A Fairy Godmother might come in handy
As SwanCon 2015 is both the NatCon and 40th Swancon, I'd really like to get myself organised this year to turn Pretty Rocks on Frocks fabric(s) into a ball gown of some sort I can wear at the masquerade. This is an Organise My Thoughts post to get things moving along, in the traditionally disorganised format.
I reckon if I start working on this seriously now, there's a chance it might actually be ready by next April. I know it seems a long time away, but a lot has to happen in the meantime. Little things, mostly, like a design, a dress pattern, choice of fabric designs, and choice of fabrics. Oh and finding someone to make the thing. Actually the last is probably the easiest - there's a local dressmaker who's probably up to the task of following a pattern.
Much as I'd like to have something MAGNIFICENT, a few realities must hold sway:
- I am an awkward shape for fashion (granted a big slice of the population has the same problem). I also change shape on a regular basis. So, nothing too fitted or dependent on having a waist or attractive shoulders or a nicely muscled back. I do like the idea of drawstrings for on-the-night adjustments.
- I overheat. A lot. Frankly anything I plan to wear needs to be ventilated in all the right places, namely armpits. You heard me, I need gaps under my arms, but the top of the arms need to be covered. I am ashamed of my triceps.
- High heels (indeed any heel at all) are absolutely out, so no deep slits that depend on an attractively elongated calf. I had great legs 20+ years ago. It's not the '90s any more.
- Magnificent requires decoration - but there really isn't room or justification for expensive beading, embroidery, or trims. Pretty Rocks on Frocks fabrics are flat prints which really need to carry the design. A bit of trim here and there would be nice though.
- It needs a sewing pattern. I'm sure the dressmaker would be able to tweak it a bit (and will no doubt have to), or maybe combine elements from two commercial patterns, but I'm not expecting to pay for drafting services too.
- It has to be good enough to swish at the Swancon Masquerade, but not so good I'll never be able to wear it ever again.
Back in the day if I wanted to do this I'd go to the fabric shop, sit on a tortuously uncomfortable stool, and work my way through the pattern books to find one or more designs that would do as a basis. The internet didn't exist the last time I commissioned a dress - is there an easier way to find dress patterns these days? Or do I have that hideous stool at Lincraft or Spotlight to look forward to?
As for which fabrics would be appropriate for the design, I'll need to consult. I expect something shimmery and/or synthetic would do, but I don't know how things drape. I like things that drape.
As for the print, I have a few favourites in mind. What I'll need to understand is how the repeat size affects the amount of material I'll need to order. The bigger the repeat, the more the waste. I anticipate a big repeat. The whole thing doesn't need to be made with the print, but it should feature pretty prominently.
I'm open to recommendations for dressmakers who are capable of wedding/bridesmaid level sewing, but I'm pretty limited to someone north of the river and as close to me as possible. The dressmaker just down the road is a bit of an unknown quantity.
So there's a start: Step 1 figure out what I want. I think I want an empire waistline, wide neckline and floaty sleeves, with a full length floaty skirt. I wouldn't say to no a petticoat. And yet... I need help, clearly.