I've been working holes into my fingers over the past week, trying to complete shiny new costumes for Costume College, the first weekend in August.
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| I have her on my non-historical dress form, so please excuse the wrinkles in the bodice. The skirt is just pinned in the poufs, but will be drawn up with cords, underneath. |
The striped robe a l'Anglaise, now named "The Parisian Gown," has given me trouble, but I'm slowly working my way through it. The sleeve issues aside, this fabric is just stupidly hard to sew through by hand - I mean, the needle literally squeaks when you pull it through (with pliers, of course). I'll be happy to see this one done.
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| The skirt down - the serpentine trim makes attaching the skirt at front a challenge, because those panels have to be straight at the top, not pleated. This type of trim works much better on a wide silhouette, with panniers, than a rounder silhouette. |
Issues though it may have had, I'm really happy with how she's turning out. I plan to make a matching petticoat, though probably not in time for CoCo. I think it will look elegant with the skirt worn down, or
a la polonaise, either way. I'm really happy with the volume in the gown skirt, and the way it poufs when hitched up. I have yet to tame the pleats and secure them on the interior, but that's next on the checklist.
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| Details - the sabot cuff, which also serves as an extension for the sleeves, that turned out shorter than I like. The trim on the bodice and skirt is made from super long lines of cross-cut self fabric, ruched and pressed. Again, please excuse the wrinkles in the bodice, as this is not my historical dress form. |
I added a tiny gusset at the underarm seam of the sleeve, giving the sleeve head more ease. Thanks to all you wonderful ladies who helped me with sleeve advice! They fit much better now!
I have just the finishing of the pleats at the waist, the hem of the skirt (oh goody), the second sabot cuff, and one more little line of trim at the waist to do, then...then it's done! Yay!
