Elf/Renaissance Dress

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  Step 1

  I started out with 5 yards of material, but ended up needing 2 more for the bodice and sleeves. thread and invisible zipper.
  Since i do not use patterns, I often sketch many things. And since i was commissioned to make this i collaborated with my cousin, and looked at her sketches as well.

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  Step 2

  this is the inside of the fabric. super shiny and slick. it moves like water. it was amazing getting to work with it.

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  Step 3

  I made a full circle skirt. I recommend making it be a 3/4 circle though. because it had to be so long, it took a lot more material than i anticipated, but if you don't do a full, you should have extra. the waist is about 28 inches, and the length is about 40 inches.
  Yes there is a slit up the front, but that is optional, my cousin wanted it, so I complied. It does make it easier to walk in.

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  Step 4

  right side out. It is optional to hem things now or wait. I went ahead and hemmed the slit up the front. To me hemming the bottom should wait until the end, so you can see the final length of it all together.

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  Step 5

  i put it on the mannequin to see how it would hang, also to get it out of the way. I have a small apartment.

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  Step 6

  I realized beginning this that i had never properly made a bodice, from scratch. It was a learning experience.
  Luckily I had ALL my cousin's measurements, and was able to mark the material accurately. i also have a Vneck. this is the front folded over.
  I did cut it just a little big, not just for seam allowance, but so i would have room to cut it down.
  Rather be safe than sorry.

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  Step 7

  I have really grown to love my mannequin. My cousin lives in Texas, and I in Arkansas. I did not have her there to model, and make adjustments.
  Putting it on allowed me to adjust the size of my darts to fit it to the waist better.
  It was a lot of trial and error for the arm holes, however.

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  Step 8

  because this was my first time doing sleeves i did not cut them exactly right. As you experienced people will see, from the bodice picture in 6.
  This is the right side out. I have sewed the darts, the neckline. and attached the front to the back.
  Next is the sleeves: as you can see i have the armholes folded over. this allowed me to do extra trimming/shaping to the orifices.

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  Step 9

  I measured how far over the arm holes were, so that when I turned it wrong side out, i could get it the same. I then pinned them.
  Here i have folded the Zipper space, so that i can see how much room i had to work with.

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  Step 10

  Here i have gone ahead and attached the bodice to the skirt. It was SO HEAVY. it Is ranging on 6yards at this point. but the way it moved, i knew would be fantastic.

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  Step 11

  Just a full view to see how it should be just before adding the zipper.

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  Step 12

  Zipper added. I then added a hook&eye at the top to be rid of the slight gap.

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  Step 13

  adding the top part of the sleeve. I had my cousins measurements. here it is 15 inches around the shoulder/underarm. I used printer paper to create a makeshift pattern. I also googled many other ways of doing them. This was my first time EVER sewing sleeves.

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  Step 14

  I had hoped to have longer flowing sleeves, but was running out of material. I made them fit from the elbow up, and flow from the elbow down. She wanted to be more woodland, and fighter elf. She was going to have a bow with her, and other "weapons." so i put a slit in the flowing part of the sleeve, so she would have free movement, and not get them dirty at her party. Next one i make, will have tight sleeves all the way down.

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  Step 15

  doing the final Hem, and adding the corset gives it a finished touch.
  I also made a tutorial for the corset. It was the first one I have ever made, so next tutorial will be better.

  My cousin said it fit perfectly!! which was exciting for me to here. Making this was a whole new experience, and really tested my skill. I did not know i was this good. I hope you realize your potential by pushing your creative abilities too!

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