PINS & NEEDLES: TAILORS WITH A DRAMATIC FLAIR

From my stage debut as a Parrot in the living nativity in kindergarten class (not sure what the Nazarenes were thinking, but I loved it!) to sporting a large, sexy bustle over my backside when portraying Mina in Dracula, costumes have been a huge part of my theatrical life and career. While I am not a costumer myself, I can tell you absolutely that costume designers are some of the most versatile and talented artists you will ever meet. They are the magicians of the theater world.

Costumers from an actor’s point of view: they inhabit brightly lit rooms that smell of fresh laundry and static electricity. With their shears, their measuring tapes, and kits filled with potions and notions, they summon you forth for a fitting (or three) where they place you in front of a mirror or next to a mannequin draped with tulle, circling around you with pins in their mouths, chanting and mumbling various incantations peppered with the occasional swear, and suddenly, you have been transformed! I first heard about the new ownership of Pins & Needles custom tailoring shop from fellow local actor, T.J. Farrell, and I knew instantly that I wanted to talk with Jessica and Carl Knowles about it. After my interview with them, I still think they are magicians, but I certainly also more fully appreciate the training and dedication that has led them to this next chapter of their lives as professional tailors and local business owners. Jessica has a business degree and Carl has a degree in Theatre and Production with an emphasis in Costuming. They both grew up in central Washington and if they have a motto, it appears to be “Keep it local and collaborate” as taking on ownership of a thriving business didn’t stop them from building over 400 costumes this summer for Leavenworth Summer Theater’s 2022 season.

Because NCW Arts is fascinated with the intersection of art and commerce, we spent some time talking about the “art of fabric manipulation,” as Carl calls it. The Knowles both agreed that their approach to the business of tailoring is directly informed by their theatre training and experiences in the performing arts. Building and altering costumes for plays in a variety of different eras has helped them develop a broad skill set that is very relevant to today’s fashion trends. Carl says, “most modern fashion is informed by previous periods,” so it follows that having immersive experiences where you are required to nail the details of a certain time period helps with understanding and executing current trends.

Building on that concept, Jessica talked about the idea that if you know what you’re doing, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for quality tailoring. If you’re on stage, you must be able to breathe and move (even in a corset), but you must also look completely in character and the details do matter if you want the costumes to seamlessly (!) contribute to the tone, mood, and feel of the play. According to Jessica, the same principles should apply in the clothes you wear on the street. It is possible to have high quality clothing that fits you well and is also highly functional and comfortable.

The Knowles plan to build on the solid reputation of Pins & Needles established by previous owner, Melinda Sinclair, and to also add their own theatrical flair whenever called for. They have retained a staff of three and are working on adding some new services to their existing daywear and bridal lines. This may include custom built clothing and costuming, bridal emergency kits for those unexpected sewing needs on your big day, and possibly even some original T-shirt designs for your bachelorette party!

You can find them on the bottom level of the Grand Central Building at 25 N. Wenatchee Ave, Suite 106. Business hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12pm to 6pm. Contact information: www.pinsandneedleswenatchee.com, 509-662-0813.