Underskirt Finished

My Queen's underskirt is finished. I sewed on the last row of flower petals, made the beaded ribbon puffs, and stitched on the flower and bead embellishments....

It's interesting how all the colours are so contrasty in the photos. In real life everything is a bit more muted and blends together better. The blue lace isn't nearly so dark either. Anyway, here's the finished underskirt. Soa is modeling again, as Asa and Leona are away at Charie's. 

It's nice having several JID girls who can stand in for each other. I just can't work on the dress bodice until I get Asa with her glamor bust back though. But the overskirt is next...


The main dress fabric from the first gown is the only thing I no longer had, so I spent a couple of years trying to find a decent replacement. I've purchased several fabrics during that time, but none were just right. The metallic velour has a very nice pattern, but it's just not period appropriate, and it's way too heavy. The flocked organza is nice, but it's a sheer, and I really don't want to deal with two stiff fabrics - the organza and a lining. The flocked designs on the taffeta are way too big, and the flowers and birds on the silk are way too contrasty.

After playing with the fabrics and checking their drape, I've decided on the plain dark blue taffeta. It drapes the best, and has a nice elegant look. There is no surface pattern or embroidery, but the back of the dress will be covered by a sheer cape with glittery stars and moons anyway, so that will add the interest. So today I have to design the overskirt pattern and make a test out of old sheeting.