Costume Comebacks – Breathing New Life into Old Wardrobe

Led by seasoned costume cutter and pattern-drafting expert Lela Stairs, students explore ways to take apart previously worn costumes and remodel them for a new production.

Participants will explore:

• Costume Deconstruction – safely take apart costumes and identify reusable materials;
• Fabric Identification & Assessment – evaluate fabric quality and suitability for reuse, and learn how different fabrics behave when altered;
• Creative Design Thinking – explore how to reimagine existing pieces, develop new concepts and sketch your ideas;
• Sewing & Alteration Techniques – learn how to take accurate measurements and resize garments; hem, patch and reshape pieces by hand or machine;
• Embellishment – add or reuse trims, buttons, zippers and other details; discover decorative techniques like appliqué, painting, dyeing or distressing; and
• Sustainable Costume Practices – discuss principles of upcycling, waste reduction, ethical sourcing and reuse of costume materials.

Join Lela in Off the Wall’s studio and learn how to transform wardrobe challenges into artistic opportunities.