I get by with a little help from my friends

As I finished the hat slightly earlier than anticipated, I began making more roses which shall go onto the white queen dress. As there will be well over 2000 roses now needed, it never hurts to be slightly ahead.

I have also gained some help from a few first years and a second year student who wanted to help on the charity event, along side completing there CDP Hours, which are allocated to help gain an insight into costume and how it works during shows, events etc. Firstly we had a workshop on how to create the roses using both organza strips and the ribbons. Thankfully where both are made through synthetic materials, they can be made the same way. The girls were then given a meter of silver organza each and three meters of ribbon. These roses shall become part of the props in the event, namely rose bushes for 'Painting the roses red'. As each of the first years had 10 hours to complete, I also gave them some basic block patterns to draft for the other characters in the event (White Rabbit, Cheshire cat, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum). Kat, the second year working on the project was given some dye work to do. Three hats, two for the Tweedles and one for the Cheshire Cat as well as a meter of bleached calico which was to be dyed a blue/violet colour for a cravat. She has also been set the task, how to make the cravat but with a popper fastening at the back of the neck. This is for convenience as the actor may need to remove it during a performance (yet to be confirmed).

My next task is to start forming the white queen twirl. This is quite a large garment with a bridal crinoline understructure. It needs to have a full skirt and a bodice which are both made out of a rich looking material, that won't be to heavy or hot under the sun. Elizabeth and I are going to be searching fabric shops over the weekend to try and find a suitable material, however at the moment she is swaying towards a silk or satin. I am hoping that if I can get a twirl fitting before the easter holidays it shall give me a chance to get started on the surface decoration whist I am away from the mannequin.