Sil Devilly

Costume Maker

Established as a freelance costume maker in a studio surrounded by inspirational artists and makers at Yorkshire Artspace, Exchange Place in Sheffield, with a direct connection to the historic industrial landscape as well as the cultural heritage, art and textiles of the area.

Principally a freelance cutter and costume maker making costume for theatre, film and television I have been fortunate to be a regular cutter at Sheffield’s renowned Crucible Theatre, enjoying the costume making challenges that constant new shows from exuberant musicals to modern drama provide.

Although primarily a costume maker I am interested in taking on any textile based challenges from special occasion wear to undertaking sewing work with artists.
In any spare time, I can often be found growing fabulous fruit and vegetables in an allotment, and I enjoy wine, running, exhibitions and art galleries, though not necessarily in that order.

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Teaching

As a costume maker with over twenty years of experience in both design interpretation and construction, I have had the opportunity of working on a huge variety of costumes, both in theatre workrooms and as a freelance cutter, tailor and maker. I recognise the huge privilege it is to have such a fulfilling and varied occupation.

An MA in Creative Pattern cutting and enthusiasm for sharing the knowledge gained throughout my career has led towards teaching, lecturing and mentoring costume makers across the industry.

For over ten years I have been privileged to work with the students of The Northern College of Costume, guiding the students through the making of some of their men’s costume chiefly working on pattern cutting, tailoring and construction.

I worked as a costume construction lecturer on the Costume with Textiles BA (Hons) course at Huddersfield University 2017 to 2018, working with the students to enable them to construct their designs.

I also teach bespoke courses either as one to one tuition or to groups. Previous courses include;

Beginners pattern cutting
Craft projects
Sewing & costume techniques
Garment projects.

Do get in touch to discuss your idea of a scheme you would like the opportunity to learn and practice.

Writing

A recent major achievement is having written a book; Making Victorian Costume for Men published by The Crowood Press.

It is an essential handbook, packed with detailed advice that will inform, instruct and inspire and includes patterns and over 200 colour photographs.

ISBN
9781785005756
Pages
160
Format
A4 Paperback

Preview

Purchase

I've also written articles for Your Wardrobe Unlock’d and Foundations Revealed, the online magazine and interactive community.
Step by step guidance with photographs, the articles describe how to make a particular garment. The articles so far are;

Dior Bobbinet Underbodice – Parts 1, 2 and 3
Making a Classic Georgian Square-Cut Shirt

I have an ongoing relationship with Your Wardrobe Unlock’d and Foundations Revealed and am in the process of writing more articles for them.

Contact

My workshop is located on the first floor of the Exchange Place Studios building on the edge of Sheffield city centre, opposite Victoria Quays canal basin and within a few minutes walking distance of bus, tram and train services.

Sil Devilly
Studio 1.07
Exchange Place Studios,
Exchange Street,
Sheffield
S2 5TR