costumery: bustle skirt rough draft

So I am apparently constitutionally incapably of following instructions when it comes to craft projects, because I started with this and ended up with this:



It's in two pieces-- the apron and the bustle are separate, and hook together. There are still some raw edges that need finishing, and I might redo the draping on the bustle, because it's a little uneven. But it was a good practice run for the fancy version, which I'm thinking about doing in blue-and-silver sari fabric.

What I learned while making it:

- The apron part needs to go farther around the waist, or it risks gapping at the edges. Since this will be worn by srevans, who is slimmer-hipped than me, it shouldn't be a problem, but when I make one for myself it needs a wider apron.
-Draping a bustle is goddamn difficult
-Broadcloth looks good for this sort of project, but is awfully hard to hand-sew. I may go with something thinner for my own and make up the difference in body with petticoats and a bumroll.

also! dress for sale.

I bought this dress as Big Flea a couple of weeks ago, and alas the neckline does not suit my narrow shoulders. It's really, really pretty though, so I thought I would give my flist first dibs before I list it on Etsy. I paid $20 for it; you can have it for that plus shipping.



It would fit a modern 8/10 US; it felt a tiny bit tight on my 30" waist but fit my 38" bust fine. The back neckline is a vee, not deep enough to show a bra. There are adorable pleats at the sleeves. Fabric feels synthetic, almost like a taffeta, and the green leaves in the print are a little greener than the picture shows.