| The milkmaid |
[09 Jul 2009|11:32pm] |
Hello, friends! I've been commissioned by the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions to recreate the costume from Vermeer's The Milkmaid painting. It's in honor of the 400 years of NY Henry Hudson thing, and also because the painting is coming to the Met for a while.
The painting: http://www.cgarena.com/archives/interviews/rodSeffen/milkmaid.jpg
Anyway, I'm breaking it down as best as I can to try to get it to look as accurate as possible. It will be constructed totally in a theatrical/practical way (needs to be easily alterable), but the appearance has to be period. So I'll be doing visible stitching by hand and all of that jazz.
There are a couple of things I'm trying to sort out for this costume:
1. Do we think that blue thing is a dirndl skirt that's on a drawstring? No visible waistband... Doesn't really look like an apron to me... It's kind of awkwardly bunched, though... Thoughts?
2. The sleeves are driving me nuts. What is going on with that green color turn-back? Is it a lining? Then are the sleeves folded twice, because we see that hint of yellow... I think it's just a seam and a different fabric on the forearm of the sleeve, which is strange. Maybe it's economical?
3. Bodice shaping. I think I might see SF seams here... Any suggestions?
Thanks y'all!
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| Super cute bathing suit! |
[05 Jul 2009|08:08pm] |
I just made this bikini for a local client. Isn't it super cute? Totally reversible, totally figure-flattering. I'm really happy with this set.
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[28 Jun 2009|11:17am] |
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mood |
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 shocked |
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A woman on Etsy just contacted me, before making a custom purchase, because she was unsure whether or not I would be willing/able to make it in her size. ...Do other custom corsetmakers just not make certain sizes?! I was really surprised. Like, what am I going to say? "Yeahhhh, actually, I only make corsets in sizes 24 and 26..." Well, maybe that's what other people do, and maybe that's what someone else has told her. But it made me kind of sad. I really hope that we, as a corset community, do not intimidate or shove out interested women just because they feel they might be outside some arbitrary standard size range.
I have heard about some corsetmakers charging more for plus-sizes, and I personally don't do that, but I do recommend certain extra options that provide better support and construction for the plus-size woman... But I've never heard of someone refusing to make one of their corset styles a couple of inches bigger (or smaller!)... Or maybe I'm just out of the loop?
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| Oops!! |
[15 Jun 2009|12:30am] |
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mood |
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 surviving the Big Apple |
] |
An overdue update! I have a couple of photos of my midtown west work studio (8th floor, in an art gallery)- views of the Hudson River, baby! So I've been freelancing in NY (a scary thing, at times!) for almost two weeks now. Lots of interesting projects - dressmaking, corsets, soon I'll be doing some 1920s/1930s inspired tailored suits... It's good times! I'm still a little wary - I'm keeping busy and paying rent/bills/groceries just fine, but not making any savings yet. I think I better count myself lucky that I haven't lost any of my savings, though, given the state of the economy. Still, send me projects if you've got 'em, friends!
EDIT - new photos!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/008.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/006.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/007.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/005.jpg
bonus - sunset! http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/014.jpg
Hugs and kisses from New York - I have no couch to sleep on, but if you come visit I'll take you to see the penguins in the Park!
Windows everywhere!
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| Anyone want some trims? |
[04 Jun 2009|05:18pm] |
I'm unpacking my studio in midtown west (which is pretty much the greatest thing ever, btw - I'll post photos soon!), and I have a bunch of stuff I'd love to pass on to someone who will use them. Anyway, for sale for whatever price anyone deems reasonable are trims! (yardages are approximate)
4 yards yellow ball fringe
5 yards blue jacquard ribbon with fleur de lis
20 yards metallic gold and blue stripey trim (in 2 chunks)
9ish yards of gold/mustard color upholstery gimp, has been washed
Click for larger photo.
I would love for someone to take all of this!! It's just been sitting around for years, should be used for something... Shipping will be from 11103, if that helps for calculating cost.
I can't wait to finish unpacking and show you all photos of my new place... views of the Hudson River, huge windows... the windows even OPEN! :)
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| New york friends - anyone need a studio share? |
[28 May 2009|04:31pm] |
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mood |
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chipper |
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Ok, here's my bid - my boyfriend and I need a third person to share our Manhattan art studio.
We are 2 young artists living in Queens - a costume/textile artist and a lighting designer looking for a third person to share a studio in midtown (52nd st west). The space is 180 sq ft - we're looking to split it 1/3 each, so your share would be $170 for approx 60 square feet. Your portion would include the doorway, so we would be passing through to get to our spaces. It's a small space for someone working on a small scale. Nontoxic and quiet only. The studio space will be open except for a small portion probably curtained off, so you would be working alongside us! We're looking to sign a 3 month lease (option to renew), so you must be willing to commit for a little while!
Studio specs-
-24/7 access
-2 large windows!
-High ceiling
-Connected to a gallery and other studios
-Utilities included, wi-fi is free
-Freight and regular elevators
-Close to the A/C/E
Please contact asap - looking for June 1 lease only!
info(at)angelafriedman(dot)com
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[23 May 2009|07:19pm] |
I finally have photos of my newest (favorite!) set! I am so excited about this style, and I hope I'll be able to make many more of these!
Corset measures:
-bust 34 (intended for 34-38")
-underbust 28 (intended for 28-31")
-waist 25 (intended for 26-30")
-high hip 34 (intended for 34-37")
Pantalette measures:
-waist 26-32"
-low hip 37-42"
On to the photos!
More photos and information behind ( the cut. )
This complete ensemble is for sale. I'm not listing it directly here because this complex set has a price tag to match. It's discounted as it is a sample set. If you aren't timid regarding pricing and are interested, please contact me privately at info@angelafriedman.com and I'd be happy to discuss terms with you.
I also currently have other sample corsets in the following sizes: 23" underbust, 2 24" overbusts, 24.5" halter overbust, 22" 18th century style, 27" underbust.
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[16 May 2009|03:16pm] |
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mood |
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 crazy |
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Sigh... I wonder if it's a really terrible idea to just freelance when I get to NY, and not apply for work at any of the professional shops. I mean, I want to work there possibly as a long term goal, but right now I'm feeling so burned out. I'm afraid of pushing myself too hard in a high-stress industry and then making myself hate my work!! Wouldn't that just be the biggest tragedy? I want to make sure that I can still love this work, so I think I might need to step out of it a bit. I might be a lot happier doing overhire work, little gigs on films and whatnot, finding private clients for my corsets, experimenting with textile art... This might be a huge mistake, but I have enough savings to pay for a couple months of rent, so if I totally screw up and can't find any freelance work, I can always apply for work for the fall which is when more should be available... So am I totally nuts? Any insight, guys? I'm just burned out!
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| Accepting best offers |
[19 Apr 2009|04:42pm] |
I really want to unload this costume before moving June 1- It's listed on Etsy for $350 but I am now accepting best offers. Please be reasonable. :) Shipping is $20 domestic USPS - contact me about international shipping.
For more photos, sizing information, and a detailed description, please see the Etsy page: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14363187
All pieces are hand dyed, hand painted, and constructed from scratch. The skirt is adjustable (with a brass rod support system, all soldered) to an upright position as pictured, but may be lowered as well (like a peacock's tail!). This purchase includes everything pictured except for the wig, tights, and pointe shoes. Thank you for looking!
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| Desperately seeking work in NYC |
[15 Apr 2009|10:27pm] |
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mood |
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anxious |
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Ok so really, the NYC costume industry has fallen apart. And I'm moving to the city in 6 weeks with no job, no apartment, and almost no savings. I just got the news from a friend up there that things are looking really grim for even two of the biggest/most successful shops in the city - one has shortened its work day to 2:30pm, and the other just laid off 1/3 of its entire staff. This is pretty serious. Things weren't great before, but now they're desperate - they're getting rid of the people they have now, no one new is going to get hired any time soon. I don't know how long until things will shape up again, but I guarantee it won't be until long after June 2nd!
I guess I'm left with a few options after this blow:
1, I can pray for the best and go with my original plan (which sounds pretty stupid right now).
2, I can not move to new york and find somewhere else that will employ me. Of course that would likely mean leaving my brother, boyfriend, AND cat - and I just don't think that's ok...
3, I can find work outside of my industry. I don't know that I'm really qualified for anything else - I don't really have experience anywhere else besides theater, office work, fundraising, lemonade stands (!?)... And I know the market's probably pretty tough for all industries right now.
So I'm asking all of you, my wonderful friends, if you have any leads or any connections or anything to New York or the surrounding areas. Really, I just need employment. Even if it's not related to my field, I just need something to keep me going for awhile until the industry (economy?) is back on its feet. I'm too young to be living on the streets!
Any help you guys have would be EXTREMELY appreciated. Thank you so much.
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[01 Feb 2009|11:17pm] |
So I'm definitely moving to NYC in June! Woot! I'm just so over the idea of waiting around to make this happen... I'm ready to just bite the bullet and go for it! Additionally, I've won an award of sorts. I will be featured in the Young Technicians' Forum at the USITT Conference in mid-March, as one of 15 graduating undergrad and grad students chosen to present their technical theater work to potential employers, companies, etc. I'm super excited, but I have a LOT of work ahead of me to prepare for it!!
Anyway... I've been going through my closet and pulling out all kinds of clothes to send away to Good Will in preparation for no longer having any room for anything at all ever... (How depressing!) And I have this beautiful full-length 1930s style bias cut dark green dress that I made a couple years ago and only wore twice. I definitely want it to have a good home, so I'd hate to just send it away to a stranger, so is there anyone that might be interested in buying it? It's about 34 bust 26 waist (actually, maybe a bit bigger because it is bias cut and therefore stretchy-some and still flattering) and has a sash. I'm about 5'6 and I made it to be almost floor length in 3 inch heels. It has a cowl front and a V-shaped back, and huge triangular panels in the skirt to give a beautiful sweep when spinning. In other words, it's a great dance dress!! I think it's about 6 yds of fabric total.
I have a couple of photos of it - they aren't the best, but I can take better ones if anyone is really interested or knows someone who might be. So basically, I'll accept any reasonable offers from anybody who can give it a happy life so it won't just live in a basement somewhere!! Also, most any other garments from my costuming past are pretty much up for grabs at this point, so if you have any specific requests on things you might want, let me know! Info(at)angelafriedman(dot)com will get you in contact with me. :)
And the back: Click it, yo!
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| What the future holds |
[09 Jan 2009|12:45am] |
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mood |
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 excited |
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It's strange to think about, but in less than 5 months, I will have my BFA in costume technology from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Of course I have a million and one options on what to do when I graduate - I could go to grad school or be a draper in a small regional theater or go into film or fashion... but I've narrowed it down to one main important dream. I'm moving to New York City! My brother already lives there, in Brooklyn, and I've always loved visiting the City and enjoying the excitement and theater (though now, of course, half of Broadway is closed).
So, in my ideal world, I've narrowed my situation down to a few permutations...
1. I move to NYC in June when I graduate, and sublet a small place or find a temporary roommate while my boyfriend works upstate for the summer. Then, in August, we find our own little cozy 1BR and pay a ridiculous amount of rent. The problem with this situation is that there is not a lot of work, especially for someone without any NYC costume experience entering the field, in the summer time.
2. I get a summer job (maybe upstate NY) and move to NYC in early August. The disadvantage of course, is that I'd have to move my life twice which would be miserable. Of course then, I should have a bit more job security for the fall, when more work happens.
3. Travel to Africa. This is likely to happen regardless of whatever else I choose to do. There is an organization called Sewing Hope that takes New York costume and garment and fashion workers to small communities in Uganda, where they teach women how to sew clothing so that they can provide an income for their families. It's a really great way to incorporate the work that I love with a volunteer effort - and a vacation to another continent! All I have to do now is come up with thousands of dollars to fund it!
4. Travel to Israel. There are frequent "birth-rite" trips to Israel (especially in the summers) that are funded 100% by donors, meaning I could have a 10-day spiritually journey trip for nothing out of pocket. There is an age limit, so I have to do it while I'm young if I'm ever going to do it at all!
Anyway, those are the plans... And then, hopefully, I get work as a cutter in a NYC professional costume shop and make enough money to live in a nice place with (possibly) an extra 1/2 bedroom or nook for a studio space for me and Sean! And Max (the cat), who is used to 1000 square feet. Sigh.
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| Before I forget to do this... |
[25 Dec 2008|06:40pm] |
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mood |
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merry |
] |
2007 Builds:
January- Princess dress and underdress for Devil and Kate
5 devil suits for Devil and Kate
2 peasant vests and fall front breeches for Devil and Kate
February- TOC corset, bloomers, kimono, blouse, skirt, and coat for Game of Love
2 pair men's trousers
March- Henry VIII suit (doublet, false jerkin & chemise, 2 pr sleeves, boot covers)
Venetian lady's gown (dress, underskirt, false chemise, rigged sleeves)
April - Fairy princess ballerina costume
18th century dress
May - Red and black corset
Leather Renaissance tall hat
Velvet Renaissance Italian bonnet
June - Countless costumes for American Players' Theater's Henry IV
Hand embroidered handkerchiefs
July - Renaissance suit for Patrick
Pink silk taffeta corset
Yellow plaid corset
Brown velvet Renaissance hat
August - 1940s dress
Middle class Renaissance underskirt, bodice, overskirt, apron, 2 pr sleeves for Jackie
Blue/black lace corset for Sarah
[EDIT]
32 "Miss Sweet" and 32 "Mr. Fat" hand puppets
[/EDIT]
September - Green silk choli
October - Afternoon dress and drag dress for Charley's Aunt
Pink cotton corset
November - Ruffled underskirt, dress, corselet, linen jacket, and men's vest for Ah Wilderness
Ruffled skirt, corselet, and apron for Chekhov in Yalta
Hand-tailored pinstripe tailcoat
December - Black corset
Green/black lace corset
Blue silk winter formal dress
Velvet and satin Renaissance turn-shoes
In progress:
Men's vest
3 piece suit and cloak for Elixir of Love
2 boys' vests
20" Tightlacing corset
Strapped underbust corset
Embroidered handkerchief
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| x-posted to Costumes |
[21 Dec 2008|11:22pm] |
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mood |
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 busy |
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In advance to moving to NYC, I'd like to sell a bunch of costume items I have in my closet. These items include 18th century costume pieces (corset, bodice, 3 skirts), 1950s pin up girl pieces (pink and green bullet bra and girdle!), and a fairy costume.
All prices are negotiable and best offers will be accepted. Please bear in mind the cost of expensive materials and the hours of labor and love that go into each piece of work before considering a reasonable offer to make. I will consider lower bids for multiple items! I can ship any of these pieces beginning January 5th - contact me privately at info(at)angelafriedman(dot)com regarding shipping costs, specific price bids, or questions.
All other photos of THIS COSTUME AND OTHERS FOR SALE and descriptions are ( hidden behind this LJ cut. )
I am also accepting custom corset commissions (Most priced $200-$375) for the beginning of January through the middle of May. Contact me privately about these at info(at)angelafriedman(dot)com.
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[24 Nov 2008|06:57pm] |
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mood |
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 cold |
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I have new pics uploaded of my most recent shows - Charley's Aunt, Ah Wilderness, and Chekhov in Yalta - onto my online portfolio. It was a very busy term - all of these builds, a lot of alts, and another all-pulled show on top of it, all in 8 weeks of production time, 20 hrs/wk. Whew!
http://angelafriedman.com/portfolio.shtml
Now we're onto the winter opera, Elixir of Love. I'm doing a 3 piece suit and a long cloak and capelet for one of the principals (in a fabulous fat pad, of course) and building 2 vests for his teenage assistants. We have 2 weeks to work on these guys before the next show - a large musical - comes into the shop, among other projects. Here goes!!
Also - tailoring class:
http://angelafriedman.com/portfolio-course.shtml
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[06 Nov 2008|03:14pm] |
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mood |
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awake |
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I've started working on a dress for our Winter Formal, which is December 9th. The theme is Nuclear Winter Wonderland, so I'm dressing up as a bombshell! ;)
So here are a few progress pictures. It's dark slate blue silk charmeuse. The bodice portion is gathered and continues into two long straps that attach at the center back and then dangle down the back of the circle skirt. I'm working on deciding the ribbon belt color and size - this one is just a possibility - and the decor. I like having this beaded applique, but I'm not sure if I would rather feature a buckle center front at the empire waistline... Clearly it isn't hemmed yet and I haven't bound all of the edges, but I still have plenty of time for that.
Anyway, it's a start! Apologies in advance for the cell phone pics!
And more:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/wf1.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/lizcostumes/wf3.jpg
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