Prom dress Part1[Picture heavy]

[Candied_Angel]

So I think I already posted this in the 'your projects' forum before I realized there was this one. But this is part one with a few more things added to that thread. Now without further ado...

I present to you the inspiration dress and corset from Dracinabox.com:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/Debutanteoutfit.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/Tudorstyleivoryandblackscrollcorset.jpg
I decided on this dress because it was elegant and sophisticated and almost completely unlike the new prom dress designs popping up in David's Bridals and JcPenny's everywhere. I made changes however and decided to change the top of the dress to the corset but keep the draping shoulder straps. And the skirt is changing also to this gorgeous Victorian number I found at Retroscopefashions.com:

http://retroscopefashions.com/images/lolita/CT00009S.jpg

My progress thus far has been focused mainly on the corset since that's probably the most complicated aspect of the dress. I originally drew up a pattern that used up every inch of the corset half shape but when doing my mock up I found that it was not going to work. So I went corset pattern shopping and bummed a few shapes from a Victorian pointed underbust corset. Another mock up later I found that it was way too short so I added a half inch to the middle pieces and an inch to the front and back pieces.
The failed corset pattern:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/shapesteps.jpg

The new pattern:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/newcorsetpattern.jpg

The second mockup [made out of scraps]:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/corsetmockup.jpg
Here are a few pictures of the fabric which I found and fell in love with. The colour is a very rich, yet light marigold with black velvet flowers and vines. The lining is a faux silk pillow cover that almost got tossed because it was really really wrinkled but I saved it, ironed it, and its gorgeous. For strength the second inner layer is a mix between bull denim and a greenish denim canvas since I found that I didn't have enough bull denim and that stuff is expensive!]
[I]Fabric Closeup:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/fabriccloseup.jpg

From a distance:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/fabric.jpg

More soon!

[Candied_Angel]

All right so I went way into the night [12ish, that's late granted I still had homework and my wake up time is 5:30] to finish my first mockup. I have pictures of the fit and my troubles.

I couldn't think of anything better than a double ended knitting needle to puncture the holes neatly.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/feltknittingneedlepuncture.jpg

I threaded the lacing holes [rather quickly and clumsily so it's all twisted] with a needle and some 50 cent ribbon from JoAnns.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/ribbonthroughneedle.jpg

With that set i tried on the mock up. Mind you it's really hard to take pictures of your back with a webcam. That's why it's all wrinkly.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/mockupback.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/mockupfront.jpg

As you can see the bust is [I]way too big so I pinned it to a close fit.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/pinnedbust.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/pinnedoverview.jpg

Much better, all considering. So I unlaced myself, ironed the folds and picked the right side as the best representative of both of my boobs. [Rather it had the most pristine pinning that was easier to trace. I cut out the pattern pieces, cut out the triangle 'darts' and sprayed stifferner on the fabric pattern pieces to firm them up over night. I made another altered pattern which I'm about to alter again, without the triangle cut outs.

More soon!

[madonnaontherocks]

looks so nice, at first i thought you made the things in the inspiration photos and my jaw hit the FLOOR!

[Candied_Angel]

I wish I had made the things in
the inspiration photos. ^.^ I would
totally break 'em out and wear them
instead of fussing over making a
dress that's my style.

[Candied_Angel]

What I have gotten done thus far:
1. Bought my skirt fabric [4 yds black crinkle charmeuse / 4 yds black baroque satin] and other sewing notions

2. Found a step by step how-to for the skirt I'm making [which is such a godsent you don't even know]. Thank you Cathrin! For those interested: http://katafalk.wordpress.com/2009/03/14/how-to-sew-a-victorian-skirt/

3. I finished my countless mock up [I really lost count] and thankfully everything seems to fit pretty damn well. I might just shrink the back pieces though. They're squashing together which I don't want to happen. I'd like a little back showing. [I salvadged the lacing strips from the previous mock up and sewed it onto the new one to save time and my fingers.] Oh and the pleats at the bust are working wonders! I'm wondering if I should just pleat the outer fashion fabric or pleat all three layers?

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/mockupfront-1.jpg
[my computer is slow so therefore my cam is slow and it caught me in the process of itching my back, sorry people. I hope you get the gist]
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a394/ForbiddenRose15/mockupback-1.jpg
[ran out of ribbon so not all the holes are laced properly]

If it's one thing I've learned from this project it's that mock ups save you a lot of heartache and work. Invest! Invest! Invest in the muslin mock up!

4. I've been looking for a pattern on how to make a petticoat crinoline. I would have gone to the thrift store to buy one but I'm getting low on funds and I still have to get things for my hair and nails and that good glamour stuff. [I have some left over netting from my lolita dress that never panned out, yards upon yards] So if anyone has any advice on where a good pattern is / knows how and wants to give some advice comment! It'd be much appreciated. ^.^

More soon!

[Dziga_Vertov]

The fabric that you're using is amazing, and the Inspiration pictures are just......... *drool*

I really hope it works out

[makealife]

look lovely so far