Mrs. Lovett
Classroom project
December 2011
My final project in my pattern drafting class was to replicate a famous movie design on a half inch scale model form. I had the good fortune to be able to chose Mrs Lovett, who is one of my favorite female characters, in one of my favorite movies. And with a dress style that I really loved, and would totally want to own in real life. That said, I had all kinds of fun challenges with this project. First I had to give my model figure a little body to work with, because the costume involves a corselet/waist cincher that needs to tighten on something. Then I had to make a muslin mock-up based on pictures of the outfit. From this, I got feedback from my professor, and commenced making the real thing.
For the final look, I made a two-layered top out of cream fabric and black lace, with red feathered trim to replicate the actual costume's underclothes (which could not be made on the leg-less model). I was really pleased with the overall look and cut of the top, but I think I would like to remake it with a less heavy lace, to lighten up the black a bit. I also made a black corselet/waist cincher with black lacing that ended up looking so much better than I expected! I was really pleased with that piece. Moving lower, I made a skirt out of some amazing fabric, with a ruffle along the bottom. Lastly came a fake bustle attachment, stuffed with red tule to match the feather lining. The final look, once put together, was something that I was really pleased with. With a few minor tweaks, I could envision making this life sized and wearing it.
December 2011
My final project in my pattern drafting class was to replicate a famous movie design on a half inch scale model form. I had the good fortune to be able to chose Mrs Lovett, who is one of my favorite female characters, in one of my favorite movies. And with a dress style that I really loved, and would totally want to own in real life. That said, I had all kinds of fun challenges with this project. First I had to give my model figure a little body to work with, because the costume involves a corselet/waist cincher that needs to tighten on something. Then I had to make a muslin mock-up based on pictures of the outfit. From this, I got feedback from my professor, and commenced making the real thing.
For the final look, I made a two-layered top out of cream fabric and black lace, with red feathered trim to replicate the actual costume's underclothes (which could not be made on the leg-less model). I was really pleased with the overall look and cut of the top, but I think I would like to remake it with a less heavy lace, to lighten up the black a bit. I also made a black corselet/waist cincher with black lacing that ended up looking so much better than I expected! I was really pleased with that piece. Moving lower, I made a skirt out of some amazing fabric, with a ruffle along the bottom. Lastly came a fake bustle attachment, stuffed with red tule to match the feather lining. The final look, once put together, was something that I was really pleased with. With a few minor tweaks, I could envision making this life sized and wearing it.
Original Costume
Mockup
Final Look