The native regalia is coming along nicely, although a bit slower than I'd like. Chamois can be challenging to work with. When it gets wet it can lose it's shape, and shrink. Which it did. So I've had to sew small extensions for the back of the jacket, in order to sew snaps onto, since the two sides don't overlap anymore. But that's probably a good thing, since a fabric extension will be less bulky. Most of the decorative beading is now done - except for about an inch away from any seams, since my machine won't like sewing over beads. All the fringe has been cut as well, although it still needs to be stained and crinkled to make it look more authentically 'aged'. The jacket may also need some adjustment under the arms, but I'm waiting for the under-dress to be finished first, so I can check to make sure. So I'm waiting to sew the underarm seams....
The painted sections have all crackled now, which was to be expected. The paint doesn't seem to be absorbed into the surface, but sits on top, and like all leather, the chamois stretches a bit. So all the painted areas end up crackled. But that only adds to the authentic look.
I'm working on the beading along the bottom of the skirt. I had to trim the skirt a bit since it became a bit deformed when I wet it when adding the stain. The bodice also shrank too much, so wouldn't overlap anymore, so it has a fabric extension - which won't show when the dress is put on.
I'm working on the beading along the bottom of the skirt. I had to trim the skirt a bit since it became a bit deformed when I wet it when adding the stain. The bodice also shrank too much, so wouldn't overlap anymore, so it has a fabric extension - which won't show when the dress is put on.
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