Some more updates on the school play Belle costumes…
I strugged with the bodice for the ballgown the past two nights – trying to get all 5 layers even and sized the same way was a nightmare. I also made the mistake of buying plastic boning for it – because obviously our stores here don’t sell the spiral steel I usually use. I got it cut and in place… and just hated it. It didn’t do the job the way I wanted it to. I took it out, threw it away and put spiral in. It solved a LOT of the issues I was having with it.
I also found myself wishing I’d just used my regular bodice pattern instead of using the one with the Cinderella pattern, since I know my “regular” pattern so much better. But, now, the only thing left on it is attaching the shoulder pieces and putting the zipper in the back. Here’s hoping (praying) it still fits her as well as the mockup did. If it’s too small anywhere, I’ll have to add an extension because I have no wiggle room left.
After I finally felt satisfied with the bodice last night, I got the shoulder pieces cut. I’m using the pattern pieces from the Cinderella gown still!
They’re HUGE! Of course I haven’t gathered them or anything but still. HUGE! Then I cut the outer netting layer and pinned it on. (I’ve been turning my “big” light off for most of these pictures, since it sucks the yellow out of the photos (normally a good thing… but not for a yellow costume, haha). But with it on you can see the netting better than with it off.)
I now wish I’d also bought organza for a base for the skirt overlays. But I was trying to save money for the school where I could. Just the gold netting will have to do, although I may have to add a backing to the seams to strengthen them, since this netting has some stretch and give to it. Especially if I want to add the weight of a rose at the end of each seam.
I don’t have the hoopskirt in my hands yet, but I think tonight I will (after I finish the shoulder pieces, which won’t take long) get the skirt panels sewn together, and get the pieces for the overlays cut. I’m really pleased with how quickly this is going and I don’t want to lose momentum.