Preservation Project & a Bonus!

In January I worked with a few  ladies who cut and sewed all day -  creating covers for the archival hangers used for costume storage at the Phoenix Art Museum Fashion Institute. 

The textile curator supervised and she was very particular about the fabric she selected and the thread she provided.  First we had a very interesting lecture on textile preservation. Turns out the covers go directly on the molded hangers (not over the garments) to protect the textiles from any fumes that are emitted by the synthetic plastic. Even the serger threads will NOT touch the garments.

 Directions were very specific. Our goal was 500 covers which we accomplished. We sewed like a sweat shop all day and most of us took more covers home to complete. 

OK  - not very exciting sewing but wait -  there is a reward. Volunteers will have a private tour of the costume vault.  The Fashion Design Department Director and her staff will be arranging it  after the Hollywood  exhibit  opens. Evidently they are all in a tizzy right now!

  Hollywood Costume  opens this month. This  is the first and only showing ever west of the Mississippi. 

(Click on Hollywood for fascinating tails.)

A related tour is coming up as a result of  special interest Art Appreciation lecture class I am taking at Phoenix College. Class members  will be treated to a special advance preview tour of the Hollywood exhibition.

(Yes, I am excited!)