1. Dummies. Yes, a good costume design studio is full of dummies and, one of the first things I discovered when beginning my costume-making business is that a good dummy (and by that, I mean "dress form") is hard to find. Dress forms are easy to come by, but dancers tend to be tiny, so even the smallest dress form is good big.
How did I solve that? I added a child's dress form to the mix of dress forms in my studio and bought a set of pads I can add to it to customize it for each dancer. One of my clients had transitioned from gymnastics to ballet and had extraordinarily strong back muscles. Another client of a nearly identical size, had a narrower back than the former gymnast. So, although their measurements were nearly identical, bodices for each were quite different.
2. Storage
As you'll see in one of my prior posts, I am a textile fanatic and will buy fabric if I think it's extraordinary and costume-worthy, even if I don't have a project for it then and there. Thus, I need good storage. I like to organize my fabric by color, but know others who organize by fabric type. The most important thing is to be able to find what you're looking for, so use a system that works best for you.
I have also recently caught onto the use of pegboards. No more fumbling around for scissors - they are neatly lined up on the pegboard within reach my machine. Same for all the thread and trim. It's a fantastic way of keeping the work table free of clutter.
3. Good lighting
Obviously.
4. A separate table for sketching and laying out ideas.
5. Scissors, scissors, scissors
My mother was right. I'd lose my head if it wasn't securely fastened to my body. Thus, I seem to put my sewing sheers down from time to time, with absolutely no recollection of where they have gone moments later. Thus, I have three pairs of sewing scissors (and have been know to screen when I see someone reaching for them if they plan to cut anything but fabric. In case no one has never told you this, the fastest way to make your sewing scissors dull is to cut paper with them. If you love your mom, don't do this.)
Thread clippers are also a godsend. Yes, you can cut thread with sewing scissors but trust me - grab a pair or three of thread clippers next time you're at the fabric store and you'll be a convert too. While you're at it, pick up a few seam rippers. After all, no one is perfect.
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