Costume College 2009-Saturday Interview

Here at last with roomie Jennifer from Ruby Raven. Having a blast, finally got into a costume after being here 3 days. Just tee shirts and jeans, sewing, making wigs and general mayhem. So, the story so far....an interview with Jennifer

Janet:What has been the most exciting part of CoCo this year for you?

Jen:Being able to experience costumer's work first hand is an invaluable experience. You know many costumers from the net and actually seeing it, you can learn so much more seeing and feeling than just from photographs.

Janet: What is good about the classes, what needs improvement?

Jen:One of the things that could improve the costume college experience is if they would classify the costume college workshops by skill level. This would help keep the novice costumer from getting in over their heads in some of the more advanced classes. Costume College offers so many great classes, that they do offer plenty of opportunities for costumer's of all skill levels. It would be helpful if class descriptions included more information about pre-requisites.

Janet:Would this benefit new costumers by having them enjoy the experience? You and I have been doing this for a while, but there is something to be learned at all levels?

Jen: Yes, it would be helpful to everyone, at all levels to know what they need to know before the class.

Janet: Do you think it would be a good idea for CoCo to have more remedial or say skill building classes say on the first day, progress on the next day?

Jen:Yes, there was some programming for basic sewing techniques, but maybe break that down into over several days.

Janet: So, perhaps the answer is to have a structured class that would be like, the skills for " Before you take that Corset Class", minimum skills you should know before you plunge into the first corset class...

Jen: Yes, that would be great. The the student could enjoy the class!

So, we progress into the 3rd hot day here in L.A.

The LA Garment District, an experience not to be missed.

For as long as I can remember, in costuming all the costumers I have know have driveled on about going to the fashion district in LA. Streets filled with fabric, buttons, trim, you name it. I decided this year that I had to get there. I own a costume related business, I need to check out new suppliers, and really see what they have to offer.

So, it was hot, 100 plus and we were in trim mania land. Wow, what an experience! Exhausting to say the least. I need to come down again in like 6 months and do some more exploring for product to sell. I have also made some good networking happen so I am quite pleased. And...

I finally got the Caraco mostly done, enough to wear. And got some pictures of it. So I will have something new up here, hopefully this weekend!

www.costumecollege.org

BayCon 2009 Saturday 23rd May, 11:35

Here I sit, waiting for crazy costumes to go by. I have seen some fun ones. This morning, I met Glitch from "Tin Man". Hoping to see many more. Sales have been slow. I was not able to finish up the Tudor so that I could wear it today. Tragically bummed about that.

Operating on very little sleep. I zonked out early but woke up expecting fur kids to be bugging me. Took a while to realize I was at the Hyatt.

So, feeling a bit old today. missing wearing a costume, but getting some ideas on what to venture into next. I should finish up that Tudor, have a day or two to just finish the bloody thing up.

Hoping to make it to the masquerade tonight. I would like to see the creations. But getting so tired lately. It's just a hope I have that I can work on some costumes for the Costume College soon. I think once school gets out, there will be a little more time. I have to get brave enough to make the 18th Cent silk costume I want. Got the silk, just have to get brave enough. Hmmm. And then, English or French? Such things to decide.