Just when you think it is safe to emerge from the sewing room . . .

After costume check-out night, it turns out that there were a few more items that needed to be attended to before we could say we were finished. So far I've sewn one more peasant blouse, added straps to 4 little saucers and started making swags and curtains for the set. I'll be hard at work again on Tuesday afternoon, finishing the swags and curtains before our final dress rehearsal that evening.

Although I took a few shots at our first dress rehearsal, not many of them are very good. The lighting is still being worked on, so there was not quite enough illumination to photograph without a flash. And I never violate the "no flash photography" rule, even at dress rehearsal.

However, for your viewing pleasure, I'll include a few of the better ones.

First, we have Lumiere. I still think there are a few costume pieces missing but I think you can get the general idea. The headpiece and hands are from the Chanhassen Dinner Theater but we have added special effects inner works. The actor portraying Lumiere is extraordinarily good and plays the part to perfection.

Next is Cogsworth. His costume is not quite finished yet, either but it is stunning already, don't you agree. He is equally good at his role and is a great foil to Lumiere.

We also have a photo of the Caryatids in place as the columns of the dungeon. I just love both ladies who are playing these roles. They're fond of saying they just have a "supporting role." What a hoot! If you look carefully, you can just barely see poor Maurice locked in the dungeon.

Last but not least are the plates, one of which is my oldest daughter. In the shot is Mrs. Potts and Chip as well. Both of them require a bit more work to complete their costumes but you can get the general idea of how they're finally going to look.

As for knitting time . . . well, not much. I've found that since I'm known as a costume seamstress, my skills are in great demand as general pinner, fixer-upper, bow-tier, as well as being the source of all things necessary, such as bandaids, safety pins, needle and thread, good fabric scissors, breath mints and water bottles. That's in between singing, dancing, acting and moving set pieces.

Oh, well, maybe after opening night, I'll have time to sit and work on my knitting backstage again.

If you're in the area and want to order tickets, there are still some great seats available. Just go to www.CVFT.org and order online. And if you want to meet me after the show, I'll be the one who was juggling silk scarves in the tavern scene. Just look for me in the cast greeting line after the show.