Seamstress nips, tucks and toils for 'Nutcracker' tutus
San Anselmo woman, helpers put in long hours -- with love
Maura Thurman, Special to The Chronicle

While most families relished the whirl of summer vacation, Gina Gray already had begun living "The Nutcracker."

The San Anselmo seamstress has spent more than 500 hours since July as leader of a volunteer team that created 40 new custom-fit tutus and other costume embellishments for the Stapleton Ballet.