Thursday, October 30, 2008

What's been keeping me so busy?

I told y'all I had been very busy on the net with something taking time away from my blogging~ I've been researching! I've asked my seamstress Christine to create Scarlett's green Christmas gown for me. So I've been burning my eyes out searching for materials and details for this gown.
Also Nova and I have been sick... as well as Melly cat! Plus I've been working on Halloween costumes.
We barely see a glimpse of this wonderful dress in Gone With the Wind. Scarlett wears it when meeting Ashley at the depot for Christmas, though it is hiding underneath her mantle (coat).
(She also sports the Paris hat and a muff in this scene)
Here is a wardrobe still~
As always, photos should enlarge when you click on them.

Next we see her for a few seconds after "eating the last chicken in Atlanta", and then one last look as she watches Melanie and Ashley go upstairs. This gown is one of the few she has that is more period correct and not so"Hollywood". That is one reason I want it made, so that I can wear it to Civil War Reenactments and such.

This is my favorite hairstyle she wears in the film~

Isn't that collar spectacular?? I hope I can come close to re-creating it!




I plan to use these appliques as part of my collar reproduction~
I have two of the replica brooches. They were offered as a premium from Lux soap in 1940 available for 15¢ and 3 soap wrappers. It was known as "Scarlett's Cameo Brooch." These are rare but can still be found on ebay and such. They usually range from $50-100. There is one on Ruby Lane for $121.
You might find one in your mother or grandmother's jewelry box!


I found a suitable fabric last year. What a bargain! A jacquard that should've cost about $20 a yard was less than $5 a yard, woohoo! I had not actually planned to do this gown for myself, as I was trying to be good and say enough is enough!
I was helping my dear partner in crime, Dee, as she had been searching a long time for fabric. Needless to say, when I saw the fabric and showed Dee, she twisted my arm!
Dee is tall and needs quite a bit of yardage. If I remember correctly, she ordered 30 yards! GWTW4ever is her seamstress. You can check her link to see this gown made in a gorgeous velvet. Dee's gown is not pictured yet and I'm anxious to see our two gowns made! GWTW4ever also sells gwtw doll costume patterns.





Such details on this gown! Wonderful pleating, bias cut trim, streamers hanging from the waist, silk undersleeves with lace that matches the neckline, and buttons down the front.


Here is my Franklin Mint vinyl Scarlett doll wearing this fabulous gown. I picked out the fabric and sent it off to Alana to be made.

I just finished making her a new collar and cuffs and I'm quite proud of how they turned out! I also made her hair ornament.

These are paperdolls done by Ralph Hodgdon. He was friends with the late Walter Plunkett who designed the costumes for GWTW. Ralph's gwtw collection is just amazing. Such detail! They have been a great reference when researching these frocks. If anyone is interested in his work, please email me. He is not online.


Fiddlee dee-dee, stay tuned everyone~ I hope to have this gown for Christmas!


9 comments:

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

boy you have been busy!
I can't wait to see the gown. I think it will be magnificent.
Feel better vibes coming your way.

Rue said...

OMG Nikki! I can't wait to see it either!! It's going to be amazing. Drool drool drool... What a Christmas present to yourself!

hugs,
rue

PS. No it hasn't sold, but I don't think it will right now anyway with the market the way it is.

Jane O' said...

I've always admired Scarlett's green dress and the way she went about making it from the drapes when she had nothing presentable to wear. It reminds me of all those dresses my mother made for me when I was in school so I would look like the rest of the girls with their store bought clothes. I learned to hold my head high like Scarlett. I guess that why I love her so.

Life on the Edge said...

What a splendid dress! I can't wait to see it all finished. That green will be incredible on you with your hair color and eye color!

Kady

Sometimes It's Good said...

What a fabulous dress it will be!

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

I'm going to do two comments! This Oct 3 post was right under the doll post, so I read it too, and enjoyed it so much! That green fabric is "fabulous!!" Did you get the dress? I don't remember hearing you talk about it. I would love to see it!
(Answer on ILR)

Katherine

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