Floorshow Boas!

Okay, here's what I've learned after dicking around with these things for a few weeks...

The boas are long. Really long. I make mine almost 10'.
The box-pleats use fabric at a 3-to-1 ratio... so if you want to box pleat 9' of organza, you'll need 9 yards (18 feet!)

Sue's seem to be mounted on some black twill tape, but I just used 3/8" grosgrain ribbon. I don't recommend satin ribbon; the organza will slip and slide all over that.

Materials: 
1 10-foot strip of twill tape or grosgrain ribbon
1 9-yard (18-foot) strip of Black Organza (10" wide)
1 8-yard strip of Red Organza (10" wide)
1 8-yard strip of Yellow-Green Organza (10" wide)
2 WOF (Width Of Fabric) strips of Black Chiffon (10" wide)
2 (or 4) Black Tassels
Black Serger Thread (and obv. a serger)

If you don't mind piecing your organza together, you can just buy 2-yards and sew the 10" strips together to make one long strip.

Prepping the Fabric:
I cut 10" wide strips of the Organza and chiffon and serge all the long edges. If you want to use a rolled-hem foot on your serger, you may want to cut your fabric strips 1/2" wider to accommodate the hem (1/4" each side). I don't bother to serge the short edges, but you can if you want. 

Getting Started:
I fold about 1" of the ribbon up to make a loop for the tassel. Some tassels have stupid-long loops for hanging, so I shorten those to about 2".  I box-pleat the chiffon to each end straight down the middle - just sort of a loose pleat-as-I-go technique. I can see the ribbon through the chiffon. Make sure you attach both ends of the chiffon to the SAME SIDE of the ribbon! My pleats average about 1-1/4" deep.. back and forth alternating their direction (that's what makes it a box pleat). If you prefer you can pleat them all going the same direction and it should look beautiful, too.

Pleating the Organza!
Continue to attach all layers on the same side of the ribbon. This will help with the twist when it's hanging.

I attach the red first... slightly overlapping the black Chiffon ends. Not all of the boas have all of the colors running the full length, but I prefer to keep it simple and just go all the way across. Then the green/yellow - which I started and ended a little further in from the red. Then the black I started about 6" from the beginning of the ribbon - it overlaps a lot of the Chiffon. 

You absolutely want to do the black organza last because it's the hardest to see through. You need to be able to see your ribbon/previous stitch line on each successive layer. It can be a little tricky with the black on top of the black ends. Just go slowly and keep your pleat layers spread as you work. 

Commissions:
If you decide you'd rather just buy one I'd be glad to make it for you!  Based on the materials I currently have available (see top photo) I am charging $125.00 (materials + labor).  

Floorshow Boa Research

There are two known, extant boas:
1. The King's Road Boa owned by Ruth (and possibly used by Rocky in the film)
2. Columbia's Boa owned by Larry

They have a lot in common and appear to be made from the same materials, however the order of their layers is different. They both begin with a length of black twill tape (grosgrain will work well, too). Both boas also begin with pleated chiffon on the ends - it's a little droopier and gives the boa a more tapered appearance. Both boas have multiple layers of pleated (most likely) Organza, but the lengths and positions of the Red and Yellow are reversed. The tassels appear to be the same.

Pride Boas

I made a set of Pride boas for the local casts I perform with, and as a pre-cursor to (eventually) making some screen accurate floorshow boas (Organza fabric has been ordered!)

For these, I used Tulle-Organza. It's like a fine-weave tulle with the shimmer of organza (but doesn't shed glitter!) I used a 10' long ribbon down the middle and box-pleated 4 layers of 11" wide tulle. Which is pretty wide, you probably wouldn't want your regular floorshow boas to be that wide, unless you just wanted them to be "extra". Each layer was applied individually, and I just pleated as I went.  The dark purple ends are chiffon (and those edges are serged). 

This makes a very cost-effective boa - which is great for theme shows (think Pride, Halloween, etc.)  Anyhow, the Organza ones are coming soon(ish)!

Floorshow Garter Belts

My best guess is the metallic red ribbon is attached with a zig-zag stitch to some elastic while it's being stretched.  This will make the entire garter strap curl up on itself, but you might be able to flatten it with an iron. Definitely test your ribbon/method with some scrap pieces first. 

Columbia's photo shows that the middle/side strap is attached on top of the garter belt (the other straps are likely sewn into the designated seam).

Rocky's garter belt gives some insight on the fabric - definitely stretchy (not a plain satin). 

Columbia's Tailcoat Pattern (revised)

I've finally updated and digitized my Columbia tailcoat pattern.  The sleeve and torso length can be easily modified for a more tailored fit. This is a Small; I'll have to do the Medium and Large separately (someday!)  My poor paper patterns I made 15 years ago are so fragile. Once I digitize them I can print them out as often as I need.

Introducing: Frank-n-Trixie and the no-good, very bad shoe!

In honor of Tim Curry's birthday this month (April, 2025) I made a special Frank-n-Trixie themed ensemble - 

It's my basic usherette dress pattern, but I added a tie-belt (instead of the traditional skinny leather belt).

• My oversized pin is a copy of a "Charles Atlas" ad - I can make you a man!
• I got my Frank pearls on, though slightly smaller to suit this ensemble better
• You can see them, but I had red triangle-shaped earrings on
• Hot pink satin gloves
• Rhinestone anklet
• A cute riveted facade (like Rocky's tank!) to attach across my usherette tray
• I handed out "Body Part" gummie candies
• I had the lab-scene Frank shoes all finished and ready to go, but they broke before I made it out the door. Thankfully I had some Sweet-T back-ups (re: white heels)

Brad's Shoes

Brad wears black loafers with an elasticated gusset in the wedding scene, and then brown loafers with a higher tongue/vamp. 

He wears white socks throughout, which makes the quick change after "Dammit Janet" even easier. Brad (and Janet) have a little over 90 seconds for their quick change during the Criminologist's speech.

Frank's jacket JUST A THEORY

I have a theory (uh oh)...
So, here in Texas I perform with a local cast in Houston, and sometimes get to guest perform in Dallas and Austin. I write a monthly newsletter that I take wherever I'm going. I was researching some stuff for my April issue - which has both Tim Curry and Sue Blane's birthdays in it. 

I was trying to tie it together a bit. Tim Curry and Sue's costumes. I wanted to mention the jacket. I had heard something about him getting it from a biker in London, but I couldn't find any sources to back that up. So I asked around and got some fabulous insights!  

Apparently Tim bought the jacket from Malcolm McLaren's shop "Let It Rock". According to Wiki, he sold "clothing (dead stock, military surplus) and objects he'd sourced. When the shop became a success, he enlisted the help of his then-girlfriend Vivienne Westwood who customized and repaired original clothing and made facsimiles." Tim said the jacket came from a dead biker. Which honestly, sounds like something Vivienne or Malcolm would have made up just to give the piece more provenance, but that's just my opinion. 

Okay, so here's what really got me thinking about the jacket. Doesn't it seem weird to have Ducati, BMW, Royal Enfield, Hells Angels, Nazi patches, etc... all on the same jacket?  It's really all over the place.  Street bikes.. racing bikes... nazi shit....  When you look at other Teddy Boy jackets, they don't quite look like this. 

But here's my theory. The jacket probably came in partially adorned... but I'd bet anything Vivienne (or maybe even Malcolm) threw a WHOLE lot more stuff on it. Maybe surplus pins they had... deadstock patches... just really decked it out with anything and everything. It's completely in line with the info from Wiki (quoted above) and Vivienne's early M.O. (and someone who maybe didn't know a lot about Motorcycles...)  

Magenta's Hair Dryer

 Looks to be a Roffler Hair Dryer from Germany. I found one on eBay for $29.

Janet's Panties

Honestly, I never really paid much attention to Janet's panties other than that they were white, and low across the hips.

Jaimie F. has informed me that Janet wears two different white undies (and I will absolutely take her word on that!) The ones in Touch-a are different than the dinner scene.

The Touch-a pair have some scalloped lace trim on them with white satin bows. There's also a small lacy trim around the leg holes. That side seam is probably no more than 3". They would most definitely have been Nylon.

I've never found any vintage panties just like them, but I've found similar styles from the 70s that have diagonal lace on the front. They seem to have the lace trim continuing from the side waist to the crotch seam or meeting in a "V" above the crotch seam. 

Frank's Dinner Scene Boots

Oh boy, these are gonna be hard to find!  You're looking for a high heel, knee-high boot that laces up the back side of the leg. They also have a peep-toe (but you'll most likely have to create that yourself). It looks like part of the vamp is made of a shinier, patent leather - and then the rest is some sort of slightly-stretchy pleather. Most Franks just attach a different anklet to their boot so they don't have to fuss with it in their quick change before the dinner scene.

Frank's Sweet T Heels

D'Orsay (pronounced "door-say") is a style of heel where the sides are cutaway on the vamp. You can read more about its 19th century origins and history here. 

Terry de Havilland (aka the "Rock-n-Roll cobbler of the 70s") was an English shoe designer (1938 - 2019). You can read more about his amazing career here.

Frank's Sweet T shoes are D'Orsay style platform heels designed by Terry de Havilland. They feature a very small, triangular peep-toe opening that is hard to discern from the side view (like the red shoes below). 

The modern "Lena" line by Terry de Havilland is similar in many ways, but not an exact match. Most of the newer lines have a larger, curved toe opening (like the silver shoes below).

Newer D'Orsay styles by Terry de Havilland	Vintage peep toe shoes with a triangular opening

Mick Rock was on the set during the filming of Sweet Transvestite so there are a lot of photos taken directly on the set while filming. 

The lab shoes seem to be identical, except in solid black. The boots are also peep-toe. And the floorshow heels seem to have some slightly different shaping, but are also made by Terry de Havilland (see them here).

Meet Fuchsia... Magenta's sister

Personal project of mine to attend The Rocky Horror Show in the UK on the new tour starring Jason Donovan as Frank. Last year for the 50th anniversary I replicated Little Nell's 1973 costume, though I failed to get the response I was hoping for. I was later informed that because I attended the show on a weeknight I missed most of the hardcore (fan club) fans.

So this year I aimed to do better. I needed something more recognizable, but still a bit unique. I came across Mark's gorgeous space suit creations and felt inspired to go pink (I mean, have you seen my hair??)

Although I'm still nursing a toe injury from June and couldn't wear my pointy-toe stiletto boots, I found a round-toed option by the same manufacturer that was tolerable to wear. The wig was from my usherette costume, though I dyed it a tad darker. 

I was so excited that the Space Suits who inspired mine were actually there - along with so many other people in amazing costumes. My wings were actually just left-over prototypes - one was made with 3mm foam and the other side with 4mm foam. No big deal, I don't think anyone could tell. The buckle was 3D printed by my husband. First I sprayed the vertical bits hot pink, then I over-sprayed them with a darker (almost purplish) glitter spray to get it to match the tabard. 

Space Suit Buckle

Although I realize the back of the buckle is stitched vinyl like the belt I wanted to create something a little more functional for quick changes. My husband 3D printed this buckle with a pass-through for the belt in back (someone has a similar version on Thingiverse, too).  Click here for more info and pricing on my Space Suit and its components. 

RHS Space Suits

 RHS Space Suits from one of the early stage productions (before the film) - not sure what color they were, but I've seen references online that they were silver. 

Columbia's Collar (updated)

Oh how the internet keeps making things easier!  Now I can get everything I need to make Columbia's collar from Amazon.  All I have to do is spray-paint the lock washers gold, and space my rivets out 3/4" apart. Check out these links via my Amazon Associate account - 

Honbay 12PCS Rivet Studs (Amazon Assoc. Link)
CRAFTMEMORE 50 White Clear Rhinestone Rivets (Amazon Assoc. Link)
External Tooth Lock Washers (Amazon Assoc. Link)
Milakoo Adjustable Leather Collar (Amazon Assoc. Link)

Crim Ascots...

I discovered that buying beads is a little like buying lumber... the "size" is not the actual finished measurement!  

Amazon has 2000 4mm beads (Amazon Assoc. Link) or 700 5mm beads (Amazon Assoc. Link)

I do like the "5mm" slightly better, though they only actually measure 4.5mm.

Need your help!

 I'd like to curate a product list on Amazon - the best option to accomplish this goal is to create an Amazon Influencer Acct. However, I deleted my Columbia's Closet accounts on Facebook and Instagram several years ago. They were permanently deleted and not able to be restored so now I'm having to build everything from the ground up again. Amazon will look at my social media metrics before approving me - I need roughly 500 followers, but also a lot of interaction (in the form of likes and comments). So if you've got some free time and want to help me reach this minor goal please follow (and even share!) my accounts with all your Rocky Horror friends:

Columbia's Closet on Instagram
Columbia's Closet on Facebook 

Introducing: Columbia's Closet Patterns

In addition to the handful of free patterns that I offer here, I've been busy drafting a more complete line of Rocky & Shocky patterns in 2023 to release in 2024. Here's the short list of what I hope to (ultimately) accomplish:

• Frank - Dinner Corset, Floorshow Corset
• Janet - Proposal Suit, Pink Dress
• Magenta - Maid Dress
• Columbia - Tailcoat, Bustier, Shorts
• Brad - Khaki Jacket
• Floorshow - Corsets & Garter Belts
• Space Suits (complete)
• Nation - Scrubs
• Cosmo - Scrubs
• Ansalong - Green Dress

Each pattern purchase will include online support on my Discord Server - with dedicated (private) channels for each pattern including supplemental video tutorials. Ideally pattern testers and fellow customers will also be on hand to share their results, too. 

My Usherette Dress

This was my final design pattern based on my research, and my final costume result! I made a few (personal) adjustments from Patricia Quinn's original usherette costume:

• I chose a sheer fabric (to be a lil' sexy) in a neon pink color (to better match my hair). 
• Instead of the giant Elvis pin, mine is Anthony Head (because I saw him play Frank in '91). I had it custom fabricated and based it on the '90s UK tour graphics.
• Instead of “Sloane Cinemas“ (re: Royal Court), my cap says “Farley’s Flicks” (Shock Treatment nod).
• Her tray reads "Lyon's Brand Strawberry Time" (a British ice cream treat), but my tray says "Barry's Berries" because Barry Bostwick was in attendance when I wore the costume - and the tootsie pops are Strawberry flavored!