WELCOME TO MY PORTFOLIO
I AM KATHRYN
I design one-of-a-kind gowns for weddings and entire wardrobes for theater shows in Wisconsin and Iowa. Each new wedding and performance season takes me on an exciting adventure of creative discovery as I deliver beautifully tailored and intricately detailed garments to happily satisfied clients. Scroll down to see some of my favorite work!
Lead Costumer
Eau Claire Children's Theatre
Lead Costumer for a community theatre in Wisconsin that involved designing costumes for shows that had not been put on at the theater before and pulling garments from the stock available - which has accumulated for the last thirty years - for shows that had been on stage before. This also included: supervising costume assistants, organizing times for actor measurements, scheduling sewing dates with volunteers, and fittings for all productions and special events. Some of the most interesting projects included taking special occasion dresses and redesigning them to be the outfits that were needed for the production. Seeing things come together within the time constraints was an amazing experience!
2022-2023 Season
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
The Farndale Avenue.... Christmas Carol
Shrek the Musical
Miscast 2023
Intimate Apparel
Theatre Cedar Rapids
Set in 1905, the story of Intimate Apparel (Lynn Nottage) brings alive the hardships and trials of a black, intimate garments seamstress as she creates garments for wealthy, white clients. Costume design included multiple Edwardian corsets - several of which are described in detail by the playwright - and including period pieces worn by the lead and a supporting role. This production was unique in having each corset visible to the audience from stage was also seen as materials sold by a fabric salesman. Directed by Deanna Downes.
Shakespeare In Love
Theatre Cedar Rapids
Sweeping period romance based on the movie by Lee Hall. Commissioned piece was costume for Queen Elizabeth I. Sketch was approved by the creative team and costume was built in the studio. The outfit included a farthingale, heavily boned bodice (creative team said no corset), heart shaped back decoration with shawl - all garment pieces were heavily decorated with trims bought on a personal research trip to London, UK. The costume also included a snap on replacement stomacher, underskirt, and shoulder piece for the incognito version. Directed by Angie Toomsen.
Vanity Fair - An (Im-) Morality Play
Theatre Cedar Rapids
The classic tale with a comedic twist written by Kate Hamill. This production did not end up being completed due to COVID-19. The promotional garments were completed for a quick photo shoot with the leads. Coordinating masks were created so that the actors would be safe. All garments included period undergarments and details to accentuate the two diverse characters they represent.
Sally, Night Before Christmas
Commission
Commissions gown based on a more colorful version for the Disney parks. All fabric segments were hand drafted and built to fit the client. Details on the fabric were hand drawn and unseen segments were created for the back to complete the garment, based on the original movie design.
Janet's Bridal Gown
Commission
This garment was created at the request of a bride who wanted a peach/pink bridal gown covered in beads and flowers. The original dress was a simple white dress that was altered to fit the bride along with her specific design requests. All parts of the gown were then dyed - this included the veil, belt, flowers and pearls.
