Consuelo: March 2011

27 March 2011

Buttons!

I've used 1/2" silk satin covered buttons.

The Gown Lining . . .

I chose to line the gown, not just back and face it, because of the metal threads. I felt it would add a bit more stability to the gown and it would protect the metal thread ends that were plunged.

Handstitching a waist stay in place. I have topstitched casings for double boning at each seam (Front Princess, Side seam, and Back Princess). I've used spiral steel boning.

To help support the weight of the train, I added an inner corset closure.

Pinning the button loops (made out of body fabric) into place.

Stitching them by hand.

Adding a stay to the Center Back to help support the loops.

Stays have been attached to the waist stay from the train to help support the weight of the fabric.

Stitch twill tape to the neckline to ensure it does not stretch or distort.

Clipping the seam allowance and tacking it back.

Attaching the Lining to the Body.

Finishing Touches to the Petticoat . . .

I attached a waist stay and added encased elastic. The waist stay closes with a hook and eye.

The Last 2 Silver Leaves . . .

These 2 leaves are couched 90% Silver Smooth Passing.

The Last of the Silver Blossoms . . .

For this blossom, I used Silver Plated Bright Check (size 9) for the outer edge and Silver Plated Rough Purl (size 4) chipping for the inside area of the petals. The stamens are Silver Plated Bright Check (size 9) with a 2.5mm clear Swarovski bicone crystal. The central stamen is Silver Plated Bright Check (size 4) with a silver-lined clear Japanese drop bead.

For this blossom, I used 90% Silver Smooth Purl (size 6) and Silver Plated Rough Purl (size 10) for the outer edge in a pattern of 3 Smooth with 1 Rough Purl. The inside is outlined with a line of #14 Silver Plated Spangles. The inside of the petals is chipping of various rough and smooth purls. The stamens are Silver Plated Rough Purl (size 10) with a silver-lined clear Japanese drop bead. The central stamen is Silver Plated Rough Purl (size 4) with a 4mm clear Swarovski round crystal.

For this blossom, I used Silver Plated Rough Purl (size 10) and 90% Silver Smooth Purl (size 6) in a pattern of 5 rows Rough Purl with 1 row Smooth Purl. The stamens are Silver Plated Super Pearl Purl with a 3mm clear Swarovski bicone crystal. The central stamen is Silver Plated Pearl Purl (No.1) with a 4mm clear Swarovski round crystal.