Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up in Lethbridge and am part of the fourth generation to live here. After high school, I attended Lethbridge College where I earned a Diploma in Fashion Design in 2006. From there, I attended ULethbridge where I earned a BFA - Multidisciplinary (Art, Drama and Music) in 2014. After graduating from university, my husband and I decided to move to Calgary and try our hand at working in film and television through the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) local. In film, I worked my way up from a daily costumer to a Costume Set Supervisor. A Costume Set Supervisor is the Costume Designers' representative on set; we advocate for the designers’ visions, take care of actor comfort (cozy coats, etc.) and track continuity. I worked as a Set Supervisor for several years on TV productions such as Syfy’s Wynonna Earp, CBC’s Heartland and CTV’s comedy Series Jann.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought me and my family back to Lethbridge. I was pregnant when the shutdowns happened and after having my daughter it seemed wise to be closer to family support. The film industry is a gig work model, and it is possible to live outside of Calgary and still work in the industry.
During the pandemic, I took the time to research and learn about knitting machines. I had taken up knitting several years before and quickly became hooked! Knitting machines gave me a way of knitting faster and I thought there may be a potential to knit costumes for film productions. As it turns out, I was right and I now regularly commission knit for film. Often, I am required to knit between one and five of the same garments. In film, you ALWAYS need multiples due to stunt doubles, action sequences and general "just in case." Along with knitting, I would still take the odd call to work in film, usually keeping to a few weeks at a time.
In April of 2022, I had my second daughter and a couple of months later was sent the job posting for the ULethbridge Costume Shop by an old high school friend. It seemed too perfect to be true that a job in costuming would be just down the street. I decided to throw my hat in the ring and landed the contract. This last spring, I was offered and accepted continuing contract working in the University of Lethbridge Costume Shop.
How long have you been at ULethbridge and what do you do here?
I started in August of 2022 but I would say my history with ULethbridge stretches much further back. I remember attending plays down at the University all the way back to my childhood.
What's the best part of your job?
I love working with fabrics and clothing. Sewing, creating and building are so much fun. I especially feel privileged to be able to share my experience with the students on campus.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to knit, spin (yes, I spin my own yarn), garden, draw, sew and spend time with my family.
