Kathleen Crowley Costume Couture

04/13/2026

I was laughing so hard at myself yesterday. After all the fiddling around with my new ruffler attachment and never getting it right with this fabric, I just whipped out all these tiny pleats by hand and enjoyed the process immensely. Wasted a lot of time earlier, and I would never do this for more than a one off, but I learned a lot. And we'll have another go with the ruffler later with an organza or some project without a deadline.

04/11/2026

I thank the gods for all the artists. They save us all from the death grip of the mundane.

04/09/2026

I took on a skirt project that needs pleats and I thought this would be a fairly easy project on one of my little home machines. But nope. I need a ruffler/pleater and the ones I had just wouldnt do the trick on those machines. So I bought one for my industrial machine and the instructions were lacking in instruction. I had a hell of a time getting it going until I finally found a woman on YouTube with the exact same ruffler and instructions - that she also deemed useless. I just need to adjust my tension and then we can get this skirt finished! I love getting new parts for my machines, but sometimes there is learning curve that tests my patience!

04/09/2026

Ive just been keeping my head down these days and making and finishing personal projects and working at the Ballet when they need extra hands.

These tutus are often hooked up pretty tight and it's hard to find decent supplies any longer. I had to replace some bars that I had just replaced the day before because the newly made bars are so weak now. They break and bend under the pressure. This is frustrating to say the least.

I always scoop up vintage notions when I can because they are generally built to last. Not like the new cr*p we have to buy now. Thrift stores and garage sales are great places to start your search. I wouldnt actually buy most used thread, but those old pins and needles are gold now!

11/01/2025

Happiest Of Halloweens!

10/02/2025

Havent been working on my own stuff these days (except for a couple small projects) as it is now Opera season and Ive been lucky to be able to participate in that lately. Just finished up Dead Man Walking and now Im a dresser on Red Carpet with the Paris Ballet for three performances. Chanel designed and constructed costuming, so of course Im in heaven. Translator apps are my friend on this show. It's not hard to understand what they are saying, but when my brain is in high alert work mode, it can't think in another language. That would take some practice and they are only here for three performances. Everyone is very nice. The music is amazing. The dancing is amazing. Everything is amazing. Go see it if you can. They are at the Zellerbach til Saturday.

CHANEL × Paris Opera: Discover Red Carpet, Hofesh Shechter’s Stunning New Ballet at Palais Garnier

07/15/2025

Went to Tinsel Trading Company in Berkeley for a few things to refurb a bonnet. Such a pretty little shop! That’s what I’m doing these days: finishing up projects in between short little concert gigs. Having a good summer and hope you are too!

06/15/2025

No Kings, Benicia Ca. It was a wonderful Day!

06/14/2025

Just finished patching up an old tattered flag to wave in the face of tyranny today. Be safe. Be peaceful even if it is extremely hard to do so. Resist.

05/27/2025

Making a black denim coat this weekend based off of one of my old 70’s patterns. I graded it up but then had to take it in a bit because I forgot about the big seam allowance. I’ll try finishing it this evening. My buttonholes aren’t perfect, but pretty good for not having made one in forever. I also altered a lot of my clothing and finished a long denim skirt. Feeling like I’m actually getting things done.

05/19/2025

After three days of not feeling well and going down the threads rabbit hole with nuthin to do, I am formally done with much of the human race and I welcome peacefull nights sitting out with my former foes; the critters. I choose the bear.

05/17/2025