Disney costumes: Part 3

I promise this is the last installment of the Disney costumes.  :D We went to the production on Friday night and the costumes looked beautiful onstage!!!  All the actors and parents were thrilled with the final products and I think Rachel was really excited to see them all.  Here are a bunch of professionally taken pictures by our dear friend, Laura Sellers.  Enjoy!!!

~~the lil' sis

Disney Costumes: Part 2

The costumes are all finished and Rachel had a special picture-taking night with the cast.  Aren't they lovely?!?!

Belle, played by Miranda Shaffer

Pocahontas, played by Emma Baker

Aladdin and Jasmine, played by Jared Long and Carrie Orteza

Ariel, played by Charlotte Clare Wickersham

Aren't they just amazing?!?  Rachel didn't have patterns for many of the costumes (such as Ariel's tail and Aladdin's hat) so she created her own.  Yes, she created her own.  :D
We didn't get a picture with Hercules, in case you were wondering. :(
The production will be on the 7th so get a ticket and come on!!!!  Contact Rachel at rachelirvin.sewing@gmail.com for more information.
~~the lil' sis
P.S. You can view all the pictures here.

Birmingham Fashion Week Rising Design Star Contest

February 2013 was an exciting time in the Irvin household.  Rachel had made it to the second level of Birmingham Fashion Week: Rising Design Star Contest.  It was officially announced at the Birmingham Art Museum, after Rachel's costume had been displayed in the museum, along with thirty-nine other costumes.  Thirty costumes were chosen to show on the runway in Pepper Place, downtown Birmingham.  In two nights, all thirty costumes strutted their stuff and only sixteen continued on.

And who do you think was chosen to model said beautiful costume?  Moi, of course.  :D

The costume was made of window screen for the body, white trash bags for lining, Mardi Gras beads for the halter strap, bath poofs for decoration, and grommets and brads for fastening.  It was highly uncomfortable because it didn't bend enough to sit down in and the screen was scratchy but she double-lined it with trash bags so it wasn't horrible.
A few confessions and tips from a one-time model: if you model in February, take a blanket and some snacks.  We didn't get to eat until 10:30 that night and it was 43 degrees in the tent where we waited before the runway.  Also, try to smile.  :)

Sadly, Rachel's design did not garner her a spot in the sixteen that moved on to level three.  However, the contest resulted in a fashion blog article, an article in a magazine, and several costuming jobs for theater companies and schools.
Because of her other jobs, Rachel has decided not to compete in BFW this year.  However, check back for more exciting projects she is working on.

~~the lil' sis

Disney costumes

Rachel was originally asked to make five costumes for a school production, all Disney themed.  Then, when the directors saw the Hercules costume they had ordered, they realized how horrible it was and asked Rachel to make it as well.  And as they say, sew she did.
Not all six costumes are finished yet, but here are a few pictures of the works-in-progress and the finished pieces.

Jasmine's top isn't completely finished yet

Ariel's is still a work in progress

But it's almost done!

Belle

Pocahontas

Ariel's tail isn't quite finished but here is the basic idea

Material for Jasmine's pants (left) and and Ariel's tale (right)

Hercules's is done but doesn't fit well on the mannequin so I didn't take any pictures of it.

I'll keep you updated as she finishes them.  :)

The apron

I am not a chef.  Nor am I a baker, but that didn't stop Rachel from deciding the perfect birthday present for me was an apron.  And who can deny it?  Just take a look at this beauty!!!  I'm not sure if you can really see in the picture, but there are exactly 56 beads on this thing, all hand sewn by the one and only Rachel.  Gosh, I love my sister so much.

~~the lil' sis

Christmas present!!!!

Rachel made me the most beautiful shirt for Christmas.  She knew I had been looking for a shirt with angel wings on the back but couldn't find one I really liked.  So, like any wonderful sister, she made me one.
Isn't it a masterpiece???  It's hand embroidered, too.  A true seamstress, she has already been making plans for the next one, which is fine with me.  :)