Monday, January 14, 2013

V355: Green Acres Bustle Gown Progress

Little by little this gown is coming together.  It's complicated!

Please forgive my lack of backdrop - working on a better system!
I have all the trims on the skirt now, and just need to sew up that side seam, install the placket, and stitch the trims over the seam, to make it all blend together.  'Course, instead of doing that, I jumped into making the bodice, after being reminded that there is a Victorian ball in early February, and I *gasp* haven't got a thing to wear!


The bodice is based on Truly Victorian TV420, 1879 Cuirass Bodice, with my alterations: I split the back to accommodate the volume of the bustle, tweaked and shortened the hem shape and length, and cut a deep square neckline.  I also intend to use my own 3/4 sleeve pattern.


It's not much to look at yet, but so far it is going together easily, and I hope to have it completed soon-ish.  You can see in these photos, most stuff is just pinned in place, to get an idea how it might look when finished (minus the 10 tons of trim on the neckline, mwahahaha)
Posted by Lauren Reeser at 1:54 PM
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37 comments:

  1. Can't wait to see the finished product! It is going to be stunning!

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  3. I love the slope of bodice & how there's that "peekaboo" point on the back. Very flattering.

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    1. Thanks! I struggled with what sort of design to do for the back, but sometimes the simplest solution is the best :-)

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  4. What a GREAT idea, to split the "tail" of the bodice. Very chic, I think!
    I am also very impressed by the multiple evidences of your draping technique -- all those pins! sigh... Please keep blogging on this. I am revelling in every choice you make to avert any mini slipups along the way.
    Best
    Auntie N

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    1. Thank you! I didn't know if construction photos were of interest to anybody, but I will post more now!

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  5. Very nice, you do such great work, I enjoy everything you do!

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  6. I am highly covetous of this astounding gown. Keep up the kick-ass work!

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    1. Just as I am covetous of everything you make! Um, hello lattice dress!

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  7. That's so gorgeous ! *-* You're a goddess !

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  8. Looking amazing! And I love the color.

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    1. P.s. You have been given the One Lovely Blog award for your beautiful blog and photos! Thanks for sharing the loveliness :)

      Sorry it's taken me a couple days to let you know! Cheers!

      http://dressedintime.blogspot.com/2013/01/one-lovely-blog-award.html?m=1

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    2. Oh, awesome, thank you so much!!

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  9. This is quite an undertaking. I was just thinking about how you were progressing on this dress and there it was, a new update. I can't wait to see you in it. I don't have a talent for sewing, my best friend is my seamstress when I get an idea. Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Thank you! I will try to update more regularly. :-)

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  10. Dear Lauren,
    Lovely design work: the bodice back is inspired!
    Very best,
    Natalie

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  11. Fantastic! I can't wait to see the finished dress and I love the color.

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  12. I, like the Laced Angel, am also covetous of this gown.
    As I'm still a minor, and thus unmarried, I try to keep towards paler colors, but I've been told by many that I look my best in bold hues. (Curse my skin for tanning easily!)
    Someday, I'll have a lovely emerald green dress of my own to boast, if I should get my way. ;)

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    1. Hehe, lucky girl! I'm too old to wear the light colors now (officially).

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  13. It looks as good coming as it does going. WOW, I love that green! What a feast for the eyes. I'm eagerly looking forward to the reveal with everyone else. Those pleats on the skirt... yum.

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  14. It looks gorgeous so far, the fluted trim is fabulous. I love that colour green too.

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  15. Looking good! Can't wait to see it finished!
    -Emily

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  16. Quick question-is it necessary to wear a corset underneath a boned bodice? I will be starting on a ballgown soon, and am debating this point. Opinions, anyone? Thank you!

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    1. Yes, absolutely, especially one like this. Bodices were boned to make the fabric lay smoothly and not buckle, but they weren't boned to extent that a corset would be unnecessary. The only periods in which stays were built into bodices were the 16th and 17th centuries, and those bodices were very heavily stiffened with all sorts of materials. I wouldn't recommend that method for a ballgown - but I do highly recommend making a corset, and also adding boning to all the seams and darts in your bodice.

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    2. Thank you for the response. I am going to make the tournure, thanks to your tutorial; guess I will be adding a corset to the underpinnings list! This green gown is just gorgeous, so I am looking forward to seeing the finished product on you. thanks much....

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  17. Beautiful!

    How do you intend to control or lift up the train of the skirt while dancing (I'm only assuming that you will be dancing at the Victorian ball)?

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    1. That's a very good question - one option is a skirt lifter, which I don't have. Another option is to sew a loop somewhere in all that fluff, and loop it over the wrist. I may also attempt some sort of internal rigging, but I don't think it will work with the weight, length, and other stuff going on under there...

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  18. It is truly beautiful. That color is stunning. What a work of art you get to wear!

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  19. It's really beautiful, I love the color.

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  20. I love seeing your progress! The dress is so gorgeous, and I can't wait to see the end product!

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