Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Burlesque Costuming: Vol 1 The Foundations
(Note: This book was purchased on my own, and the review is my own opinion and was not solicited in any manner)
As a burlesque costume and accessory designer for myself and for Burly Bundle, I love for people to learn how to make their own beautiful items. I was quite excited when I found Miss Mina Murray’s Little Book of Burlesque Costuming because she is teaching others to be able to make their own beautiful items! I am always interested in reading other performers/costumers’ experiences and seeing what they have made throughout their careers because it is quite a gift to get to learn from the pros!
Miss Mina is the headmistress at the Boston Academy of Burlesque Education and an award winning costumer and it was my honor to buy and read a copy of her book.
Vol 1 covers the foundations and certainly does not disappoint as it covers making pasties from scratch with buckram and fabric bases to making g-strings, panties and bras, complete with drawings and photos of her designs. She even finishes up with information on how to make your own costume and shoe bags to store your various costume pieces.
This book is well detailed with information on how to measure and size for the various projects listed and goes on to provide details on fitting, sewing and sizing tips for the item to best fit you. She provides valuable Pro Tips throughout and has a fun and engaging writing style that made me feel like I was sitting with her as she describes each step.
What I liked best about the book? Miss Mina takes the time to give the reader options on the various costume pieces and details what will and what may not work. She also provides caution for certain fabrics or design details, based on experience in the industry, that a new performer can use right away.
Who would I recommend this book to? I think this book is good for anyone wanting to learn the foundations to these basic, yet so important costume items to a burlesque performer. Miss Mina provides a strong base for learning with the expectation the costumer will enhance and grow their skills.
My favorite quote is: “You should have sort of a panty taco…” - Priceless!!! (and a very good description for what she wants you do!)
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is starting to make burlesque costumes either for themselves or because they are Awesome and helping a friend!