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Saris into Ball Gowns

5/11/2016

5 Comments

 
I feel like I haven't done hardly anything so far this year.  Well, I did make Winston in January, and the Native regalia in March, but not much else. All the health issues have been ganging up on me, so I've not felt especially creative.  But then it dawned on me that 'today' could very well be the best it's ever going to get, so I better just try move on and start to do something again.

So, to start with something 'simple' I want to tackle some fancy ball gowns that I've been wanting to make for years now.  I have several boxes full of secondhand scarves and saris, and if I make the gowns to fit an Iplehouse EID, then I'm guaranteed to use up a lot of fabric and maybe make a dent in my collection.

I've gone through one box and pulled out the fabrics that currently 'speak' to me. Some would make a spectacular Rococo-style gown, but that's too much work right now, so I won't use those.

I think I'll start with the red and black sari with floral print edges (upper center)
Picture
My EID Carina will be my model, so I stripped her down, and used the
"paper towels and tape" method of designing a bodice pattern for her.
Picture
After drawing on the seam lines with a Sharpie - being careful not to get any on the doll -
the tape and paper bodice was carefully cut from the doll, and cut into pieces
Picture
The pieces were numbered to help keep them straight, and then I traced one side away from centre front - from 1 to 4 - onto paper to make the test pattern. Then traced those patterns onto iron-on interfacing, which was ironed onto white cotton, then cut and sewn to make the test bodice...
Picture
Looking good so far.  Now to make the bodice out of the sari fabric...
5 Comments
Jane
5/11/2016 03:47:19 pm

I am so pleased that you have the creative energy to sew again. And I love the fabrics that you are inspired by at the moment.
And what a great way to make a pattern.

Have fun sewing.

Reply
Martha
5/12/2016 11:57:47 am

I figured I might as well try to keep making stuff as long as I can. I should really be focusing on making sure all my own dolls have a special outfit first, but the saris are calling out to e.

Reply
Beth link
5/12/2016 10:05:44 am

I understand health making it difficult to create, but I'm glad you won't let it keep you from going on. Those saris are absolutely beautiful and I'm jealous of your collection. I especially love the one in the top left. I can't wait to see how this project turns out!

Reply
Martha
5/12/2016 11:59:52 am

I can work around most of the things, going a lot slower than I used to, but it is my eyesight causing the most issues these days. It's getting harder to see the details, and then the constant eyestrain gives me headaches.

Reply
Martha
5/12/2016 05:30:15 pm

I also love the one on the top left. It's a mix of embroidered light turquoise and orange, and I think it would make a beautiful Rococo gown. At least that's the plan. First some fancy ball gowns though.

Reply



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    Author

    Martha Boers is an award-winning Canadian doll maker and costumer specializing in fantasy and historical-style costumes.
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