So this is an unbelievably late post for the challenge due on July 15th, but it was actually done on time :) And the delay was worth it because our new flat is AMAZING and has so much more space for sewing and picture taking! And did I mention the roof doesn't leak :D
Anyway, onto the challenge. Remember this post about the bustle dress I'd have made if I had time to do the stripe challenge? Well, the Eastern influence challenge came along and I figured if it was made from a Sari then that counted! The pattern was draped on my newly padded dress form (and actually requires a bit of taking in on the underbodice). The dress consists of a waistcoat/blouse of raw silk with cotton voile sleeves and vintage pleated organza trim at the neckline and cuffs, a jacket and a skirt. The jacket and skirt are trimmed with upholstery cord and tassles, a completely over the top look which I love
I had to get seriously creative with this one to get it all out of the fabric available, so if the design doesn't quite match the inspiration picture, know that its because I used every last inch of the trim! I have a richly embroidered sectioin of the sari left which didn't look quite right anywhere I considered using it on the dress itself, but which I will probably put to use making a reticule and a bonnet to complete the outfit.
This dress made its debut at the Rochester Summer Dickens festival - I hoped to enter the best dressed competition but unfortunately they'd moved it to the Sunday this year - maybe next time! I have a few finishing touches to do (more tassles, this time small ones on the jacket) and then I will take some detail shots for you.
Anyway, onto the challenge. Remember this post about the bustle dress I'd have made if I had time to do the stripe challenge? Well, the Eastern influence challenge came along and I figured if it was made from a Sari then that counted! The pattern was draped on my newly padded dress form (and actually requires a bit of taking in on the underbodice). The dress consists of a waistcoat/blouse of raw silk with cotton voile sleeves and vintage pleated organza trim at the neckline and cuffs, a jacket and a skirt. The jacket and skirt are trimmed with upholstery cord and tassles, a completely over the top look which I love
I had to get seriously creative with this one to get it all out of the fabric available, so if the design doesn't quite match the inspiration picture, know that its because I used every last inch of the trim! I have a richly embroidered sectioin of the sari left which didn't look quite right anywhere I considered using it on the dress itself, but which I will probably put to use making a reticule and a bonnet to complete the outfit.
This dress made its debut at the Rochester Summer Dickens festival - I hoped to enter the best dressed competition but unfortunately they'd moved it to the Sunday this year - maybe next time! I have a few finishing touches to do (more tassles, this time small ones on the jacket) and then I will take some detail shots for you.
Oops - forgot to take off my non-Victorian glasses
The boring side of the asymmetrical overskirt - the other side has rings and tassles!
And the back - need to line those tails before I wear it next and try to stop them flipping over
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