(no subject)
It started as a halloween costume and then, like most projects, gained a life of its own. I used Truly Victorian 1870's Underskirt and 1873 Polonaise for the patterns.
Silver taffeta, to be exact.
which turned into a simple underskirt in just a few hours. I would have taken less time had I not had New Pattern Fear.
Everything stitched together quickly and easily.
and I moved onto the Big Piece, the Polonaise. For the first planned wearing of this, I put together the base of the gown in three days. (Note to self: Never do that again!)
I found a lovely black paisley fabric (on sale! Woohoo!!) with some great texture to it, and got cutting. Needless to say, I was covered in tiny black fuzzies for days. So was the cat.
The back has a peplum, which I decided to add beaded trim to.
Needless to say that after the first piece, sandwiching beading tape between fabric and lining was NOT something I decided I was up for, so I chose to add the trim after everything was sewn.
First fitting:
I had a problem with the first set of sleeves, but it was wearable to the event (modeled by a friend of mine, before redoing the sleeves. Note the hanging lining, due to the initial sleeve issues -the lining twisted and had to be released in order to wear it.)
Once the initial wearing was complete, I took a break over the holidays, and decided to redo the sleeves and start to trim it properly.
Beaded trim around the hems:
And a figure 8 braid around the peplum, cuffs neckline and front.
All of which was hand sewn onto the piece, as my machine thought the braid and beading were very tasty and tried to eat it every time it went under the presser foot.
For the lace, I hand pleated flat lace and sewed it onto the collar and cuffs (thank goodness for the Olympics!)
Hook and eye tape was used to finish the front, and I threw together a quick little purse for the gown's main outing, a Victorian wine dinner.
For accessories, I paired the outfit with vintage gloves, some truly fantastic false hair, and an adorable dressage hat, which I trimmed at the last second with feathers and ribbon.
A friend of mine made a matching vest for my husband , and I think we look rather dashing with the end result!
All in all, if I had to do this again, the only thing I'd change would be adding enough time to throw together a petticoat to give the underskirt a bit more fullness. The patterns were excellent, and once I understood them, the piecing and sewing was quite easy.
Silver taffeta, to be exact.
which turned into a simple underskirt in just a few hours. I would have taken less time had I not had New Pattern Fear.
Everything stitched together quickly and easily.
and I moved onto the Big Piece, the Polonaise. For the first planned wearing of this, I put together the base of the gown in three days. (Note to self: Never do that again!)
I found a lovely black paisley fabric (on sale! Woohoo!!) with some great texture to it, and got cutting. Needless to say, I was covered in tiny black fuzzies for days. So was the cat.
The back has a peplum, which I decided to add beaded trim to.
Needless to say that after the first piece, sandwiching beading tape between fabric and lining was NOT something I decided I was up for, so I chose to add the trim after everything was sewn.
First fitting:
I had a problem with the first set of sleeves, but it was wearable to the event (modeled by a friend of mine, before redoing the sleeves. Note the hanging lining, due to the initial sleeve issues -the lining twisted and had to be released in order to wear it.)
Once the initial wearing was complete, I took a break over the holidays, and decided to redo the sleeves and start to trim it properly.
Beaded trim around the hems:
And a figure 8 braid around the peplum, cuffs neckline and front.
All of which was hand sewn onto the piece, as my machine thought the braid and beading were very tasty and tried to eat it every time it went under the presser foot.
For the lace, I hand pleated flat lace and sewed it onto the collar and cuffs (thank goodness for the Olympics!)
Hook and eye tape was used to finish the front, and I threw together a quick little purse for the gown's main outing, a Victorian wine dinner.
For accessories, I paired the outfit with vintage gloves, some truly fantastic false hair, and an adorable dressage hat, which I trimmed at the last second with feathers and ribbon.
A friend of mine made a matching vest for my husband , and I think we look rather dashing with the end result!
All in all, if I had to do this again, the only thing I'd change would be adding enough time to throw together a petticoat to give the underskirt a bit more fullness. The patterns were excellent, and once I understood them, the piecing and sewing was quite easy.