Tour of the Costume Box: Ball Gown
October 25, 2011
Halloween Countdown: 6 days
First I drew up a pattern for a very full bell-shaped gored skirt and sewed it in blue-grey taffeta. Then I fashioned the overskirt from some geriatric ruffled nylon curtains (Goodwill). A piece of coordinating sheer polyester yardage, hemmed on the raw edges, makes a sparkly night-sky wrap. The skirts are worn over a crinoline and a light blue leotard.
I had some material to work up into a bow or a rosette for the center of the waist, but I forgot about it until the day I was packing the box, so it didn’t happen. Here’s the back of the overskirt. You can see how it’s a bit poufier than the front because of the way the curtains were made.
The Straight of the Goods 
October 25, 2011 at 2:30 pm
Come on, what are the chances they will really be teamed with a light blue leotard? Much more likely to end up with the peasant smock — or perhaps the knight’s breastplate?
You have had Too Much Fun with this, I can see. And I am envious. My niece needs to hurry up and get a wee bit older.
October 26, 2011 at 9:02 am
You’re so right. There are going to be a lot of singing village maids swinging swords and ballgoers in armor. I really only bothered matching the blue leotard to the overskirt for my own sense of completion.
October 26, 2011 at 8:20 am
You are so very talented at this! Have you ever thought of starting a business making custom costumes for children during Halloween or for dress up? You would make a fortune! Great job with this costume. It’s gorgeous!
October 26, 2011 at 9:04 am
What a kind thing to say! But no, I do my sewing, like most things, far to slowly for making money off it to ever be a realistic proposition.