AnimeIowa was just a couple weeks ago. I got to hang out with Snow, which is always such a great time. One of her friends suggested doing a group cosplay of Rainbow Brite characters but with a Victorian spin on the costume. I was super intrigued by this idea, mostly for the excuse to learn how to sew something complicated like a Victorian dress. So I somehow ended up with Lala Orange, one of Rainbow Brites friends/minions/cohorts/whatever. She has a cute little baret, at least.
So, Snow suggested basing my design/dress on Simplicity pattern 2207.
I like it actually, and there’s so many possibilities for modifications.
Anyway, I started sketching out design ideas and settled on something based on some of the 1880′s walking dresses I’ve seen on the internet. The combination of a tailored jacket and long layered skirt looks really striking, and I think fits my personality, but also Lala Orange.
But I was at Joann’s scouting materials for an unrelated project today (if it works out, I’ll definitely being posting it here. You’ll get a kick out of it.) . I found Simplicity pattern 2172.
The long coat flares down at the waist and really reminded me of Lala. So on a whim, I threw it in my basket. And the cashier only charged me a dollar for it. I’m sitting here wondering if it was a mistake on her part or if this was strangely on super sale. I guess either way it doesn’t matter. Basically, I saved so much money on this pattern, that if I change my mind, I can go get the one that Snow suggested.
Reading through the instructions, it’s going to take alot of fabric. I wish I had easy access to an SR Harris, because even with sales and coupons and favors, this is going to be an expensive project.
- 12.5 yds fabric
- 5.5 yds lining
- 3.5 interfacing
- 4 yds boning
- whatever other trim I want to use
I want to make a test dress before buying lots of pretty orange fabric though. After watching Project Runway (so addicted to that show, omg), I learned about muslin. There’s relatively cheap muslin online, and really $1.00 a yard for test fabric isn’t that bad. But I can’t help but wonder if there are cheaper alternatives for test fabric at thrift stores. Hmm…..
<3 Allie
Making a test dress is an awesome idea. So when do we get to see your sketch?
Also… if you can’t make it up to SR Harris…. you can use the 40% off coupons for Hancock Fabrics that you get from their mailer every month. You would just have to purchase each type of fabric in different months….. makes you wait longer, but it could save you a lot.
BTW… glad to see you’re blogging again!
I just about ALWAYS make a mock-up of a project in cheapo fabric, so I can work out the bugs before hacking up the good fabric.
I’ve used sheets & curtains from goodwill as mockup fabric before, as well as purchased muslin. And a shower curtain liner once (worked to simulate the leather that was destined for that project). If you can manage to find a cheap fabric that behaves similarly to the good fabric, you’ll be doing yourself a favor. Not entirely necessary, but it does help. 
I like to use Joann’s coupons, if you have a Joann’s around you. You get a 40% or 50% off coupon about every other week it seems. You can’t use more than one coupon per visit, but there’s nothing stopping you from printing multiple copies of the same coupon to use on different trips. Or put that fabric you just bought with a coupon in your car, & walk right back in the store to buy some more with another coupon.
Joann’s also has an app that allows you to get & redeem coupons on your smarty phone, if you have one of those.
Joann’s occasionally has patterns on sale for $1. Those sales usually don’t last long. You got lucky on that one!
And I’ve been eyeing 2172 for a while now. It’s so adorable!
Also, welcome to the world of period(ish) costuming! These lovely bad boys take a LOT of fabric, especially with all those pleats! But boy are they worth it!
Happy sewing!