Doll Costume

This year for Halloween, along with Thriller as usual, I got to do a solo ballet piece about a creepy doll. It was fun to be something other than a zombie for once. Here's the costume:

I made it using a pattern based on a costume from Mirror Mirror - which I thought was an ok movie, with absolutely fabulous costumes. Totally worth watching just for the costumes.

Here's the pattern:

Heads up if you plan to use this costume - there's a couple issues with the printed instructions so read them well before you start. The back of the pattern is also not very clear on which fabrics/notions are needed for which version of the costume you're doing. Also it says you need am 18" lightweight separating zipper for the bodice - totally not true. I ended up needing a 16" separating zipper.

Here's some in process pictures:

I used spiral steel boning on the bodice. It was my first time working with spiral steel boning and I loved it! I'd recommend taking the Sew Retro Perfect Bombshell Dress on Craftsy if you want to learn how to use it.

I changed the pattern a little. I shortened the sleeves and the skirt to make it more doll like.

Since I was supposed to be a little creepy and kind of old I distressed the dress a little. Usually I like to do discoloration with dye, but I made a poor fabric choice for that. My taffeta was synthetic and didn't dye so I used spray paint instead. It's best to use spray paint sparingly on fabric because it stiffens the fabric a little. If you are I'd recommend finding a floral spray at a craft store instead of regular old spray paint from the hardware store.

The fabric for the bow was a cotton begaline so it dyed marvelously. Have I ever mentioned that I love Giant Ass Bows? Well I do. I think they're hilarious.

Here's my makeup - there's lots of people who've done better doll makeup than me online, so look elsewhere for makeup instructions.

And once again here's the final look.