Designing Advantage

Will you design this outfit? Will you find the fabric for it? Will you make this pattern using this fabric? I have an idea for an outfit, but I don't have a pattern or a picture; can you make it? I found some really neat fabric; can you make something out of it for me?

I will be happy to work with you however you need. I have worked with a whole range of people who want custom clothing, from those who bring in the pattern, material and notions to those who bring in just an idea or sketch.

How accurate are your designs and creations for the time period I want?

I am happy to work to whatever level you desire: Halloween costumes and Renaissance Faire garb; outfits that look historically accurate; or meticulously researched and precisely detailed historical reproductions created using period fabric and notions. You determine the amount of time and effort you want invested in your commission.

Do you have examples of your work available for me to look at? References I could talk to?

Certainly! Please take a look at some of the work I've done in my portfolio. Out of respect for client privacy, please contact me directly for references.

What professional theater work have you done?

Colorado Actors Theater: Harvey (costume design, 2000)
Colorado College: Vocal Arts Symposium (costume production: 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001); Faculty Dance Concert (costume production, 2001); A Christmas Carol (costume production, 2000)
Colorado Opera Festival: The Magic Flute (costume production, 2000)
Fine Arts Center, Colorado Springs: Anything Goes (2005)
Fountain Valley School of Colorado: What I Did Last Summer (costume supervisor, 2001); Antigone (costume supervisor, 2000)
Imperial Hotel, Cripple Creek: various melodramas
Opera Theatre of the Rockies: Street Scene (costume supervisor, 2009); Carmen (costume supervisor, 2008); Hansel and Gretel (costume supervisor, 2007); The Puccini Spectacular: selections from Le Villi, Tosca, Manon Lescaut and La Bohème (costume supervisor, 2006); La Cenerentola (costume supervisor, 2005); The Marriage of Figaro (costume supervisor, 2004); Opera Goes to Court (costume supervisor, 2003); Candide (costume design, 2002); Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci (costume supervisor, 2001); The Ballad of Baby Doe (wardrobe supervisor, 2000)
TheaterWorks at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs: various

What are your hours? How do I set up an appointment?

Call (719) 634-8700 or email to set up a time. Available times are flexible, including weekends and holidays, but are by appointment only. Appointments made via email are not scheduled until you have received an email confirmation.

How long have you been doing this? How much experience do you have?

As the sole proprietor of Designing Advantage, I have served the Colorado Springs area since 1986, and I have thirty-three years experience as a seamstress and designer.