Rachael Gray

Been busy being other characters on stages lately.

So much has happened in the last six months I haven't had a chance to post anything. The quick and dirty summary is: I injured my back and lay low for a long time, I made some shoes, I left a job to start a sewing/costume studio and school. But that didn't work out the way I planned, and I left the venture. I sat around wondering what to do for a while, which was not the most thrilling part of my year, but then found myself getting more and more excited by costuming and performance. I was recruited into a few performances (including the photos seen here of Aviatrix Arcadia of the Mystic Midway at the Edwardian Ball, and as a white and gold member of the Gangs of Bohemia on NYE at the Armory/kink.com), and that has sparked a long-dead flame- the desire to get back on stage and put on a show.

So now I'm back in the job market, not sure yet how I'm going to support myself, but still looking for chances to learn more costuming, dabble with burlesque and other stage options, and trying to figure out how to fund getting my shoemaking tools. 

I spent New Years Eve in the basement of the Armory, as a vicious member of the Gang of Bohemia.

So after two years, I am FINALLY back in the new and improved shoemaking shop/school with my favorite teacher, and I am making a pair of wedge boots from scratch.

Even though I struggled with some pattern drafting weirdness today, being here reminds me why I love shoemaking so much. Nothing makes me as happy as developing and workshopping designs, working through a pattern's complications, selecting leathers, the terror of "one chance to get it right" sewing, lasting (I absolutely ADORE lasting), and collaborating with a group.

I promise I'm taking lots of photos for all of you, and will post some process pics when I have the boot pattern done. See, the pattern is taking a while because I chose a last with a beautiful toe shape and a 5" heel rise, and many basic patterning rules have to be adjusted to account for the intense angle of the foot. A lot of these quirks could probably be solved in obvious ways if I had more experience to fall back on, but as it is, I am struggling a bit. Yet I don't mind the struggle. It forced me to create a whole number of different techniques to account for these quirks in the pattern. None of them worked, but I enjoyed the creative problem solving nonetheless.

What have I been up to lately? Quite a lot actually. But this project is by far the silliest. I cannot stop giggling lately.

I'm working with friends to produce a ridiculous Dr Who and scifi themed costume/cabaret event in San Francisco. Witness the creation of Dr. WHAT vs MASTER MONDALEK! 

Dear The Internet,

Meet Guy Foxy.

We've been together a long time. I wheeled her home (she identifies female btw) on the bus from fashion school many years ago, shortly before moving to London. The move meant that she set up house in an attic for years while I moved from place to place to place.

Now I am back in San Francisco and setting up a sewing room (see Juki over there photobombing?), which means that Foxy and I can finally be together.

On a side note, I just submitted a project proposal for an Artist in Residence program I am *REALLY* excited about. I am crossing all my fingers and any toes that have that kind of flexibility.

If I got this it could change the direction of my art and expand my abilities and resources exponentially. This would be a huge step in my career, and more importantly tons of fun! I'd get to learn, teach, use my hands, experiment, create, and play with new tools and technology.