Pleats and ruffles

[madamemodiste]

I got two rows of pleats and two rows of double ruffles onto the gown. I made the pleats and the ruffles were pre-purchased trim. Then I put satin bias tape over the join of the pleats/ruffles.

Progress photos:

making the pleats with Beth's antique pleater. I used 22 yards of 60" fabric. The pleats are 5" wide.





After I ironed the pleats into place, I removed them from the pleater, reset them into place, and used masking tape to hold them in place until I could baste them. Then I rolled up that section and did it again eleventy billion times.



Here are two rows of pleats



Then I sewed on two layers of double ruffles and covered the join with satin bias tape. They are made of pleated chiffon, and were very fiddly so I had to pin them about every inch and a half. Took forever, but I love it. Looks like the fashion plate!



Then I ripped off the overskirt because I realized that I have to fix it. The fashion plate has ruffles covering the whole thing, but I did side pleats that created drapes. I can't attach ruffles over draping and folds, so those have to come out. I also have to get a dart into the overskirt so it doesn't bunch up all weird, but lays nice and flat so I can get the trim on.

Comments

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

I also posted a few more "in action" pics above. Let me know if you need anything else. I'm borrowing this pleater from a friend and wish to god I had one of my own!

[dragoneyes19.livejournal.com]

Rob says "how big is it" i have evil plans for him to make me something similar...want one too?

[madamekat.livejournal.com]

YES!!! Oh heavens be praised! Thank you!

Honestly, the dimensions are whatever you want them to be. This one can make pleats up to 7" tall, but you might want one that can accommodate 10" tall pleats. And the pleater height (how high off the table) also depends on how deep a repeat you want. This one can do a smidge over an inch. The slats need to be just big enough to push fabric through.

[dragoneyes19.livejournal.com]

awesome. He says that seems simple enough to construct, so we'll see what he comes up with. I love having a handy man