Theatre Troupes Everywhere Can Take a Lesson from Chesapeake Shakespeare Company...

Tonight I have a meeting with the directors of the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company to make some corsets for their next production, The Country Wife, and I just have to state for the record that working with this company has been a breath of fresh air. Too often in community- and regional-based theatre, the level of organization leaves much to be desired (and the level of drama leaves much less to be desired), but CSC is really breaking the mold. I had a script right away, no one changed their mind late in the game, and I felt like a respected member and friend of the company, not a slave girl to stage divas.

I really look forward to continuing a great working relationship with CSC, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we hope you'll plan on seeing The Country Wife! Check the CSC website (linked above) for details.

Design to Dollars Expo Tonight!

Hello, again!

Well, with a small business the networking never stops! Tonight I'll be showcasing my business and the studio at the Business After Business Design to Dollars Expo at the Howard County Center for the Arts. My favorite son-in-law, Patrick (also my only son-in-law) had the great idea of bringing in a sewing machine as part of the display, just to draw attention to the main focus of the business.

Speaking of sewing machines, I have a new sewing student, Kemani. For a beginner, he's picking things up very quickly -- his goal is to begin designing menswear. I think that's a great idea and it's exciting to help, since for the most part there is a shortage of stylish local male designers making clothes and accesories specifically for men.

Have a stylish day!

Sourcing@MAGIC Show Is Coming Up!

It seems no matter what I do or how hard I try, I cannot escape Las Vegas.


I know most people love the city, but to me it just seems more like an overgrown Chuck E. Cheese for adults -- just as loud and just as tacky. However, there's one thing I do like about Vegas and that is the amount of networking opportunities. I've been for a few conventions so far and was impressed at how professional and helpful they were.

Hopefully, the Sourcing@MAGIC show will be no exception. The fabulously-talented Anca will be accompanying me and together we're hoping to garner some national business. The show is August 25-27, and we couldn't be more excited!

Wish us luck!

Just a Reminder -- My Contact Info Has Changed!

Thanks to more than a little help from my fabulous web designer Jay Williams, I'm now operating under a new URL and email address.

www.sewingdesignstudio.com

marilynjohnson@sewingdesignstudio.com


Please be sure to update your records and keep in touch!

My Newest Student (sort of...)

I'm so pleased and excited to announce the birth of my first grandchild, Samantha Isabel Sharp! She was born April 29th at 6:38 PM, to my daughter Jessica and her wonderful husband Patrick.

Both of these pictures were taken in the hospital a few hours after she was born. Since then she has visited my studio a number of times and, at 5 weeks old, even "helped" sew a pair of pants (by sitting on my lap and making sure I did it right.) I can't wait until she's old enough to start teaching her how to sew, knit, crotchet and whatever else her little heart desires! And I'd like to thank my daughter for reminding me that I may be a grandma, but at least I'm a damn cool grandma.

A Good Review from the Baltimore Sun!

So, Mary Carole McCauley of the Baltimore Sun may have picked an awful day to take in the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company's fantastic (in my opinion) production of "The Comedy of Errors", what with the 100+ degree heat and searing sun, but luckily costumes don't usually wilt in the summertime. She writes in her June 11th column:

"...Well, at least Marilyn Johnson's costumes are worth looking at. She adorns her characters in a fruit-flavored palette of banana, kiwi and tangerine; the fuchsia and lime wigs worn by the two leading ladies are particularly fetching. Johnson also makes clever use of hoop skirts, in particular, to indicate that a slender actress is supposed to be round."

To their credit, the actors were laboring in said 100+ heat, so it's no wonder they were a little flat. However, I'm very glad my costumes made such a good, stand-out impression on Ms. McCauley. Thank you, Baltimore Sun!

The Comedy of Errors

Performances: June 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, and July 6, 10 and 12 at Patapsco Female Institute, 3691 Sarahs Lane, Ellicott City. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays. Doubleheader on Saturday, June 28: The Comedy of Errors at 5 p.m., The Tempest at 8 p.m.

Parking: Free in the Howard County Courthouse lot on Court House Drive.

Tickets: 866-811-4111 or www.chesapeake shakespeare.com.

Information: 410-313-8874.

Budding Designers

I have a couple of young students in my Saturday afternoon class and I must tell you, I am impressed with their dedication and talent.
Each week they bring their sketch books with the latest sketches and we sit for a while and review them together. So far, they have sketched everything from shorts and tanks to evening gowns and accessories. We've talked about the fabrics for each design, sewing techniques to use, sizing, pricing, custom vs. RTW, including back views and more.
A good part of each lesson focuses on sewing techniques so we work on lots of stitching samples, machine issues, edge finishes and pressing techniques. Each of them has produced something usable at this point. (they've only been coming for a few weeks) J has made a tote bag and is finishing her first dress and matching purse while K, who only joined 3 weeks ago, was so anxious to "make something" that she turned one of her stitching samples into a little clutch bag. She can't wait for her next lesson so she can add rhinestones to it.
In the course of creating these things the girls have learned to use sergers, embellish fabric, fuse interfacing, edge finish seam allowances and create or adapt a pattern.
And to think they are 11 and 13 years old! Watch out, Vogue, these girls are coming!

Working on the Trunk Show

Anca and I met today to finalize some things for the Trunk Show next Sunday
(April 13th from 2 to 8 pm) and Sandra Bearden from Jahari's Spiritual Jewelry was also in today to drop off the jewelry she made for the Show to complement the garments that Anca and I have made. It promises to be a great show with clothing styles that are just not available in the stores. I hope all of you will be able to come! Trunk Shows are fun because you get to be the models and the designers are right there so you can ask questions and get advice.
I've got a number of skirts, some jackets (several have hand painted linings!) and a very unique dress I made for a design competition...it's actually 4 dresses and a skirt in one! You have to see it to believe it. There are the 2 capes I made that won prizes at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival and I've decided to include some of the decorator pillows and home dec stuff. I hope to make some more things this coming week.
Anca showed me photos of some of the things she has made and I loved them and you're gonna love them, too! Lots of beautiful fabrics, prints and solids, formal to casual...I don't want to give away too much, so plan to come!
As working designers, Anca and I know that every body is unique so fit is always an issue. We have agreed that if you like something, but the fit or color doesn't suit you, most garments can be ordered as a custom garment. That lets you in on the design process!
I'm getting more excited just telling you about it. And guess what!!!! Our Trunk Show will be mentioned in the Washingtonian Magazine in the Roundup column! Thanks, Hannah!
And don't forget, your ticket price is refunded with your first purchase at the show, a real win-win for everyone!

Latest Costume Project

I'm working this Spring with the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company and I'm really excited! This is not only a talented group of people to work with, they pride themselves on also being professional and considerate and respectful to each and every person involved in the production from interns to "stars." Actually, at last night's meeting, no one acted "starry," even when I was measuring for their costumes.
CSC is entering their 6th season and performs at the Patapsco Female Institute. I've never had an opportunity (okay, I did have many, but always had to work to meet a deadline) to see one of their productions, but the word in the Green Room is "great!" This year they will be doing 2 shows in repertory (when 2 or more shows rotate appearing during the season) I'm doing costumes for Comedy of Errors and I met Kristina Lambdin last night who will be doing the same for The Tempest.
I'll keep you posted on the costume progess, show dates and ticket info as we move along on the production. And by the way, I highly recommend the Tiber River House, a restaurant in Ellicott City!

One Show - Two Designers Trunk Show and Sale

Hey, Everyone! I'm getting excited and nervous as I plan with Anca of AncaDesigns for our first ever Trunk Show. The way we have it planned, you'll be able to come to the Trunk Show and try on our Designer Samples, purchase them on the spot or custom order from the samples.
We'll have Evening Gowns and Cocktail Dresses (shades of Austin Scarlett for you PR junkies) as well as Casual and Beach Wear, Accessories, Purses, Totes, Hats and much more! My friend Sandra Bearden of Jahari's Spiritual Jewelry is making some pieces just for this show and the garments in it! We are planning to have something for everyone and we will be right here to discuss each garment with you. Many of them have stories, so don't forget to ask!
The Summer Breeze Trunk Show and Sale will be on Sunday, April 13th beginning at 2 PM. Advance Tickets are $5 and At The Door Tickets are $10....but don't worry, your ticket price will be refunded with your first Trunk Show purchase.
If you'd like to reserve a ticket, please give me a call or leave a comment on this post. It promises to be a great show!