Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:37:46 -0500 (GMT-05:00)
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Costuming a Puppet


simplify is definitely the way to go.

the most important thing to remember is to allow extra fabric in places where joins/limbs must move naturally.  learn what a gusset is and how to make one.

pick up a good basic sewing book and read it. mine is by Reader's Digest.  it will answer half your design questions as well as the technical ones. Google for patterns and period patterns for guidance on basic shapes.  What I needed rare books for thirty years ago is available with a click of the mouse now.

remember to look at fabrics from the distance the audience will be from the puppets.  A calico print will become a muddy single color from the right distance.

remember the eye sees shapes through contrast.  don't make your costumes the color of your backdrop.  or close to it.  ;-)

feel free to contact me with a specific question now and again.  I'm the costume consultant for PofA.  Or I think I still am. Hard to tell.  I've not gotten a question in a while.  (the last one was an enquiry to tell the person "everything I knew about costuming the puppet".  I declined to answer that one.) :=)

cheers,

Karen
_______________________________________________
List address: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Admin interface: http://lists.puptcrit.org/mailman/listinfo/puptcrit
Archives: http://www.driftline.org