Broken Smiles Designs

Welcome!

I am Allie Pixie, and I'm a costuming FIEND. I spend way too much time in fabric stores and on my sewing machine, which works out for anyone looking for costumes. I am in my senior year at Salve Regina U, as a Theatre Education major. I am a rennie, a pirate, and a theatre dork, which all go hand in hand. I have been sewing for almost 6 years, crafting since the age of 5.

Currently thesis and student teaching are taking over my life, but I still manage to find time to sew or craft. Creating is definitely something I have to do, or I'll go crazy. Even if it means just sitting somewhere and knitting for awhile.

If there's anything else you want to know about me, feel free to ask! Otherwise, enjoy my website!

xoxox
Allie Pixie

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1) How many costumes do you have?

A lot. The problem is that all of the pieces I have can be mixed and matched with other pieces to create a new look. One of these days, I will count how many possibilities I have!

2) Where do you keep them? Isn't your closet full?

Thankfully I have a craft room where I can hang most of it. It's almost like having a second closet. If anyone would like to donate extra space, I would appreciate it!

3) Do you sell them/work for a theatre?  You should sell them -you'd make a lot of money!

I actually do work for a theatre; two, in fact. I work for a community theatre in my hometown during my summer break, and at my college when I'm there. I normally do not make items for either of those places, since I'm terrible with deadlines. I've made things for friends before, but it just causes me way too much stress. 

4) Where do you wear them?

Not to enough places, in my opinion. I attend renaissance faires, fantasy conferences, go to midnight film premieres, and just indulge in other geekiness. I have also dress up for Halloween, which I have been doing since High School, and plan on doing so for the rest of my life.

5) How did you get started costuming?

This one is hard to remember. I think it all started when I first saw a commercial for the local ren faire. I decided I would go in costume, and put together an outfit for it. The year after, I was working there, and decided I needed to make a few things to add to the costume. It sort of got away from me at that point...

6) How long did it take to make that?

Anywhere from a month to a year, usually leaning closer to the year end of the range.  I am easily distracted by silly things like work and friends.

7) Where did you get that? (Usually they're pointing to my hat, my fan, my jewelry, or some other accessory). 

You'd be surprised what you can find online! I'm also a big fan of thrift stores and flea markets. The fact that I work at a ren faire is also a big plus, since people point me towards stores where they have found items. I also know people who make chainmail jewelry and leather items, and have begun learning how to make my own accessories. It's really amazing to look at a finished scarf or necklace and know you made it.