Past Board Member: Cynthia Howell, Treasurer

Why costuming?  What brought you here?

My mother likes to tease me that I never out grew playing dress up, and honestly she’s not wrong. I love the opportunity to flounce around in a gorgeous frock.

When I was little I would spend a part of the summer visiting my grandmother in Iowa. Grandma Shirley saved my mom’s ‘Ginny’ dolls from the 50’s and 60’s and I would spend hours creating small houses for them on the front porch. The dolls had an extensive wardrobe, some of which was purchased, but the majority my grandmother and mom had made. At one point they went on a United Nations streak and attempted to create the costumes of many nations. I think the tiny flamenco outfit was my favorite. Since I had my own collection of Madame Alexander doll’s it wasn’t long before I was sewing dresses for my dolls.

My mother made the majority of my sister and I’s special dresses and Hallowe’en costumes when I was little. My grandmother was a stellar tailor until she started losing her eyesight and I have yet to meet anyone who can baste a seam faster. My great grandmother died when I was 21, but not before passing on some quilting and braid rag rug making skills.

What’s your costuming focus?

Primarily historical, particularly the 18^th century. I really enjoy replicating not only the clothing, but also the methods used to create clothing from the time, I feel like I have a deeper understanding of why things were sewn a certain way.

Do you do anything else crafty or artistic?

I perform and direct at the Great Dickens Fair. I’m a novice knitter, and I love to cook.

What’s your day job?

I’m a network security engineer at a local university. Sewing utilizes the creative side of the brain.

What was the first costume you made?  Is there a picture?

When I was cast as the youngest sister in Cheaper by the Dozen in 9^th grade my mother informed me she was done making costumes and I was on my own. I had picked up a few skills from mother but it was my first solo experience. It was a drop waist sailor dress with a collar that started at the waist and went up over the shoulder. I couldn’t really read patterns at the time so one side of the collar was one size, and the other side was the next correct size up. When I realized my mistake, I cut the larger size down.

What’s on the sewing table now?

I’m finishing a 1900s gown for Delta King, I started it for the Costume College Gala, but life interrupted so I only have a skirt. Hopefully I will finish the bodice so I don’t have to go topless.

I’ve also started a replacement for my Mrs. Everard gown. I’ve played the role for 5 years, so it’s time for something fresh. I’m starting on the skirt first as I prefer to fit my bodices over the skirt to avoid fitting issues.

What was your first/most memorable costuming disaster/ learning moment?

Aside from trimming a Francaise will take at least as much time as constructing a Francaise, even if you choose a ‘simple’ trim pattern. This means you may wear a piece of fabric and not a stomacher on its first outing.

Also naughty projects sometimes need to sit in the corner and think about what they have done.

What’s your costuming kryptonite?

I cannot take existing components and combine them into a new costume. I tend to think of building the entire thing, instead of repurposing what I already own.

Costume you’re most proud of?

Following the Modern Maker: 17^th C Men’s Doublets book I made an entirely hand stitched outfit for Don Hardy, who plays Shakespeare at small faires. It was fascinating, as I pad stitched, stretched, and manipulated the layer of internal fabric, I felt more like I was sculpting than sewing. As the project was nearing completion Don came over for a fitting. I had attached the collar, and the fashion fabric, and as he slipped it on I had a deeply emotional reaction and literally burst into tears. Don was concerned that something was wrong, and being unable to respond verbally, I dragged him into my bedroom so he could see himself in the full length mirror. The second he saw his reflection his entire body visibly shifted into Shakespeare. I hadn’t made a costume, I had made the clothes for the man, and the time. It was exhilarating!

What’s your holy grail costuming project?  The one you dream of doing?

I would love to make a black Victorian bustle gown with loads of floof and jet trim.

Tell us one (or two or three) things about you that others might not know.

I go on sewing benders that start Friday after work and continue through Sunday. I occasionally stop to eat or sleep.

I like single day road trips to the LA garment district. They are even better if I can cram in a museum stop.

I am a trained certified Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America.