Thanks to Rochelle Wisoff-Fields for hosting the Friday Fictioneers, a group of writers who gather to compose a 100-word story based on a photo prompt. This week’s photo was brought to us by Sandra Crook. Sandra, thanks for the inspiration.
When I look at a sewing machine, I think of costumes. My story is a tribute to all the costume makers out there. They work hard and, of course, there’s always drama!

(100 words)
A Day in the Life of a Ballet Seamstress
Reza didn’t look up as she pumped the foot plate of her sewing machine.
Marilyn entered with a notebook pressed to her chest, “Alain wants the birds blue, not green, and not so shiny.”
“So, we’ll throw some powder on them,” Reza said, and then squinted at her.
In the corner, a sea of tulle swallowed Liliana’s tiny frame. Her tutu hung on her like a potato sack. “What happened to my costume!”
“Again! Just eat already,” Reza said.
Liliana erupted, her body shaking with tears, and dropped her head on Reza’s shoulder.
“There, there. Of course, I’ll fix it.”
*************
For more stories from the Fictioneers, click here.
A beautifully layered tale. So much going on here. Well done, Amy.
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I’m delighted you enjoyed it, Sandra. Thanks so much for your nice comments.
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You really put the seamstress in the middle there… love how she responded to the little ballerina.
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That’s true, Bjorn. The seamstress really is caught in the middle. I didn’t really intend for that to happen, but I imagine it does. Thank you.
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Wow, that’s a granola bar of a story I have every read — meaning it’s packed with all kinds of stuff in it. This is good. I’m with Sandra. There’s a lot going on in this. Almost like a “before the show emergency” type of situation. I love it!
Five out of five three-threes (instead of tutus). Badda-BING! 😀
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Aww, thanks, Kent. I shoot for the granola-bar variety in my storytelling. So, thanks for the kind words. There’s something exciting about the chaos that goes on in those last moments, the emergencies, yes! They always seem to happen even with the most thoughtful planning in all the world. Three-threes. Ooh, did I get a bonus! Thanks!
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Dear Amy,
I have a friend who was once the costume mistress for Alvin Ailey. Your story put me in mind of her. More than one story in this one. Well done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
I bet your friend has lots of stories to tell. I have so much respect for costume mistresses and all their hard work, which often goes unnoticed. They are the genius behind-the-scenes. Thank you.
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All that in a hundred words, Amy! That Ballet Seamstress is certainly busy!
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Indeed, Tom. There’s never a dull moment for her. The pressure is always on. Thanks your nice comments.
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Love it. I was there with your seamstress. Great job.
Tracey
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Thanks so much, Tracey. Thanks for spending time with my seamstress. 🙂
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My pleasure
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I worry for the ballerina. I hope she eats soon, there must be a lot of pressure to stay tiny.
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Thanks, Ali. Me, too!
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I’ve always thought it would be exciting to me a costume designer (in another life) but a seamstress? No way. You caught that in 100 words. Kudos.
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Being a costume designer sounds fun so long as you have a lot of assistants. Thanks, Alicia. Glad you liked it.
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I love that sewing machine!! ♥♥
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It is a beauty!
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Very nice, Amy! Reza has to hold together more than all those costume seams. Great story.
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She sure does! Thanks, Cathy. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Oh want to give her a hug (and a meal)! Very well told.
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Thanks, Louise. Maybe they should have a meal together.
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I really like this story Amy.
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Thank you, Dawn.
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This brought back all sorts of memories from my own and my two kids ballet class days.
Most of the drama is behind the scenes not on the stage – a lovely story.
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Exactly, Miranda. If people only knew what goes on backstage. I danced for years and always loved being backstage. Thanks.
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She is like a group therapist, the good soul who holds it all together–and gets burdened with everything. I bet she loves it. I love the story, it’s great. 🙂
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You’re so right. She is like a therapist who sees all and hears all. Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much.
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Good story, Amy. I remember seeing the mothers sitting in the kitchen of my cousin’s home and sewing costumes for their children who were in the dance program the school put on each year. My cousin and her four siblings were students there. Those mothers must have spent hours sewing on sequins alone. Good writing. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Sequins, yes of course! Those can take a lot of time I’m sure. What would we do without all their dedication? It’s always amazing to me just how much is involved in putting on a performance. Somehow it all gets done. Thanks, Suzanne.
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A quick glimpse of life behind the mystery of ballet. I love be able to see behind this curtain briefly. I envy anyone having to do anything with ballet. Of course, if I was Liliana my tutu would constantly have to let out.
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I danced for many years, Michelle. I feel lucky it was a part of my life for a good long time. Now that I’ve left it, it feels like a lifetime ago. Thanks for your comments! I appreciate you. I haven’t been to my blog much lately. I’m sorry for the long delay in responding.
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Thank you, Amy, for always giving me something worth reading.
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Thanks so much, Michelle. Thanks for being here, truly.
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Loved reading this. I miss my ballet days tremendously. Fiona
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Me too, Fiona! I’ve been dancing around the house lately. Thanks so much for reading and for your lovely comments.
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I love that. I sometimes find myself doing some ballet pieces in and around the house as I really do miss my ballet days. Thank you for writing such a great blog. Fiona
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Keep dancing, Fiona! Don’t ever stop. Thanks for your sweet comments. Happy New Year to you! x
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Wishing you a great & successful 2017! Fiona
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Thanks so much, Fiona. Best wishes to you, too!
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Definitely torn up by these fragile and truthful words!
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Thanks so much for reading, Jaya! I appreciate it.
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