Thread: Progress on the Pearl Costume--New pics 12/07!

I'm trying to get this pearl costume ready for an event in January and i really want this costume to be done. I've made some good progress, but I am stumped on the design part. I think I've decided to just fill in the top part of the bra with pearls and crystals...I will add looped pearl drapes and fring to cover a lot of the fabric below.

The bra looks kind of flat like this, but in person and once it has straps, I think it will look much better.

I also way underestimated the amount of pearls I need. Do you think it is safe to go to Michael's on Black Friday? LOL!

Ok so everyone start up your photoshop and help me fill in around the crystals with pearls! ..l;,









P.S. Like our new bamboo floors??? ..g.:

that is soooo pretty!
very elegant!

oh by the way, what bra did you use (regular bra or one from like sugar petals?). did you line it yet? i'd be interested to see how that looks like as well (newbie at costume making here hehe)

Oooooohhhh, so sweet and romantic!

Originally Posted by zfejzic

oh by the way, what bra did you use (regular bra or one from like sugar petals?). did you line it yet? i'd be interested to see how that looks like as well (newbie at costume making here hehe)

I used Sugar Petals. I think next time I will pick a regular bra because with the Sugar Petals I couldn't get the right plunge. It is ok with this one because I was going for the vintage look, but I do like more plunge.

I also haven't lined the inside yet, because I want to finish the beading first. But for the fabric, I prepared it by ironing on interfacing to give the base fabric some strength.

Rather than fill in the entire area above the second band of fringe why not use pearls to create swirls or some other abstract shape? Or for a more less-is-more look leave the upper area as-is and allow the drop beadwork to complete the look. If you cover the entire upper base you will lose the beauty of the pretty fabric. You could sprinkle a few pearls throughout the upper area if you think it is bare.

Nice work covering the base. Sometimes that can be so problematic.

Keep us updated.

Andalee! Lovely work!

Wow....I'm in awe! You're very talented. It's lovely and so is your bamboo floor ;))

looks great!! I look forward to seeing it in action at the Jan. Gala!!

I was also thinking of ramdom swirls of pearls around the crystals. the fabric is lovely, no need to cover it all.

I also vote for keeping it simple and elegant. Reminds me of a wedding dress.

I love it!!

Romantic, sweet, elegant . . . really lovely.

Question: what size beads did you use where you "wrapped" the gold beading between each pearl at the top?

I really like it.

Excellent technique!

Deborah

Very nice Andalee! And yes, I *do* like your bamboo floors.

I'm still gathering materials for my assuit costume, but I did buy crystals today. I'm having a heck of a time finding the right coins though.

Originally Posted by casbahdance

Romantic, sweet, elegant . . . really lovely.

Question: what size beads did you use where you "wrapped" the gold beading between each pearl at the top?

I really like it.

Excellent technique!

Deborah

I am pretty sure they are 4mm. Not 100%. Thanks for the compliments. It is looking awesome. More pics to come. :)

Originally Posted by casbahdance

Romantic, sweet, elegant . . . really lovely.

Question: what size beads did you use where you "wrapped" the gold beading between each pearl at the top?

I really like it.

Excellent technique!

Deborah

Whoops, I read your question wrong. The pearls at the very top (ivory ones) is actually a pearl ribbon/chain thing. They are flat on the back and have two ropes connecting them. You can see it in this picture:

stunning!!!!

wow! I was wondering how it was coming along. Looks fabulous

New pictures! I made a lot of progress over the break last weekend....

very nice! I like the subtlety of the different colors and texturs in the beading.

Very nice Andalee! I just love those pink pearls too!

love it!!

omg - that's gorgeous!!!

That is so impressive! How on earth do you mange to keep it so clean? I'm sure if I tried to make a white costume it would end up as anything apart from white by the time I had finished, well done you!

That looks lovely Andalee, I like the use of the different colors of pearls!

Simply stunning!

Originally Posted by daisy_witch

That is so impressive! How on earth do you mange to keep it so clean? I'm sure if I tried to make a white costume it would end up as anything apart from white by the time I had finished, well done you!

Actually, it's not that clean. I used orange tailor's chalk and it shows in some places. Hopefully it will rub off over time!

I literally gasped when I opened this thread and the first pics loaded.

STUNNING! And you're inspiring me to get back to work on a costume I kind of set aside for lack of inspiration. Thanks!

Very regal looking!

You are so very clever!!!!