Costume and Props

Keyleth - This was created as part of my major work whilst at Toi Whakaari. The skirt and arm fabric is made from silk. I ombre dyed both using acid dyes.  The leaves along the bodice and skirt were made using a soldering iron and all hand sewn onto the costume. The bodice was made using a cotton drill and velvet. This also had a leather trim that I had wet moulded. The collar, vambraces, and armbands I also made using leather making techniques. The antlers were made using Worbla and EVA foam. 

The 1780s Stays - These were created in my first term at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School as part of my Costume Construction Diploma. I decided to go for a classic design. All boning was rounded before being sewn into the channels. The binding was sewn by hand using slip stitching and whip stitching techniques. 

18th Century dress and undergarments - Here I made stays, chemise, petticoat, fichu, belt with bow, fan, skirt, and bodice.

RNZB Rehearsal Tutu - This was created for the Royal New Zealand Ballet during a class from Sarah Carswell. What I enjoyed about creating this rehearsal tutu was that it required precision sewing both by hand and industrial machine sewing. This is something I enjoy quite a lot.

The Tailored Jacket - This was made again at Toi Whakaari. I wanted to go for a patterned fabric as I enjoy pattern matching. This piece also required precision sewing both by hand and industrial machine sewing. 

'A Kind Tone'  New Zealand School of Dance Contemporary Dance Student  - These were made for the NZSD Performance Season 2022 at Te Whaea Theatre, Wellington.

Choreography by Tyler Carney-Faleatua - Photography by Stephen A'Court

'Coloratura' New Zealand School of Dance Classical Ballet Students - These were made NZSD Performance Season 2022 at Te Whaea Theatre, Wellington.

Choreography by Loughlan Prior -Photography by Stephen A'Court

Headpieces, Hats, and Caps

The EVA Foam and Worbla Helmet - This was created at Toi Whakaari in our classes from Sanit Klamchanuan. I began this process using cardboard, masking tape, and paper to create the pattern. Once happy I moved onto using EVA foam and Worbla.

The 1920s Flat Cap - This was created at Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School as part of my Costume Construction Diploma. I was recreating an historical item for film and chose the flat cap. I found a basic pattern and altered it to the size I needed to fit my head. I decided to make it with wool for the outer fabric as no tweed was available. I used buckram and interfacing for the structure needed in the brim. Petersham and hair canvas were used to construct this cap too. All sewn using the industrial sewing machine and a little hand sewing.

The 18th Century Hat - To create my 18th-century hat, I took inspiration from researching extent items, paintings from the period, and books on 18th-century garments. I used double buckram for the more structured, firmer finish it gave. I also used a black 22 gauge millinery wire and a combination of machine and hand sewing to join everything together. When mulling the frame, French elastic was used to cover the wired edges of the crown (top and bottom), and the brim's outer edge. The ice wool was sewn on before covering the hat with my outer fabric.

The 1920's Cloche - This made during an advanced millinery class at Toi Whakaari. This required precision hand sewing, and accuracy when measuring so that the hat doesn't appear uneven. I used gelatin on the inside of the hat to stiffen it so that it maintains its shape for longer. The bow was made using the same petersham.

The Maleficent Headpiece - Made in 2014. This was a personal project due to the fact I thought the costume from the film was incredible and beautiful. I was inspired to make my own version of the Maleficent headpiece. This was made from cardboard, paper cups, foil, electrical tape, a wire coat hanger and fabric. 

The Leather Satchel -  This was created on a leather craft course. It is something I've wanted to make for a while as I love working with leather. The course allowed me to have at hand the tools required to do this. There were some design restrictions due to the materials available, such as the selection of dyes but I was really happy with the way this turned out. I can use this for costume in future.

The Cotton Shopper -  This was created for a short film. In the end we didn't need to use this. I chose a neutral fabric with a subtle pattern as this fitted the colour palette well. It has three pockets inside (one zipped pocket). 

The Fan - I wanted this fan to match my 18th century dress so I decided to hand paint the same pattern on this material. I created a sample piece to begin with to test if painting on this fabric would work. I used a gold metallic thread to finish the edges and add a pop of shimmer.

Something Extra - Not dressmaking or costume but this is something personal to me that I'm quite proud of making. I found two branches. One older and one newer looking, and decided to make my own barren version of a Christmas tree. A mini passion project sourcing the right vase, stones and rocks for support. The branches bound in place with beautiful fairy lights.