Like I don't have enough patterns in the Stash

[madamemodiste]

I loved the 2001 mini series "Victoria and Albert". I have always loved to gaze upon the Butterick pattern for Victoria's coronation gown, but at the time of it's release, I didn't imagine a use for it. Now I do. BUT, according to the Great Pattern Review, the pattern is terrible (sleeves are a pain or something). With the upcoming release of Young Victoria, I decided I didn't care and was going to pick it up anyway. It's never available in my size on Ebay, and today, there it was as a cheap Buy It Now. See, I just know that once the movie is released, this OOP pattern will suddenly become expensive. So anyway, there you go. I bought it, and I am pleased.

In other actual sewing news, I did do a wee bit of work on the purple NF gown on Thursday. I finished the drawstring casings for the back poufs, tacked up the pleats, pinned in tapes to keep the poufs in place (I don't tack so I can take them out and wash/iron) and made the big bows. I do love an ass bow, and this gown has three! So now I need to put in the closure and start on the bodice.

Here's a poorly lit shot of the back. It needs something to break up all that purple, though, don't you think? The actual gown has no trim in the back aside from a bit of lace at the bottom, so I didn't put any in. Suggestions?

Comments

[degracieuse.livejournal.com]

That's going to be an awesome dress! I really don't like Butterick, I keep falling for it at times... but when a 'historical' turn-of-the-century skirt asks for a zipper *cringe*

If I have time I'll post some cute pictures of my pinking machine ;))

[rebecca817.livejournal.com]

The skirt is coming along gorgeously. I'm not sure that it needs anything. I'll consider that while I'm getting my hair done today....but it's beautiful....

[weyakin.livejournal.com]

I'm not really sure it needs anything either. It looks gorgeous to me! Maybe you could try some draping of black bead strands? But that may even be too much. It really is lovely just the way it is.

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

Lovely!

[myladyswardrobe.livejournal.com]

I loved the gown in the mini-series. Incidentally, the fabric that was used for the gown was the same fabric as I used for my wedding gown. Its a lovely gold metal and silk damask (close up on that page).

I love your natural form gown - its gorgeous.

[ghost-ofa-rose.livejournal.com]

I love the bows! I don't know what (if any) trim I would use there. Have you trimmed the "petals"? That might break up the purple for the side view. And maybe a wider lace trim on the bottom instead of the small trim on the original.

[spangle-kitten.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous colour :) Going to be great!

[jehanni.livejournal.com]

Hmmmm...to trim or not to trim. I see what you're saying that it is very purple--and also that your photo is the back straight-on, where the doll is 3/4 view.

On Dolly, my sense is that there are different textures, all in one shade--crisp apron, lacy petals, drapey bows. Possibly, we're more used to seeing that in white than in purple, possibly the deep color overwhelms some of the texture, or possibly, the scale change also makes a difference.

A lace under-bow (series of lace underbows) might increase the texture contrast in the back. Strands of beads would add a new texture element, and echo/emphasize the drapeyness. They might be uncomfortable to sit on, but I think they'd be below the actual sitting area.

I'd be tempted to shoot a 3/4 view first, to gauge how much the petal lace plays into the bow cascade--the bow cascade by itself is really lovely. So what you're looking for is making sure the sum is even more perfect than the parts. ;-)

[chloeandrudy.livejournal.com]

I think it's pretty as is.
and darn, that pattern's been on my wish list for a long time.