Oh, The Glamourous Life!

Dear Constant Reader,

Although “my little friend” is usually what Betty Blaize calls me (she *is* 8 inches taller than I am), in this case I mean something the same size I am: my dress form. Scratch gave it to me for my birthday this year and it’s been a delight. I used to have an old, clunky mannequin that was probably 3rd hand and very hard to adjust. My new one (no name, but I’ll take suggestions) is set to be exactly Mina-sized.

Here she is modeling my Catherine D’Lish costume:

This is the costume Catherine D’Lish used to use for her spiderweb act. I bought it from her on eBay, but had to make some modifications. I’m a pretty small person, but she’s tiny! Hence, the strip of red velvet down the front of the skirt. I’m still rhinestoning it. You can’t tell, but I also hemmed the scarf.

The Burleque-O-Matic gown:

I made this for the act we performed at the Rhinestone Revue on Friday night of the Expo this year. I needed something I could both put on and take off quickly that was over-the-top glamourous. You might remember me writing about it here. I’m quite pleased with how it came out, considering how little time I had to make it.

The Ridiculous Confection:

I didn’t make this. Scratch found it for me on our last summer tour. He’s got a great eye for fabulous clothing.

I’ll be wearing The Ridiculous Confection in our new touring show A (Re)Movable Feast. If you’d like to help get us on the road, consider pledging to our Kickstarter campaign. We’ve got some nifty gifts if you do!

Dear Constant Reader,

There are many elements important to our shows and just one of them is costumes. However, costumes are my favorite part, so that’s what I’m going to write about today.

Madame Burlesque was incredibly challenging when it came to costumes; almost everything was made new for that show. The costumes were elaborate and plentiful. Fortunately, we had costumers on the crew, but everyone had to pitch in at least a little.

For The Wrathskellar we had the luxury of re-using some of the costumes that were made last year. The wenches, Hans, Bücher, and The Lost Girl were able to take their costumes straight out of the closet. Most of my costumes were from my collection, so I was available to work for others.

Most of my time was spent making a corset for The Broad. I love corsetry — when it’s completed. I curse a lot when I’m constructing it. : ) And I made her some pasties. And a few other things for her and for The Innocent.

Devora Darling has proven to be a champ at decorating bras, so she took over the under-needs of a group number, with Betty Blaize handling the outer garments and pasties (the most disturbing pasties ever).

Betty is an amazing costumer and, besides the work she did for others, she made two entirely new costumes for herself, in a very short amount of time. Do note that a burlesque costume has multiple layers and in many cases, the inside has to look as good as the outside. When you come see the show (and you should — don’t take my word for it) take a good look at her stunning costumes.

P.S. Just a reminder… We’ve been nominated for “Best Burlesque” by the Weekly Dig. Please vote for us!

Dear Constant Reader,

Despite the title, this is really more from my sewing room. Continuing in my theme of little-garments-that-don’t-really-cover-my-legs, here’s a pair of 1940’s style shorts I made.

Again, I apologize for the quality of the picture. The shorts are much cuter in person. They’re made of berry-colored linen with a zipper in the back and pleats on each leg. They’re so very comfortable and I’m considering making a few more pairs.

Hopefully we’ll have a few more warm days for me to wear them.