Padme wears this gown in a cut scene from Episode III and in a scene known as "Padme's Ruminations." I always loved the simple, yet elegant design of this gown. As a note, I started this gown back in December/January of 2007-2008, so some of the materials I used may no longer be found. I will do my best to report what I remember from the construction of this gown: the patterns used, the fabrics used, etc.
PATTERN
I used a combination of the following patterns for the base of the gown:
McCall's 4490
Simplicity 4508
I constructed a mock-up of the gown using the patterns referenced above. From there I made the cuts along the lines where the seams were to be located so that I would have my pattern pieces. For the sleeves, I essentially lengthened the sleeves from the pattern above and made a few minor changes to the angles of those sleeves.
FABRIC
Iridescent Silk Velvet in "spice"(Thai Silks) for the outer gown.
Silk Habotai in a light purple/lilac (Thai Silks) for the lining.
Silk Taffeta in purple (Thai Silks) for the sash.
Silk Charmeuse in a toffee/spice (Thai Silks)
Diamond patterned home dec fabric for the sleeve lining (cannot remember where I got this)
BROOCH
Iris beads in brown from JoAnn Fabrics
Clear brown beads from JoAnn Fabrics
The particular velvet I used was the one that gave me the closest look I was trying to accomplish...a brownish color in darker light and a yellow-green color in brighter light. It is definitely not the green that many use for this costume...but it resembles the colors seen in the movie in different lighting. I used left-over cording from my Loyalist Committee Gown and covered it in the charmeuse to create the piping around the sleeves.
For the Naboo symbols on the gown, I used FiberEtch to "burn" the symbols into the silk velvet. I followed the directions on the bottle and the information provided on Padawan's Guide, and it was relatively easy...however time-consuming.
I was finally able to get some photos of me in the costume at a recent event!! I truly
hope they look ok :) I have gained some weight since having my son almost 3 years ago, and it has been very difficult to lose it. I have become very self-conscious about it, since I truly did not realize how much I have put on until I saw some pictures of me recently. I do hope you all understand :)
