One of many Hall Costume Winners at 

CostumeCon 18 in Hartford, Connecticut on May 26-29, 2000!!! 

This costume was created for a character in NERO® Avendale that was getting married.  So naturally the color white was the main theme and I couldn't resist the white cotton with gold fleur de lis (from the Christmas collection at Jo-Ann Fabrics).  The rest of the fabric and supplies were then purchased to build on the white with gold fleur de lis theme. 

Bodice A

I sewed the bodice in white broadcloth, lined with gold satin.  The trim is a gold metallic braid/swirl.  

Deviations from the pattern: The fleur de lis was hand beaded by a friend onto the fabric with small metallic gold beads.  It is an exact replica of the fleur de lis on the dress fabric.  To that end, I cut a swatch of the fabric and used a copier to enlarge one of the fleur de lis many times over, making the template for the beading. 

Lessons learned: I would choose a heavier fabric for the bodice as the weight of all the beads is stressing it.  

Table of Contents

Cloak D

I sewed the cloak in white flannel.  The clasp is a white frog. 

Lessons learned: For comments on the lessons learned the second time I made a cloak from this pattern, go here.

Table of Contents

Dress A

I sewed the dress in white cotton with gold fleur de lis, backed with gold satin.  The trim is a white Venice lace. The white gloves were a gift and the pearl necklace was a costume jewelry flea market find. 

Lessons learned: I would back it with a white satin as the contrast of the white bodice is too extreme in my opinion.  

Table of Contents

Headband B, C

I sewed the headband in white broadcloth, stuffed with polyester fill and tied with metallic gold flat trim.  The headband is wrapped with a metallic gold trim with white costume freshwater pearls. At the front are three white costume pearl drops. 

Deviations from the pattern: I modified the pattern by increasing the short axis 2 inches and the long axis 4 inches to make the headband more substantial. 

Lessons learned:  I would stuff the headband with cotton fill for better comfort on a hot day.  I would also wrap the trim so that none of it was on the interior of the headband for better comfort against the head if not wearing a wig (as I am in this picture). 

Table of Contents