elizabeth_mn

I'm doing the green ruffly bustle dress for the gala. Today I am making the evening bodice. I took the pattern I used for the day bodice and altered the neckline to make it low for evening. And I am going to proceed WITHOUT A MOCKUP. dun dun duuuun!!

I will have it close in front with hooks/ fake buttons, and I am thinking of using a separate, removable bertha for trim. Early 70s ballgown bodices still did that right? Mostly I am motivated by convenience. On my 1860s ballgown the bertha made trimming so easy to make and wear.

For bodice trim I will mimic the ruffles on the skirt and probably add some lace and bows.

Clearly at this point I am feeling the need to post every fleeting thought that passes through my head.

Or at least, as done as it's going to get, for now.

It took ages for the moss bodice to dry, and I ended up using so much glue that it's quite stiff and the inside is pretty plastic-y. And on the table it kind of has a Sad Muppet look. But I tried it on with the dress, and it actually looks kind of cool.

I sewed up the shoulder seams but I am leaving the bust darts unsewn because I want to travel with it as flat as possible, and it'll take ten minutes to sew the darts on Sunday.

For the wings I decided to go with two, not four. I shaped them a little pointier, then sewed them together and hotglued some wire to the back. I punched a couple holes for a twine tie and done!

I also did a couple little fiddly odds and ends in the past couple days. My Regency petticoat was a bit too long so I sewed two more tucks at the hem to shorten it by 1". I also added some elastic to my green vintage swimsuit to improve the fit and the bust support.

So it's been a couple days of little things, but it feels good to cross them off the list. What's left?

* Spruce up Glinda - this is totally my Gala gown. I know I will feel kind of cheap and lame next to everyone's awesome finery, but it'll be more fun to wear than my other options. At the very least it needs more stars and glitter to replace the ones that fell off, and I'd also like to adjust the bodice fit and maybe mess with the sleeves. And figure out shoes.

* Finish the LWD and a quick spencer.
* new shift
* beach dress to go with my swimsuit
* finish knitting the lace
* some hairpieces

That's the plan, anyway. If I run out of time, so be it. The only one I really feel anxious about is the LWD. Everything else I can pretty much do in my sleep.

Just being thinky.

Plans so far:

Thursday night: I really want to do a vintage swimsuit type thing, and maybe actually go swimming! I know nobody really swims at the pool party but why not?

Friday day: I might still do an Edward Gorey thing, otherwise maybe something old.

Friday pm social: Probably the orange silk anglaise I am starting now.

Saturday day: Little House printed cotton.

Gala: I suppose I will just default to the green and blue ruffle bustle dress. I will make an evening bodice for it.

I have to admit it bothers me to not be part of a group for the gala. Last year I thought I would do the court dress thing, then I thought I would do a fairytale thing, but neither of those ideas worked out; I just couldn't get the inspiration to make them work.

I really do love the green ruffle as a dress, for straight up Victorian stuff, but coco gala is an opportunity to do something different.

I suppose my other options are to make something new (not entirely feasible at this point) or to wear Glinda, which, as much as I like it, was made as a cheap Halloween costume and looks pretty terrible close up.

Sunday breakfast: LWD.

Sunday day: no idea.

If I end up with gaps I feel comfortable enough just tossing something old in there. Last time I attended coco I had this idea for some reason of only bringing new costumes. Silly of course because I had a full day of not being dressed up. Not gonna happen this time.

I think I figured out my last missing idea for the literary theme: I need to make an Edward Gorey dress.

I've got three volumes of Amphigorey stuck with sticky tabs, and I am trying to narrow down the ideas.

Anyone else want to join me in Gorey-esque costume at coco?

Just turning under and stitching the sleeve lining, and then the seaside dress is done! I still have the hat and bag, but phew! It feels good to be so close.

Here are couple bodice details before I pack it up. Machine topstitching is brought to you by HolyCrap, I'm Leaving For My First Costume College In 3 Days!