Evening Dress #5

It's not all about making an evening dress. Accessorises can make a lot of difference. You've already seen the shoes, part of the bow, here the clutch!

The clutch idea was initially a handbag. However I decided to make something simpler and shorter to create in 2 dimensions (a bag would be a 3D work). I've used remnants of the dress' fabric.
The outside of the clutch is blue and the inside light purple. There is a tie around it to keep it shut.
One issue with 2D work is that the result can often be too soft and not hold itself. So I've resorted to add a thick plastic sheet inside the clutch's lining. I first thought about cardboard, however I couldn't have washed it.

What about the bow?
I would like to make a scarf with a big bow in the small of the back. I want shape, silkiness and volume. i've bought a lovely iridescent fabric. I'll make a fake bow with a circular piece of fabric in which I'll tie the not. To see how I could get the best result I've done a handful of trials. 

• The first sample is covered in a mix of white glue and water. The glue is too visible. Fail.
• The second trial has a higher water content, it's better.
• The third trial is covered with spray starch. Too visible on the picture. Fail. 

I think I'm going to use the second mix. To make these trials I first pined the bits of fabric in place then dried the with a hair dryer.

Without flash

With flash

Evening Dress #4

Yesterday, I started making the underskirt after buying tule in my favourite fabric shop.

The theme is the Oscars, I need a big bang and glamourous outfit!
At the moment I've stitched on two rows of tule, pinning them before hand on the mannequin with about zillion pins. I finished it in 10 minutes with remnant from the lining and overlocking it all. I'm not sure how I could have made it without the mannequin or the overlocker, they're wonderful.

Underskirt

Unfinished dress on the mannequin with the underskirt

Evening Dress #3

I'm made some progress last night. I've pinned everything on Felicity (she has been very good and hold on tight). I'll continue tonight and stitch it all. Oh and I've also found an idea to make a matching pouch. 

To answer mum's question, these are the shoes I will wear:

Evening Dress #2

Cutting

Sewing boning to the lining

Trials on my lovely assistant Felicity

Felicity helped showing me details to correct

Evening Dress #1

My company has put up a Christmas party on 5th Dec. The theme is the Oscars. I needed  to live up/dress up to the theme.

Initially, I thought about making my own pattern but the party date is getting closer and I don't have time to waste. I found a nice pattern and will attempt to make the dress on the left hand-side, without the ribbons.

I will use boning for the top, a first for me. I would like to make a corset at some point, it will be good training. The dress could be too understated for an Oscar party, I'll make up a scarf in a light netting with a big bow in the back

I found all I needed in the magical fabric shop in Abingdon. They're great

Felicity, the mannequin

Friends have lent me a sewing dummy to help me finish and evening dress.

This is Felicity:

Today Felicity wears the future scarf/bow I will wear with the evening dress.