FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Katherine Barlow- From Classmate to Kissin’ Kate
(click images to to enlarge)
https://youtu.be/F5J6qJ2MsyQ
Other Credits
Museum Theatre artist and historian.
Outline the story …
My design constitutes one outfit, but is separated into two sides of the same character: Katherine Barlow from Holes by Louis Sachar.
Katherine’s schoolteacher overdress takes inspiration from the dress styles of the 1880’s/90’s, as that’s when her part of "Holes" unfolds. Her skirt and top are as blue as the water in the Green Lake, where she lives. The water is the heart of the town, as are Katherine and her schoolhouse. The deep blue is juxtaposed by the bright red vest, which mimics the ‘flaring’ that lizards (like the yellow spotted lizards in the books) do with their necks as a warning to predators. This signifies that while Katherine’s transformation into Kissin’ Kate is drastic, she’s always had her feisty spirit inside of her.
The transformation from the Katherine Barlow to Kissin’ Kate is a simple one because she’s a teacher and so she cannot afford to make a new outfit. This is why her outlaw underclothes comprised her petticoat, bum pad and blouse that were previously under her blue dress and her vest that peeked out before. The costume was inspired by the looks of real old west outlaws including Big Nose Kate, Pearl Heart and Annie Oakley. The deep red vest signifies both Kissin’ Kate’s fiery hatred, but it also keeps the fire that Sam’s love ignited going around her heart. As for the sandy colour of her petticoat and blouse, her outfit’s colour has ‘dried up’, just like Green Lake did when she left.
Outline the construction…
To compose the schoolteacher outfit, I used two patterns from Etsy: Repeated Originals’ 1880’s Striped Vest Blouse (which had patterns for both the blue top and the red vest) and Historical Atelier’s 1890’s Bell Skirt. The blue bell skirt was adapted from the Keystone Guide and I adjusted to fit. The blue top and red vest were adapted from an original 1887 pattern. I made no adjustments to the top, but added a back panel to the vest to make it fit. Neither had many instructions. I had to trust my instincts when assembling the pattern pieces (as they were printed off at home) and the garments.
For the petticoat and matching blouse, I learned how to tea-stain white fabric to achieve the ‘sandy’ colour I desired, and to make it more historically accurate. I used a 1950’s pattern for the blouse, and then made fitting/style adjustments when it was assembled (i.e. adding lace collar/cuffs, puffing sleeves). I loved the lace overlay that many 1880’s/90’s petticoats had, so I combined the leftover tea stained fabric from the blouse with appropriately coloured lace to achieve my overlay. I made a rectangular skirt fitted at the front with gathering in the back, like my bell skirt over top. This accommodated my bum pad, the pattern for which I created myself. All fabric was purchased second hand Toronto is currently in lockdown, so I could not buy any additional fabrics or notions. I had to get creative!
A very creative make indeed!
Oh…. the waistcoat!! And the jacket….. YUM!!! Gorgeous make!! Fantastic
I cant believe ALL the details and thought you put into this, and even better I saw your idea behind it before I read the text. Amazing!!
This is what a costume should be!
I love all the details and extensive thought that went into every part of this ensemble.
Amazing!!
Holes was one of my favorite books as a kid, and this is a beautiful interpretation of Kate’s character!
Such a badass character and even badasser costume!
Great concept and story details in the outfit. Well made. Strong, resourceful work.
I love the fabric choice, the final look and your attitude in the pictures 🤩 The sewing job you did on this looks incredibly neat!
I love the whole enchilada! One thing though, Annie Oakley wasn’t an outlaw, she was a showperson! Thank you!
I adore how you really evoked both sides of the same character in different part of the outfit, my particular favourite is the red bodice peeking out under the blue jacket, such a striking look! All the pieces are so well constructed and fitted too, and I love the attitude as your transform your outfit in the video! Great work!