Gala Costume Test Run

This week, my lovely shimmy sister and long-time friend Katie came over so that I could help her make a skirt for one of her Gala costumes.  We didn't have enough fabric for a circle skirt (and she didn't want that much fullness anyway) so we adapted one of my patterns.  I had to redo the waist 3-4 times, but we finally got it.  Word to the wise: always triple check the pattern, and remember to zig-zag stitch when you need stretch.

Still, it turned out great, and she loves it.  I wish you could see the amount of sparkle the skirt has.  I still have  green glitter everywhere.  

While she was here, we did a test run of my Gala costume, and here is version 1.0!

I'm really happy with how it's turning out, but I have a few things that need to be fixed.  First, I need to add some of the belt's swirls to the top to round out the design.  Second, we realized that the cross strap just isn't working--it's pulling the cups too far away from my body and messing with the fit.  Third, the fringe is uncomfortable at the bottom edge of the bra.  And fourth, the fabric of the back straps likes to slip, so it's hard to tie it tightly.  So, those are the tasks to take care of before Gala this Saturday!  Thankfully, I've made good headway.

I went ahead and made a second layer of back straps out of the sheer red glitter fabric.  I still have to test it, but the tying should work better now.  Once I've tested it, I'll sew the two together to make tying easier.

Dual straps!

Next, I fixed the asymmetrical strap.  It's a little lumpy because of the shape, but I don't think it'll matter/show in wearing.  I do need to test the length of the back part of the strap though (you can see the pin holding its guess-timated place in the picture).

Lastly, I started on the fringe itchiness problem.   It's just a bit of ribbon sewed over the top back of the fringe.  It covers the beads that would be against the skin and also pulls the fringe a bit away from the body. Again, I have to try it on and test it before I'll know if it does its job, hence why my stitches are messy.

Eventually, I'll line these cups like a proper seamstress.

The rest I'll be working on throughout the week, in between practice, dissertation writing, and my new summer job at Toys R Us.

And now, as I leave you for the night, I went to the MAC stand in our local mall and got a makeup test run for everyday and engagement/wedding.  Here's a shot of my super-glammed eyes.  I'll probably be using these techniques for Gala too!

Hehehe, my nose looks huge.