Over the last couple of weeks I have been working on creating my toiles for my final FMP Nutcracker designs. Last week I worked on my Snow Queen look and I have also completed my tutu toile. - This week will be all about toiling my Harlequin design...
My Tutu Sugar Plum Fairy Toile
This is my final Sugar Plum Fairy tutu toile. I've created a half scale tutu since the making process is quite time costuming so I've done this to give me an idea of construction methods and to help illustrate how it would all come together. I think the overall design is quite fun and inventive. An element I really liked was the stuffed waist peplum as it's something I've never seen before and adds my own spin to the tutu design. I think the puff sleeve looks quite playful as well as the 3D flake detail, however I would like to look at how I can make these elements larger and more exaggerated.
I was really pleased with the outcome of the tutu plate design and I think it will look really effective with the panels and vibrant colours. As part of my samples I've looked at the lace front detail using ribbon, as well as testing out boning channels for the bodice inside. I think the ruffle across the bodice front looked quite effective as it really emulated the shape of a cupcake. - I like how the organza drooped over the top like piping on a cake.
I'm looking forward to making my final tutu piece and am making sure to start earlier to get the tulle skirt layers together as they were quite time consuming to do!
My Snow Queen Toile
This is my final Snow Queen toile, whereby I used a cheap PVC fabric to test out the making methods for my bubble skirt. The under bodysuit and circle skirt are costructed in stretch fabrics similar to that which I will be using to make my final garment look.
I was really pleased with how my under 3/4 circle skirt turned out as it was a nice level of flowy and drapey, without being too full which I was worried about. I also think the attached snowflake details look really fun and playful on the skirt, moving nicely with the body. The under bodysuit worked really well with stretch fabric, and I think it's nice to have the shorts sitting underneath the skirt for dancer practicality. - I finished the top lining edge with elastic overlocked for support, which worked well, however, there are some sizing issues to address with the bodysuit as I found my shorts pattern to be too long and the bandeau style top was a little baggy on the sized, however, this can be fixed with more added negative ease for a tighter. Elastic straps will also help support this.
The bubble PVC skirt was definitely a challenge to make, but I am quite pleased with the results. I definitely think the added boning helped give the skirt more of the shape and structure that I wanted, although, I think adding more hoops lengthways down the skirt could help make it more circular as I didn't like the fact that it looked quite square like nearer the top. - I will experiment with metal hooping as used in my tutu because I think this will provide a more rigid shaping that will be more to my liking.
However, I'm pleased with the overall results and I think the bubble skirt adds a really fun touch. I am looking at purchasing glitter PVC that could look a bit more effective with my appliqué snowflakes. For my bodice, I have also started sampling my appliqué piece and am looking at adding clear elastic straps that cross at the back. I also had an idea of adding rhinestones to the straps as well as my appliqué to really make the look a showstoppper.
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