how it’s done
Victorian Outfit – Embellishments
Little did we know that our latest creation, based on a 1850′s ball gown design would, by virtue of its neckline, be the “latest thing” in wedding dresses for 2011, according to fashion experts! Just goes to show that there is nothing new under the sun.
What we did know however, is that the finishing and embellishments would take a lot of time to complete, possibly more than
Victorian Outfit – detail finishing
A little insight into the hand finishing of the Victorian ballgown bodice
Sleeve Detail
The pretty puffed sleeves can just be seen peeking out beneath the “bertha” (or frill). Puffed sleeves were commonly used in Victorian ballgowns and look dainty and feminine. The sleeve has been lined in silk and the armhole was trimmed and bound with satin binding. This was a real fiddle, mainly due to the limited space in which to work but the finished effect is worth the effort.
Works in Progress – Short 50′s Ivory Satin Dress
Fifties Short Dress
Shown here is the construction of a typical “tea dress.” To ensure that there is sufficient flare, two main methods can be employed, gathering or circle cut.
Gathering does not work well with heavy materials such as duchess satin but works extremely well with finer materials.
Works in Progress – Victorian Ensemble
The Victorian Outfit
We decided on a plain skirt in Duchess Silk Satin and a corseted ball gown top,
Works in progress – corsets
We have not had much time for separate corsets lately; dresses being a priority at the moment. Simlar techniques have been used on some of our dresses – see our “Works in progress – dresses and ensembles” posts. In the meantime, here’s one that I made earlier!