needed, and when you discuss it clearly, the director knows what they will get beforehand. I like to be a perfectionist, and sometimes, it takes a bit of time to take the right steps to get the exact effect. It’s engineering, fabric works in different ways, in different scales, with different tensions running everywhere. there are different ways of sewing to achieve different results. Experience gives you that knowledge. Otherwise, it’s all trial and error.
If there is no time for utter perfection, then compromise needs to be reached, and I make sure to explain what i can deliver given the circumstances.
No surprises. No body likes surprises or excuses in that situation. Sort it out before is my motto. I wont ever start anything unless I’m clear on what is needed.

It was nerve racking, not much time before my lift was to arrive and take me to location. But, I took a deep breath, and calmly set about measuring, cutting, lining up, and sewing. and what do you know?
I finished just on the dot! well, there was some hand sewing to do once I arrived at the hotel room, but, all the machining was complete, and the sail was functional. Sweet relief.

All went well on the day, the sail looked great on the billy cart once it had the big hand tacking and other finishing touches, staining etc.
The tent covers fit as expected. (I had rounded the centre seam so it would fit on the tents perfectly, without excess buckling.)

One more thing, the director needed a picture drawn by a 7 year old. Easy, I thought. I thought back to my days as a 7 year old, how i thought about the sky, and the ground, etc, and drew a picture with my left hand for added naivety. Several of us grabbed a sketch book and scrawled with crayons.
And can I just say, the director picked mine as the hero drawing. YES! Gee that felt good.
My picture was picked as the Hero 7 year old picture!
(it’s got extra scribbles here, as there were a few takes of the kid colouring in before they were happy with the shot)

It’s the simple things in life really isn’t it?

All in all, it was an interesting couple of days away.

“I want to look like a movie star, not a ” ..what were his words?.. “cheap mock up”
Gasp! Heaven forbid.

I’d like to point out that a real costume for a movie star can easily cost ten thousand dollars, properly tailored, with time to properly line everything up, and hand tack etc, after the finest materials have been bought, and treated and printed, or broken down, and fitted several times, and you have 3 or 4 or 6 people working on the same costume, and it’s tailored to suit the exact needs of the designer…so many people need to be paid for the processes. There’s a lot of effort and consideration that goes into it.

Let me tell you, when an individual comes along with a budget that allows for real, best quality materials, I just have to say “Yes!”

Hallelujia and praise the angels, my wishes are beginning to be answered.

This folks, this is the fun stuff.

The materials alone for this full outfit cost $420 from 5 different places around town, postage cost $80, and I spent 45 full, Gung Ho hours of cutting and stitching. That doesn’t include morning tea, lunch breaks or our preliminary discussions and image sourcing just to be sure I was on track with what the client was after.
How do you quote for that?
How much do you get paid for that many hours work?

I’ve come a long way though. As a student, the same thing would have taken me weeks! and a lot of consulting with tutors.

I get costume enquiries everyday, sometimes several, and find that most often the only clients with the budget to get things properly made are production companies, performers who make a living with their costumes, and the occasional individual desiring to make a stunning entrance on their special day, and the odd “just for fun” occasions. I love those people.

Materials for this Robin:

• Really fine natural cotton/linen mix for the shirt
• Special, more coarse (yet still soft to the skin) brown linen for the pants
• a relatively inexpensive deep forest green for the hooded cloak, and an appropriately matching deep forest green satin lining ( I ended up making leather and metal stud fastening for the front – ingenious design, I just love making things up!)
• a foresty  olive green suede
• chocolate brown cow hide
• a couple of handfuls of studs
• a sprinkle of eyelets
• elastic for the armbands
• interfacing for the shirt collar and pant waistband
• buttons for shirt cuffs and pants
• fly zip
• leather lacing for the vest
• feather – for cap

When you break it all down, you begin to realise how costs can add up.

Don’t forget my petrol driving over town, phone sourcing products, and overheads back at the studio!

Sometimes people take offence when I give them the price of things, and what they don’t realise, is that I’m often already giving a conservative estimate. I don’t mean to get that response. And I don’t always know from where they are coming from. It’s good to have a chat, because there are always ways to achieve your brief, even if it’s suggestions on what to look for in a second hand store.

If I can make a living doing something I enjoy, then I’m happy. And you should be happy too! There’s a party to go to!

Things cost money. I love making things, and we all have to eat. Costuming is a job we do because we enjoy it. Making individual costumes for people is a love job, and certainly not a money making scheme. I’ll be lucky to clear $15 an hour sometimes on those jobs. I could have made more for myself on this Robin Hood had I chosen cheaper fabrics, but in the end, I just couldn’t do it! Can you blame me?

You know what, I finished the suit tonight, – except for the eyelets on the vest, i’ll do those at a friends place, he has a special eyelet machine, and it’s so satisfying to use. They are also of a higher quality than the ones you hammer in by hand. It’s magic. I love it.

I’m feeling so pleased with it so far, I’m writing a story. With any luck, I’ll be able to post some pictures soon.

Obviously, from a professional standard, there are things I would have liked to have spent more time on, but, one has to draw the line somewhere, and I think as far as things go, it was pretty well put together.

I’m sure the client would stand aghast to hear I’d spent so long on his costume, but hopefully it will show when he opens the package in Melbourne on Monday, and he recognises he got his full monies worth!

I wish I could keep it!  I could hire it out again and again, especially to the taller broader shouldered men of the eastern suburbs…but.. I can’t afford it..quite, right now..something to look forward to..I guess.

Crazy, I know!

I received an email from a young lady requiring a custom made costume to wear to her Birthday party which coincidently fell on Bastille day. Naturally the theme of the party was along the lines of “Anything French”
The lady was quite busty and couldn’t find anything suitable to fit her! So she explored the net and found me to make her a special costume up from scratch.

We conversed over several emails, suggesting ideas and throwing around possibilities: Moulin Rouge, Aristocrats, Peasants, Modern French dress with tastefully tied scarf and beret.
She had some gorgeous silks hiding away in her cupboard, and decided, not only would she use them, but that they would best suit the Aristocrat theme, and so, we would turn her into Marie Antoinette with massive side pannier hips, and low neck busty corset type top.
At the first meeting, she brought her stock of materials, and we decided which would best work together and how. Even though the colours of the era tended to be more on the lighter pastel shades, we decided the fabric quality was rich enough for the time whilst also flattering to her skin tones and personality.
We designed it so it looked as though she was wearing a jacket – as much of the party would be outdoors, and I added a hood for fun and function. Hoods were usually attached to capes, but we made an exception in this case, because it looked hot! while still keeping to the impression of the time.
I took her measurements.

The next meeting, she tried in a full calico toile (mock up), made from a pattern I drew from scratch.
from that we further defined her neck line, sleeve shape, body shape, and where the boning would go to add structure and support.

The next meeting we had, she tried on the full deal, with only minimal alterations needed. The decorations were pinned on awaiting approval.

At the final meeting, she was able to take the whole thing home.
Three pieces: A padded belt, a gathered skirt (close to 10 metres!) and a boned corset type top with trim.

I spent 60 hours on that piece.
How much would you charge for that many hours work?

Now that I have her body shape, I could make up another outfit in less time.
And gladly. When people have personalities easy to get along with, we happily go the extra mile.
I really enjoyed making this outfit, and have already picked up on some ideas of how to make it faster, should I ever have to make one again.

If you ask me, I say this costume fulfilled the French theme in two ways:
1. A french Aristocrat just before the French Revolution
2. The famously tasty Profiteroles au Chocolat. (Chocolate Profiteroles, yum!)

Any fabric construction you and think of, I can make it. Or get it made – though usually i do make it myself.
From shade cloths, to trailer covers to curtains, table cloths and giant dice!

Try me.

Check out this set Agent Costume made for Lisa Mitchell, Designed by World Jungle DC, many thanks to Agent Foo and Agent Zulu for their hours of hand stitching and lining up the tree bark in the enchanted forest. It was a job done hard and fast, with many stories, much singing and a lot of laughs.

Also below, Deni Hines and Tamsin Carroll singing on Hey Hey it’s Saturday to promote their show “Dusty the Concert”
I made the purple sequin dress.

While sitting and contemplating the space they were to be using, a story had come to her about a fairy who lived in the tree at the front and centre of the area.
We discussed her character, how she came to be there and any other known influencing factors in her life.

As the budget was small, we designed a plan to work around it.
We would find our materials in a second hand shop, and Paula would come to my space and help in any way she could to make the outfit.

In return, I would receive a mates rates off season day rate, as well as some personal sound healing sessions. This seemed fair as I get a lot of satisfaction out of the soundings, feeling relaxed and invigorated after them. (Sometimes I even see colours! With my eyes closed!)

As luck would have it, the very first “op shop” we walked into contained all of the ingredients we needed to make her character! It was as if we were guided. It’s fantastic when life flows easily like that.

We made a plan to meet the following week and make this thing!
I had to fit the dress, bring it in, shorten it, and add wings. I re fitted a broken gold old belt I had lying around, and devised a head band using one of the extra gold links from the belt.
After Elmira was completed, it was decided they needed an elf character. This time, after looking at a lot of references and defining the most appropriate structure, they bought some fabric, and i spent another day and a half the following week putting it together for another off peak, mates rates day charge. They were also present that day to assist in cutting pieces and sewing a little to bring the time in. That one took me close to 2 days with their help.

They had also brought me lunch – i love great healthy food! And, I got a French speaking lesson too, bonus!

It was a lot of fun, and they really enjoyed performing their sound healing around a storyline, in character.

I just wish I could have been in town to see it.
or hear it rather.

MYSTE are a sound healing concept hailing from the blue mountains.
The duo travel along the east coast presenting soundings, to which one can meditate to, or pray with intention.
The idea is that the vibrations of the singing bowls, gongs and flutes help to magnify intention. If you’re interested, check out their site.

http://myste.com.au/

The sounds are amazing. It’s incredible the pictures they can inspire in ones mind when you are totally relaxed and enveloped in these layers of sound.

Sometimes these sounds resonate through different parts of your body, like a mini massage of sorts. They have even been known to inspire the perception of colour to those with that kind of sensitivity.

http://myste.com.au/

Awe inspiring instruments, and Is is a truly amazing musician expressing her talents through various instruments and voice. The varied instruments they take with them to accompany their gong soundings are only a fraction of the musical talent Is has been blessed with.

truly amazing.

Check them out some time, I highly recommend it!

elisa

A uniform party is a theme that allows you to dress up and play a role you’ve always dreamed about!
The most popular uniform choices seem to be doctors and nurses, aeroplane pilots and Pimps and Hos. It’s an odd cross section of choice, but I’m no social scientist, so I’ll leave it to you to contemplate, if it so interests you.

The last uniform party I went to, I dressed as a 70′s style influenced airline hostess. Somehow I don’t think the real thing is going to happen anytime soon. Perhaps in the next life.

Meanwhile, if you have the inkling, Agent Costume can help you out with these:

Plus size chef, Pilot 44″ Jkt, stylish police woman size 10, small blk ninja, Pimps and Hos, Ring master, Circus performer, showgirl, polynesian dance troupe uniform, Tennis outfit Lg Male, Pirates, Vikings, Construction worker Lg male, or size 10 female Construction worker, Bikie… elf, fairy…

Viking, Uniform (why not?), Fetish, Halloween, Fairytales, Cartoon or Comic strip (Asterix), “F” (for their fur trimmed hats), Medievil, Old School, Under the Sea (ghost vikings, that didn’t make it to Valhalla as they drowned in a freak storm and not in battle), Horror (simply add blood), Hero, Super Hero (add a shiny cape..and maybe a lightning bolt vest), Gods and Goddesses – Thor god of thunder and lightning, Culture party, World party, Movie party…..etc…etc

Another Sydney Eastern Suburbs local, living by the beach, Ngaire Ti-ana Kelly has performance in her blood. When she’s not singing with her brother Declan Kelly or African band Afro Moses, she’s performing the hula and other Polynesian dances with her group “Hawaiian Hula Dance Company”

With over 10 years of performing experience with various dance troupes, her fun, light hearted and flirtatious manner add fun and laughter to any tropical themed Hawaiian celebration.
Corporate functions, weddings, hens nights, festivals and more, from slow graceful elegant Hawaiian Hula, to fast beat Tahitian Hip flicks, Ti-ana can adjust the show and mix it up to suit your celebration.

Travelling through the islands, Ngaire Ti-Ana, so named after a favourite fragrant white flower of the south seas, and her entourage of Polynesian beauties take you on a tour to tropical lands where supple hips drill to layered drum beats, grace and poise carry statuesque posture, and don’t forget the flowers, feathers, and multiple changes of costume.
Let Hawaiian Hula Dance Company add sunshine and broad smiles to your special occasion.

Contact details:

http://www.myspace.com/hawaiianhuladanceco

ngairek@yahoo.com

Ulah of Arabesque belly dancer is one such local Sydney entertainer. Being local doesn’t limit her to our Australian shores, but it does make her very conveniently accessible to Sydney siders!

We first met Ulah when she approached Agent Costume to make and alter costumes for her performances, and we’ve since had the privilege to witness her performance in action on several occasions. Bright, uplifting and occasionally cheeky, her style has won her many fans and keeps her dancing her way through celebrations, festivals and parties of many types.

We enjoy the fact that she’s very hands on with her costuming, collecting brightly woven and appliquéd tribal fabrics, coins and trinkets from the very places her art from originates from. Her research book is vast, and draws inspiration from paintings and other art works, as well as from the music itself. Much thought goes into her preparations and presentation.
What an inspiration!

Arabesque’s performance is easily adjusted to suit your celebratory need, be it hens nights, weddings, birthdays of all ages, Children’s parties, community festivals, and more!
And she can supply some authentically colourful costumes for the duration of her performance, while also providing photographs to look back on and relive the experience.

We highly recommend her to lend that extra excitement and special touch to your celebration.

See for yourself!

http://www.arabesquebellydance.com.au/

and peruse her albums on Face book:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Arabesque-Belly-Dance-Ulah/20950798227?ref=ts

During the cold winter months, one friend stated that she actually did more around the house because she was so cuddly warm, rather than snuggling on the couch under blankets, the cosiness of her suit motivated her to tidy, and do the dishes!

Cuddle me bear suit:
☆ Heating Bill Buster!
☆ Housework motivator!
☆ Interesting conversation piece!
☆ Fun dress ups!
☆ Max Records Costume!
☆ So very snuggly warm and cuddly!
☆ Great for camping!
☆ Machine washable!
☆ built to last!

Get one today!

♥ Designed and Hand made in Australia ♥

The following are a few of the satisfied and snuggly warm customers who were kind enough to send back a snap shot of them in their huggy cuddle me bear suits.

Make an enquiry, and order one today!

enjoy!