Happy Holidays!!

I just wanted to take a moment and wish all of you a wonderful holiday season, whatever holiday it is you celebrate this time of year!!  Here's to new beginnings and hopes in the New Year.  Until then...May the Force Be With You All :)



Green Velvet Robe (ROTS)

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 :)