I have offically fallen in love with this dress, thus I have decided to take a step forward and actually make it. Let's see how well that goes....
Inspiration
July 21, 2006
And so the chaos begins! Why I have decided to make this costume? Well, I don't live too far from the fabric district, and most of the stores there sell very rich and cultural fabric for a price that isn't too bad. Plus, I need an excuse to go through there again! I still don't have any idea which version I would like to do right now. I don't know if I'm too fond of Sandra Joseph's elissa skirt, so I may "drift" into one of the European versions.
August 4, 2006
I found this video on Youtube.com. It shows the back and much of the dress fabulously! Finally, a better idea of what the back looks like. I'm still lost as to how to do the tabs...
Later...
Found some trims on Mjtrim and Cheep Trims that might not be a bad idea for this dress! I may get to visit the actual Mj Trims store in New York City, where some of the actual trims for the Phantom Costumes were purchasesd!
For the apron: Jacquard Ribbon (1 + 1/16 inch)
For the tabs (ALMOST PERFECT!!): Jacquard Ribbon 2 + 1/2 inch)
No idea... but it's metallic gold ;): 1/2" Metallic Sequin Scroll
It's gold too....:Gold Metallic Crochet
Perhaps the bodice:Gold Metallic Trim
Bodice again?: Metallic Gold Trim
OMG!: Antqiue Gold etallic Batenburg Lace
For the skirt: Red Piping
August 5, 2006
Even more nice finds:
Sequin Braids - Of course, I can barely figure out how to order these...
Gold Sequin Braids
More Gold Sequins
Wider Gold Trims - Could be used for the belt! If theiir wide enough...
For the collar?
August 18, 2006
Some of my trim arrived today!
Here are a few velvet/velveteen swatches I've been planning to order:
Burgundy Cotton Velvet
Hunter Green Cotton Velvet
Red Cotton Velvet
Burgundy Velveteen
Hunter Green Velveteen
Red Velveteen
I'm not sure of which colors I'd like to use because I need the swatches first, but I want the colors to have a very deep rich, and vibrant color. (If only I could afford green silk velvet!)
I'll admit that I take inspiration from Anea's costume. :)
August 20, 2006
After much helpful advice from the people over at the forum, I've decided that I'm going to stick with the velveteen from Syfabrics.com because:
1. It's cheaper (in price, of course!)
2. The pile is shorter, and supposedly easier to handle. I want an almost suede like look.
3. The colors from my source match!
I originally wanted the deep rich colors of the European version, but I've decided to stick to the American version (ref. Sandra Joseph's costume) with the deep green, and pure red color. The colors are easier to match, I guess.
I've been thinking about my pattern lately. I was thinking of actually using a pattern and going from there, but I think I'll draft it myself. It shouldn't be too hard, right? ;). I had some luck with my dressing gown, with the exception of the back, which I didn't have enough fabric to make the train with!
Eagerly awaiting the rest of my trim! Also, I think I need to complete this ensemble - :) You guessed it, I think I might take a shot at the - GASP - dressing gown from the musical! Man, am I getting myself into DEEP trouble...
I made this just to see how the colors would go, and I think I like it:
September 16, 2006
Over at the forum I've gotten tips to use stretch velvet for the little rope skirt thing, whatever it's called. Not a bad idea, actually. I just have to try it. Apparently, you can cut it, and it will roll up into it's own little tube. Would save me much amounts of money! I think...
Problem, though. You think anyone would mind or notice if the bodice (top colors) and the rope fabric (bottom colors) weren't perfectly matching? At least from these pictures. I have to get swatches to really see.
January 2, 2006
I did find the PERFECT green emerald jacquard at Joann's! It was just perfect! But then, I didn't have any money and it was 6.99 per yard. Pretty steep price, more than I really want to pay. I may go back there in time, though if I ever get the chance.
On a brighter note, I found the Black Sequin Fabric for the tabs at Fabric.com! I'm looking at this Red Floral Brocade as a possibility for the apron. It's the closest thing I've seen so far that's affordable.
I'm still deciding what fabric I should use for the bottom and the back of the skirt! It's probably some plain cotton, but what type would be durable enough and suit this costume best? Fabric.com is currently having a 20% off purchase and flat rate shipping deal, and I have until tomorrow!