Nothing Gold Can Stay

Pear leaves and a last tomato. All photos taken Nov. 26, 2008.

Tutu Divine

My daughter will be performing as a guest artist with the local Symphony Sunday afternoon. They are playing "The Nutcracker Suite," which is excerpts from the ballet, and she will be Sugarplum Fairy. I have been refurbishing a tutu, approximately 20 years old, for her to wear. It's appeared often onstage, as the costume for Rose Fairy (Sleeping Beauty), and Dew Drop (Nutcracker). I replaced all the missing jewels and added a few more, totalling about 200. I also removed the tacking that holds the skirt layers together, and lifted up the plate, which is the pink fabric on top. I added several layers of diamond net, as the skirt had gotten droopy. Then I ironed the net a little to flatten out the gathers, and tacked all the layers back together so they don't flop around when the dancer is performing. I also reattached the bodice to the skirt yoke, as it was not aligned straight. All it needs now is a body fitting (and it may not need any altering as she has worn it before), and strap adjustment. Break a leg, Liz! Underside of tutu, showing panty in center and layers of tulle. The rose fabric is taffeta, overlaid with embroidered bridal-type chiffon. The decoration on the bodice is made of woven pastel-colored ribbons layered under the chiffon. And now it really sparkles!

Backstage, after the show.