The biggest project of 2011 was a Sleepy Hollow themed wedding party I designed/constructed based on costumes from the 1999 movie version. It included the Bride’s dress, underpinnings and cloak, Maid of Honour dress with underpinnings, Mother of the Bride dress, Father of the Bride waistcoat and ascot, and a period shirt, waistcoat and ascot for the Maid of Honour’s husband. All except the Mother of the Bride dress were made from patterns I drafted myself based on photos of the movie costumes, and historical garment research.
Sleepy Hollow Wedding: The Bride
Sleepy Hollow Wedding: The Bride with cloak
The Bride’s dress was based on the peach gown worn by Christina Ricci in an early scene in the film. It is constructed in the 18th century style of the movie – this was just prior to the French Revolution and the Regency period, so the gowns are 2 piece (skirt and bodice), with a conical shape to the bodice that is laced up the back. The gown is fairly full and lays flat across the front with fullness at the sides and back – though not nearly as extreme as the ‘Marie Antoinette’ look. This was the end of that period and the wide panniers had begun to soften. The fact that the story takes place in rural America also means the fashions would be less influenced by the look fashionable in Europe. The distinctive silhouette is achieved by an 18th century style corset (although these were quite lightly boned), a lightweight version of panniers (traditionally made of cane and fabric – cages that hung over the hips to hold the skirt out), and a petticoat with a wide ruffle at the bottom edge.
I had previously made dresses for the three ladies in 2010 for the Maid of honour’s wedding.
Bride’s Dress – Front View. Embroidered taffeta 2 piece gown with organza and chiffon accents. Attached fisshu. Laced back closure.
Bride’s Dress – Back View. Embroidered taffeta 2 piece gown with organza and chiffon accents. Attached fisshu. Laced back closure.
Bride’s Dress – Side View. Embroidered taffeta 2 piece gown with organza and chiffon accents. Attached fisshu. Laced back closure.
Bride’s Dress – Back Detail. Laced back closure, attached fissu, and ribbon detailed back seams
Bride’s corset – Front View. Cotton with lace detail, edged in unbleached cotton twill tape and lined in unbleached muslin. ‘Something blue’ strap lacing.
Bride’s corset – Side View. Cotton with lace detail, edged in unbleached cotton twill tape and lined in unbleached muslin
Bride’s corset – Back View. Cotton with lace detail, edged in unbleached cotton twill tape and lined in unbleached muslin.
Bride’s Underpinnings – Cotton corset and petticoat over lightweight panniers.
Bride’s Cloak – Front View. Embroidered taffeta with smooth taffeta trim, ribbon and chiffon accents.
Bride’s Cloak – Back View. Hood Detail. Embroidered taffeta with smooth taffeta trim, ribbon and chiffon accents.
Bride’s Cloak – Side View. Hood up.
The Maid of Honour’s Dress was based on the costume worn by the Midwife in the movie. It is a 2 piece gown in contrasting colours. The bodice is green linen lined with muslin and features appliqué leaves across the neckline and a ruffled peplum. The buttons are self covered with elastic loops for ease of movement and to keep the buttons on centre. The skirt is a wide pinstripe suiting with appliqué leaves on the front panel.
Maid of Honour Dress – Front View. Two piece gown. Linen bodice, suiting skirt, appliqué details.
Maid of Honour Dress – Back View. Two piece gown. Linen bodice, suiting skirt, appliqué details.
Maid of Honour dress – Bodice detail. Appliqué leaves with faux embroidery. Ruffled peplum, covered buttons.
Maid of Honour dress – Bodice detail. Appliqué leaves with faux embroidery.
Maid of Honour Underpinnings – Cotton corset and petticoat over panniers
Maid of Honour Escort’s Shirt, Waistcoat and ascot. Brass buttons, Linen ascot to match MOH bodice.
The Mother of the Bride dress was made from a purchased pattern (Simplicity 4092) with design modifications, and a self drafted lightweight pannier. Since the pattern already had an underskirt and the client’s wish to stay cool, there was no need for a petticoat.
The centre bodice panel (what would have been a stomacher) was made with a lace overlay over a mottled print cotton. Small ribbon bows were tacked to the bodice and sleeve backs.
Mother of the Bride Dress – Front View. Embroidered taffeta with lace overlay on bodice and lace trim.
Mother of the Bride’s Dress – Sleeve detail
The Father of the Bride’s Waistcoat – Brocade lined with grey broadcloth. The buttonholer attachment for my sewing machine came in handy!
Father of the Bride Waistcoat – Brocade with metal buttons. Closed view.
Father of the Bride Waistcoat – Brocade with metal buttons. Open view.
Father of the Bride Waistcoat – Brocade with metal buttons. Embroidered taffeta ascot.
Here are some ‘poodle’ skirts I made up for a local costume rental house. They had a good collection of the iconic circle skirts, but were lacking a selection of larger sizes. These were all made from lightweight twill (not as heavy or warm as the traditional felt) with felt appliqués of a poodle, scottie dog and vinyl record. The dog leashes are black sequin trim.
Swing skirt with felt appliqué.
Swing skirt with felt appliqué.
Swing skirt with felt appliqué.
MORE PROJECTS COMING SOON!