??? for the 'elegant' folks! LOL

13 years ago

I wish I could go back to high school, and pay more attention in the Home Ec classes, or attend an ettiquette school, or become gardening buddies with a down-to-Earth but 'extrememly elegant and graceful' older lady.

But, no fear. I have something better. The KT women.

My younger friend's daughters are going to their first formal dances this spring. She, and they, have been asking questions as if I'm the authority on formal and elegant. Oh are they in for a sad surprise.

Question of the day...petticoats.

I convinced them a person must wear the proper underpinnings for the type of gown she's chosen. So the girl wearing the full, A-line dress did get a petticoat, but she's not happy with it.

It's made of rayon and crinoline. It's hot; it's stiff; it's far too long. She chose it based on price.

So, long story longer. Where is a good source for better petticoats? I'd like for them to find a natural cotton fiber, one with more than one layer of crinoline, and a choice of lengths.

Any suggestions?

Also, she may opt to just have the petticoat shortened. This would be something for an alterations specialist, right?

They live a thousand miles away so me "making" the garment is out of the question. I am designing a beaded and embelished hair comb for the younger girl, and a Swarovski encrusted necklace for the older one.

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Comments (11)

kacram
13 years ago
did they try a bridal store?
We would really like to see your combs and necklace!
please oh please oh please!
jel48
13 years ago
I'm afraid I don't have any advice about the petticoat, but would also love to see the combs and necklace!
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Terri_PacNW
13 years ago
Hmmmm I don't know...never ever seen a girl in one in the years I was at school..okay well my senior year I wore a dress to prom that was "built" with some netting to puff out the dress but it was the late 80's and short full dresses went well with big over permed hair..LOL

Here is a link that might be useful: petticoats
jannie
13 years ago
When I was younger, I owned slips, half-slips and petticoats. I had a drawer full of them. Now that I'm older (58-_"middle age" if I'm gonna see 116!) I only wear pants. No dresses or skirts anymore.
caroline94535
Original Author
13 years ago
The necklace will be the most time-consuming. I'm basing it on this design.

...Except...

I may put tiny wired spacer crystals between the links. What do you think? Overkill?

I'm using either teardrop or briolette pendants (perhaps each topped with a 2mm round clear crystals?) instead of the opaque bi-cones, or I'll use round 4mm and 3mm stones.

This photo is not a piece I've done; it's my "inspiration." I saw it and realized I have the same connector links in my stash. They're made by TierraCast in California. Lead free and a totally USA-made product!

I'll be using a variety of Swarovski's "Siam" stones...

Briolettes...

Or rounds...

{{!gwi}}

or teardrops

{{!gwi}}

The girl has no idea she's getting this; her mother and I are "plotting." Her dress is dark red with a white underskirt in the back and silvery-white lace appliques running down the front. It's strapless, so there was a lot of "exposed flesh" to cover. She's wearing her hair in an up-do. The necklace will have a 4" back drop with a small crystal cluster at the end.
joan_mn
13 years ago
That will be a stunning necklace! And your post reminds me of when we were young, we had "can-cans". Oh, that was SO long ago.
caroline94535
Original Author
13 years ago
The younger sister is wearing a short (knee-length) lavender dress. Her dance is in the spring so we have a bit more time to plan her accessories.

She already has a necklace she wants to wear, and she's still too young to appreciate the vintage beaded handbag I offered, so we're making her "something" for her hair.

I buying this haircomb; by the time I ran down the feathers it would cost me more to make it than I can purchase it for.

Just in case she changes her mind and decides to put her long, thick hair up...I'm making several "hair pins" similar to these for her to sprinkle around her head.

I'm actually making several sets, in different colors and materials to give to each of my long-haired nieces.

When I actaully get my versions completed, I'll post photos.
maire_cate
13 years ago
I love your necklace and hairpins. Those are 2 lucky girls.

As for petticoats - I can't think of any girl who wears them. Heck - they barely know what a slip is.

Did they check where they purchased the dress to see if the store carried any? Other then that I go with stopping at a bridal salon.
kacram
13 years ago
I really like them, Caroline! I like the teardrops
or briolettes best!
the hair pin is GREAT! lol

Does the older sister really need a poofy
slip?
dotmom
13 years ago
Caroline, you are one talented gal. All of your creations are beautiful, and I love the inspiration necklace, I bet yours is even prettier. I love to do bead work, and would like to do more, and probably will this winter.As for the slip Q, I'm sorry I don't have any advice. I just wanted to comment on your handi-work.
caroline94535
Original Author
13 years ago
DotMom...Thanks, but just to clarify, the pieces in these photos were not made by my clumsy fingers! I will post my version of the necklace...once the beads are delivered and I get it made. LOL

I'm purchasing the feathered hair comb, and I will be making a couple dozen of the beaded hair pins, but they're really easy to do.

I've pointed my friend toward the bridal shops, but she's not really wanting to take her girls "there." She's looking on line. The older girl loved how the dress hung once she had the slightly-full petticoat on.

It was a perfect "I told you so" moment; but I bit my tongue and smiled.

??? for the 'elegant' folks! LOL

Comments (11)

kacram

jel48

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??? for the 'elegant' folks! LOL

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